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Are you looking for the Best Audiophile Headphones in the world? Then you will find in this guide the best audiophile headphones offering phenomenal and realistic performances. Remember, these are the most expensive headphones on the market, but if you’re looking for a product that provides the best features in the industry, you need to be willing to pay a little more. You will notice that we have included options from different brands, so there is a lot of choices.
The primary buying considerations are also discussed in this buying guide, which helps you make the right purchase. Some of the buying factors we will include are audio quality, comfort, Bluetooth connectivity, and durability.
List of the best Audiophile headphones
A few years ago, we had compiled a list like this, and we still had a lot of space left, but nowadays, there is so much choice on the market that we have to do a lot of hard work to compile this list.
Sennheiser HD 820
Closed-back headphones can suffer from distortion problems, but that’s not the case with the brilliant Sennheiser HD 820. Sennheiser has cunningly solved that problem by using a combination of Gorilla Glass and sound-absorbing chambers to prevent sound waves from bouncing back into the drivers. The result? A stunning level of agility and precision, impressive authority in the low frequencies and expertly controlled bass.
Of course, these over-ears are a serious investment. But if you’re serious about music, they will transform your home listening experience. Overall, this is one of the best audiophile headphones.
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Beyerdynamic Amiron
Beyerdynamic’s Amiron is not the kind of headphone that grabs your attention on a short listen, but give it some time and its impressive transparency and resolution are sure to please. It’s also comfortable, with nicely finished ear pads and a reasonable weight. However, you need a good quality source and recordings to hear them at their best, so don’t be tempted to skimp.
With everything in place, the Beyerdynamic Amiron headphones offer an impressive sound that covers the entire frequency range. We love their clear midrange vocals, their tight timing, and the impressive way they handle challengingly messy songs. Overall, this is one of the best audiophile headphones.
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Focal Clear Mg
Focal is best known for its loudspeakers, and since it only launched its own headphone series in 2012, it’s a relative newcomer to the space. But it has quickly made a name for itself by challenging some of the best models on the market. The Clear Mg is a high-end open-back headphone that looks and feels as luxurious as its price tag suggests. The quality of the materials is excellent, from the leather used on the thick cushioned headband to the microfiber cloth on the earpieces.
This not only means a top-notch product, it also makes it comfortable – the headphones are nicely shaped and the inward pressure is firm, but well-judged. The wide, padded headband and well-designed ear pads distribute the 450 gram weight well. Sonically, the headphones live up to their name, with a refined yet explicit sound that makes it easy to follow low-level instrumental lines in busy productions.
There is plenty of punch present and the bass is rendered with grip and texture. Rhythms are delivered in a confident and controlled manner rather than with overt exuberance, but there is still enough drive to keep us entertained. The overall presentation retains an easy charm that makes longer listening sessions a breeze. Overall, this is one of the best audiophile headphones.
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Beyerdynamic T1
It’s been ten years since we were first introduced to the original T1 model, and since then it has become something of a touchstone for us in terms of premium headphones. The main change between this third-generation model and its predecessor is that the new pair is easier to control for laptops and mobile devices. But have no illusions – high-quality source material is still vital.
They have an open back, so the usual stipulations about sound leakage apply. They are meant to be listened to at home, which is facilitated by the 3-meter long cable. This is easily detached, so should it ever break or become damaged, a replacement is in a matter of seconds. And it doesn’t make much mechanical noise when you move around – always a plus.
In terms of sound, they are slightly cleaner and brighter than their predecessors, sounding slightly less bright and rounder in the treble. This makes them slightly more forgiving of aggressive electronics and recordings, but they are still admirably even and balanced. We’re happy to report that Beyerdynamic didn’t overestimate the bass frequencies either, with the T1 (3rd generation) sounding as convincing tonally as ever. Overall, this is one of the best audiophile headphones.
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Focal Stellia
This is essentially a closed-back version of the Focal Utopia. That means you get Focal’s signature great sound quality, but with a more practical design – because it has a closed back, no one around you can hear what you’re listening to, and – crucially – the headphones don’t let in any sounds from your surroundings. In other words, if you’re feeling brave, you can take the headphones out with you without compromising the listening experience.
Of course, there’s a lot more to it than just the closed-back design. The interior is optimized to work with portable music players and DACs, and the earpieces have built-in EVA foam diffusers and absorbers to absorb sound waves bouncing back from the back of the dome. Every element has been thought of – it’s just a shame that the cord you use on the go is so microphonic, and any movement causes crackles that interfere with the music being played.
Sonically, they are refined and mature, and they handle dynamics with authority. They can’t quite match the performance of the Utopia, but the more practical closed-back design gives them a little more appeal. Overall, this is one of the best audiophile headphones.
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Beyerdynamic T5
Beyerdynamic makes some of the best closed-back headphones in the world, so these headphones were eagerly awaited. Like many open-back headphones, these are designed for home use, but they don’t leak sound, so someone else can sit in the same room without hearing an inferior version of what’s on your playlist. They’re pretty luxurious, too, with housings made of brushed, lacquered aluminum, complemented by matching anodized yokes, a stylish strip of Alcantara on the headband, and interchangeable ear pads made of protein-coated faux leather.
But they don’t just look it – they feel it too. The ear pads fit just right and provide decent noise isolation, while the headband is cushioned to bear the relatively modest burden of the headphones’ 360-gram weight. If you’re determined to take the T5 into the outside world, it’s relatively compact for high-end over-ears.
In terms of audio, the presentation is remarkably spacious for a closed-back design. Although the sound is not as broad as that of the T1 (3rd generation), we would still describe it as “spacious,” with pleasing tonal neutrality and an engagingly punchy temperament. Overall, this is one of the best audiophile headphones.
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Shure SRH1540
These plush over-ears with closed back are beautifully crafted from high-quality materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber. They are lightweight and have ear cups that are encased in soft Alcantara, making them ideal for long listening sessions late into the night. Under the ear cups are 40 mm neodymium drivers, which provide impressive dynamics, a nimble presentation and a stunning amount of detail. They are naturally musical, offer value for money and are an excellent choice for the audiophile. Overall, this is one of the best audiophile headphones.
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Focal Utopia
These are some of the best audiophile headphones we’ve ever heard, period. And they are appropriately priced. If sound quality is your priority, you should buy it without hesitation. However, there is one pretty big caveat to consider…. They have an open back. That means they leak sound to everyone around you, and they let in ambient noise. But the benefit of that is a wonderfully airy, spacious soundstage that really lets the music do its thing.
This is a refined and wonderfully smooth performance, but there’s still plenty to be satisfied about. The sound is brimming with authority and there is a satisfying sense of weight in the game. While the sound is telling, the Utopia does not go out of its way to emphasize the harshness in a recording. It’s a nicely balanced sound that means they work well with a wide range of recordings.
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Sennheiser HD 600
Another great product from Sennheiser is the Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone because of the many features that accompany it. With a cost of about $100 less than the HD 700, these headphones deliver almost the same high-quality melodies due to the dynamic drivers used. However, this model has a total harmonic distortion, which can sometimes be annoying to hear. Besides, the open metal mesh grids of high quality ensure clear transparent sounds directly in your ears. Because of the design, the open-back headphones let your ears breathe, making them sweat when worn for a long time.
Also, the headband is made of premium quality and has a tight, stable fit on your head, which reduces the chance of falling off during movement. Moreover, the copper cable reinforced with Kevlar is completely detachable, so you can adjust the headphone to suit your situation. The neodymium ferrous magnets also ensure optimum sensitivity and excellent dynamic response. Besides, the magnets contribute to a wider frequency response (12 Hz – 39,000 Hz). Overall, these are one of the best audiophile headphones to buy right now.
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Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II)
The Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) wireless headset comes with a built-in microphone that features noise rejection features to allow clear conversations in crowded areas. You can also set the level of noise cancellation to better suit your environment, making these headphones safe for outdoor use. Besides, the Bose QuietComfort 35 volume-optimized EQ makes your music sound better, whether you’re in an airplane, train, or in a public space. The Bluetooth and NFC connection enable quick and stable connections, while interruptions are also reduced.
However, the headset comes with a 47.2-inch audio cable in case you forget to charge the headset. Also, the life of the battery is significant, with 20 hours of wireless playback and up to 40 hours when used in wired mode. The reason for this is that the headphones consume less battery power when connected to a smart device, while the quality of the beats is still high. Besides, you can download the Bose Connect app for even more features, such as adjusting levels for canceling noise, Bluetooth connections, and future software updates to enhance the headset further.
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Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK
The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro headphones are designed to reproduce HD audio so that users can hear the music as it was intended. The headset above the ear is made with exclusive 45 mm True Motion drivers that make maximum use of lightweight voice coils. A specially designed diaphragm is used to improve the circuit board, and this results in a wider frequency range. Also, the multi-vent air dampening technology extends the mid to low frequency response even further, so you hear almost every note in a beat.
The metal housings are designed to reflect the shape of the ear and help drivers to bring music directly to the ear canal. Besides, the headband is designed to fit your head for maximum comfort, and the earpieces are equipped with a special memory foam padding for a comfortable fit. The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro headphones also have a built-in microphone that allows you to make calls on the go without interruption. All in all, they are one of the best audiophile headphones to go for.
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Sennheiser PXC 550
The Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones are specially tailored for travelers. These headphones are portable, durable, and lightweight for easy use. Noise cancellation is excellent and blocks all background noise that improves your listening experience since you can now hear all notes. Moreover, the life of the battery is longer than with most headphones after 30 hours with a single charge. The connectivity technology is Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC coupling. Because of this combination, the headset has an extensive connection range.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
However, if you forget to use the Sennheiser PXC 550, you can connect a cable to listen to music that Sennheiser mentions in the package. Moreover, the design of the headphones is lightweight, making them ideal for taking with you on a trip. An ergonomically shaped, padded headband also rests firmly on the head and does not put too much pressure so that you can wear them for hours without any inconvenience. The Sennheiser PXC 550 is also wholly foldable, making them one of the best audiophile headphones.
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Beyerdynamic DT 990
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium is an open-back headset, which means that the air can pass through freely. However, this means that background sounds can even be heard at the higher levels, but this makes the music sound like it is being played through a loudspeaker. Thanks to the higher frequency response (5 Hz – 35,000 Hz), the headphones can also produce a brighter bass, ideal for listening to fall, home, techno, and watching TV. Also, the velvety soft ear pads offer a tremendous comfortable listening experience and make them one of the best audiophile headphones.
The ear pads also let the ears breathe, which means that there is no sweaty ear syndrome after hours of using these headphones. Also, the headband is fully adjustable and has a tight fit so that the headset can not fall while moving. Besides, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium is super light and weighs only about 11 ounces. This makes them great to travel because you will not even feel them the re. If the headset breaks, Beyerdynamic offers a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. It does not cover accidental damage, such as dropping the headphones.
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Audio Technica ATH-AD700X
The 53 mm drivers in the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X reproduce clear highs, lows, and mid-tones. These headphones are designed to be worn for a long time and are one of the best audiophile headphones. That’s why the designers have filled the hearing protectors so that they are as comfortable as possible. The headband adjusts automatically to your head size for comfortable wearing and listening comfort. Besides, the connectivity technology is wired – a straight cord to the left of the earpiece sends fast frequency waves directly from your device to the headphones.
Unlike most headphones, the Audio Technica ATH-AD700X has a wider frequency range of 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz, allowing you to hear deeper bass levels. Also, the headphone is open-air through which air is transmitted. This means that the sound image will be fuller and will build up less heat. The earpads are also made of flexible material that is durable and soft to wear. The gold-plated stereo connection is available in two 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm sizes, making them compatible with almost all devices.
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V-MODA Crossfade LP2
The V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition headphones are very durable and have a military level of MIL-STCD-810. The ultra-amplified cable can withstand up to 1 million turns, which is 100 times more durable compared to other premium headphones. Besides, the SteelFlex headband can carry up to 10 flat bends and up to 60 drops on hard concrete with a 1.5-meter slump. Also, the passive noise isolation made unnecessary noises so that you can fully enjoy the music. The 50 mm dual aperture drivers produce rich bass, clear mid-tones, and astonishing highs without any annoying overlap.
The ear cushions also help with noise isolation by sealing your ears to bring music directly to the ear canal. Moreover, four years of research led the team to decide on ergonomic hexagonal pads, which are more effective in sound waves. Also, the headband reduces the power on your head to a minimum, making wearing the headset is not a problem for long. However, if you succeed in damaging the headset, V-MODA offers you a two-year warranty to cover the damage. Such things make it one of the best audiophile headphones.
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AKG Pro Audio K702
AKG is one of the first electronic companies to build their headphones with a revolutionary flat-wire design. The result of this design is an excellent clarity of all notes. The low and high tones are further improved because the headphones have a frequency range of 10 Hz to 39,800 Hz. AKG has also enhanced the overall feel of the product because they use premium padded leather. The headband is fully adjustable and sits comfortably on your head with minimal pressure, which means that you can wear it for a long time without tension.
Also, the earmuffs are made of soft memory foam and gently cover the entire ear for maximum fit. Moreover, the cable is extremely durable and removable, which means that you can adjust the headphones to suit the occasion. The ear cushions are also replaceable so that you can exchange them for your own personalized. Overall, the AKG Pro Audio K702 is one of the best audiophile headphones that you can buy right now.
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Things To Know Before Buying Best Audiophile Headphones
Comfort
The best Audiophile headphones should not only be known for their audio quality, but also for how comfortable they are to wear. After all, if you are going to use it for professional purposes, it is logical to buy a product that you can wear for a long and extended period. The headband contributes a lot to the comfort level of the headphones. A soft material that feels comfortable is ideal, but it must also be sturdy so that it does not break easily. A highly adjustable headband is desirable so that you can adjust the fit to the size of your head.
Best Surround Sound Headphones
The ear cups are another significant factor when it comes to comfort. You have to pay attention to the size and ensure that they are big enough to fit your whole ears inwards. This ensures that you will not experience any pain and pressure on your ears while wearing the headphones. Another factor contributing to comfort is the weight of the headphones. The lower weight is ideal, but be careful when selecting a very lightweight headset. That is because when the weight is reduced, this usually happens with materials of lower quality that can sacrifice the durability of the headphones.
Sound quality
We are confident that all listings in this list provide excellent audio, especially in the more expensive categories. When determining the audio quality, consider the frequency range, audio drivers, noise isolation, and the brand. You can watch some of these headphones in large nearby shopping malls to see how they fit, but most models will probably not be the re. Many are sold exclusively online or in specialty stores. Examine the return policy before you order and simply return products that are not perfect.
Each brand emphasizes different sounds when tuning their headphones. For example, Sennheiser’s headphones have less powerful bass tones, improving the authenticity and accuracy of the audio. Note the reputation the company has earned for how their headphones sound. Also, check that the headset is closed or open.
Durability
If you buy expensive audiophile headphones, you want them to stand the test of time. Therefore, pay attention to the materials used and how well the headphones have been designed. Where possible, we mention the durability of the products we have covered in this guide. However, you must also perform background checks to learn more about how a particular product is manufactured.
Looking at the warranty period and what it covers is a significant first step to identify the confidence that the manufacturer has in his product. A brand would not be willing to give a long-term guarantee if they were not sure about the overall design of their product.
Brands
You have to pay attention to the brand when buying an audiophile headset because that determines the overall style. Brands keep the same essential characteristics in terms of ergonomic style and type of audio offered. The brand that you choose will also play a significant role in determining how excellent the customer service will be after you have made the purchase. The type of warranty that you receive is also determined by the brand you choose. Some have an excellent reputation as warranty coverage, while others always try to break the repair of broken products.
Bluetooth technology
There is an argument to think about why Bluetooth headphones are merely better than wired. That is because you have more freedom. After all, you can move without the limitations of a thread. You can get a drink from the kitchen without removing the headphones or sitting at the end of a room to enjoy a movie on the couch. Please note that Bluetooth technology is not identical in all headphones. Every year upgrades to Bluetooth technology are made, so pay attention to which version you are going to buy. Of course, it is the best way to use the latest version to improve the quality of the wireless connection.