10 Best Audiophile Headphones In 2021
Do you want to have the most genuine listening experience possible? There are a variety of high-end headphones available on the market. Most are decked out in a slew of high-tech accouterments. To get an excellent pair of audiophile headphones, you must prioritize audio quality. Although headphones are not suitable for everyday use, they are ideal for getting yourself deep in music while relaxing at home.
The sound of audiophile headphones is precise. The majority of them have a large soundstage that mimics listening to music through confirmed tower speakers. You can listen to music with audiophile headphones without feeling weighed down. They lack the Bluetooth feature, so there is no wireless option on the list. We've compiled a list of our favorite audiophile headphones below.
Our Best Picks of Audiophile Headphones
10. Monolith Magnetic Headphones
The monolith M1060 box includes a carrying case, headphones, and essential documents. A Y-6-foot cable is also included to connect your headphones to the amp. Because the planar driver ensures that the vibrations are evenly distributed across the entire flat surface of the membrane, you can receive sounds with low total harmonic distortion. As a result, there are fewer ear reflections, which improve stereo image accuracy.
The open back feature has the potential to alter your listening experience. Simultaneously, the headphones with a loose back will completely isolate you from the ambient noise in your surroundings. Its design, which includes comfortable ear pads, makes it easy to listen to music for extended periods. You will never have to worry about the price, and the value is always exceptional. The Monolith M1060 is less expensive and more sensitive than other models. They will provide you with a substantial 5-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.
- Quality sound
- Quite comfy
- Sturdy
Cons
- Glued on pads
9. Meze 99 Classics Walnut Silver Audiophile Headphones
The meze Audios 99 headphone is handcrafted without the use of any plastic or glue. You will not need to replace them frequently because they will last a long time. They are made of curved CNC ear wood cups, cast zinc alloy hardware with an electroplated finish, a manganese spring steel headband, soft PU leather, and memory foam.
If a part needs to be replaced, you are guaranteed full service. Mezze headphones are stylish and comfortable to wear. You will receive excellent sound quality and exceptional value for your money, just as these headphones have received numerous positive reviews. There is a wide self-adjustable headband that will ensure no pressure on your head regardless of your head size. Do you intend to use the headphones for an extended period? The foam earpads provide isolation as well as a high level of comfort.
- Lightweight on the head
- Easy to put on and take off
- Immersive and involving sound
Cons
- Fake leather
8. Audio-Technica Professional Studio Monitor
If you want a fashionable look with your audiophile headphones, then look further. Even with that, you will like the ear cups due to their simple logo and the brushed finish of the aluminum ring. These headphones are not as bulky, but they are a bit big. Even though they are made of plastic, you don’t have to be very gentle with them since they are not as fragile.
It has two standard cables, 1.2m straight and 1.2 m coiled, one detachable with a twist and lock mechanism, and so you can’t use them with a different thread. The sound quality of Audio Technica will make you proud. However, not as expected since the bass has been given an extra punch and a distinct oomph. The professional studio monitor headphones of the Audio Technica will make help listen to your music more actively. Be careful not to choose solely as your studio headphones.
- Sturdy
- High impedance
- Good audio quality
Cons
- Unappealing look
7. Philips Audio Open-Air Headphone
The neodymium drivers are 50mm long and powerful, with a precise range. Please do not be concerned about the speaker because it has been hand-picked, tuned, and tested. The drivers make use of a strong neodymium magnet. As a result, they will faithfully reproduce each of your music dynamics with excellent crisp bass and high frequencies. Because of the acoustic pen open-back architecture, there will be no pressure behind the driver of your headphones. This allows the diaphragm to move freely, resulting in increased transparency and a more extended high-frequency range.
Take in the precise sound produced by the layered motion control diaphragm. The layers have flexible boundaries that work with the gel to absorb any dampness and exaggerated frequencies. The response flattens and smoothes. As a result, you will hear natural, refined, and well-balanced high-frequency music.
- The soundstage is great
- Quick to drive
- Has a punchy bass
Cons
- Muffled mics
6. Beyerdynamic Over-Ear Studio Headphones 
Perhaps you’ve noticed that these ear-closed headphones use velour earpads, which are preferred because they don’t squeak when you move your head. The spring steel headband ensures your comfort and a secure fit. It is comfortable to wear for an extended period. They are of good quality and can withstand whatever you throw at them. If you want a great sound experience, look no further than the Beyerdynamic. The innovative bass reflex system ensures incredible balance across the entire frequency spectrum. As a result, the sound quality improves and becomes more powerful.
When wearing the Beyerdynamic headphones, the spring-steelhead bracket provides comfort. Because of its insulating properties and low impedance, it is ideal for mobile users. This 80-ohm version will provide quality monitoring if you are a musician in the studio or on stage.
- High impedance
- Clear frequency response
- Good quality headphones
Cons
- Narrow soundstage
5. Sennheiser Open Back Audiophile Headphones
Because of the excellent sound quality of the HD599 headphones, you can listen to multiple tracks without becoming bored. Your ears will be free of pressure. Their audiophile sound is out of this world, and their natural spatial performance is exceptional. The ear cups are large, and the open-back over-ear design prevents pressure from building up in your ears.
Sannheiser’s proprietary transducer technology powers the ergonomic acoustic refined design. It represents the world of audiophile sound reproduction steps. Their quality is unrivaled. It’s visible and palpable. The design is premium, from the metallic detail on the earcups to the brown stitches on the headband. The ivory color scheme conveys the HD 599’s high quality.
- A visually appealing HP
- Refined sound
- Extensive frequency response
Cons:
- The bass is lacking.
4. Shure Closed-Back Headphones
Shure SRH1540 headphones deliver high-quality sound and superior comfort. They can make excellent studio monitors. They’re perfect for critical listening. You’ll appreciate how adjustable and comfortable they are. It will provide you with a fantastic monitor experience similar to that of a speaker. You can circumvent the limitations of phone monitoring.
The circumaural ear pads on the Shure headphones comfortably envelops your ears. They are fully adjustable and have stylish padded headbands. They are designed for professional use in both live and studio recordings. It is an oxygen-free copper cable that is detachable in a Kevlar-reinforced jacket. They have a storage case with everything you need, including replacements. Shure monitor quality with closed-back headphones is legendary. You can use it for a long time!
- High-quality audio
- A plethora of accessories are included in the box.
- Leather that is long-lasting
Cons
- An uncomfortably tight headband
3. Sennheiser Audiophile Open Back Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 660 S is designed to meet your listening needs, putting an end to your search. These headphones have a single style and an open back. Their precision is consistent, and they have a frequency response of up to 41000 Hz. The headphones have been rigorously tested to ensure that you, the listener, get the best.
These headphones have been designed to satisfy you. You’ll love their performance because of their balanced and extended frequency response. You can use headphones at home with an impedance of 150 ohms. This is also useful for other mobile audio devices.
The headphones feature incredible transducers made of light aluminum coils. The coils are attached to diaphragms made of stainless steel fabric. The combination of the two features results in controlled diaphragm movement, transient response, and reduced distortion.
- The connectivity is versatile
- Light in weight and comfortable
- The headphones have got high performance
Cons
- No control over external noise
2. HIFIMAN Arya Audiophile Headphones
With the HIFIMAN Arya headphones, you can listen to pure and clear music for an extended time. They are adjustable and, due to their black and bold color, will make an aesthetic statement. A good headphone covers the diaphragm well, and HIFIMAN does just that. It has a nanometer thickness, which ensures that your listening experience is not distorted.
They are asymmetrically designed, with tiny magnets on the side that faces your ears. This feature ensures that your audio transmission is not hampered.
- Strong and durable
- Light in weight and comfortable
- No interruption of sound
Cons
- Not good for recording
1. SENNHEISER HD 800 S Reference Audiophile Headphones
Enjoy your music explorations with the SENNHEISER HD headphones. This audiophile is well-known for its excellent sound and opens ear cup design, which results in a spacious soundstage. The ring radiator transducer in the Sennheiser headphones has a radius of 56mm. Its function is to ensure that the air displacement in the large speaker diaphragm is utilized. The ring also plays a vital role in ensuring that the smaller speaker retains its rigidity. This results in a quick response across the entire frequency range.
A good headphone should be able to handle any compounding frequency that is causing unpleasant sound. The headphones have frequency absorbers that help block out any unwanted noise that might interfere with your music. It also has a transducer system that controls the lower frequencies.
- The headphones have amplifiers.
- It has a great and broad soundstage
- The headphones have big and firm lows
Cons
- Poorly connected cords
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What device can I use to listen to music through my audiophile headphones?
A: To get the most out of your headphones, you should listen to them through a device that is specifically designed for music playback. Home stereo and A/V receiver amplifiers are recommended for the best sound processing. Audiophile headphones are an excellent choice for practicing quietly with a guitar amplifier because they can capture harmonic nuances.
Q: What file formats/media can I use to listen to music through my audiophile headphones?
A: Instead of an mp3, a compressed format, you can use an uncompressed digital file. You can also use physical structures. If you want to hear the music exactly as the artist intended, use a high-quality sound system to play a vinyl or CD record. Your ears will unquestionably benefit from audiophile headphones.
Q: Is a headphone amplifier required?
A: Amplifiers, as the name suggests, boost the signal from your headphones to make the sound louder. In most cases, you use them in a studio to monitor yourself while recording, but they are also helpful for personal listening. Do you use headphones with high impedance? Then you’ll need an amplifier to drive your audiophile headphones properly.
If your headphones have high resistance, you’ll need an amp to hear audio with 1/8″ outputs. Take impedance into account before purchasing one.
Q: What is the distinction between audiophiles and studio headphones?
A: For studio headphones, the midrange comes first, then the treble, and finally the bass. They are intended to mimic the sound of the real world.
It must be flat before the mixer or producer can work on it. It makes no difference to the sound. Only the sound from the studio monitors should be audible. As a result, you must remain isolated while wearing the studio headphones. Audiophile headphones, on the other hand, emphasize all of this. It becomes more enjoyable because it is not as flat and does not make use of high-quality materials that are not required.
Conclusion
The headphones mentioned above are the best on the market. They are easy to use and dependable. Furthermore, the headphones are made of high-quality materials, so you can expect them to last for a long time. You will fall in love with their sound quality as they take your listening to new heights. These ear units are also excellent at blocking out unwanted noise, so you may want to consider them for studio use. The prices are reasonable, and you do not need to spend a fortune to own one. Purchase any of them to get the most bang for your buck.