Headphones — if you want to privately listen to music, there's little better. They're a great way to enjoy your tunes with no distractions. But what headphones should you be buying if you want to get right into your favorite tunes?
I'm a weirdo. An audiophile. An audiophile who has spent many, many years testing the best over-ear headphones and working out how good they are — and some of my favorites are on this list. If you're looking for some great headphones and fancy yourself an audiophile, then I'll give you some wicked options.
"Budget" pick: Sennheiser HD 560 S
These headphones currently live on my testing desk, and I'm having a fabulous time. I actually wasn't entirely sure how much they cost when I first recieved them, and my first listen made me presume they cost more than their $200-ish price point. They're really nice.
They sound pretty excellent. They're open-backed, so there's a wide soundstage. Instrument separation is good as well, and each member of your musical ensemble is easy to discern. Detail is top-notch, but thanks to their open backs, you do miss out on a little bass.
They can easily be run from a smartphone as well, as long as you've got a suitable USB-C dongle. The perfect way to dip your toes into the audiophile pool and get listening to those new Spotify Lossless tracks.
Right in the middle: Meze 105 AER
The 105 AER are one of my favorite pairs of headphones. They're extremely comfortable and made out of some lovely materials to make them feel (and look) premium. I particularly like their magically growing headband, which changes size as you pull them over your head.
Sound-wise, you're looking at the best of all worlds. Like all the headphones here, these are open-backed, so you can expect a wide soundstage. The mid-range is buttery smooth, and vocals are pin-sharp. Detail is another massive strength for the headphones, ensuring that you can hear fine elements in your tunes. They've got great bass as well, with plenty of "oomph." They're a bit more expensive, but they're a lovely pair of forever headphones that will last you a lifetime.
They will work if you plug them into your phone with a dongle, but to really get them performing their best, you'll want something more powerful to connect them to. I'd recommend the iFi Go Link Max.
The expensive pick: Sennheiser HD800 S
These are, for many, end-game headphones. They're a very well-regarded set of cans that are often considered some of the most detailed, open-sounding headphones you'll ever put on your head. They're also Tom's Guide's reference headphones, which I use to make sure that any gear we test is up to scratch. I also happen to really like them.
They're, without a shadow of a doubt, the most detailed pair of headphones I've ever listened to, ever. You'll hear every single note, breath, and string movement with HD 800S. It's akin to taking a microscope to your music, so that you can really get into the weeds.
There is one big drawback — they need loads of power to drive. You won't be listening to these through your smartphone or even your laptop. Instead, you'll need to buy some form of desktop amplifier and a separate DAC device. That's going to make an already expensive pair of headphones cost even more. I'd say they're worth it — but only for a select few.
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