HiFiheadphones

Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Best Over Ear Headphones 2020: Open, Closed, Wireless, Audiophile

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Maddie

Our picks for the best over ear headphones – open back and closed back

We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop or hi-fi system.

Here you can see the best of the best full size headphones to buy in 2019, 2020 and beyond.

BEST CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES

1. Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO – £125

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT770 creates a spacial soundstage more akin to an open-back headphone, and delivers full bass with accurate highs and mids. What’s more, these are profoundly comfortable.

BUY HERE: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Studio Headphones

2. Sennheiser HD820 – £1999

Sennheiser HD820

The HD820 is Sennheiser’s first closed back audiophile headphone release and it promises to be quite special. Based on the same design as the HD800S, the HD820 uses Gorilla Glass as its transducer cover and the curved shape of it allows the sound waves to reflect to an absorber – resulting in minimal resistance and creating an open sound that you would normally expect from an open backed headphone.

3. Focal Stellia – £2799

Focal Stellia

Focal headphones are not only known for their excellent sound quality – they also look stunning. And the Stellia is no different. The finest materials have been used to create this closed back headphone, including a Beryllium dome electrodynamic driver. With a unique finish, inspired by the colours of cognac and mocha – the Focal Stellia looks as good as it sounds.

BEST OPEN BACK HEADPHONES

4. MrSpeakers Ether 2 – £1900

MrSpeakers Ether 2

The Ether 2 have a great sense of neutrality, at the same time they offer an enjoyable listening experience and they never sound analytical. There is a hint of added body that creates a smooth listening experience that can be enjoyed for hours on end.

5. Meze Empyrean – £2699

Meze Empyrean

The unique construction of the Empyrean was designed with the shape of the human ear in mind. As a result, they enjoy a greater degree of imaging than you’re likely to find anywhere else. Each Empyrean is hand crafted to exacting detail, and that level of precision is not only visible, but audible.

6. Final D8000 – £2999

Final D8000

The planar magnetic magnificence of the Final D8000 creates a listening experience without parallel. The unique construction, including a damping system (the same used in condenser microphones) allowing for a sound that surpasses the abilities of most planar magnetic and dynamic equipment. This requires a dedication to exacting detail you can only see in Final.

BUY HERE: Final D8000 Audiophile Headphones

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES

7. Bowers & Wilkins PX – £329

Bowers & Wilkins PX

The B&W PX is the ultimate portable headphone. With the latest aptX HD Bluetooth technology, wireless sound quality is of the highest level. Providing a very well balanced sound with tight bass – bass heads may want to look elsewhere – crystal clear clarity and superb soundstage. The PX also has adaptive noise cancelling and uses six microphones to help block out external sounds – allowing you to focus on the music. Along with the advanced technology – the PX has superb build quality and comfort – making them our go to recommendation for wireless headphones.

BUY HERE: Bowers & Wilkins PX Bluetooth Headphones

8. Audeze Mobius 3D – £349

Audeze Mobius 3D

Audeze have created a superb all rounder in the Mobius. Whether music, films or gaming is your thing – the Audeze Mobius does it all extremely well. Inside the housings are planar magnetic drivers, providing sound quality that even the audiophiles out there will appreciate. Then the 3D emulation technology delivers a superb surround sound experience, perfect for watching films or playing Fortnite and thanks to the integrated head tracking – you’ll hear sound effects as if they’re really there.

BUY HERE: Audeze Mobius Gaming Headphones

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

Exclusive Access- The Beyerdynamic T1 (2nd Gen) Black Special Edition

Posted on October 23, 2018 by Maddie

A Rare Sighting

You won’t find these anywhere but here.

The Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation is a true masterpiece of audio engineering. A marked improvement over the already stunning Beyerdynamic T1, the T1 2nd Generation features:

A detachable cable
Leatherette headband
Lower price point
Upgraded drivers
Greater clarity and detail
Strong, responsive bass

They have had a very warm reception from the critics, and rightfully so: the T1 2nd Generation takes everything noteworthy about the T1 and then improves.

Well, guess what? We’ve got our hands on something really special:

The Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation Black Special Edition.

We’ve got exclusive access to these stunning, limited-run headphones and they’re available to preorder now. You won’t be able to get these anywhere else in Europe- just through us.

These are incredibly limited edition, so don’t miss your chance to own these little stunners. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Here’s what people have to say about the T1 2nd Generation:

What Hifi?

“If you were after a pair of top-class pair of headphones without spending thousands, these – along with Sennheiser’s HD800Ses – would be our top recommendations.”

Tech Radar

“The sound is lusher and fuller than most at the price, which will either seal the deal or be a turn-off, depending on your taste. But that’s the quandary when buying an ‘ultimate’ set like this – you’re not just buying headphones but, hopefully, a music partner you’ll live with for years.”

Head-Fi

“If you want top of the line cans, these fit the bill and if you have the money to spare then I’d heartily recommend them. “

Best On Ear Headphones To Buy in 2017 – Expert Reviews

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Oscar

Best On Ear Headphones 2017

Looking for a new pair of on-ear headphones? We’ve collected the best on ear, open back, closed back and portable headphones to buy in 2017 and reviewed them to help you choose.

Shop: Visit our on-ear headphones store

Read More: Best In Ear Headphone Buying Guide

Best On Ear Headphones under £50

SoundMAGIC P22C

SoundMAGIC takes a lot of beating in this price category – the brand is a natural at making low cost headphones which sound much pricier.

The P22C model is a lightweight portable with a flat tangle-free cable and good isolation. Ideal for travel and holidays, these will fit right in to any bag or backpack when stored in their low profile travel case. The P22C included a microphone for phone usage and the remote is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.

Sound is impressive for this price point, with plenty of detail and a good kick to the bass without overpowering the mid range.

Engaging and fun-sounding, the P22C will make the absolute most of the output from any portable player.

Edifier P650

The Edifier P650 is a smartphone friendly, easy to carry portable headphone that punch above their weight and price.

Offering a well balanced sound with a little added kick down low, the midrange is clean and detailed and the treble isn’t far behind. The bass does not have the most sub-bass rumble but for a quick and easy to use, on the go headphone they offer great sound.

What impresses most is their ability to portray the whole frequency range in a well controlled and balanced manner, too many budget headphones overload you with muddy bass, yet these offer plenty of detail but are also easy to listen to; a no brainer at this price point.

Koss PortaPro

The simple design and great sound keeps them viable while the open-back design, whilst not being the best for isolation of course, is perfect for those who wish to be aware of what’s going on around them such as joggers, and muggers.

The sound is generally well balanced between bass and treble, although the midrange can seem a bit distant and mushy. Bass is perhaps a bit on the heavy side, but it will definitely satisfy those who want a bassy sound. The Koss Porta Pro Classics offer a warmish sound overall.

Be aware though that their open-back nature means that they will be of limited use in noisy environments.

READ MORE: Koss PortaPro Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones under £150

B&W P3 Series 2

B&W have a long history of making excellent hifi products, and this has trickled down into their headphones.

The P3 are superbly built with an elegant and sophisticated look, the P3 really do impress. Lucikly they are not all about the look either, as the P3 offer a smooth and effortless sound that is akin to their house speaker sound. Offering excellent full bodied bass response with a non fatiguing and slightly sweet midrange and treble.

Comfortable, well built with a smooth and pleasing sound signature, the P3 are perfect for on-the-go use.

Sennheiser HD25-1 II

The HD25-1 II are one of the most well known on-ear headphones, this is partly due to their popularity as a DJ headphone. Used by DJ’s and sound engineers globally the HD25-1 II are a rugged portable headphone that will last for years.

Offering an immediate and aggressive sound they won’t give you a wide soundstage but will give you an engaging and detailed signature. The bass is tight and digs deep with excellent control and presence, the midrange is smooth yet very detailed and the treble has good extension and is very well placed in the mix.

If you are looking for a smooth laid back sound, the B&W are probably a better choice, but if you want a fun, upfront and engaging listen the HD25-1 II is for you. All parts are easily replaceable too, should anything ever break.

Grado SR80e

The Grado SR80e are a definite improvement over the SR80i, with a slightly warmer, more balanced sound. Their retro styling may not appeal to all, but underneath the looks is a fine sounding open-back headphone. The undisputed king of headphones for rock music, these are sure to get you toe tapping and head banging in no time.

These will not appeal to bass heads, they fair better with music that is played on real instruments. They have long been favourites for people that enjoy rock music due to the speed and control of the sound.

At the price point I still think Grado hold their own with a well balanced, aggressive and detailed sound, there is nothing quite like them.

READ MORE: Grado SR80e Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones under £250

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2.0i

The Momentum series are hugely popular with on the go commuters, and for good reason. Offering stylish looks, a comfortable fit and a smooth easy to listen to sound.

Built to last with replaceable parts, the Momentum has slightly retro looks and comes in an array of colours. With playback controls on the cable you no longer have to take your phone out of your pocket. The sound is dynamic and punchy, offrering a slightly bass driven sound without sacrificing the midrange and treble. Engaging and fun are the best word to sum up the Momentum 2.0i.

Good looks and great sound, it is easy to see why the Momentum 2.0i is so popular with commuters. For Android users there is also the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0G.

Beyerdynamic T51i

The T51i have been around for a while now and are still excellent on-the-go headphones. They have a sturdy and sophisticated look, and offer a well balanced and detailed sound.

The T51i again tilts towards an easier to listen to sound, with a slight bass boost that gives the whole sound a little added body. There is sufficient detail across the range to keep them from sounding boring and what comes to mind when you put the T51i on is refinement.

With excellent build, comfy fit and refined sound the T51i has a lot to offer.

READ MORE: Beyerdynamic T51i Full Review

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2

Leather earpads and a metal headband, the P5 Series 2 screams quality and luxury. The earpads are soft lambskin leather with memory foam inside, like cushions against your ears.

Like the P3 the P5 Series 2 has the typical B&W house sound, which is smooth and effortless. Offering a well balanced but slightly rich sound with superb separation and articulation, from highs to lows these sound very refined and grown up.

The P5 Series 1 look stunning, have replaceable cables and a smooth effortless sound, what is not to like?

Best On Ear Headphones Over £250

Audeze Sine

Built from leather and metal, the Audeze Sine are built to last and also come with detachable cables. Using planar magnetic drivers they take a little more power than most phones can output, so they are best used with a high quality music player.

Give them a good source and the Sine in return give you excellent audio with snappy dynamics that can keep up with the most demanding of music. The bass is full yet superbly controlled, the midrange is where these excel not allowing the lows to affect them. Guitars have excellent power, and vocals come across with plenty of detail. The highs are present and well defined, but never become too hot and harsh.

The Sine are a mighty fine sounding on-ear headphone when driven well, and give you a full and detailed sound all

Do You Love Vinyl? Stylus Vinyl Show 2016

Posted on April 20, 2016 by John

Stylus Vinyl Show 2016

We’re heading up to London this weekend for the Stylus Vinyl Show 2016. We have been asked to host the only dedicated headphone room at this years show. Taking the best of our range of headphones and amps from brands Audeze, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, OPPO, Grado, Mr Speakers and more – we will be offering visitors the chance to listen to some of the best headphones around with top of the range turntables and phono stages supplied by Vinyl Passion and Music First Audio.

There will also be the chance to WIN a pair of Grado SR60e headphones especially for people attending the Stylus show.

And to top it all off we will be showing off the new Audeze LCD-4. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear possibly the best headphone money can buy!

Here is a selection of headphones and amps that will be available to listen to:

Audeze

LCD-4
LCD-3
LCD-XC
Deckard

Beyerdynamic

T1 (2nd Gen)
T5P (2nd Gen)
A2

Final

Sonorous X
Sonorous VI
Sonorous III
Sonorous II

Grado

SR80e
SR225e
SR325e

Mr Speakers

Ether C
Ether

OPPO

PM-1
PM-3
HA-1

Sennheiser

HD800S
HDVD800
HD650

Come along, say hi and bring your favourite records to hear them at their best!

Best headphones for bass to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews

Posted on February 13, 2015 by John

Best Headphones For Bass

Are you looking for headphones with powerful bass? Would you consider yourself a bit of a basshead? Thanks to headphones with emphasised bass like Beats by Dre we’ve noticed that a popular requirement for new headphones is big bass.

Often powerful bass response in headphones comes at the cost of clarity, so we’ve reviewed some models that handle strong bass – well defined, big, punchy bass! With this in mind we’ve compiled a list of our 10 best headphones for bass from the selection that we often recommend to our customers.

The list is in price order (low to high) so there is something for everybody with in-ear headphones and earphones, full size, portable and IEMs all covered.

Scroll down and read our expert reviews of the best bass headphones available in the UK.

Best headphones or bass under £50

1. DUNU DN-22M Detonator

This entry level in-ear is the bassiest we have heard! Not only do they have big bass, top end clarity and build quality is great for a sub-£40 earphone.

2. FOSTEX TH-5BB

Fostex have been in the audio business for a long time, and it shows with their entry level headphone. For under £50 you will struggle to find a full size headphone with as much good quality bass and build.

Best headphones or bass under £100

3. SOUNDMAGIC P30S

If in-ears aren’t for you then the P30S is the best for the price. Portable, comfortable, great isolation and most importantly – they’ve got that bass!

4. FIDUE A71

These dual driver IEM’s go low. Very low! They have a mini sub-woofer as well as a smaller dynamic driver inside each earpiece – supplying not only great bass but lots of detail too.

5. DUNU Titan 1

Our Full Review, including video unboxing

These beauties are one of our favourites! For under £100 you get extremely sturdy build quality, amazing sound – bass, detail, soundstage, separation and energy. They have it all.

Best headphones or bass under £200

6. RHA T10 / T10i

Built like a tank, the RHA T10 is built to last. They come supplied with a filter system which gives you 3 levels of sound – bass, bassier and blow your head off!

7. BEYERDYNAMIC Custom One Pro

Beyerdynamic are best known for their studio headphones – The Custom One Pro has studio build quality but can be used with portable devices. They have superb isolation and most importantly great sound! With the 3 bass port settings on each earcup you can customise your sound to suit your music.

Best headphones or bass over £200

8. AUDIOFLY AF140

The AF140 gives you three drivers inside each earphone housing – one 9mm dynamic driver for the low end power and two balanced armature drivers for crystal clear detail. The resulting sound has punchy bass and lots of energy.

9. PIONEER SE-MX9

Our Full Review,

These are real Beats beaters. Not only do they have lots of bass, it’s good quality bass. It goes as low as you like with no distortion. That’s not all – unlike their competitors they also have great detail and separation.

10. AUROSONICS ASG 1.5

Finally, the ASG-1.5 delivers a full-bodied, warm, organic sound with an incredible and articulate bass response that is captivating and powerful. Each housing holds a 14.2mm dynamic driver and the build quality is what you would expect and more from a high end IEM.

The Big Apple Rig Shootout – Which DAC and Amp is the Champ?

Posted on December 11, 2014 by John

Here at HiFiHeadphones we’re asked regularly about what amp/DAC combo might make the best job of converting and amplifying your Apple binary music collections. Would it be best to get an all in one solution like the Cypherlabs Theorem or Fostex HP-P1, or get a DAC such as the Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo with a separate amp?

Further, how does the DAC in the Fostex compare with the DAC in the Theorem if both are connected to the same amp?

The proof of the audio pudding is in shoving the thing into your ears, so here’s our thoughts about how each solution compares!

Firstly, why even bother? The Apple iPod/iPhone has a headphone socket (just) so let’s plug straight in right? There’s nothing wrong with this, and most people find the internal DAC/Amp to be quite satisfactory when used along with their stock white earpods, or any low impedance headphone designed for portable use.

However there are those awkward types who require more power for their chosen headphones; more than the iThingy can put out. Others include those with high value in-ear headphones who will not compromise on audio quality when it comes to the digital to analogue conversion.

The wonderful full size Beyerdynamic T5p and in-ear Sennheiser IE800 were used to ascertain what might comprise the best sound and value for the average portable audiophile.

Fostex HP-P1

The original combined dac/amp for Apple; how does it fare with the new available equipment? When tried with both the Beyerdynamic T5p and Sennheiser IE800 the Fostex HP-P1 does a splendid job. Certainly better than the on-board Apple kit, but other makers have been doing their best in the intervening years of course. With this setup, the HP-P1 filter was slightly more natural sounding so assume the filter is in postion one throughout this test. Being the first up in a comparison, there’s not much to be written now but read on..

Cypher Labs Theorem 720

With the Sennheiser IE800, the Theorem gave a much better impression of control and there seemed to be more space within the midrange region. In comparison, the HP-P1 just got a bit cluttered there and the result was a loss of detail and imaging.

The Theorem compared favourably using the Beyerdynamic T5p too – the soundstage was wider and deeper with better imaging leading to a more immersive 3D sound. The detail level appeared to be the same, but with the Theorem this was smoother and more lush sounding; the Fostex HP-P1 was a little brittle next to this.

Cypher Labs Algorythm Solo with Just Audio AHA-120

I’ve compared this Class A amplifier with the Theorem before; I put it as the Theorem’s spandex versus Just Audio’s silk. Not to say the Theorem is a slouch, but when compared to a Class A amp it sounds slightly less good! And that’s the tradeoff – if you want no compromise in sound quality and wish to pick every component you will pay for it, and you will have to carry it around as well!

DACs Compared Only

For this test I decided to get a decent portable amp (Fiio E12) and compare the Line-Out features of the HP-P1 and Theorem. Things were not all that different in comparitive terms.

The HP-P1 had good detail but the presentation was flat with a limited soundstage; a bit on the dry side.

The Theorem had a wider soundstage but was still a little dry sounding. Detail was similar to the HP-P1 but again with more control.

The Algorythm Solo was a slight let down used in combination with the E12; soundstage was decidedly average with a flat feel to proceedings. Detail was comparitively muddy sounding.

And compared with the E12 amp (with no bass boost), the internal amp of the HP-P1 was slightly darker and more laid back, while the Theorem amp was much fuller and lusher sounding than the Theorem DAC + E12 combo.

Conclusion

The best solution in terms of sound only is the Algorythm Solo/AHA-120 pairing, but this scores lowest in terms of cost, bulk and convenience. Having to keep 3 separate battery operated devices charged is worth considering, and then there’s the interconnects which add cost and lengthen the audio chain. The sound is rich and effortless – a real treat which is earned by those having to carry all that gear!

The Cypher Labs Theorem 720 is the best all-rounder in my opinion – there’s an engaging, exciting energy about the sound from the Theorem which is close to the Solo/AHA-120 combo but it swaps the silky smoothness of the AHA-120 for a more in-your-face powerful sound. Also the amp in the Theorem gives a lushness which is really attractive.

The Fostex HP-P1 is the least impressive of the three; given that it was the first to be introduced this is no surprise. It is still a very competent and fine-sounding unit but has been surpassed since its introduction.

Beyerdynamic T51i Review – Premium Portable Perfection

Posted on September 25, 2014 by John

Verdict

High quality needn’t be a feature only of high-end, open-backed headphones, as we’ve recently seen with the likes of the KEF M500 and the Musical Fidelity MF100. With their solid but light aluminium construction, yielding earpads and flawless sound, the Beyerdynamic T51i allows you to take true Hi-Fi sound wherever you go.

Pros

Solid build quality

Very comfortable for an on-ear

Exceptional Sound quality

Ideal carry case included

Good isolation

Cons

Fixed cable

Buttons a little small and recessed, may be tricky with gloves on

German headphone company Beyerdynamic’s latest offering, the T51i, features iDevice compatibility for trouble-free calls as well as superior sound quality. The overall impression is that these will last for years; there is simply nothing to fall apart or get loose.

Key Features

Obviously the iControls are what marks this headphone out as different to the T51p; other than that it’s the usual package from Beyerdynamic. Just solid and dependable construction and sound, along with a soft but sturdy case and the usual 6.3mm/flight adaptors. Also included is an adaptor to convert Apple’s preferred CTIA jack terminal spec to OMTP for older handsets. In this market it’s tempting to add a gimmick or two, but Beyerdynamic know that these headphones can easily stand on their own merits.

First Impressions

The build quality is a fine introduction to the general theme here, just pure enjoyment. The Beyerdynamic T51i headphones are lovely to touch; the strong cool metal and leathery earpads definitely give the idea that there’s nothing to worry about and it’s all under control. The cable is more akin to their IEM cables; more suitable for the portable crowd, but non-removeable. Conceivably, they could have had a removeable cable and introduced alternative cables with controls for specific handset types, but that’s just nit-picking.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is about what can be expected from Beyerdynamic’s full size headphones; well represented bass without bloat or bad definition, clean midrange and detailed highs. Some models such as the DT880 can lean toward the bright side, but the T51i has the detail along with smoothness. I’ve been listening at a fair volume for an hour and am quite comfortable.

Summary

Highly esteemed makers with long pedigrees like Beyerdynamic raise one’s expectations accordingly. Nevertheless the Beyerdynamic T51i is still a surprise, and an absolute pleasure to use. The build, feel and sound of them all scream quality; the way they are put together comes from 50 years ago, but the sound is definitely 21st century.

Score: 9/10

Beyerdynamic T51i Portable Headphones With Mic – Announcement

Posted on September 9, 2014 by John

The Beyerdynamic T51i is one of the best portable headphones out there. Now they have gone a step further by adding an in-line microphone and smartphone controls – making them the ultimate portable headphone!

HifiHeadphones are happy to announce that the Beyerdynamic T51i is now in stock.

Buy Beyerdynamic T51i Closed Back Headphones with Apple Controls & Mic here

Price – £245.95

Features

Convenient 3-button remote control and microphone for phone calls and media playback
Outstanding balanced and powerful sound quality
Brilliant treble and deep bass reproduction
Tesla technology with highest efficiency
Excellent ambient noise attenuation
Swivelling earcups 90°
Foldable headband design
Made in Germany

Best headphones under £50 to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Tony

Top 10 Best Headphones Under £50

SoundMAGIC ES18 / ES18S

SoundMAGIC have made a fantastic name for themselves within the budget in-ear market, no wonder they get on the list of top 10 best headphones under £50. The E18 is a great example of just how they do it – designing products which offer exceptional sound quality for the prices asked.

The ES18 has bass which is warm but not overblown, mids which are fluid and engaging, and highs which are slightly recessed. Suitable for those who find percussion and cymbals generally strident and fatiguing.

Also available as the ES18S with a microphone and button for answering/hanging up calls.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

For the asking price these are difficult to beat; try the famous SoundMAGIC sound for under £20!

DUNU DN-12

The DN-12 is a sturdily built IEM with solid metallic housings and a good solid sound also.

Bass is deep and punchy without being boomy, midrange is slightly recessed with high frequencies well balanced; there’s a slight roll-off for those who like a warmer sound signature; normal for IEMs of this price.

A very well put together earphone with a sound signature that is sure to please.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A great IEM for the price, the DN-12 gives great weight to music and will suit those who like a fun sound.

FIDUE A31

Another entrant in the IEM market is FIDUE, and their range starts with the fantastic FIDUE 31 – the capsules are tiny and the sound is big!

Good warm bass and good mid-range detail – there is a slight roll off in the treble region for those who like a warmer presentation.

The earphones are lightweight and tough, perfect for running or in the gym. Ear tips are designed to keep the earphones in the ear and cables can be worn over the ear for a more secure fit.

Also fitted with a lightweight microphone in case you need to take calls.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A great budget choice – narrower nozzles may make this a good choice for those with fit issues with other IEMs. Perfect for sports use.

Audiofly AF33M

The entry-level AF33 from Audiofly gives a fantastic sound, and the AF33M version gives added functionality with smartphones, offering an answer button for those calls.

Good bass which is tight and well controlled, midrange with a slight recess and treble which has liveliness and sparkle without being fatiguing. When we first tried these we thought that there was a mistake – these sound like IEMs which cost more than £50.

A very capable earphone with a grown up sound signature without the boom, boom of some other budget earphones. Very musical.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Many are getting a kick out of Australian firm Audiofly’s range in more than one way. The engaging and involving sound of these IEMs will certainly get you waltzing.

Sennheiser HD201

Sennheiser’s entry-level full size, the HD201, is incredibly cheap for what you get – anyone looking for a good sound without wanting to part with much cash must be tempted by the HD201.

Good but not bloaty bass, a clear midrange and a slightly forward treble make these superb all rounders. Fantastic for detail, you might hear things with these which are missed on pricier headphones.

This are a ideal everyday headphone that won’t break the bank.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Probably the best full-size headphone you’ll find for under £20, hands down.

Koss PortaPro

The Koss Porta Pro may not be an obvious choice for the top 10 best portable headphones, it is likely older than most of its current users; introduced in the early 1980s, it pre-dates most other lightweight designs and has a real retro charm.

The sound is still very current however, as the PortaPro’s sound signature suits dance music, rap and anything the user can throw at them.

A good level of bass and midrange gives a good grunt with realistic body. The highs are a little rolled off but not to the point where it’s a problem, indeed the roll-off makes them less likely to fatigue the wearer if dance music is played.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

For the money this is amazing value – get yourself a design classic which has stood the test of time.

SoundMAGIC P21 / P21S

This portable is certainly a fun-sounding headphone – it also looks fun and feels it too!

They are very light and are a perfect travelling companion when folded into the semi-rigid case.Bass is present but not overblown, midrange is clear and involving, and highs are revealing but not overbearing.The flat cable does not tangle and the 90 degree jack is perfect for placing your music source in a pocket or bag.

If you need mobile phone compatibility try the P21S fitted with microphone and call control button for taking phone calls.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Look no further if you’re planning to explore! This is the perfect travelling companion for the journey to another continent, or the local park!

Grado iGrado

Grado are well known for their trademark wide open and airy sound, and the iGrado follows in this theme. Designed to sit over the ear with a neckband keeping things in place, the iGrado gives a wonderfully natural sound.

They are wide open in design, meaning that there is no isolation. Others will hear your music, and you will be aware of the environment around you. This makes the sound much more realistic in terms of soundstage and imaging, but you may get some odd looks if these are worn on the train, for example.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

The iGrado is very popular with joggers and those who prefer to be aware of the sounds around them, also they are a great low-cost upgrade for anyone wanting a headphone specifically for use in the home.

Fostex TH7-BB

For its price, this versatile Fostex model is great value and is great for enjoying music as well as a whole host of professional applications.

Imaging and soundstage are impressive thanks to the semi-open design, but isolation is not lost.

Bass goes low but remains tight, mids are clear and natural, highs are detailed and not rolled off, but not too bright.

The impendence and sensitivity may require a headphone amp for portable uses.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A good rugged all-rounder for both in and out of doors, the TH7-BB is a great choice for those on a budget.

Grado SR60i

Another of Grado’s great value headphones, the SR60i is much like its elder sibling the SR80i, but may be more appropriate for enjoying older recordings or music with less than perfect sound quality. As the SR60i is not as bright sounding as the SR80i, they may be better or you if you find that you get fatigued after listening for a while.

The SR60 has been around for 20 years, which in the fast-moving world of electronic gadgets seems like a lifetime. Apart from the odd tweak, why change something which works so well?

Hifiheadphones verdict:

The look, feel and quality of the SR60i is magnificent for the asking price; why not get yourself a slice of a headphone legend? If you like details and a more forward or bright presentation, consider the SR80i.

Beyerdynamic DTX102iE Review

Posted on May 23, 2014 by John

Beyerdynamic DTX102iE In-Ear Isolating Earphones

Beyerdynamic’s in-ears have always proved to be a reliable and low-cost solution for those who like a detailed and well balanced sound,and the Beyerdynamic DTX102iE in ear Headphones continue in this tradition.

This is the revamped and made-over DTX101iE; there’s no great departure from the sound signature of the DTX101iE (although we have no 101s now for a direct comparison) but there are improvements to other features of the design.

The cables have been made a little thicker and more robust, with less cable noise/microphonics should the wearer prefer them worn down from the ear. They can of course also be worn with the cable over the back of the ear which eliminates a lot of this noise at a stroke.

Also the housing has been made a little more durable, although we don’t recall having many issues with the former model.

To briefly describe the sound, the low end is beefy but not woolly; the mid range is clear and uncluttered whilst the treble is very nice for a sub £100 in-ear. High-frequency roll off is less than what I’d expect for a model in this price range.

Soundstage is fair, with good separation. I found that these are very good for rock and dance music.

Accessories are basic, with the standard 3 sizes of tips and a ‘snappy jaw’ case for the earphones.

For those who like things nice and clear with no clutter, these may be the perfect companions.

World Cup 2014 Headphone Guide

Posted on May 22, 2014 by John

World Cup 2014 Headphone Guide

World Cup 2014 is on its way and now that FIFA have banned branded headphones, we have come up with a list of headphones to help you keep up with all of the matches. Whether you listen to the radio on the go, stream the games on your iPad or just want to watch the football at home without disturbing anyone.

Here is our pick of headphones that will help you enjoy the World Cup and sound great!

Portable Streaming

Ideal for listening on the go with portable devices. These headphones are small, lightweight, they have good isolation and will reduce the amount of sound leaking out.. You can follow the World Cup in style.

SoundMAGIC E10

Voted best in-ear for under £40 3 years running. The E10 is the go to earphone for great sound and value.

Jaybird BlueBuds X

If you like using in-ears but want something wireless these are perfect! They use Bluetooth so will be able to connect to most mobile phones and modern portable devices.

Beyerdynamic DTX501p

These are great for portable listening. Very comfortable, they fold neatly into the supplied case and they sound great too.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear

If you’re after a bit more luxury then the Momentum On-Ear is for you. They are the portable sized version of the popular full sized Momentum. They have a lush sound with great clarity and soundstage. They are also extremely comfortable and they look great too!

Audiofly AF78/M

The AF78 uses hybrid technology, so you get a dynamic driver (for rich bass) and a balanced armature driver (for clarity and detail). This combination gives you great punchy sound with clear detail. The M version comes with a universal in-line microphone and one button control.

Sennheiser MM450-X

To fully immerse yourself you can go for the ultimate portable headphone. The MM450-X not only sounds great, they have noise cancelling – this will help block out background noise so you can listen in peace.

Home Streaming

Full size, comfortable and easily driven. Perfect for private listening at home with any source device.

Grado SR80i

These are open backed headphones so they will leak sound, but very good sound! They are probably the best value for money headphone we do.

Sennheiser HD380

Closed back and extremely comfortable. They have a warm and open sound – great for the price.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro

One of the best sub £200 closed back headphones we do. Very good sound isolation and adjustable bass ports lets you customise the sound for your taste. Very comfortable and has a replaceable cable.

SoundMAGIC HP200

Another open backed headphone so sound will leak. These have a surprisingly warm sound for an open back headphone with great bass and natural detail.

Final Audio Pandora Hope IV

This closed back headphone gives you the best of both – a balanced armature driver for crisp top end detail and a dynamic driver for rich, punchy lows. Once burned in these headphones sound amazing – you’ll want to wear them all day long!

Beyerdynamic T70p

The T70p has great clarity and top end detail with tight bass and an overall neutral sound. The P version is designed for portable devices, if you use a headphone amplifier then I would recommend the T70 (non P version).

Watching TV

If you’re going to be watching the games live on TV then you will be doing some late night viewing. These headphones will be able to connect to your TV and get you fully immersed in the World Cup without disturbing anyone else in the house.

Sennheiser RS160 or Sennheiser RS170

The ultimate in TV quiet listening. Both the RS160 and RS170 are closed back and will isolate sound extremely well. The RS160 comes with a portable transmitter which can be powered by batteries whereas the RS170 has a more powerful transmitter that also acts a holder and charging station for the headphones.

Best Headphones for Portable Players

Posted on May 21, 2014 by John

Listening on the go is becoming more and more popular – especially that now you can store your whole library of lossless audio on to a compact player like the FiiO X3, FiiO X5 or even the Astell&Kern AK120.

With the potential to have the highest quality audio in your pocket you will want to complement that with the headphones you use. This article will cover how to choose a portable headphone and suggest some of our favourites.

When buying headphones or in ear earphones for a portable player there are 3 main qualities you will be looking for:

Compact

As you will be more than likely using the headphones while travelling you will want them to be small enough to fit into a bag or even fold up for easy storage. You will also want them to be a size that won’t get in the way whilst moving from busy train to busy train.

Closed Back / Sound Isolating

As these headphones will probably be used in public, you won’t want the sound of your guilty pleasures spilling out to the rest of the train carriage – nor will you want to hear the loud music being played by the youths at the back of the bus. Closed back or sound isolating headphones are perfect for this, as they reduce the amount of sound leaking and help block out external noise.

Easily Driven

The majority of portable players such as iPod, iPhone, Samsung, Sony etc. can give great sound quality but they don’t have the most powerful headphone amps on them – when this is the case you want a headphone that is easy to drive so you can get a good volume out of them without maxing out your player.

In ear headphones

The ultimate portable solution are in ear isolating earphones as they tick all the above qualities – here are a selection that I would recommend:

SoundMagic E10 (£34.99)

The go to in-ear for under £60.

Final Audio Heaven II (£89), IV (£199) and VI (£599)

Refined sound with great bass and sharp detail.

Shure SE112 (£46), SE215 (£96) and SE315 (£159)

Well balanced sound with superb midrange. Great isolation and secure over the ear fit.

On the ear

SoundMAGIC P30 (£69)

Best budget portable headphone.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear (£169.96) and Full Size (£259.99)

Warm, smooth sound and superb build quality.

KEF M500 (£249)

Clear detail with tight bass and crisp mids. Folds up for easy storage.

Full size over the ear

GermanMAESTRO GMP 8.35 D (£160)

Practically indestructible and one of the best for isolation. Great punchy sound.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro (£169.96)

Adjustable bass ports for customizable sound. Another great one for isolation.

Beyerdynamic T70p (£438.95)

Neutral sound with crystal clear detail.

Beyerdynamic T5p (£880)

Studio quality sound on the go.

Ultrasone Edition 8 (£1099)

Audiophile quality sound with superb isolation.

Open back

Now if you don’t need complete sound isolation and would prefer an open backed headphone then there a some very good ones to choose from:

Koss Porta Pro (£29.95)

The classic portable headphone.

Grado SR80i (£99.95)

These are very hard to beat for under £100. HiFi quality sound on the go.

SoundMAGIC HP200 (£229)

Smooth and fun sounding with great detail. Very comfortable and good isolation for an open back.

Headphone amplifier

And finally… If you have got your heart set on a headphone that is more difficult to drive then do not fear! Adding a portable headphone amplifier into the chain will solve this issue.

FiiO E12 (£109.99)

Lots of power, bass boost, sturdy build quality and detailed sound.

So hopefully this article has helped you decide on your new headphone – but if you have any questions then do feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to help!

Beyerdynamic A2 Headphone Amp

Posted on May 20, 2014 by John

Beyerdynamic A2 Headphone Amp

The Beyerdynamic A2 Headphone Amp is now available to purchase from our on-line store. (please call 01903 768910 for further information.

The A2 is Beyerdynamic’s new addition to their range of audiophile headphone amplifiers. Newly developed from scratch and already awarded with the renowned”Red Dot Award: Product Design 2014″, the A2 headphone amplifier does not only impress with its unbelievably natural and powerful airy sound, but also with its clear and high-quality design.

Main Features

Discrete electronics for best audio reproduction
Amazingly natural and brilliant sound reproduction with an excellent resolution and spatiality
Two parallel headphone outputs for two listeners to enjoy music simultaneously
Convenient remote control for all functions
Slide switches for selectable gain and impedance
Headphone stand included (can be mounted to the A2) for compact storage of headphones
Elegant design with transparent glass cover enabling you to look at the illuminated interior

Beyerdynamic A200p High-End Portable Apple/Android DAC and Headphone Amplifier – Announcement

Posted on March 11, 2014 by John

The Hifiheadphones team is pleased to announce the new Portable Apple/Android DAC and Headphone Amplifier from Beyerdynamic, the A200p is now available to be purchased on our website.

Detailed audio signal without the loss of sound quality when using portable devices. Compatible with smartphones, tablets and computers, the A200p offers high definition sound that was previously not possible for travelling audiophiles.

Designed to circumvents the internal signal processing, the integrated Wolfson DAC chip of the A200p receives the pure digital music data first. After converting the digital data to analogue music signals, a high-quality amplifier controls the output to the connected headphones. All this results in previously unheard details, better contoured and deeper bass, as well as natural instrument and vocal reproduction.

Beyerdynamic A200p supports iPhone 5, iPad Air, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini and iPod touch (5th generation) and most smartphones with Android 4.1 or higher, which have a digital USB audio output. The A200p is currently the smallest mobile DAC and amplifier that can work with all of these devices on the digital level.

Features

Crystal-clear sound with portable players
Compatible with Apple and Android devices
Digital connection via Apple lightning or Micro-USB
3.5mm mini stereo jack headphone connection
Volume control with 135 levels
LED display for charging, operation and volume
Three buttons for music playback/pause and skipping forward and backward
On/off switch with locking function
DAC with up to 24 bit resolution at 96 kHz sampling frequency
Integrated rechargeable battery with up to 11 hours operating time

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Beyerdynamic A200p High-End Portable Apple/Android DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Beyerdynamic T51p Portable Closed-Back Headphones – Announcement

Posted on December 11, 2013 by John

The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Portable Beyerdynamic T51p Portable Closed-Back Headphones , the T51p is now available to be purchased on our website.

Beyerdynamic Tesla T51p Premium Portable Closed-Back Hi-Fi Headphones. Building on the award winning T50p, the new T51p with improved drivers deliver in an inspiring way. A particularly deep bass response and transparent, clear highs are apparent from the T51p due to the common properties that make all Tesla headphones so special: high efficiency and low distortion.

With its metal fully-adjustable headband and swivelling earcups the T51p fits perfectly on your head and confirms Beyerdynamic’s long-established reputation for producing headphones with excellent wearing comfort. The earpads made of super-soft synthetic leather fit the contour of the outer ear thanks to its memory foam filling.

Thanks to the swivelling earcups the T51p folds up compactly and fits in the included rugged nylon carry case. A high-quality 6.35mm adaptor is included for listening on premium hi-fi equipment or headphone amplifiers, an airplane adaptor is also included so you can enjoy a superior experience of in-flight entertainment.

New and improved version of Award-winning T50p
Clear, powerful sound across the entire frequency range
Tesla technology with high efficiency and low distortion
Closed design isolates external noise very effectively
Fully-adjustable metal headband and swivelling earcups
Earpads made of super-soft synthetic leather and memory foam
High-quality 6.35mm adapter and flight adapter included
MADE IN GERMANY

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Beyerdynamic Tesla T51p Premium Portable Closed-Back Headphones

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