Each earcup features 48 precision-engineered apertures and a matching rotating shutter. By turning the outer discs just 14°, you can switch seamlessly between Closed-Back and Open-Back modes—even while listening.
The real achievement, however, isn’t the mechanism itself. It’s maintaining the same true audiophile performance in both configurations. This means you now have the unique opportunity to discover the real isolated difference between a closed-back and an open-back headphone.
Until very recently, headphone enthusiasts had to choose between either open-back or closed-back. There had been attempts at convertible designs but they were complicated to manipulate and often required tools, complicated disassembly, and/or significant compromises in sound quality.
The challenge was clear: create a headphone capable of operating as both an open-back and a closed-back design while preserving the same carefully tuned character in each configuration. After more than three years of research, engineering, design and extensive acoustic tuning, Palma introduced the DHS-1—the world’s first truly convertible high-end headphone. Now, following the success of our original model, we introduce its colourful sibling: the DHS-10.
Step 1 – Every headphone driver radiates sound in two directions: towards the ear and towards the rear of the enclosure. In Closed-Back Mode, the rearward sound waves reflect within the chamber before returning towards the listener.
Step 2 – These reflected waves arrive fractionally later than the direct signal. The greater the delay, the greater the potential impact on clarity and definition. In the DHS architecture, we’ve reduced these reflections to a delay of less than 0.1 milliseconds—well below the threshold at which the human ear can perceive them as distinct events.
Step 3 – Rotate the shutter discs by 14° and the chambers open. Approximately 80% of the unwanted internal reflections are released, resulting in cleaner wave propagation and a more spacious presentation.
This increased sense of openness is why many listeners prefer Open-Back Mode for critical listening. Yet when isolation or privacy matters, Closed-Back Mode remains just as accessible.
The Palma DHS-1 redefined what a high-end headphone could be. Its patented convertible architecture created an entirely new category, allowing listeners to enjoy both open-back spaciousness and closed-back practicality within a single design.
Beyond its versatility, the DHS-1 has earned recognition for its transparency, balance and consistency across both operating modes. The handcrafted sapele wood enclosures contribute a natural warmth and timeless elegance, while the lambskin headband and ear pads provide exceptional comfort during extended listening sessions.
The Palma DHS-10 builds upon the success of the DHS-1 while making Palma’s convertible technology accessible to a wider audience. Instead of wood, the DHS-10 employs a carefully selected high-grade engineered composite enclosure. This material delivers outstanding acoustic performance while enabling a range of seven distinctive finishes.
Sonically, the DHS-10 retains the fundamental character of the DHS-1, offering comparable levels of resolution and refinement, with a slightly more analytical presentation. After all, music isn’t black and white so why should headphones be?
Los Palma DHS-1 saldrán a la venta el día 18 de septiembre pero ya puedes asegurarte de conseguir los tuyos haciendo una pre-reserva. Déjanos tu nombre y email y marca la casilla de reservar y nos pondremos en contacto contigo enseguida estén disponibles.
Gracias por tu interés. Te hemos enviado un email de confirmación de tu reserva. Te avisaremos en cuanto los Palma DHS-1 estén disponibles para que puedas realizar tu compra.
Un saludo
el Equipo de Palma Headphones
