PREFER EARPHONES? READ MORE: Best Earphones 2024

BEST ENTRY LEVEL HIGH-END

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

The Audeze MM-100 is a versatile headphone designed for both studio engineers and music enjoyers on a budget. It can be driven by just about any source, making it ideal for life on the go. With its Audeze patented planar magnetic drivers, it delivers precise, studio-quality audio with incredible detail and clarity, making it ideal for mixing, mastering, or casual listening. The sound is stunning, especially when paired with a quality setup and completely outperforms anything else in its price bracket at just £399. Lightweight and comfortable, the MM-100 ensures long sessions are a breeze and gives an immersive listening experience to anyone who put them over their ears.

BEST BUDGET WIRED HEADPHONES

SoundMAGIC HP151- £88.99

The SoundMAGIC HP151 offers excellent audio quality with a balanced sound signature and impressive detail for its price. Its spacious soundstage and comfortable design make it an ideal choice for budget-conscious listeners seeking reliable, wired performance. Priced just under £90, it is a great pick for anyone looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES

1More SonoFlow HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone and you will only see smiles on their faces.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

How do they do it? SoundMAGIC have once again made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable and boom mic (great for home office or even gaming). In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. Add into the mixer an incredibly impressive battery life and a simple ease of use and you have got yourself a bargain. They sound full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and for a Wireless on ear headphone what more could you want?

WATCH VIDEO: SoundMAGIC P23BT Wireless On Ear Headphone Review

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

5. Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Full Size Headphones – £1149

The Audeze LCD-X are a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you want to give yourself a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself with the Audeze LCD-X.

READ MORE: Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Headphones

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Full Size Studio Headphones – £1699

Audeze MM-500 is designed to suit the requirements of long daily listening sessions under almost any condition. World-class studio monitor? Check. Quick reference on-the-go? No problem. Deep late-night listening? Done. With its ease of drive, comfortable fit and trustworthy sound, you can count on the MM-500 to deliver in every situation. The MM-500’s planar magnetic drivers provide realism that audio professionals like Manny “can’t live without.” With lightning-fast transients, accurate frequency response and trusted mix translation.

READ MORE: Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Studio Headphones

Final D8000 – £2,999.00

Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.

Audeze LCD-5 -£3,999.00

The Audeze LCD-5 is a masterpiece of audiophile engineering, delivering unmatched clarity, precision, and emotional depth to your music. Audeze’s Flagship LCD has a lightweight magnesium frame and the premium materials ensure long-lasting comfort, while the cutting-edge planar magnetic drivers reveal every nuance in your favorite tracks. For those seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction and a transformative listening experience, the LCD-5 is still there, in a league of its own. Full Review

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

BEST GAMING HEADPHONES

Audeze Maxwell Ps5/Xbox – £319.00/£349.00.

The Audeze Maxwell redefines what a wireless gaming headset can be. With its planar magnetic drivers, it offers astonishingly clear, detailed sound that brings games and music to life. Combine this with ultra-low latency performance, an 80-hour battery, and a premium build, and you have a headset that’s as serious about sound as it is about gaming. The Maxwell remains the gold standard for serious gamers and audiophiles alike and a must have in 2024

Have We Missed Anything Out?

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

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True Wireless earbuds have become the go-to choice for fitness users, whether its running, gym use, outdoor workouts or just going for a nice long walk. For this list, we decided to include a range of different earphones and headphones to suit all your needs from wired, wireless, Bluetooth and True Wireless – we have you all covered from as little as £20.

BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES UNDER £50

1. Final E500 – £19.99 – BUY HERE

The Final E500 is not a typical sports earphone, yet they have features that come in handy for your daily run. Firstly, they are the best value for money earphones we have tried. At just under £20, nothing else we have listened to in this price range comes close to the sound achieved from the E500. They are also very small, which means you will get a great fit and the E500 is less likely to fall out of your ears when sprinting towards your personal best.

2. Flare Audio Flares Jet 1 – £49 – BUY HERE

To help you push through and motivate a big run, the Flares Jet 1 has the sound to keep you going. Big and powerful bass with crisp, snappy clarity means that music will really pop! These earphones have a big sound, so your favourite running tunes will do their job. The Jet 1 is also built to withstand constant use, with a robust design – you can be sure that they will last and last.

BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES UNDER £100

3. SoundMAGIC E11BT – £69.99 – BUY HERE

The award winning SoundMAGIC E11BT has been a firm favourite since its release – gaining praise for its design, comfort and most importantly – sound quality. The E11BT is ideal for those wanting a Bluetooth earphone, that prefer a neckband design. The neckband provides added support while in use, then when you’re finished using them – they can conveniently hang down so there’s no need to keep packing them away.

4. Lypertek PurePlay Z3 – £99 – BUY HERE

Lypertek’s first True Wireless release – the PurePlay Z3 – exploded onto the TWS scene, quickly gaining awards and the label of ‘best under £100’. Today it is still considered one of the best, and just so happens to make a good running partner too. ThePurePlay Z3 has a few standout features which will come in handy during your workout such as 70 hours battery life (including the charging case), IPX7 waterproof rating for those rainy days and audiophile worthy sound quality – to get the most from your tracks.

BEST PREMIUM RUNNING HEADPHONES

5. Bowers & Wilkins PI3 – £169 – BUY HERE

For those after a more premium feel to their wireless earphones, then B&W has you covered with the PI3. Another neckband design, the PI3 will blow you away with its superb build, design and comfort, with only the best materials being used. Then the sound – using the latest codecs you can be sure that you get your money’s worth. To make these suited to running, there are ear fins included with the PI3, which will improve comfort and provide a secure fit for active listening.

6. Bowers & Wilkins PX5 – £269.99 – BUY HERE

If you prefer a traditional headphone fit instead of in-ears, then the B&W PX5 would be our top pick for running. They are small and fit on the ear – not over and around the ear like larger sized headphones. This means they will be less bulky for running and will stay nice and secure on your head. These wireless headphones have active noise cancelling (ANC), so they will do a great job of keeping you focused on your fitness goals.

Have We Missed Anything Out?

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

The post Best Running Headphones 2020: Headphones, Earphones, True Wireless and Bluetooth appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

People deciding to work from home is on the rise – and why not? There are lots of perks to be had when working from home, and along with being able to stay in your PJ’s – you can listen to music all day without disturbing the office. Here’s our pick of some the best audio tech that every home office could benefit from.

Lypertek PurePlay Z3

There are many reasons why the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 is a solid favourite for true wireless earbuds under £100, and many of the PurePlay Z3’s features are well suited for use in your home office. The 70 hour battery life means they’re unlikely to die during an important call, and the microphone quality is impressive. The PurePlay Z3 is IPX7 waterproof rated, so they’ll survive if you spill your morning coffee on them and you can give them a full wash if needed – you can even take them into the shower with you! Most importantly, they sound superb with people even describing them as audiophile worthy – so they must be good!

B&W PX7

For the ultimate package, then the B&W PX7 is a complete solution for your audio and isolation needs. These full sized, noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones will give you freedom from wires, able to connect wirelessly to devices supporting Bluetooth. Being B&W, you can expect the sound quality to be up there with the best. The PX7 is energetic and clear, with deep and well controlled bass and a great sense of space. Then the features give you 30 hours of listening, Bluetooth 5, AAC, aptX and aptX-HD codecs and B&W’s leading noise cancelling technology for uninterrupted listening.

JDS Element II

If it’s a desktop option you need, then the JDS Labs Element II will not only bring an audio upgrade – it will look great too. Beautifully designed with a simple yet striking look – the Element II headphone amplifier and DAC will fit into any setup. Historically, JDS Labs has been known for their functional design and great sound – now with the Element II, they have shown that they can make great looking equipment too.

Flare Isolate 2

There will be some of you out there that prefer complete silence when working from home – don’t worry, we have you covered. Flare are leading the way when it comes to hearing protection, and their newest model – the Isolate 2 – is going to be the one we recommend. These are made of aluminium and not only do they do a great job of blocking out unwanted noise – they look stunning too. The Isolate 2 is CE certified and has a high sound protection rating of SNR32, so you can be confident they’ll do a good job.

Campfire Audio Cascade

If you’re not ready to ditch the wires, and you want to listen comfortably with maximum isolation, the Campfire Audio Cascade closed back headphones will do just that. The Cascade is extremely comfortable, which is ideal for wearing for long periods of time while getting your work done. These are closed back headphones, so they will also do a great job of blocking out external noise – allowing you to enjoy your music in peace. Then the sound is what you’d expect from Campfire Audio – engaging, punchy and very enjoyable. The Cascade uses filters which can be changed to suit your taste in sound – allowing you to customise your listening.

Audeze LCD-GX

Those of you who want the very best headphones that can double up as communication headsets may be interested in the Audeze LCD-GX. This is a high end gaming headphone aimed at audiophiles. The attachable microphone will give you superb voice quality and can be used for those all important business calls. Then, when you’re done with work – fire up your favourite game and enjoy the real to life spatial awareness and clarity provided by these all purpose open backed cans.

Final E500

The Final E500 is the ideal earphone for those wanting to upgrade from the ones supplied from your device – without breaking the bank. At £20, these are the best value performers we’ve come across. Sound quality is the E500’s main focus, and their level of detail, separation and imaging challenges models twice the price and more. The earphones themselves are small so they are very comfortable, and the supplied Final eartips will ensure you get a good seal which really helps isolation – blocking out background noise to help you focus.

B&W PI3

If you want some wireless earphones, and true wireless doesn’t appeal to you – then B&W has you covered with the PI3. These hybrid dual driver wireless earphones use a neckband design, and come with all of the latest features including Bluetooth 5, AAC, aptX and aptX-HD codecs, 8 hours of playtime, and very impressive microphone call quality – perfect for those video conferences. The dual hybrid driver setup means you get a 9.2mm dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver inside each housing. This driver combination delivers sound that’s packed with detail and space – with an almost 3D quality.

Kanto YU4

While you’re going to be at home a lot more, you may want to improve your audio setup. The Kanto YU4 is an ideal speaker for desktop use. They are powered speakers, so don’t require a separate amplifier, and they have Bluetooth functionality – so you can connect them to other Bluetooth devices wirelessly. Their compact and stylish design means they’ll fit into most setups and their sound will really impress you. They pack a lot of punch for their size, and deliver a tight and detailed sound. A great all-rounder for those days working from home, and to enjoy once the work is done.

Shanling UP2

Want to go wireless but are not ready to stop using your favourite wired headphones? Fear not. The Shanling UP2 is a Bluetooth headphone amplifier and DAC, meaning that you can plug your headphones in and then connect wirelessly to your Bluetooth compatible device. This is perfect for use with PC’s, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. The UP2 also has a built in microphone, so you can take calls even if your headphones do not have a built in mic. Fully charged you can expect up to 11 hours of playback and the UP2 will support all popular audio codecs including LDAC, aptX, aptX-HD and AAC.

The post Audio Gear For Your Home Office – Headphones, Earphones, DACs and more appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

We start off with the P3 Series 2 from Bowers & Wilkins, this is their entry level model but don’t be fooled by the price. These headphones come in a stylish and durable design that is perfect for everyday use. The lightweight build along with leather earpads means they are very comfortable, and the replaceable cable means you’ll get years of use out of them.

But the main thing that stands out is the big sound they produce from such a small headphone. Offering up a warm velvety sound that is effortless and enjoyable. They may not have the last word in detail, but what they do offer is pure pleasure, they immerse you in the music. Definitely a headphone to consider if you are looking for something low priced, lightweight and easy going.

Next up we have the P5 wireless, keeping the sound quality of the original P5 Series 2 but with the added bonus of no wires. The P5 Wireless are still the perfect size for everyday portable use, they just don’t fold up like the P3 Series 2. All their headphones share a similar mainly metal build, with leather earpads meaning the P5 wireless are still an extremely comfortable headphone. The Bluetooth is easy to pair and the button layout is intuitive, they also come with a cable in case you run out of battery.

The sound is big and bold, this used to be the house sound for Bowers & Wilkins before the Px was released. Plenty of punch and warmth down low, but with good detail throughout. The dynamics really standout and these will grab your attention and draw you in to the music. There is also greater depth with regards to sound staging over their smaller siblings, a worthy contender for your go to headphone of choice.

If you are looking for the ultimate travelling headphone, look no further than the Px. Released last year, Bowers & Wilkins packed a ton of tech into this stylish over-ear headphone. Active noise cancelling with the ability to tune what you want to cancel out via an App on your phone, sensors to automatically pause and play the music along with an excellent power saving feature. The Px really are quite impressive when it comes to features, but all of that means nothing if the sound quality isn’t there.

Luckily, they didn’t cut corners here, these are possibly the most detailed and clean headphones Bowers & Wilkins have made. Gone is the full-bodied sound of the P5/P7, and in comes the audiophile grade sound that a headphone of this calibre should have. Offering up plenty of detail with precision, but without a sense of fatigue, these really do bring out everything in the recording without skipping a beat.

The post Bowers & Wilkins Roundup appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

It’s that time of year again. So here’s our pick of the best audio gadgets available – with something for everyone.

Audeze Mobius

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.

Bower & 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.

SoundMAGIC P22BT

At under £40 – the SoundMAGIC P22BT Bluetooth headphone provides high quality at a low price. The design is sturdy and comfortable, with a lightweight foldable headband which is great for portable use. These headphones are easy to use with controls conveniently placed on the left earcup. The most impressive feature is the sound quality – audio is crisp and punchy with plenty of energy, making them a lot of fun to listen to.

SoundMAGIC E11C

SoundMAGIC seems to have nailed the under £50 earphone. If you’re looking for a wired earphone and want to keep the price down, then we believe that the E11C is the one. SoundMAGIC have gone for a mature design, and used a silver plated copper cable to deliver superb sound quality which will compete with earphones over £100. The E11C has plenty of energy and punch with a dynamic and well detailed sound. There is also a 3 button inline control and mic, which is fully compatible with Apple and Android smartphones.

Flare Audio Flares Jet 2

Now, if you’re looking for an earphone with a more aggressive sound then the Flares Jet 2 could be the one. These earphones go loud, and they provide thumping bass and sharp clarity. The housings are made of aluminium and are built to last. There is also an in line single button remote to take calls and the cable itself is strong and tough. The design of the Jet 2 definitely stands out and the shape makes them very comfortable.

Final E4000

For those that appreciate their music a bit more and are happy to up their budget,  Final’s E4000 is a superb place to start. Final have been in the audio game for a long time, and their E series shows us what they can do. The E4000 is the sweet spot for me – musical and well balanced sound quality that draws you in, great comfort and design and a nicely made replaceable cable – all for just over £100.

Shanling M0

For something so small, the Shanling M0 manages to pack in a load of features. Starting with the design, the M0 looks and feels great. The display is made by LG and is very crisp – and thanks to Shanling’s own MTouch software, the player is extremely easy to use. The sound from the M0 is clear with good bass-weight, punch and fine detail. Thanks to the on board EQ settings, you can add some warmth or sharpness to suit your taste. The M0 can pair with Bluetooth headphones, and the 2-way Bluetooth feature will allow you to connect to your phone to use the player as an external DAC/amp – very clever.

Optoma NuForce BE Sport4

The NuForce BE Sport4 is widely regarded as the go to Bluetooth earphone – and we would agree. At just under £90, they combine good value with superb sound quality – the Graphene coated drivers deliver a crisp and punchy sound with plenty of clarity. The BE Sport4 is IPX5 water resistant and can provide up to 10 hours or battery life. And to top it off, you get 2 hours of charge in just 15 minutes thanks to their Fast Charge feature.

JDS Labs Element DAC

Whether you like to listen to your headphones at home using your computer, laptop or hifi system – the JDS Labs Element will breathe life into your setup. For a long time now, JDS Labs have been making high quality headphone amplifiers and DACs with a simple design and superb value. The Element shows that not only do they have the technical knowhow – they have a great eye for design too. With analogue RCA inputs and digital USB – the Element is extremely versatile and as expected, provides a clean, expressive and powerful sound.

iFi Audio XDSD

Ever wondered if you could have a high quality headphone amplifier connect to your phone or laptop wirelessly? Well wonder no more. The iFi Audio xDSD is the perfect way for you to get the most from your headphones and chosen device – without adding more wires. Use your phone to listen to Spotify, your favourite podcast or play PUBG and let the xDSD wirelessly drive your headphones, giving them all the power they would need to deliver a balanced and dynamic sound.

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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?

READ MORE: Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 Full Review

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

The post Best On Ear Headphones To Buy in 2017 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Bowers&Wilkins P7 Wireless Headphone Review

With the B&W P7 Wireless, Bowers have made a great little portable headphone, with a fun and engaging sound signature in an understated, yet executive look.

Pros:

• Engaging sound
• Superior build quality
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Bass may be too strong for some

Design and Appearance

Bowers & Wilkins have stuck with their understated black and silver colour scheme for the B&W P7 Wireless, retaining luxury leather earpads and headband, along with brushed metal faceplates and sliders.

These headphones are the perfect size for a portable over the ear headphone, and they look fantastic, the included carry case will help keep them looking pristine.

Durability and Build Quality

The P7 Wireless look and feel very well built, being made out of leather and metal gives you confidence in their build, along with good strain relief on the included cable.

Ease of use

Pairing these headphones is quick and easy, and once paired they connect instantly, no issues with Bluetooth transmission were encountered.

Comfort

The memory foam, leather earpads are not the biggest but fit snugly around your ears with good cushioning. The clamping force is quite tight but not uncomfortably so, the headband is well padded and evenly distributes the weight over the top of your head, all qualities of a brilliant portable headphone.

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READ MORE: B&W P9 Signature Headphone Review with Video

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Sound Isolation

These headphones isolate well, perfect for general out and about usage along with commutes, they also don’t leak sound so you won’t annoy people nearby.

Sound

The B&W P7 Wireless lean towards a darker, bassier sound whilst still giving you detailed sound.

• Bass

This is the first thing you will notice when you put these on, it digs deep with pulsating sub-bass lines, and punchy mid bass. It makes these really good fun to listen to, and also means they keep good bass presence when in noisy environments. The bass is not just there in quantity, the quality is superb and does not overwhelm the rest of the sound.

• Mids

The mids cut through well separated from the bass, with details in vocals being very easy to pick up on. Surprisingly these do not suffer from bleed from the lows, meaning they cut through cleanly, and the layering between instruments and different vocals is spot on.

• Treble

These are not bright headphones, they do not have a lot of energy in the treble but what they do have is well positioned highs. They are pinpoint accurate in positioning, and are void of any fatiguing properties, but do take a back seat in the mix.

• Soundstage and Separation

The soundstage is not huge, but it is very accurate with the ability to hear where instruments are placed in the mix easily.
Separation is good, these are a full sounding headphone so they do not fare so well during overly complex pieces of music.

Genres good for and why

The B&W P7 Wireless is perfect for modern pop recordings, along with some EDM, R&B and even some acoustic tracks. This is due to the slightly elevated bass keeping things exciting, and also well textured, and the mids having excellent detail retrieval.

Take a look also at the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless, with a similar smooth, bass oriented sound and sleek aesthetic.

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It appears that the high end portable headphone market has recently become the target for the established serious audio brands, with the B&W P5 gaining some very positive reviews and plenty of high profile press.  Beyerdynamic have obviously done their homework and with the launch of the T50p they look set to make their mark with a stylish design and high end audio performance.

Below are some initial impressions of the T50p.  We’ve also included comparisons with the B&W P5 that we recently had on loan for evaluation.

Sound

Well balanced with plenty of accuracy, the T50p will appeal to those who love to hear all the detail in their music.  The clarity is really very impressive, with excellent instrument separation and wide soundstage for a closed back portable headphone. Bass response is well defined and punchy – much less warm and fuzzy than the B&W P5.

The T50p’s sound signature is no surprise when compared with the rest of the Beyerdynamic line up.  We are big fans of the Beyer sound.

Comfort

The headphones themselves weigh very little and the headband has a soft leather pad that runs over the top of the head to keep the headphones comfortably in place. The T50p is an on-ear design, but pressure is actually quite light and the pads are soft. Not as comfortable as a fully over ear (circumaural) headphones, but a lot more practical for using out and about.

Compared with the B&W P5 the Beyer T50p is a little less soft on the ears (the P5 has large, flat, ultra soft ear pads), but we don’t see comfort being a major issue with the T50p.

Noise Isolation

Listening to the T50p in a noisy office with people chattering nearby the sound isolation is good. The ear pads are sufficiently thick and soft to ensure a good seal on the ears. The T50p would be fine to use as a travel headphone because the closed back design prevents sound leakage in and out of the ear cups.

Design

We love the industrial design of the T50p and prefer it over the more reserved design of the B&W P5.  The T50p is designed and built by hand in Germany, with the quality of workmanship being very evident when you hold the headphones in your hands.

More Information

To read more about the Beyerdynamic T50p or the rest of the Beyerdynamic headphones range please visit the HiFi Headphones web store.

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