In 2021, headphones without noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in microphone to take phone calls still exist, although young people might not believe it.

Neither would they believe the price, with Bentley's Radiance Closed-Back Headphones, which retail for A$1999 from Addicted to Audio, promising "remarkable sound performance", with sophisticated design and fine materials, the Bentley signature with a "Diamond" motif, copper finish and more, and for use and home and on the move.

Clearly, these are ultra-premium headphones for those with discerning tastes and budgets, with the media release noting that "with international borders still closed and those luxurious trips on hold – why not splurge on these Bentley headphones to live in luxury EVERYDAY!"

The product page at Addicted to Audio says the headphones are "engineered, developed and made in France, the Focal for Bentley Radiance high-fidelity headphones combine design, refinement and cutting-edge audio technology.

"They embody the excellence and unique expertise of these two luxury houses. Radiance brings together high-end Focal technology and distinctive Bentley design elements including the striking copper accents, diamond pattern and full-grain leather.

"The Radiance headphones, under licence of Bentley Motors, complement the range of Focal closed-back headphones. With their ultra-sophisticated design and fine materials (full-grain leather, aluminium, etc.), they draw on the codes and signature of the Bentley brand. The luxury car manufacturer's “Diamond” effect is found on the headband, the grille of the ear pads and the cable connectors of the headphones. The “Bentley wings” are also present on Radiance, in addition to an elegant copper finish.

"Radiance earcups are finished in soft, breathable Pittards gloving leather, for incredible comfort. Pittards has been crafting leather in Somerset since 1826, with its ultra-soft yet durable designs used by everyone from fashion houses to round-the-world yacht racers and the military; Spitfire pilots wore Pittards gloves".

We're told that "Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones can be enjoyed at home or on the move. They come beautifully packaged, complete with extras including a bespoke carry case, finished in the same woven material featured on the speaker grille of the Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition.

"They are equipped with a full-range speaker driver and a 15/8" (40mm) aluminium/magnesium “M” shape dome. The bass is deep and impactful, the midrange is balanced and the treble is mellow and linear: you’ll never look back!"

A consumer by the name of Graeme M. near the bottom of the Addicted to Audio Bentley product page reviews the headphones with a date of the 18th of January, 2021, and says: "Simply the Best Headphones I Have Had. I have had these headphones for a week and thy are the best headphones I have had. I have listened to the HD820's and HD800S which are great in themselves however for my music tastes (Rock/Pop from 1960's to current as well as some classical) the Focal Radiance shine.

"I hear detail in recordings I have not heard before and are beautifully balancedRead more about review stating Simply the Best Headphones I Have Had to my ear. . I have not even spoken about how good they look!".

Well, for the price, you'd expect them to be every bit as good as Graeme M says, and if you love your audio and have $1999 to spare, then the suggestion that you might as well splurge a bit on your own luxury given international borders are closed will certainly appeal to audiophiles and those who want to know just how good a pair of sub-$2000 headphones are supposed to sound like.

Of course you can find other super-high-end headphones from a range of manufacturers, too - Bentley isn't alone in this ultra-premium space, so if you're so incline, take your ears on a test-drive of these latest Bentley headphones and you'll be able to discern whether the sound of music they deliver is enough to win your heart, mind and wallet.

Here's a video about the brand behind the Bentley headphones, after which you'll find the specs. After that is a video from a YouTube comparing these headphones to a different Bentley model.

Specifications:

Type:
Circum-aural closed-back headphones

Impedance:
35 Ohms

Sensitivity:
101dB SPL / 1mW @ 1 kHz

THD:
0,1% @ 1kHz / 100dB SPL

Frequency response:
5Hz – 23kHz

Speaker driver:
15/8" Aluminium/Magnesium "M" shape dome

Weight:
0.95lbs (435g)

Cables supplied:
1x 4ft. (1.2m) OFC 24 AWG cable with 1/8" (3.5mm) unbalanced TRS jack connector
1x jack adapter, 1/8" (3.5mm) point socket – 1/4" (6.35mm) point plug

Hard-shell carry case provided:
97/8x91/2x43/4" (250x240x120mm)