One of the things that many people don’t know about is that the best audiophile headphones are the kind of headphones that provide the best sound quality possible. While most people don’t even end up having any audiophile wireless earbuds during their entire life, there are others who just can’t live without them. And this is concerned with the way you listen to the sound and how the quality of the sound is more or less important for you.
So, in case you are now searching for the best audiophile headphones, you need to know that there are many factors that you should take into consideration besides the audio quality. The truth is that one of the most important things that you need to consider when you are buying the best audiophile earbuds is to make sure that they are suited for the task. Besides, comfort should always be a priority. After all, there’s no point in getting the most expensive audiophile wireless earbuds if they are not comfortable for you.
Last but not least, there is the price factor. When you are looking for the best audiophile headphones, you need to be prepared to spend a good amount of money. However, as you will be able to see at the end of this list, you also have some of the best budget audiophile headphones to check out.
So, let’s start by looking at the 16 best budget audiophile headphones:
#1: Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Dynamic Semi-Open Design
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When you are looking for the best audiophile headphones and you have a good and large budget, you should definitely consider taking a closer look at the Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Dynamic Semi-Open Design.
While the Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Dynamic Semi-Open Design isn’t a new model, the reality is that they have been around for some years now, without any change. And the reason is very simple – there isn’t really anything that can be improved.
The sound that the Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Dynamic Semi-Open Design provide is simply amazing. You’ll be able to experience the sound without any sharp and it will be much more natural.
One of the things that we really like about the Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Dynamic Semi-Open Design is the design. In addition, the fact that they include the Beyerdynamic’s Tesla Driver Technology that provides one amazing detail retrieval is really something.
In terms of comfort, you can count on only with the best materials. The Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation Audiophile Stereo Headphones with Dynamic Semi-Open Design include some super soft and breathable velours ear cushions with memory foam that allow you to be comfortable for as many hours as you want.
Don’t know which headphones to buy? Check out the best models.
#2: AUDEZE LCD-4 Reference Open Circumaural Headphone
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The AUDEZE LCD-4 Reference Open Circumaural Headphone is seen, by many people, as one of the best audiophile headphones. Even though we agree with them, there are some features that are worth to be mentioned.
In case you have already been searching for the best audiophile headphones, you probably already saw the previous model of the Audeze (the Audeze LCD-3). One of the main differences (if not the only one, or at least, the most noticeable) between the two models is concerned with the headband.
The AUDEZE LCD-4 Reference Open Circumaural Headphone now comes with a two-piece headband that includes an outer carbon fiber frame and an inner flexible leather band that is suspended below. Both models include extremely soft leather ear cushions that adapt to your ears and are extremely comfortable.
The AUDEZE LCD-4 Reference Open Circumaural Headphone sound quality is pretty good and only this allows this headphone to be on this list.
#3: Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones
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When you are looking for the best audiophile earbuds, you should definitely consider the Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones.
Shure is one of the best brands on the market in terms of headphones and earphones. And you can be sure that you will be extremely happy with your Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones purchase.
One of the things that we really like about the Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones is the fact that these earphones simply deliver an incredible and unique low-end performance as well as an extended high-end clarity. In order to get these results, the Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones feature a patented earphone design with a groundbreaking low-pass filter.
If there is something that you can expect from the Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones is the comfort and isolation from the outside world. The Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones come with some sound isolating sleeves that are able to block up to 37 dB of ambient noise.
In case you are looking for the best audiophile earbuds and you like what you see so far, you like the Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones even more when you discover that they are fully customizable to make sure that you listen to your own music just the way you like it.
In case you have trouble sleeping, make sure that you discover the best earplugs for sleeping.
#4: Pioneer High Resolution Hand-Crafted Air Studios Monitor Reference Stereo Headphone (SE-MASTER1)
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In case you are searching for the best budget audiophile headphones but you want to make sure that you get ones that include an open back, make sure to check out the Pioneer High Resolution Hand-Crafted Air Studios Monitor Reference Stereo Headphone (SE-MASTER1).
After 5 years of development, Pioneer finally launched these headphones that were carefully though to meet the expectations of both developers and aficionados.
Featuring an open back housing and a custom dynamic technology, you will get the best sound quality that you can imagine.
One of the things that most people keep referring about the Pioneer High Resolution Hand-Crafted Air Studios Monitor Reference Stereo Headphone (SE-MASTER1) is the fact that each headphone is made by hand in Tohoku, Japan. And this is one of the best secrets to assure that you get the best audiophile headphones for you.
#5: Final Audio Design SONOROUS VI Dynamic and Balanced Armature Driver Full-Size Headphones
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When you are looking for the best audiophile headphones, one of the things that you want to make sure is that you get an amazing audio quality. And this is exactly what the Final Audio Design SONOROUS VI Dynamic and Balanced Armature Driver Full-Size Headphones deliver. Both the mids and the bass are immersive and the treble is incredibly smooth.
Featuring a stainless steel housing, the Final Audio Design SONOROUS VI Dynamic and Balanced Armature Driver Full-Size Headphones include a balanced armature driver that was developed by Final Audio.
There’s no question that they last for a very long time and they are super comfortable.
#6: AKG Pro Audio K812PRO Superior Reference Headphone
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One of the things that we like on the AKG Pro Audio K812PRO Superior Reference Headphone is the fact that it produces a natural and pure sound. And considering the price, the AKG Pro Audio K812PRO Superior Reference Headphone is really one of the best choices when you’re searching for the best audiophile earbuds.
Featuring 53 mm transducers, you can count on the most accurate balance for mixing. After all, it was developed by music professionals.
In terms of the design, the AKG Pro Audio K812PRO Superior Reference Headphone are incredibly beautiful. In addition, they come with a headphone stand.
#7: Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Headphone System
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You probably already know that Sennheiser is the synonym for high-quality. And one thing is for sure – the Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Headphone System won’t let you down in any way.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Headphone System is one of the best audiophile earbuds on the market. After all, it features 56 mm Ring radiator transducers. In case this doesn’t ring a bell, it means that no other audiophile headphone includes such large drivers. Besides, the Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Headphone System audio quality is still enhanced by the fact that it includes the innovative absorber technology that allows the reduction of the unwanted frequency response peaks. This way, you’ll be able to clearly hear all the music nuances without any problems.
In terms of comfort, the Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Headphone System can definitely be considered one of the best on the market. Featuring a unique ear cup design that allows the sound waves to enter your ear in the perfect angle clearly improve your experience.
#8: HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 Over Ear Planar Magnetic Headphone
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When Audeze was launched, most people assumed that this would be the end of Hifiman. While at the beginning both brands were the top headphone makers, everything changed with the launched of the amazing HIFIMAN HE1000. With such a success, they soon released the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 Over Ear Planar Magnetic Headphone, the headphone that we are going to take a deeper look at.
One of the things that you might not know about the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 Over Ear Planar Magnetic Headphone is that it includes the first diaphragm in nanometer thickness. So, this way, you’ll be able to enjoy lower distortion as well as a faster response.
One of the things that are worth to mention is their design. It took them a lot of years to develop it and with good reason. They took a special care with every single factor that could cause any kind of distortion or reduce the natural sound. And the reality is that they made it and the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 Over Ear Planar Magnetic Headphone is a success.
The HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 Over Ear Planar Magnetic Headphone is a lot more than a simple beautiful audiophile headphone. It delivers a powerful and clear sound, and it couldn’t be more comfortable.
#9: Audio-Technica ATH-W1000Z Audiophile Headphones
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In case you already bought some headphones or any other audio equipment, you know that one of the brands that you will find is Audio Technica. And they are one of the best brands when you’re looking for some high-quality audiophile headphones as well.
While the Audio-Technica ATH-W1000Z Audiophile Headphones may seem familiar to you, the truth is that they are the natural upgrade of the Audio Technica ATH-W1000X. After all, with the success they got, the brand just needed to try to improve them.
Featuring polished wood earcups, the Audio-Technica ATH-W1000Z Audiophile Headphones are able to deliver one of the best audio. The truth is that when headphones use wood, the sound will achieve an inimitable timbre and will be able to reproduce the natural bass sound. And this is exactly what you should look for in the best audiophile headphones. However, one of the major concerns, when a company decides to use wood, is the weight. So, to make sure that the Audio-Technica ATH-W1000Z Audiophile Headphones would remain comfortable and as light as they could be, the Audio-Technica ATH-W1000Z Audiophile Headphones include a rigid magnesium frame. In addition, they also come with plush memory foam earpads that fit around your entire ear.
The Audio-Technica ATH-W1000Z Audiophile Headphones feature a closed-back design that allows them to isolate the external noise very well.
#10: Ultrasone Tribute 7 Anniversary Series Headphone with Wooden Box
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If there is something that needs to be said about the Ultrasone Tribute 7 Anniversary Series Headphone with Wooden Box is that you probably won’t ever have it. While you may think that we are saying this because of the price, there is also another reason – the rarity. After all, this is a limited edition of one of the best audiophile headphones on the market. Only 777 models were available.
The Ultrasone Tribute 7 Anniversary Series Headphone with Wooden Box are unbelievably comfortable and the audio they provide just leaves you speechless.
In terms of the headphone itself, you can count with aluminum ear cups that were carefully anodized with the “mystic blue” color.
One of the best things about the Ultrasone Tribute 7 Anniversary Series Headphone with Wooden Box is the care the brand had to make it. They were able to combine the most exquisite materials and the best technical standards.
#11: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm closed Studio Headphone
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Beyerdynamic is one of the best brands in what concerns with audiophile headphones. The truth is that all the details count to make sure that you are able to enjoy the best audio. And the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm closed Studio Headphone are just one of the best examples.
One of the things that we really like about the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm closed Studio Headphone is the fact that you will be able to really enjoy every single note and instrument of your favorite songs. Even though you can obtain the almost same result with other audiophile headphones that we are mentioning on this list, these ones allow you to truly enjoy every single note as if you were in a tiny room, all by yourself.
Featuring a closed design, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm closed Studio Headphone were mainly thought to be used in the studio. However, with their rugged construction and beautiful details, we don’t see any reason why you can’t wear them outside the studio as well.
In terms of comfort, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm closed Studio Headphone is great. It comes with leather earpads that are extremely comfortable. The only problem is using it during the hot summer months since they tend to get quite uncomfortable.
#12: Hifiman HE400S Full-Size Planar Headphone
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When you are looking for a more affordable option in terms of audiophile headphones, you just need to consider the Hifiman HE400S Full-Size Planar Headphone.
One of the reasons why we included the Hifiman HE400S Full-Size Planar Headphone on this list is its audio quality. Featuring a wide soundstage, an extended and detailed bass, and a true clarity, the Hifiman HE400S Full-Size Planar Headphone is simply amazing.
While other pricey audiophile headphones may have additional features, the truth is that the Hifiman HE400S Full-Size Planar Headphone is worth to take a deeper look. In terms of comfort, you can expect an innovative headband that will perfectly adjust to your head, as well as the ear pads are incredible.
#13: Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone
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When you’re in doubt about the different Sennheiser audiophile headphones to buy, there is no question that you should consider the Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone.
Even though the HD800 may have more features, the truth is that if you’re looking for a more affordable headphones, then you should go with the Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone. You won’t regret it.
The Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone audio quality is pretty amazing as it is common with this brand. One of the features that it includes to make sure that you get the best sound is the specially designed acoustic silk. Besides, in order to be able to deliver the maximum efficiency, the Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone include the high-power neodymium magnets.
#14: Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
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Featuring powerful 40 mm neodymium drivers to guarantee the best acoustic performance, the Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones ate one of the best options when you’re considering buying some good audiophile headphones.
With a closed-back design, the Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones circumaural design allows you to be comfortable listening to your favorite songs, no matter for how many hours. You can definitely count with a reduced background noise that will allow you to really get into the mood.
Featuring an ergonomic padded and dual-framed headband, the Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones is lightweight and you can easily adjust it to get the perfect fit.
#15: Audeze EL-8 Over Ear, Open Back Headphone
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Even though this isn’t the first model of Audeze that we show on this list, we believe that the Audeze EL-8 Over Ear, Open Back Headphone belong here as well.
Featuring some sleek lines in combination with the traditional Audeze orthodynamic technology, the Audeze EL-8 Over Ear, Open Back Headphone are just perfect to appeal to most people.
In terms of the sound quality, the Audeze EL-8 Over Ear, Open Back Headphone is definitely one of the best for their price level. After all, the planar drivers make sure to deliver the best bass as well as impact. Besides, the open-back design also gives a hand since it features a more accurate and wider soundstage.
#16: OPPO PM-1 Planar Magnetic Headphones
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Last but not least, we needed to include the OPPO PM-1 Planar Magnetic Headphones. While there is already the Oppo PM2 on the market. we decided to include the first version only because it already includes some premium features without being so pricey.
One of the best things about the OPPO PM-1 Planar Magnetic Headphones is the sound they deliver. You will be able to enjoy the energetic, warm, and detailed sound.
In terms of the design, the OPPO PM-1 Planar Magnetic Headphones are incredibly lightweight and they feature plush padding. So, you can be sure that you will be extremely comfortable when you are wearing them.
Best Budget Audiophile Headphones
Even though many people would love to buy the best audiophile headphones on the market, the truth is that they can be really expensive. So, and thinking particularly about these people, we decided to do a bit more research and we found 2 different audiophile headphones that should fit your smaller budget.
#1: Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro In Ear Monitors
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The first option that you have when you’re looking for the best budget audiophile headphones is the Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro In Ear Monitors.
Designed for audiophiles and engineers who are always in motion, the Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro In Ear Monitors include a braided cable to reduce any microphone effect.
One of the best things about the Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro In Ear Monitors is the fact that they include the noise isolating technology. So, you can be sure that you will be able to focus solely on your music as long as you are wearing them.
#2: MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables
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The last option in what concerns with the best budget audiophile headphones on the market is the MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables.
Featuring an amazing and overall tonal balance, the MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables are able to deliver a spacious sound signature as well as a detailed sound.
One of the best things about the MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables is their comfort. After all, it comes with a wide variety of eartips to make sure that the MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables fit your ear canal perfectly.
One of the most strange things that you’ll notice on the MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables is that even though they are made of metal, they are incredibly light. So, you can be sure that you’ll probably even forget that you are wearing them.
Discover the 10 things you need to know about headphones.
