4 best audiophile headphones

Audiophile headphones are a type of high-quality, premium headphones designed to deliver exceptional audio performance and cater to the discerning ears of audiophiles. Here's what you should know about audiophile headphones in the context of over-ear headphones, headphones, and electronics:

Sound Quality: Audiophile headphones prioritize sound quality above all else. They are engineered to reproduce audio with extreme accuracy, clarity, and precision. Audiophiles value headphones that can faithfully reproduce the nuances and details of their music.
Over-Ear Design: Many audiophile headphones feature an over-ear design, which means they cover the entire ear, creating a seal around it. This design helps isolate external noise and provides a more immersive listening experience.
High-Quality Materials: Audiophile headphones often use premium materials in their construction. This includes high-grade metals, genuine leather, and top-tier plastics to ensure both durability and comfort during extended listening sessions.
Open-Back vs. Closed-Back: Audiophile headphones come in both open-back and closed-back designs. Open-back headphones provide a more expansive and natural soundstage but allow sound to leak in and out. Closed-back headphones offer better isolation and are more suitable for noisy environments.
Driver Technology: High-quality drivers are at the heart of audiophile headphones.They can be dynamic drivers, planar magnetic drivers, electrostatic drivers, or other specialized designs. These drivers are carefully engineered to reproduce sound accurately.
Impedance and Sensitivity: Audiophile headphones often have higher impedance levels, which means they require more power to drive. This can result in better sound quality when used with dedicated headphone amplifiers. Sensitivity ratings also play a role in determining how loud the headphones can get with a given power input.
Detachable Cables: Many audiophile headphones feature detachable cables, allowing users to replace or upgrade the cables easily. High-quality cables with proper shielding can further enhance sound quality and reduce interference.
Sound Signature: Different audiophile headphones may have varying sound signatures, such as neutral, warm, or bright. The choice of sound signature depends on personal preference and the type of music being enjoyed.
Price Range: Audiophile headphones can vary significantly in price, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. High-end models often come with premium features and meticulous craftsmanship.
Amplification: While some audiophile headphones can be driven by portable devices like smartphones, dedicated headphone amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are often recommended to unleash their full potential.
Audiophile Community: Audiophile headphones are a niche market, and there is a passionate community of enthusiasts who discuss and review various headphone models. Many forums, websites, and publications cater specifically to audiophiles.

In summary, audiophile headphones are designed for audiophiles who demand the highest level of sound quality and are willing to invest in premium, well-crafted headphones. They offer exceptional audio performance, comfort, and often feature a range of technologies and materials to enhance the listening experience.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best audiophile headphones on the market

Sennheiser HD 660 S - HiRes Audiophile Open Back Headphone

Sennheiser Consumer Audio

Based on 464 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sennheiser's new HD 660 S is an open back, dynamic headphone designed for the passionate audiophile. Meticulously crafted for the most demanding listeners, the HD 660 S builds on the legacy of the legendary HD 650, surpassing the exceptional performance of its predecessor incorporating a new and improved transducer that delivers lower harmonic distortion producing a more natural, lifelike audio experience. It is exceptionally accurate and transparent, with an expressiveness that immerses the listener in every emotion and nuance of the music. Employing a lower 150 ohm impedance, and supplied with cables using balanced (4.4 mm Pentaconn) and 6.35 mm connectors, the HD 660 S offers connectivity versatility to provide reference class fidelity with stationary and mobile audio players alike.

Reference class open back, dynamic headphone employing new and improved transducers delivering low harmonic distortion
Transducers are hand selected for precise (1 dB) left / right matching tolerance insure exceptional accuracy and presentation of stereo spatial characteristics
150 ohm nominal impedance allows direct connection to home and mobile Hires audio devices. Contact pressure: 6.0 N ± 1 N
Para aramid reinforced, detachable cables employ high conductivity OFC copper to insure signal integrity with very low handling noise
Supplied with two connection cables: One with a 6.35 millimeter stereo plug, the other a 4.4 millimeter Pentaconn balanced stereo plug. Also included is a 6.35 millimeter to 3.5 millimeter adaptor. Connectivity Technology: Wired 6.35 millimeter / 4.4 millimeter Pentaconn
Frequency response 10 to 41,000 Hz ( 10 dB), Impedance 150 ohm
Note: Kindly refer to the user manual provided as a PDF manual in the product description section

User questions & answers

Question:	how long is the cable
Answer:	I've not actually done this as I have a different novation device for this, but as this device's buttons are assignable, the answer is yes. Depending on your DAW's compatibility with this device though, you might find yourself needing to do a good bit of device registration customization. For instance I use Studio One and there was not a direct device match in it's available profile. I can use the keyboard and some of the knobs as a default midi device, but have to customize the device profile to assign all of the functions. Something to be aware of.
Question:	Would these pair well with the dragonfly red dac/amp
Answer:	Hi Amin, It has higher quality components, as well as full RGB pads. - Pixel Pro Audio
Question:	Can the balanced cable be used with an onkyo dp-x
Answer:	No, it does not have speakers, and does not create sound on its own. It is a MIDI controller, not a synth. It needs to be plugged into a computer, or a tablet, running music software. I use it with Ableton Live on a Mac, and it works with Animoog on the iPad.
Question:	Would the LG V30 power these well without a amp
Answer:	Novation doesn't make one directly, but there are after market cases that would work.If this was helpful, please consider purchasing from us on Amazon. We can help with support after the sale as well. We have it in stock and ready to ship. - Pixel Pro Audio

Product features

Meet the Sennheiser HD 660 S

The new HD 660 S is the successor to the legendary HD 650. This open-back, dynamic headphone features new lower (150-ohm) impedance transducers producing reference-class sound when connected to both Hi-Res home or mobile audio systems. An elegantly designed piece of German engineering, the HD 660 S delivers exceptionally accurate and transparent sound, with an expressiveness that immerses the listener in every emotion and nuance of the music.

Exceptional Sound

Crafted for the demanding listener, the HD 660 S surpasses the performance of its predecessor, the legendary HD 650. Detailed and dynamic, with extended and balanced frequency response, the HD 660 S is exceptionally accurate and musically expressive. The lower 150-ohm impedance facilitates direct connection to both premium home and mobile audio devices.

Advanced Transducers

The HD 660 S employs newly designed transducers featuring extremely lightweight aluminum voice coils coupled to diaphragms precision-crafted from stainless steel fabric. This combination results in exceptional transient response and improved control of diaphragm movement reducing distortion. Additionally, transducers are produced and matched to extremely tight (± 1 dB) tolerance ensuring superb performance.

Versatile Connectivity

The HD 660 S is supplied with two para-aramid reinforced detachable cables employing high conductivity OFC copper to ensure signal integrity with very low handling noise. One cable is terminated with a 6.35mm stereo plug (a 3.5mm adaptor is also included), the other with the new 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced stereo plug. Balanced connectivity can reveal full HD 660 S performance potential when paired with the balanced output of a digital audio player or headphone amplifier like the Sennheiser HDV 820.

Supreme Comfort

The HD 660 S is designed for pure listening pleasure. Its open-back architecture is strong yet lightweight and allows airflow to the ears, keeping them cool during listening sessions. The large elliptical ear cups are shaped following the anatomy of the ear, and feature soft velour covered ear cushions. Thick headband padding completes the comfort package to provide hours and hours of supreme listening pleasure.

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones Black

Audio-Technica

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

53 mm drivers reproduce clear treble and midrange. Connectivity Technology: Wired
Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils for superior power handling. Impedance: 38 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW . Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation
Lightweight aluminum honeycomb casing with excellent acoustic properties
Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support provides a comfortable listening experience; total ear-fit design minimizes pressure. Maximum Input Power: 700 mW
Frequency Response - 20 – 20, 000 Hz and Impedance - 45 ohms
Connector Type: 3.5mm

User questions & answers

Question:	what are the differences between the 500x and the 700x? And how are these with movies
Answer:	They are the best headphones I've ever owned. The only difference is what drivers are actually used, I've never owned the 700x but I'm sure they would more than likely be sufitient.
Question:	are they good for gaming
Answer:	I added an Antlion to mine and it works great for gaming. The positional audio is solid. If you want ground-rumbling bass, well, don't use a headset. My sounds card has a good EQ and the bass and overall sound is excellent.
Question:	Does the cord have the option of detaching (unplugging) from the headset
Answer:	Yes, if you want to mod it
Question:	How does the sound quality on these compare to the ath-m40x? If you had to choose between the two for piano practice/orchestras, which would you pick
Answer:	As the m40x is closed, I would imagine your question is about recording and monitoring? A closed monitor headphone would suit that objective very well. If you meant you were planning on enjoying music in a quiet and comfort of a room somewhere the ad700x will definitely open your ears and blow your mind a bit if you've never had an experience with open headphones before. Closed for monitoring or noise area, open for quiet and most enjoyable sound. Closed may have better bass.

Product features

53 mm drivers

Newly designed 53 mm drivers reproduce clear treble and midrange.

Superior power handling

Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils for superior power handling.

Open-air design

Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation.

Lightweight

Lightweight aluminum honeycomb casing with excellent acoustic properties.

3D wing support

Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support provides a comfortable listening experience; total ear-fit design minimizes pressure.

Designed for comfort

Flexible raised-fabric earpads offer excellent wearing comfort and durability.

Prevent tangles

Highly conductive OFC single-sided cord with elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangles.

Includes

Gold-plated stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector with 1/4" (6.3 mm) adapter.

Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones (Black)

Philips Audio

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Philips Shp9500 Hifi precision stereo over-ear headphones (Black)

50mm neodymium drivers deliver full spectrum of sound
1.5m cable gives you freedom of movement for indoor use
Comfortable double layered headband cushion, breathable ear cushion for longer wearing comfort
Finishing of connector: gold-plated, acoustic system: open, Magnet type: neodymium
Impedance: 32 ohm, maximum power input: 200Mw, sensitivity: 101 dB, speaker diameter: 50mm, Frequency response: 12-35 000Hz

User questions & answers

Question:	Hi, how is this in terms of bass
Answer:	Don’t think so. May well not work if you do. Or result in a flash fire or worse. As in Zippos, the “cotton” serves as a sponge from which the wick draws the fuel to the flame
Question:	Can anyone compare these to Grado headphones? I have a pair of sr-60's and was wondering if these are any better
Answer:	It's more of an antique light brass color. And yes it's the same size as a standard zippo for the body, the top is smaller and only goes over the wick. It's a very interesting piece.
Question:	are these good to block out loud conversation and music say on a school bus
Answer:	It comes with one installed, but no extras.
Question:	How do these compare to the Sennheiser HD
Answer:	It doesn't say but I can tell ya if you intend on using it for Extracting its junk the neon has much better results and that's about as cheap as you can get so it tells ya a lot about the quality of this product!!

Product features

High Precision Sound

With over 50 years of heritage in headphone acoustics, we remain dedicated to ensuring exacting standards in both sound and ergonomic performance. That's why we continually work to refine and innovate our products, integrating your preferences and experiences into our signature designs.

50mm high power drivers

The 50mm drivers utilize high power neodymium magnets to reproduce all your music’s dynamics and deliver well balanced crisp bass, transparent mid-range and pristine high frequencies.

Open-back, over-ear headphones

An acoustic open-back architecture eliminates air pressure build-up behind the driver, giving the diaphragm greater freedom of movement. This greatly enhances sound transparency and smooths extended high frequencies.

Precisely angled drivers

Engineered to fit the ear's natural geometry, the ear-shells offer precise and accurate sound. Audio signals are directly channeled into the ears, creating a dynamic and authentic listening experience.

Comfortable headband cushion

SHP9500 is fitted with a comfortable double layered headband cushion is soft and breathable for listening hours-on-end.

Breathable ear cushions

Philips has engineered the SHP9500 with deluxe breathable ear-pads that improve breathability and dissipate pressure and heat for longer wearing comfort.

Durable steel headband

SHP9500 comes with headband made with cold rolled steel provides just the right amount of tension and ensures strength and durability. The headband size is also easily adjustable with markings for the optimum fit.

Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory

Sennheiser Consumer Audio

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Powered by Sennheiser's proprietary transducer technology for truly excellent sound performance, the open back HD 599 delivers impressively natural spatial performance. Topping Sennheiser's 500 series, the full sized premium headphone offers near audiophile levels of sound quality and exceptional wearing comfort thanks to the large ear cups and soft replaceable ear pads. Finished in a distinctive Ivory color, with matte metallic detailing and a brown stitched headband, it is a great choice for those wishing to enjoy entertainment with sophisticated sound, design and build quality.

Premium, around-ear, open back headphones: Audiophile sound combined with premium design and materials
Padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads perfect for long listening sessions with no pressure on the ears
Multiple connectivity options: Robust 3 meter detachable cable and 6.3 millimeter jack and additional 1.2 meter detachable cable with 3.5 millimeter Jack
Timeless design cues: Ivory colour, matte finish together with the brown headband stitching and matte metallic detail convey quality at first glance
Two year warranty when purchased from an authorized Sennheiser dealer
Premium Components: Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion
Connectivity technology: Wired
Power source type: Battery

User questions & answers

Question:	Can any recommend an amp for these? i was thinking of getting the objective 2 but if anyone else has a better one please tell me. p.s. i'm on a budget
Answer:	I powered the HD599s with my LG-G4 smartphone, an Acer Chromebook R-13 (excellent headphone section for a laptop), a Schiit Modi 2 Uber/ Vali 2 (Genalex Gold Lion 6922 tube) stack that I use at work (I also used a Schiit Magni 2 Uber with the Magni 2 Uber), and a Schiit Bifrost Multibit/Valhalla 2 (Genalex Gold Lion 6922 tubes)stack I have at home (I also used a Schiit Asgard 2 with the Bifrost). I did/do not apply any equalization or effects when I listen. Like all the higher end Sennheiser headphones, the HD599s improved noticeably as the driving components improved. After a lot of listening to the 598s and 599s I concluded that they both sounded best when run through my Bifrost/Asgard 2 stack (The Modi 2U/ Magni 2U pairing was also excellent), so this is how I listened when doing my analysis. Like most lower impedance headphones, they both seem to prefer solid state amps to OTL tube amps, but they did pair well with the Vali 2 (a hybrid tube amp) as well. I know the O2 is a brighter amp (and solid state) and would probably pair quite we with these.
Question:	How is the bass on these headphones? Does it effect the mids/highs at all
Answer:	While these aren't "bass head" headphones, they have noticeably more bass than their predecessor the HD 598s. I always found the HD 598s to be a little "bass light", where the HD 599s have a much richer sound. The HD 599's are more musical where the HD 598s are more analytical. Depending on the track and your listening level there may be some noticeable intermodulation distortion where the bass frequencies will distort the mids and highs. On Deadmau5's new track "Let Go" the effect is very noticeable when you turn them up (and not all that loud). Playing the same track on my HD 600s, HD 650s, and HD 700s does NOT result in this distortion. It isn't that the bass is distorting, it just interferes with the mids and highs. These HD 599s are my daily driver (at work) and I REALLY like them. They are a far more versatile than the HD 598s, they sound fantastic, and I don't regret the purchase at all. At work I run them on a Schiit Modi 2 Uber/Magni 2 Uber stack and the pairing with the HD 599s is excellent. The highs are also better on the HD 599s than the HD 598s (which struggled with "Sh" and "F" sounds).
Question:	Can you use these on a phone
Answer:	I do So everyday at work. No external DAC or Preamp, and its just an iPhone 6.
Question:	How do these compare to the 598s
Answer:	I think the sound is tighter, the base is slightly more pronounced, again, tighter with some snap but not boom box silliness. The sound is more focused as if you were close to the stage and not several rows back. The soundstage or separation is very close to the 98 but not that noticeable unless you're very observant. The build is better, and these phones will not have to be handled like rice paper or egg shells. Overall, just a better headphone, really. It is said, by many, the 599 shares some values present in the Senn 600 with its clinical clarity and separation of instruments present. The highs are well rounded, not sharp or shrill. The midrange presence is very solid, and not released. These are not V sounding phones like your M50 Audio Technica. To me, those phones are offensive. The V sound is pronounced base, kind of extreme, and ditto for the offensive treble while the mids are not really projected. The Senn is the opposite, a very balanced headphone in all respects, with wonderful separation, clarity, and build. It is a great all around jack of all trades headphone. That is, TV movies sound really good with these and music, well, I like them better for the focus and presence compared to the 598. Hope this helps. As far as the 598, those are cheaper if you buy the black model. And the 558 sounds a lot like them, and even cheaper if money is an issue. You may also, for a few dollars more, look into the Shure 1440 headphones. They are within affordable range, just as good as the 599 in every way, but do not have that dark and sometimes veiled sound as the Senn does.

Product features

Meet the Sennheiser HD 599

The HD 599 is a premium headphone for those seeking sophisticated sound, design and build quality. Powered by Sennheiser proprietary transducer technology and featuring the 'Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement' (E.A.R) design, the HD 599 represents a step into the world of audiophile sound reproduction. This open back, around ear headphone delivers an impressively natural tonal balance with outstanding spatial performance.

Premium Components

Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion.

Open Acoustic Design

Around-ear, open-back design delivers an impressively 'open' spatial presentation to improve the listening experience.

Versatile Connectivity

The HD 599 comes with two detachable cables: a 3m cable with a 6.3-mm jack for a home entertainment system and a shorted 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm jack perfect for use with phones, tables, and laptops.

Extreme Comfort

Lightweight yet robust design with luxurious velour covered ear cushions and padded headband deliver exceptional wearing comfort for long listening sessions.