Final Audio D8000 DC Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

A ground-up AFDS redesign with approximately 70% greater front-side open area, thicker washi-fabric ear pads, and a 431 g aluminum-magnesium chassis

The Final Audio D8000 DC is not a minor revision of the original D8000. The initials DC stand for Da Capo, the musical direction to return to the beginning, reflecting Final's decision to revisit the flagship's construction from the diaphragm outward after seven years of D8000 development and production.

The diaphragm manufacturing process was revised, the Air Film Damping System was redesigned, the front magnet structure was removed, the ear pads were made substantially thicker, and the complete assembly was reduced in weight. The result retains the combination of planar-magnetic delicacy and unusually open, substantial bass that defined the original D8000 while increasing openness and precision.

Advanced Air Film Damping System

Final developed AFDS to address a fundamental limitation of planar magnetic drivers. At large low-frequency excursions, the diaphragm can approach or contact the surrounding magnet structure. Preventing that contact normally means restricting excursion, which in turn limits low-frequency extension.

AFDS uses the viscosity of the thin layer of air between the diaphragm and perforated metal structure to control its movement. The D8000 DC advances the system with newly designed hole diameter, spacing, and patterns, including different perforation patterns on the front and rear sides of the diaphragm.

This allows the ultra-light diaphragm to reproduce substantial low frequencies without relying on tightly sealed ear pads. The conductor is formed by etching extremely thin aluminum foil directly onto the film diaphragm, keeping the moving assembly exceptionally light.

Approximately 70% More Open Area in Front of the Driver

The original D8000 used a magnet structure in front of the diaphragm. Final found that this structure contributed to small peaks and dips in the response, so the D8000 DC eliminates the front magnet.

The change increases the open area in front of the driver by approximately 70% compared with the previous design. With less physical structure between the diaphragm and the ear, Final was able to improve high-frequency reproduction and the precision with which individual sounds are resolved.

Thicker Open-Type Washi Ear Pads

The D8000 DC uses breathable ear pads rather than depending on a sealed pad cavity to extend bass response. AFDS allows the driver itself to reach sufficiently low frequencies, leaving Final free to use a lower-seal pad for a more open presentation.

The pad surface is made from a special fabric incorporating Japanese washi paper, combined with highly breathable foam. For the DC generation, Final increased pad thickness to 1.5 times that of the preceding design. This enlarges the acoustic volume around the ear, contributing to a wider sound field and smoother reproduction through the vocal range.

The same washi-based material is used on the headband, where its dry feel and resistance to moisture are useful during extended listening sessions.

Lighter Aluminum-Magnesium Construction

The rigid aluminum-magnesium housing is precision-machined to maintain the tolerances required by AFDS and securely support the planar driver. Final reduced overall weight by approximately 100 g compared with the preceding D8000 generation, bringing the D8000 DC to 431 g without its cable.

The D8000 DC is built at Final's headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan. Production jigs, diaphragm-forming machinery, and diaphragm-tension measurement equipment are developed in-house so assembly can be controlled alongside the production of the driver itself.

Designed for Long-Term Repair

Almost every major component can be disassembled using screws. This allows the headphone to be serviced over the long term rather than relying on permanently bonded assemblies for critical structural parts.

Two Detachable OFC Cables

The D8000 DC includes two detachable OFC cables. A 1.5 m cable terminates in a balanced 4.4 mm connector, while the 3 m cable terminates in 4-pin XLR for stationary headphone amplifiers. The headphone-side 3.5 mm connectors incorporate locking mechanisms.

A dedicated protective case is supplied and can be locked with the included security key.

What's Included

D8000 DC headphones

1.5 m detachable OFC cable with 4.4 mm balanced connector

3 m detachable OFC cable with 4-pin XLR connector

Dedicated protective case

Security key

Specifications

Model Number: FI-D8DPAL

Type: Open-back planar magnetic headphones

Housing: Aluminum-magnesium alloy

Driver: AFDS planar magnetic

Sensitivity: 90 dB/mW

Impedance: 50 Ω

Headphone-Side Connectors: 3.5 mm, 2-pole with locking mechanism

Included Cable 1: OFC, 4.4 mm balanced, 1.5 m

Included Cable 2: OFC, 4-pin XLR, 3 m

Weight: 431 g