Someone who collects HiFi gear as a hobby and spends plenty of money on them or someone who has lots of money, but wants to show off their audiophiles?
In my case, I’m obsessed with sound. Every once in a while, I’m spending hundreds of dollars on HiFi systems, the best audiophile headphones and amplifiers trying to ingest every intimate detail in the music. I’m interested in a stereo system that could get me as close as possible to listen to plucks, string squeaks, movements, background noise — a system that can produce a performance as life as possible.
Top 10 Audiophile Headphone Reviewed 2021 (Best Picks)
In a hurry? Check the bestseller top Audiophile Headphone from Amazon. Just check the product link, the details and price.
How would you define an audiophile?
One thing that can be genuinely applied to all audiophiles is that we understand that music deserves the best sound.
A great set of headphones can exude a unique feeling, and move you differently. And, the effect that is produced is truly surreal.
If you haven’t experienced that feeling yet or are looking to amp your game and embark on a new extent of sounds, then consider the top 10 headphones I reviewed below. All these headphones have one thing in common; they all can make your music better. Also, I described what could go into making quality audiophile headphones. Let’s discover them:
Best Audiophile Headsets Reviewed
When you care about sound quality, the goal is to find the best audiophile headphones that will produce the cleanest sound possible. However, finding a pair of headphones can be difficult as there are many to choose from and each type of headphone is often considered by those who enjoy music more than anything else in life.
The best audiophile headphones are designed for music enthusiasts who love listening to high-quality sounds. These headphones come with noise cancellation technology that blocks out ambient sounds and allows you to focus on what’s important: your favorite songs or albums. With these headphones, you’ll be able to hear every single note in an epic song like “24K Magic” from Bruno Mars.
If you’re not sure which pair of headphones is right for you, check out our list below! There are a few factors to consider when buying headphones, so it is best to do some research before buying. If you’re buying headphones for a smaller budget or for a younger age group, you should definitely check out the list below.
1. Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition Over-Ear Headphones
The open-back Sennheiser HD 598 headphones feature an upgraded over-the-ears range. The sound is also more detailed than the previous models.
The open-back Sennheiser HD 598 headphones feature an upgraded over-the-ears range. The sound is also more detailed than the previous models.
Densely-padded headband and ear cushions prospered its luxurious design. As a result, the headphones are more visually attractive than their predecessors.
I’m just a regular Joe who loves his music and movies. After using this pair of headphones, I can confirm that they offered superior sounding bass and introduced me to the sounds I had never picked up before.
On deep bass tracks, like the Prodigy’s “FireStarter,” the HD 598 reached maximum volume without a hint of distortion. The headphones are patterned with a cream and brown color scheme. The primary construction material of HD 598s is plastic. Wood-texture veneers enclose the speaker grilles. The high-gloss Burl wood veneers may be a bit fake, but they attach a luxurious feel to the design.
Striking perfect tonal balance, the headphones produce super clean sound and have a wide-open soundstage. The remarkable soundstage provides enough space for you to conserve heavy-metal sounds. The previous Sennheiser HD 595 had a cable non-removal, constricting users’ movement. However, the HD 598’s cable can be removed.
A 2.5-millimeter jack is plugged into the headphones. It plugs into the headphones with a twist-to-lock mechanism. This ingenious attachment connection secures your cable in place. Overall, it is an excellent set of headphones for an audiophile to experience unique natural sound with precision quality.
Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition Over-Ear Headphones generated over 2900 reviews at 4.6 out five stars on Amazon. Check out more reviews on Amazon!
What I like
- Lightweight
- User-replaceable cable
- Extremely comfortable design
- Excellent titanium/silver finish
- Highly dynamic detailed sound with uniform attenuation
What I don’t like
- No storage case
2. Sennheiser HD 650 Open-Back Professional Headphone
“simply the world’s best headphone.” ~ headphone.com I was browsing through online marketplaces and retailing sites for HiFi gear, and I came across this pair of headphones. Online reviews, ratings, and experiences with this product have been overwhelmingly positive. Initially marketed in 2003, the HD650 looks the part.
The headphones look deluxe; ear cushions, densely-padded headband, and the titanium-silver finish can attest to the headphones’ specialty, even before you get to hear them. Someone recommended the HD 600s over the HD 650s to me, but the 650 sounds a lot smoother.
However, the Sennheiser HD 650s are pretty big and much more massive. So, you may only use it for home rather than carry it outside and use it. It packs a moderate weight (9 ounces). So, they may not be suitable for on-the-go use.
What I love about the headphones is that the HD 650s produce much warmer and smoother sound than other open-back headphones. They also have much deeper bass. At any rate, this is a pretty well-made, comfortable and durable set of headphones.
What I like
- Extraordinary deeper bass
- Comfortable construction
- HiFi styling
What I don’t like
- Expensive
- A bit heavy
- Consumes much power
3. Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones
I have previously tried dozens of headphones and spent hours scouring the Internet for the right pair of headphones. But, none could even remotely satisfy my needs for precise sound until I purchased a pair of Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones.
I have owned a product, which I consider to be the perfect headphones in terms of sound quality and comfort. Velour-padded earcups, and headband, and the black matte color scheme is an excellent alternative to Sennheiser’s gray finishes. However, you may not appreciate the design as much as you may for comfort.
The HD 558 is a full-size, over-the-ear (circumaural) headphones. Its over-the-ear construction encloses my ears comfortably. I have a smaller head, so this is a good fit for me. Tracks with a great bass line; such as the Knife’s “Silent Shout” blasted through these headphones without any feedback.
Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones amassed over 1000 reviews at 4.6 out five stars on Amazon. Check them out!
What I like
- Comfortable
- Superb rich bass
- High-quality audio performance
What I like
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Doesn’t favor mobile devices sometime.
4. Beyerdynamic DT-990-Pro-250 Professional Headphones
I didn’t buy this pair of headphones arbitrarily, rather this purchase was the result of much pondering and research and an hour of Internet browsing for a good all-around pair of headphones. I am involved in the broadcasting industry for 16 years.
I owned several pairs of headphones, but none couldn’t deliver the crisp sound this set provides. The industry I’m working in requires capturing natural and balanced sound. And, with an expertly tailored frequency response, the headphones deliver high-quality sound all-around. The reduced weight of the diaphragm, sounds can reproduce to an excellent degree. Plus, soft headband and ear cushioning system will make you feel like you have stuffed animals cuddling with your ears.
Beyerdynamic DT-990-Pro-250 Professional Headphones generated over 600 customer reviews at 4.6 out 5 stars on Amazon. Check them out.
What I like
- Lightweight diaphragm
- Excellent sound reproduction
- All-around open-back headphones
What I don’t like
- Irritating coiled cable
5. Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7GM SonicPro Over-Ear Headphones
I have been an Audio-Technica fan for 10 years. This Japanese company has been a pioneer in the audio industry for more than 50 years. Being involved with a broadcasting corporation, I have been introduced with several high-tech Audio-Technica hardware. And, I know whatever they produce is among the best.
I bought this set of headphones manufactured by the same company without a second thought. And, it didn’t frustrate me. While the headphones have been advertised as high-resolution. I think they’re even better. Now I’m constantly impressed with the magnificent sounds the headphones produce, which can easily outperform the renowned brands.
What Audio-Technica offered for the price makes the headphones extremely good value. My Audio-Technica headphones come in black and silver, which may strike as simple, but some nice refined blue details can capture the public’s attention. Overall the headphones are designed based on comfort rather than being flashy. The headphones are made of plastic and metal. They are durable enough to last a decade.
If you wish to learn more about Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7GM SonicPro Over-Ear Headphones, check out Amazon.
What I like
- Aesthetic
- Visually pleasing
- Sturdy and flexible
- Minimal outward bulk
- Large and comfortable earpads
What I don’t like
- Coiled cable
- Treble is not refined
- Stiff adjustment slider
6. Grado SR80e Prestige Series Headphones
It is one of the cheapest headphone sets with stellar sound quality. For the modest $100, you can rest assured that the headphones will give you more bang for the buck. To lower distortion, Grado engineered patented polycarbonate materials.
The headphones simply deliver fantastic sound, thanks to its open-back design and standard guts. The pair truly satisfied me with the impressive clarity that I found missing in my previous headphone sets.
The first thing I noticed I started playing SoundGarden’s “Spoon Man” was that subtle music details and delicate overtones that I never knew existed! My music testing revealed a perfect balance established across the audible spectrum. Bass notes were positively delicate.
The open-backed speakers transmit sound waves outward as they would travel in an open space. The open-speaker backs prevent music from echoing around an enclosure.
Grado SR80e Prestige Series Headphones are awarded 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Check out more reviews on Amazon.
What I like
- Comfortable
- Soft and large speaker pads
- Made of corrosion-resistant substances
What I don’t like
- An imbalance in volume in both speakers
7. HiFiMAN HE-400i Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphones
HiFiMan trumpeted its arousing emergency when it first announced the original HE-400 a few years ago. The headphones acted the part of an authentic pair of audiophile planar magnetic headphones. The model brought HiFiMan commercial success, but it did invoke the feeling of something amiss.
So, HiFiMan decided to retrofit the HE-400 and produced a much-improved version; HE-400i. For example, the mids are improved a lot, the improved single-sided planar magnetic driver delivers tighter and tamed bass extension.
If you’re wondering what planar magnetic is, planar magnetic headphones use a diaphragm made of mylar instead of a diaphragm made from plastic. Conventional headphones have a cylindrical magnet and a diaphragm made from some sort of plastic. If you previously used the older HE-500, the first thing you will feel as you put on the headphones is that the headband feels a bit tighter.
However, it distributes the pressure evenly on your ears, so you won’t feel much clamped. The improved HE-400i delivers detailed and subtle sound quality without being squeaky or taxing. The sound transmitted from this pair of headphones is pleasurable, soothing and non-fatiguing over extended periods of listening. Trebles are liquid and well-defined. The bass is sparkling. Overall, the HE-400i offers better performance than the original HE-400 all the way.
HiFiMAN HE-400i Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphones received 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Check out more reviews on Amazon!
What I like
- Inexpensive
- Outstanding clarity
- Detailed and precise sound quality
What I don’t like
- Short cable
- Not so sturdy construction
8. AKG K 240 Semi-Open Studio Headphones
Actually, when I intended to purchase this pair of headphones, I stumbled upon lots of mixed reviews online. I ended up buying it. Boy, am I not pleased with my purchase? The headphones felt really comfortable to me. The pads may not seem that dense for people with large ears at first, but the pleather air pads can fit any ears, so you will get used to it.
Its driver is covered by foam, so it won’t feel all too uncomfortable. Upon unboxing, you will notice how lightweight the headphones will feel at first. So, it is possible that you may doubt the quality. However, the headphones really have no build issues. High-quality plastic, that really provides the headphones with a sturdy and solid foundation. The looks of these headphones may seem a bit retro as if they were designed in the ’70s. But, they are designed with a few modern touches as well.
They can easily grab your attention. Its sound quality is pretty detailed and excellent. Highs are sparkling, as well as the lows. The headphones are pretty responsive to lows. The bass is firm and well-controlled. But, it is not as super as a pair of Beats’. Overall, the sound feels really great. You will feel as if you were 20 feet away from the guitar and drums. That’s how realistic the sound is.
If you wish to learn more about AKG K 240 Semi-Open Studio Headphones, visit Amazon now.
What I like
- Crisp and clear sound
- Well-manicured sound staging and placement
- High-end finish and fit comparable to high-street headphones
What I don’t like
- Clamping pressure
9. LyxPro OEH-10 Open Back HiFi Audiophile Headphones
I purchased this pair of headphones last October. They rapidly became my favorites. They produce crisp and detailed sound. Plus, the pair of headphones is comfortable to wear. The set is the bit larger than an average set of headphones. I’m a big guy and quite large (6’2″).
I have a pretty protracted set of ears. And, the headphones are a good fit for me. Since they are open-air headphones, you’ll be able to concentrate on your surroundings without taking your mind off them. And, it is a great advantage over sealed headphones like earbuds. The headphones deliver excellent sound quality across the board.
LyxPro crafted a pair of headphones that is a strong contender among the best within this price range. It delivers focused bass that drops fairly low. I listen to a wide variety of music genres through it; from hip-hop to pop and it never failed to frustrate me and took me as close as possible to live.
The headphones struck a unique sonic balance throughout the audio spectrum. Everything from acoustic music to power pop, the headphones offers impressive clarity with no muffling of voice or distortion. Lastly, the construction of the headphones is pretty sturdy and cabling quality and connectors are well-founded.
LyxPro OEH-10 Open Back HiFi Audiophile Headphones received 4.4 out 5 stars on Amazon. Check out Amazon for more reviews!
What I like
- Open-air design
- Interchangeable ear pads
- Crystal-clear and crisp sound
What I don’t like
- Short cable
- Bulky design
10. Panasonic ErgoFit RP-TCM125 Earbuds Headphones
Panasonic is a brand name that most of us are familiar with. This Japanese company is usually associated with quality electronic products and celebrated worldwide. But, who would have thought such an electronic giant would market a low-priced pair of headphone?
Although it has a pretty feasible price attached to it, it can deliver a worthy set of headphones. I initially bought this set of headphones to use while doing chores around the house. Now it has become the important gear that I bring to school and plug into it while riding the subway.
The headphones do not let noise stand in your way of listening. I was first concerned with the noise that transmits up into the user’s ear when the cord hits something. But, the set proved unobtrusive and noise can’t disturb the sounds you’re giving a listen to. When it comes to durability, I’m pretty sure you won’t find any headphone set as durable as this one. It’s one of the best-selling headphone sets too.
When I first started unboxing the headphones, the cord struck me as thin and feeble. But, it proved incredibly strong. For the price, the sound quality of these in-ears can compete with any high-end headphones.
Panasonic ErgoFit RP-TCM125 Earbuds Headphones generated over 4400 customer reviews at 4.2 out of 5 stars
What I like
- Inexpensive
- Silicone-made earbuds
- Durable and high-quality
- Suitable for active and gym people
What I don’t like
- Doesn’t have a microphone
- Doesn’t come with non-tangle style wiring
Things to Consider before Purchasing The Best Audiophile Headphones in 2021
⊕ Design – the newly manufactured and popular headphones demonstrate that design actually matters. Design elements are interconnected to prepare the listener for a unique experience. Your headphones’ design is something that can boost your morale and encourage you to pick them up and wear. The same principle stays true when you’re taking a break from your workout session and wear your set and you instantly feel energized for another intensive workout session.
⊕ Sound Quality – it is the most important factor to determine high-quality headphones. You can expect all high-end, powerful headphones to deliver extreme clarity and impressive performance and immerse the listener in the sounds. However, as the headphone brands differ from each other, so does their sound quality.
Each headphone brand has its own distinctive sound quality. Some headphones tend to transmit warmer, soothing sound, while others produce analytical sound. Play some of your favorite songs on your MP3 player with the headphones and evaluate each pair carefully.
⊕ Durability – the reason why most of the people buy new headphones is that the old ones somehow break. However, audiophile headphones are not so renowned for their durability. They tend to get expensive. So, when you invest hundreds of dollars on a pair of headphones, you are expected to take care of it. Store your audiophile headphones in a secure place or use them carefully. If you have a pair of in-ear audiophile headphones, it is a good practice that you store it in a hard-shell pouch. Always avoid storing your headphones disorderly or leaving them tangled. Do not toss them around either.
⊕ Open-Back vs Closed-Back Headphones – closed-back headphones isolate noise and you from the outside world. They excel at isolating noise. Usually, a closed-back pair of headphones are constructed with a large pad that cups your ear and an insulated capsule of plastic that covers your ears.
Once you wear the headphones and turn up the music, the music combines with light noise isolation blocks the sounds of the outside world and focuses on the sounds of the music. They do a pretty good job at isolating the noise of your surroundings and sink you in the music sounds. Open-back headphones are exactly the opposite of closed-back headphones.
If closed-back headphones are experts at isolating the noise and catching the headphones sound, then open-back headphones do not block ambient noise, rather they let air pass freely in and out of the headphones.
Closed-back headphones are useful for minimizing the music leaking out of the earpieces. And, open-back headphones are useful for making aware of external surroundings.
⊕ Earbuds – earbuds or in-ear headphones consist of tiny earpieces that go inside your ears. Earbuds are popular because of their portable nature, which is pretty effective if you would like to use them on-the-go. They tend to comfier than over-the-ear headphones.
7 Things You Should Know Before Buying A Pair of Headphones
Keep the following things in mind while buying a headset online.
1. Price
2. Input/Output power (I/O)
3. Frequency response
4. Impedance
5. Weight
6. Durability
7. Price to performance ratio
FAQ
Are audiophile headphones worth it
Audiophile headphones are a great investment for music lovers, but the price tag can be prohibitively expensive.
A good pair of headphones will make your life better in many ways. They improve the quality of your listening experience, and can be a great conversation starter. And while they may carry a hefty pricetag, it’s worth it for true audiophiles who understand that they’re getting the best sound available in this day and age.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to invest in some audiophile gear, consider how much you love what you listen to. If you listen to your favorite songs or albums every day, then they are worth spending money on because you won’t be able to get these sounds anywhere else. The benefit of investing in good headphones is that you can listen to them for a long time without worrying about the quality of the sound.
What makes a headphone audiophile
Headphones are some of the most personal devices we own. We wear them in public, listen to music with them, and use them every day for hours at a time. Whether it’s a set of headphones you’ve been using for a long time or you just bought your first pair, it’s worth taking the time to find the perfect sound for what you’re looking for.
Sound quality is subjective and different people have preferences that are different from one another. But there are some key features that make headphones more suitable for audiophiles than others – things like extended frequency range, clarity in sound reproduction and low distortion.
Headphones that go on sale often can be found with these key features but also have flaws like poor comfort or limited headphone selection. You want to find a headphone that has the most important features, is durable, and has a good sound quality.
Are Bose better than Beats Headphone?
Bose headphones are typically more expensive than Beats headphones. In the market, different brands of headphones have their own unique features and designs, but it is hard to separate Bose and Beats from one another.
Beats headphones were introduced in 2007 by Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, while Bose was introduced in 1964 by Dr. Amar Bose. The design of Beats Headphone is much more simple than that of Bose Headphones because they only use two drivers instead of four that are used in some Bose models.
A recent survey found that more people prefer the sound quality offered by Beats over those offered by Bose Headphones.
Beats offers a wider frequency range than those offered by Boses as well as a stronger bass response, which may suit the needs of many people.
Why do cheap headphones sound bad
Cheap headphones often produce a tinny sound, which means that the headphones are missing some of the higher frequencies. This means that cheap headphones don’t fit in with your home theater setup, and it can be a problem if you’re using them for something like dance practice or to listen to music in bed.
Cheap headphones also don’t produce as much bass as expensive ones, which is an important factor for people who like to listen to bass-heavy music while they sleep. This is because cheap earbuds often have a low-quality speaker and less space for the speaker itself.
A lot of different factors can affect how well cheap headphones sound, including the quality of materials used during production and the type of headphone jack used. Some companies make a dedicated headphone jack for their lower-priced products.
Is it possible to find audiophile headphones with Bluetooth function?
Yes, there are some popular brands of Bluetooth headphones in the market that are high-quality and affordable and gives you audiophile output.
When it comes to Bluetooth headphones, most people think of the wireless earbuds that come with a phone or tablet. But a Bluetooth headset is also a viable option for those who want to enjoy audio without wires. The advantage of Bluetooth headsets is that they’re lighter and less cumbersome. They also provide better sound quality than other types of headphone because they can be connected directly into an audio source. For those who want high-quality sound but don’t have the budget for expensive products, these headphones would be a good choice.
How to Find the Right Audiophile Headphones – Buying Guide?
When looking for the right headphones, you should carefully consider the type of music you listen to and how often you workout. When it comes to choosing headphones, there are two main types of materials: plastic and metal. Plastic is more economical but can be uncomfortable at times. On the other hand, with metal phones, you get a better sound quality with a better durability.
There are many factors that should be taken into consideration when buying headphones, including:
– Music genre:
– Fitness regimen:
– Duration of use:
– Budget considerations
Are there different headphones for different styles of music?
Headphones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but what most people don’t know is that there are also different styles of music and one style may call for a particular type of headset. Understanding your audience helps you find out what they want so you can market them accordingly.
The best way to get started is by looking on Amazon or eBay to see which headphones have good reviews and which look like they would be appropriate for your target audience. Then, on Amazon or eBay, search for those stores that sell those specific headphones. Another option is to go directly through distributors who can sell directly to retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.
Are Headphones Better Than Speakers for Critical Listening?
In general, headphones are better than speakers because they allow you to concentrate on what you are listening to.
Numerous studies show that using headphones is the most natural way for a person to listen. It is easier to focus on what you are hearing when wearing headphones. While speakers emit sound in all directions, allowing everyone in the room to hear. To effectively hear sounds with a speaker, it is necessary for everyone in the room to be able to hear it as well as people sitting next or across from them. Although speakers may offer more options for volume and distance, they often have problems with feedback and interference from other equipment in the room.
