KuraDa KD-Q1 open type dynamic headphones

Product concept

The KD-Q1 is an open-back dynamic headphone developed with the theme of "robustness and durability" based on the technology that KuraDa has cultivated over the years. It was designed with the aim of satisfying all the elements required of headphones at a high level, including sound quality, durability, and comfort.

The core of these headphones lies in the fact that the design focuses not only on the diaphragm material and drive method, but also on the ``space'' and ``airflow'' that produce sound. Four chambers surrounding the baffle and multiple layers of acoustic filters work together to precisely control the behavior of air, which differs in each band. It gives smooth continuity to the mid-high range while letting excess low-frequency peaks escape to the rear. As a result, the natural lingering sound of the piano's decay, the texture of the stringed instrument's bow, and the realism of the vocalist's mouth come to the ears effortlessly. pullcontrolled bass responseThe straightforward localization that reduces listening fatigue supports long listening sessions.

KuraDa is a Japanese headphone brand based in Shizuoka. We have continued to create products based on our unique design philosophy, adhering to three philosophies: "Always be innovative," "Always be the best," and "Always be humble." The KD-Q1 is a brand that has continued to explore craft-like acoustic structures, such as the full wood housing KD-FP10/KD-C10 made of carved wood, and the fully open type KD-P1 made of duralumin.The KD-Q1 is a product that combines the latest 3D printing technology and acoustic design.

KuraDa's design philosophy is to capture sound from the ``between measurement and sensibility,'' focusing on both physical measurements such as frequency characteristics and distortion rate, as well as changes in the sound texture and time axis that cannot be captured numerically. We focus not just on the quality of the sound, but on the reproducibility of the auditory sense and the consistency of balance, and our core focus is on creating the sound from the structure itself.

• Quad-Chamber Acoustic Design:Adopts Quad-Chamber Acoustic Architecture, which sequentially arranges four spaces surrounding the baffle and controls the airflow in each. The first chamber on the front of the unit sets the foundation for sound pressure, the second chamber on the ear side handles sound imaging and spatial extension, the third chamber and rectangular port release low-frequency pressure below approximately 60Hz to the rear, and the fourth chamber releases the back pressure of the driver to suppress unwanted resonance.

• 53mm URD Driver:Equipped with an "Ultra-Responsive Diaphragm (URD)", combining a thin PET diaphragm and an OFC (oxygen-free copper) voice coil. The lightweight diaphragm ensures high responsiveness, while the OFC voice coil keeps the f0 low. Compared to CCAW (copper-clad aluminum wire), OFC has about 30% higher conductivity, and its low resistance enhances responsiveness, especially contributing to low-frequency expression.

• Multi-layer Acoustic Filter:Multiple layers of polyester fiber acoustic filters are placed in front and behind the diaphragm. Permeability changes according to airflow speed, allowing high permeability for slow mid-to-high frequencies, while acting as resistance against sudden large-amplitude low frequencies. Simultaneously achieves super high-frequency peak attenuation, mid-to-high frequency resonance suppression, and prevention of high-frequency leakage from the rear.

• 3D Printed × PA12GB Housing:The first KuraDa product to adopt 3D printing (AM = Additive Manufacturing). Complex internal structures are precisely formed using HP Multi Jet Fusion. The housing material uses PA12GB, filled with 40% glass beads based on PA12, achieving high tensile strength and durability with excellent vibration absorption properties. The honeycomb structure on the surface is also integrally molded.
• Three-Dimensional Sewn Earpads:Hand-sewn 3D earpads crafted by skilled artisans in Japan. Low-resilience urethane is cut in three dimensions to naturally fit the head ergonomically. It evenly distributes pressure while reducing sound leakage. The parts touching the ears are made of highly durable protein leather, maintaining comfortable wear even for long periods.
• Detachable Cable:The included 1.2m 4-core OFC cable (φ6.3mm stereo standard plug) is detachable and replaceable. By combining it with a separately sold balanced-compatible cable, it also supports playback via balanced connection.

Acoustic design that "rectifies and controls" air

KuraDa designed the KD-Q1 based on the idea that the final texture of sound is determined by the design of the space and the precision of air flow control. By coordinating each chamber and acoustic filter, the air flow is rectified and controlled, creating a natural and rich listening experience.

First Chamber (Front of the Unit)This is the smallest space closest to the diaphragm. The driver unit achieves instantaneous airtightness with a rubber O-ring and urethane sponge ring, and the acoustic filter transmits sound pressure to the second chamber while smoothing high-frequency peaks, laying the foundation for clear low-frequency reproduction and high-frequency response.

Second Chamber (Main Ear-side Space)This is the main space that extends between the ear and the baffle surface. It is connected to the first chamber via an acoustic filter in a gradient manner to ensure smooth continuity of sound pressure. The air vibration directly drives the eardrum and determines the texture of the sound, sound imaging, expansive sound field, and natural localization.

Third Chamber (Low-Frequency Pressure Adjustment Space)This forms a path to release excessive low-frequency pressure through the urethane sponge ring from the first chamber and through the acoustic filter inside the ear pad from the second chamber. Two rectangular ports located at the bottom of the baffle efficiently release pressure fluctuations of low-frequency components below about 60Hz, suppressing excessive low-frequency peaks and achieving a tight, natural low-frequency response.

Fourth Chamber (Rear Space of the Unit)This is fluidly connected to the third chamber via the acoustic filter on the baffle surface, and the back of the driver features an integrated honeycomb mesh vent. It properly releases back pressure while suppressing unnecessary resonant components, stabilizing the movement of the driver and contributing to high-quality sound with wide bandwidth and low distortion.

Partnership with SOLIZE

The KD-Q1 housing parts are manufactured by SOLIZE Co., Ltd., a Japanese company specializing in digital engineering and 3D printing. HP Multi Jet Fusion technology enables mass production of parts with complex shapes with high precision and stable quality. The fusion of the latest manufacturing technology and acoustic design supports the KD-Q1's robustness and freedom of design.

VGP 2025 Award
Awarded in the "Open Overhead Headphones (200,000 yen or more and less than 300,000 yen)" category.

VGP 2025 SUMMER Special Award Winner
A 3D printer is used in the housing to reduce weight andHigh-FidelityThe product planning of domestically produced premium headphones, which aims to achieve both these goals, was highly praised.