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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Empyrean is a luxury item, and it certainly looks the part. The CNC machined main body with an intricate pattern on the grills all look the part, the headband is carbon fibre and the comfort strap is leather. All this comes together to make the Empyrean stand out as a unique yet beautiful pair of headphones.
Build quality is superb, everything is expertly put together and the fit and finish of every part is flawless. The headband adjustment is smooth yet tight, the cable uses mini 4-pin XLR connectors, everything is built to such a high standard on the Empyrean. The great thing is that every part can be serviced by Meze, so these should be supported parts wise for many years to come.
Accessory wise you get an aluminium carry case that is styled like a briefcase, it is a bit extravagant but a nice change from what you get with most high-end headphones. Also included is the standard cable, and an extra pair of earpads (Leather and Alcantara are included) which gives you a slight level of sound tuning ability.
Comfort:
The Empyrean are not the lightest headphones on the market, but the depth of the pads and the headband design all contribute to making these one of the most comfortable headphones around. The headband strap evenly distributes the weight, whilst the earpads are deep and well cushioned to prevent your ears from touching the driver. I prefer the comfort and sound of the Alcantara pads, as the Leather ones can get a little hot after a while.
Bass: The bass on the Empyrean comes out of nowhere, they have a very black background and the bass is akin to having a very well-integrated subwoofer in a stereo system. It has incredible depth and power, but it never overpowers the sound, punching when called for but the extension is what is most impressive. The lows extend so effortlessly, yet they always remain tight and controlled. They have a big sound that has a slight emphasis on the lows, giving a fuller overall sound, but they don’t ever sound dark of bass heavy.
Midrange: Whilst sitting slightly behind the bass in quantity, they never come across veiled or recessed. They are just a little more relaxed whilst still having a great sense of space and separation. The layering in the midrange is superb, allowing you to hear every intricacy in the recording with ease. The thing with the Empyrean is they allow a lot of insight into the quality of the recording, yet never push anything too forward to make you analyse the sound. They are first and foremost for the enjoyment of listening. There is perhaps a tiny bit of added body in the lower midrange, and a slight recess in the upper midrange to avoid any sibilance, and to let them have a smooth transition into the treble region.
Treble: The treble on these is always present and extends with ease yet it never tries to grab your attention. These are maybe a little too safe up top for some, but this means that you still get all the information and detail you could need from the recording without worrying about harshness or sharp peaks. Coming from a personal preference I wouldn’t mind a tiny bit more presence, but at the same time I never feel that I’m missing out on anything with these. Well extended with plenty of detail and excellent tonality, but maybe a tiny bit reserved for some tastes.
The soundstage is a standout quality of these, they manage to sound incredibly open yet accurate at placing instruments within the soundstage.
Conclusion:
It is so hard to sum up the Empyrean, they are definitely some of the best headphones I have heard in a while. They have a good hi-fi setup type of sound with fullness that doesn’t affect the rest of the sound. They are just enjoyable, airy, effortless and ultimately a pleasure to listen to.
The Ether 2 sport the same styling as the Voce, with a spiderweb-like grill and all black colour scheme. The design is simple but at the same time unique; nothing really stands out, yet they are very much a MrSpeakers headphone by design.
When you first look at the Ether 2, you could be mistaken for thinking they look flimsy and weak. Upon closer inspection, they are built to be solid, and comfortable at the same time. The headband is their signature NiTinol metal that is flexible yet incredibly strong. The cups are machined aluminium and the baffles are carbon fibre. This means the weight is kept to a minimum without compromising on strength. The cable has been updated since the old DUM one, and it is now softer, more flexible and just feels more premium.
Accessory wise you get a hard carry case and the cable. To be honest, there are no other accessories that are needed. The case is of excellent quality and will keep your Ether 2 safe when not in use.
Comfort:
MrSpeakers have focused on making this one of the most comfortable planar headphones out there, and they have done a great job. They feel so light when you hold them in your hand! The earpads are memory foam and the clamping force is just right. The suspension strap evenly distributes the weight over the top of your head making these extremely comfortable headphones for long listening sessions.
Angled view of the MrSpeakers Ether 2.
Sound:
Bass:
The bass on the Ether 2 has a certain fullness down low, that makes them very enjoyable. The bass is articulate and easily flows with any genre you throw at them, with excellent, linear extension down low. Overall the bass adds a slight smoothness to the sound, but it is not overpowering. The bass never steps out of line, staying tight and controlled at all times, yet still having that addictive slight fullness to them.
Midrange:
The midrange cuts through with excellent clarity and are well separated from the lows. There is no bleed from the bass warming up the midrange, yet the transition is coherent. Female vocals have great presence, yet without any peaks that bring out sibilance. The Ether 2 have a neutral tone that does well with all kinds of music, but they bring out the emotion in the music really well.
Treble:
The treble is detailed and extended, but it extends with great linearity without fatigue inducing peaks. Everything is rendered with clarity and relative neutrality yet a subtle warmth stops them from being analytical. The treble does not sit in the background, and it does not lack presence or detail, it is just the sound as a whole is so enjoyable.
The soundstage is wide and deep, it is a highlight of this headphone. The sound is not congested and always expertly separated yet still with an overall coherent sound.
Detailed close-up of the MrSpeakers Ether 2.
Conclusion:
The Ether 2 have a great sense of neutrality, but 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. It’s a very technically proficient headphone, but at the same time it’s a joy to listen to, and connects you to the music in a way few other headphones can.
The Focal Clear is, as the name would suggest, clear. With excellent tonal balance, and plenty of detail to boot, Focal have made one incredible headphone.
Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories:
The Clear sport a grey and silver colour scheme, which makes them stand out against the mainly black headphones around. They look great in person with the perforated pads and mesh look, they are refined and sophisticated.
The build quality is superb, they are mainly made out of metal with perforated microfibre pads and a mix of leather and microfibre headband. The yokes are aluminium and they just feel extremely well put together when you have them in your hands. They use a recessed 3.5mm detachable cable which means swapping out cables is nice and easy. Overall the Clear are very well put together and I cannot find any weak spots on them.
Accessory wise the Clear comes with a brilliant array of extras. Firstly, they come with a lovely hard case, with heavy duty zip and a leather handle. This case is the perfect size for travel, with room for the headphones and cable.
Comfort:
The Clear are a well built, medium weight headphone. This mean that padding is a must, I find the earpads to be deep and plush and they fit excellently around the ear. But my one minor complaint is the headband padding is a little thin, and this creates a hot spot on the top of my head. But every one has a different shaped head so this will only be an issue for a select few people.
Sound:
Bass: The bass on the Clear is well controlled and only comes out when called for, it is quite impressive how the lows can really morph to the recording. If there is a subtle sub-bass line, you will hear it, if the mix has complex bass lines the Clear will allow you to pick them apart and hear every detail. They are not boosted down low, this means some may find them lacking a little body, but they make up for that by being well balanced and controlled.
Midrange: Like the rest of the sound, the midrange is open and detailed, expertly handling anything you throw at them. Here you can easily distinguish between different vocal tracks, guitars have the right amount of crunch and body. These really don’t try and flatter you by altering the sound, they try and allow you to enjoy your music through a clear window instead.
Treble: The treble isn’t boosted to give you a false sense of clarity, but it is well aligned with the rest of the sound. It is crystal clear, but never fatiguing, they will show up poor recordings but feed them something well recorded and you’ll be astonished by the level of detail these have.
The Clear do not have the widest of soundstages, but where they make up for it is in the separation and layering. Yes, they won’t give you a concert hall like soundstage, but they will accurately place the instruments and let you easily pick apart the recording.
Conclusion:
The Clear have become one of my recent favourites, purely because they offer such a clear and precise sound without fatigue. They allow you to hear all the finer detail in your music, yet at the same time they are easy to listen to and enjoy, exactly what I personally enjoy in a headphone.
Mr Speakers has made a huge impact on the market since graduating from Fostex fiddling, not least with the Aeon closed-back model recently. However if you’re in the mood to pick a quiet spot and have a need to relax, why not consider the open design of the Aeon Flow?
Design and appearance
The most visual difference between the closed-back Aeon and the Flow is the attractive hexagon grill design on the earcups. Perfect for listening to the likes of Queen, and Sting. Moving on from the Bee-grade jokes however, the Aeon Flow keeps all of the charm and advantages of the former model in terms of its lightness and comfort.
Durability & build quality
The Aeon open-back‘s lightness may give the impression that it is fragile; however it can bend and stretch along with the roughest handling, and there’s no reason to suspect that will ever change. The included carry case may not win any beauty pageants, but is certainly one of the more pragmatic cases and should protect the Aeon for years to come.
Comfort
There should be no worries when it comes to comfort during extended listening sessions; the more forgetful among us may even be wondering where our new headphones are whilst wearing them. The Aeon open-back is light and sits nicely on the head, distributing the load evenly.
Sound characteristics
The tuning can be altered by means of filters which can be added to the earcups, just like the closed back Aeon. These will gradually decrease the treble presence, making a bassier-sounding headphone. For this review, we go ‘au naturel’ and try them in their unmodified state. However even with no filters, the Aeon open back is a warm-sounding headphone. If you find yourself attracted by dog whistles, then maybe the Aeon open will be a little too relaxed for you.
Bass
Sub-bass has a good presence in the mix for an open design. It’s a relaxed, yet powerful quality which describes the sound overall pretty well. Like the Aeon is not really trying – high praise indeed! Mid bass has a punchy, slammy feel to it. Many cheaper cans have a mid bass punch, but here it’s the real deal and much more authoritative. It’s ideal for fans of bass quantity and quality alike.
Mids
Midrange is neither pushed at the listener or recessed. Vocals are rich and velvety and there’s a natural and unforced feel about them. Control is in evidence however, with a nice black background for reverbs to tail off into virtually nothing. Consequently there is a lot of space in good recordings, which complements the well controlled audio and provides some excellent imaging. The midrange quality veers slightly towards the lush and rich, giving music a nice approachable glow.
Treble
Higher frequencies may not be featured prominently but the treble, like the bass and midrange, has a free and easy quality about it. Much like a figure skater’s graceful figures of eight which look easy to do, the hard work going on is cleverly hidden from view. There’s a little bit of sparkle here, and the treble generally has no problematic peaks.
Soundstage & Separation
The overall width of the presentation is not huge, it keeps vocals and instruments close to the listener. Separation is very good, with some clear midrange harmonics doing well against a silent, distortion-free background.
Music genres good for and why
A few genres were tried, and all were very enjoyable with the Aeon Flow Open. If you are fond of classical, acoustic or similar genres, don’t be put off by the sub bass these headphones can put out, as there will be little sub bass in the recordings. However if sub bass is your thing, the Aeon Flow Open will certainly be a contender for dance, pop and rap. Rock music and jazz benefits from the treatment the midrange gives, so if you like to mix things up, these are some versatile headphones indeed.
Build your own Grado style headphones tutorial with Symphones V8 drivers
Do you have a pair of Grados?
Have you upgraded them to wood cups?
Are you looking to build your own Grado style headphones?
If the answer to any of these is yes, then read ahead.
So who are Symphones? Symphones started off modifying Grado headphones with their original Magnum modifications. They then went on to develop Grado style drivers that slot right into most Grado cups and aftermarket cups. Today we are looking at the V8 drivers, their latest offering that are very different in design to the V7.
A big part of driver tuning is adding dampening materials to the diaphragm and magnet, and the new V8 have a completely new driver coating.
The V8 drivers in this review are installed in Rholupat spalted tamarind cups with a Grado SR60e headband and SMC connectors to allow for detachable cables. The cable used is made from Van Damme minature starquad.
You will then need suitable cups to install the drivers in, the drivers will fit into all Grado cups excluding the PS/GS series. Please take care when removing the old drivers as to not damage the cups you will be installing the drivers into.
Alternatively you can buy wooden cups from a couple of places:
Once you have the cups you need a headband with gimbals from your old Grados, or a Sony MDR7506 headband. Alternatively Rholupat and Shipibo offer nice leather headbands and also aluminium gimbals and rodblocks.
The Symphones drivers will need soldering to your cable of choice and installing into the cups, to make sure they press fit tightly you may need a strip of insultion tape around the edge of the driver. I have installed SMC connectors into the cups so I can change cables if I need to.
Now you come to earpad selection, Grado OEM pads, or generic cheap eBay ones, take your pick but they all change the sound.
Symphones have tuned the V8 drivers to be used with OEM G-Cush pads, and the main review will be based using those.
Generic G-Cush pads add a little more body to the sound, but are not as detailed and clean sounding as the OEM G-Cush pads.
OEM L-Cush pads also work very well with these drivers, giving them the more aggressive Grado style sound, over the more spacious G-Cush sound.
The bass is not as full as the newer E series of Grado, but it is more controlled and also extends lower, digging right down into the sub-bass with ease. The bass is still quite Grado like being about quality over quantity but it is cleaner and more separated. The bass never encroaches on the midrange, and the punch is really good on the V8 drivers. Changing the earpads affects the bass the most, with generic G-Cush and OEM L-Cush pads adding a few extra dB’s of bass which may appeal to some people. The bass is more dynamic and full on the V8 drivers than the lower end Grados, sounding more realistic in tone.
Midrange:
The midrange sounds like a veil has been lifted, comparing to the Grado lineup you need to go to the PS500e at least to get this level of detail however the V8 are more spacious sounding. They still have the slightly aggressive tone to them, but are far more open soundstage wise. The upper midrange is not quite as upfront as Grados, leading to a slightly less fatiguing sound and also very minimal sibilance unless the recording has it. The midrange sits ever so slightly behind the lows and highs quantity wise, but not enough for it to be classed as recessed. The clarity and separation of the V8’s is what sets them apart from the original Grado drivers.
Treble:
The treble from the V8’s is smoother and more refined than the peakier Grado drivers. In terms of quantity it is still up there with most Grados however they are better separated and airy, with less peaks and more effortless extension. I never find them to be grating and they compliment the rest of the sound perfectly. If you are used to more bassy headphones, yes these will sound a little bright, however I find the highs to be quite well balanced with the rest of the range.
Soundstage and Imaging
More precise and also quite a lot wider than original Grados which are more direct and in your face. There is a lot of air between intruments and percussion comes through with excellent tone and control.
Conclusion:
These are an excellent upgrade for your current Grados or for a scratch build, they offer a more vivid and dynamic sound over original drivers. They sound as if a veil has been lifted from the whole sound, and the soundstage and imaging is far superior to lower end Grados. Articulate and dynamic lows, crystal clear midrange and sparkly highs, all that you love from Grados but supercharged.
Focal has caused a stir recently with their two new additions; the Utopia and the Focal Elear headphones. In the hunt for a snappy title, we have found that the word ‘Elear’ has no definition in either English or French, so we had to make do with a click-baity title instead.
With the Utopia at a wallet-wilting £3499, the Elear has missed out on a lot of attention due to its less sensational price. However, £899 is still a fair whack for a pair of headphones so let’s see if we can define ‘Elear’ here.
Pros:
Excellent clear sound
Strong, well made cable
Great presentation, beautiful!
Cons:
Some may find them heavy
Design and Appearance
The Focal Elear comes in a very impressive looking box, although it won’t stand up to much use without starting to look scruffy, as it’s made of paper-coated wood or card. Given the Elear’s intended uses however, we don’t imagine that it will need to go back in very often. The headphones themselves are very well built, with great styling. Imagine the Sennheiser HD600 being designed by a Frenchman and the Elear would not be far off.
Durability and Build Quality
The Elear is of relatively light construction in terms of the way the components fit together. For instance the headband and earcups have a little bit of give to them, but this is down to helping achieve a good fit rather than poor design. Whether these parts loosen in years to come, time will tell but we don’t think so. That’s where the lightness ends though, as the Elear weighs in at a relatively hefty 434 grams (15.3 Oz – nearly a pound!).
Also the cable is quite substantial; it makes most other cables look like spider silk but it’s not cumbersome; ‘reassuringly lavish’ probably fits. It’s a rubber-coated affair and matches the headphones very well.
Comfort
There’s plenty of padding under the headband and with the soft and pliable earpads on the Elear, no particular part of the head registers discomfort. These headphones can be worn for hours depending on your neck muscles; those 434 grams can start imposing themselves after a while.
The Focal Elear‘s tuning is pitched slightly warmish, but with a respectable presence in the mid/treble region too. It is good at reproducing the subtle variations in volume offered by acoustic instruments and so excels with live and acoustic performances. Having said that, studio recordings are pretty convincing too. The Elear is fairly forgiving with less than perfect recordings, old records and music files; pops and scratches are there alright, but not brought into sharp relief. Enough fun can be had with old MP3 files without feeling as if we need to rush out and get these in higher resolution in order to enjoy the Elear.
Bass
Bass is in no short supply, but is well balanced with the rest of the frequencies; it doesn’t tend to dominate unless the music is already bassy. Sub bass gives a pleasant rumble if required, and mid bass is punchy and tight; it’s well behaved up to the midrange and the transition to the higher frequencies is nice and even.
Mids
Plenty of space here; decays are as long as needed and vocals/backing vocals are clear and well defined. Fans of acoustic and classical music are in for a treat as a strong impression of the recording space is given by the Elear, with the ebb and flow of natural reverb being very well reproduced.
Treble
Treble is not pushed at us but is very resolving and we find ourselves ‘reaching in’ to the recording to find tiny details which are all the more natural-sounding. Transient speed is excellent with clear, sharp percussive sounds. Also, be ready for unplanned sounds in recordings, such as when a singer opens their mouth, ready to sing. Unplanned perhaps, but fun to spot and enjoy as an added level of realism.
Soundstage and Separation
Width is great with studio recordings but as noted above, all the more realistic with recordings made within a performance space such as classical or opera. Imaging is impressive, with subtle harmonic details giving a strong impression of instrument shape and form.
Music genres good for and why
The Focal Elear is a good all-round choice; if this is the only headphone you have, it will do everything well but it really shines with classical and opera; anything which is recorded within a performance space really.
Summary
Focal’s Elear may sit in the shade next to Focal’s current flagship headphone (The Utopia) but can really dish up the goods. Prices for top of the range headphones have been pushing up and up recently, but if you wish to keep your feet on the ground then the Focal Elear is one of the best which can be had for under a grand.
Grado needs no introduction; they’ve been producing headphones since 1990 and have stuck to the same design ethic since then, making their headphones one of the most recognisable out there. Of course, there have been changes going on within the headphones themselves, not least with the ‘e’ range which was released a while back.
The Grado RS1e is one of these, with mahogany earcups and a very retro headband which makes us think of radio operators during World War II. Had their headphones sounded this good at that time, would the Allies have still won? It’s a real enigma.
Pros:
Good clear Grado sound
Attractive construction
Good quality extension cable included
Cons:
Cable’s a bit serpentine
Design and Appearance
The headband design is as simple as possible; pins and gimbals allow for size adjustment and that’s all. They say the best designs are the simplest, so this is not meant as a criticism! The quality of the headband and stitching is definitely something which needs to be remarked upon, even just from a retro-appreciation standpoint.
The mahogany earcups carry this theme very well too. They match the headband very well and go against the ‘shiny and new’ look that a lot of headphone makers strive for with their models. The Grado RS1e might have been introduced decades ago; this is testament to the fact that Grado is happy to rely on the tried and tested, rather than push designs that might be gimmicky and fashionable.
Durability and Build Quality
The RS1e is not designed for use anywhere other than at home or work, so we have no problems with its light and relatively barebones quality. The headband assembly won’t take kindly to being sat on though! The cable is a thick PVC coated affair much like the rest of their range; it would be nice to see a change here. It is supplemented by a 450cm Grado extension cable however.
There are no strain reliefs on the cable where it meets the headphones, so just ensure your foot is not on the cable when you stand up.
The wooden earcups are well turned and finished, and together with the leather headband they do look good.
Comfort
The Grado RS1e may look good, but padding is relatively spartan. Given the weight of this model, it’s not an immediate issue but pressure points may announce themselves during longer sessions, on the ears and over the top of the head.
Sound Characteristics
Grado is known for a fairly bright and airy sound from their headphones and the RS1e fits right in. There is bass in good proportion however, and the RS1e appears well balanced without any obvious peaks.
Note: There are reports that the RS1e improves after a certain burn-in period which pays no heed to review deadlines. If possible, this reviewer will return and update these impressions if necessary.
Sub-bass is there but fairly muted; it’s there if we look for it, but it may easily be missed in unfamiliar pieces. Low/Mid bass is more prominent with a nice width; it’s well controlled too and gives an impression of effortlessness, like it’s just pouring into the ears.
It has a well defined form and there are no concerns here; lots of space is left for those higher frequencies for which the Grado name is known.
Mids
The midrange is extremely clear and crisp-sounding which is a two-edged sword. With well produced and more ropey recordings alike, we get everything warts and all. Needle noise and pops on your digitised vinyl collection will be apparent, but older recordings are generally very well rendered.
Vocals may get a bit peaky here and there; particularly female vocals which can reach towards the piercing at times. Also, certain sounds such as bells, resonance on an electric piano or anything like that can cause issues depending on your particular sensitivity to these frequencies.
Treble
Faithful to the Grado sound, treble is fully present and is well balanced with the midrange. There is no obvious trouble between these areas of the frequency response, and so the midrange just seems to continue on up into the treble naturally. It makes for an airy and intricate sound, with plenty of fine details.
Soundstage and Separation
Soundstage is about average for an open-back; the sound seems to be coming from without, but the listener is not surrounded as such. Similarly, imaging and separation does not benefit from the clear midrange harmonics as much as expected, so maybe the wooden earcups are having an effect here, or this particular headphone needs a bit of running in before reaching its potential.
Music genres good for and why
The Grado RS1e is a real toe-tapper with any genre; however if you’re fond of sub bass in your tunes, you may miss this a bit. As mentioned though, it may improve as the headphones receive more use.
Summary
Grado’s RS1e is a graceful and svelte looking piece of kit, and sounds it too. It’s not bass light though, with a good balance between the various frequencies. There is a low bass rolloff so extremely low bass may be attenuated a bit.
Grado has enjoyed tremendous success over the years with various models, but has never departed from their basic headphone design as illustrated by the Grado GS2000e. It’s unusual in this world of fashions and fads that Grado has kept so faithful to this design but it’s obviously working for them! So is the GS2000e without match, or is it matchwood?
Pros:
Nice neutral sound
Fantastic imaging and soundstage
Comfortable
Cons:
Ungainly standard cable which cannot be removed or replaced
Design and Appearance
Indeed there are no surprises here; we may as well expect our US cousins to drive on the proper side of the road as revise this design. There is a tweak though; the GS2000e is a slightly different shade of brown. The slightly differing colour is due to the mixture of woods in this model. Mahogany to give the sound a bit of a polish, and maple which makes it more syrupy.
..Or perhaps the maple gives a brighter presentation which is held in check by the mohogany, for a clear and well-balanced sound.
The cable is still a non-removeable serpent-like affair which threatens to restrict the oxygen of careless music lovers, so there’s no change there.
Durability and Build Quality
Despite our gentle teasing, the cable is up to the job and there are no concerns regarding quality. The cable is stout with a heavy duty coating; it might have come off the Brooklyn Bridge itself. The 1/4 inch jack is military grade and the headphones themselves, while being light and comfortable, are made to last. They probably won’t appreciate being sat on though.
Comfort
Some have complained about comfort issues with some other Grado models, but the GS2000e benefits from the large earcups; any clamping force is distributed over a wider area. Also with glasses, there are no points of pressure which are making themselves known. However, after a couple of hours things might start to feel a bit claustrophobic in there!
The Grado GS2000e is definitely one to keep at home; they isolate exterior noise as if they weren’t there at all, and your music will be broadcast as if you’re a Public Access TV show. But for those quiet moments at home, they are just perfect.
Sound Characteristics
The GS2000e has a slightly understated sound when compared to the GS1000e; the emphasis on bass and treble is reduced, which makes the midrange more of a centrepiece. Harmonics and therefore imaging will be a little stronger on the GS2000e, thanks to the relatively present midrange.
These were tested using a Chord Hugo.
Bass :
Bass goes deep, and is clear. It’s not there in quantities to make fans of dance music jump, but does a good job of reproducing what’s there. It is also very detailed and well controlled.
Mids:
This is the focus of the GS2000e’s sound; they do come across as reasonably neutral with perhaps a tad of extra presence at the upper end of the midrange. There is generally no sign of sibilance here however, although the odd recording may give a bit of trouble depending on the mastering.
Detail is superb, further enhancing soundstage and imaging. The sense of space with acoustic or classical recordings is wonderous.
Treble:
That feeling of ‘air’ we know from the entry-level Grados is not so forced but is still there, and the detail is amazing. However it’s not pushed at us so much; we need to peer inside and dig it out, which is much more enjoyable.
Soundstage and Separation
Soundstage is excellent and much the same as the GS1000e; however separation/imaging is slightly enhanced on the GS2000e, due to the relatively present midrange.
Music genres good for and why
The GS2000e is probably better for acoustic music, classical recordings and the like; the neutral sound does not lend itself well to dance and pop genres when compared to other lower-cost headphones, but these can easily be enjoyed when the wearer gets used to this setup.
Also, older recordings are given good treatment; the smooth treble is quite forgiving which makes the Grado GS2000e perfect for fans of vintage music and old vinyl.
Summary
Grado’s GS2000e is a worthy addition to their lineup, and a good idea for those who fancy a more neutral version of the GS1000e.
OPPO PM1 Planar Magnetic Headphones – Expert Review
Intro
The name Oppo is perhaps better known for smartphones produced in Asia; but Oppo Digital, which produces these headphones, is a Californian company and quite separate but for its distinctive (and licenced) logo.
An unconventional arrangement then, but does this ‘out of the box’ thinking translate itself to the headphones? Well no – because the headphones do come in a box, albeit a rather fine one. It may be one of the nicest boxes we’ve seen headphones presented in; it’s rather reminiscent of a Jaguar X-Type dashboard, and opens like one too. Well, the glove-box anyway.
It may be worth noting however, that for a considerable saving you can opt for the Oppo PM-2 version which has a few of the extras and details omitted. For instance, where you might have a chrome trim on the PM-1, the PM-2 uses plastic, and it does away with the presentation case.
They do have the same drivers and will have a very similar sound signature, so if you are as happy with good champagne at £30 per bottle as you are with the best champagne at £120 per bottle, then consider the PM-2.
The good impressions don’t stop with the box; it’s entirely in keeping with the rest of the design and feel of the PM-1. They’ve gone for a chunky yet light feel with plush generously-sized earcups held by large aluminium yokes, and a steel headband tempered by a soft, yielding leather padding.
Durability & build quality
The materials may be plush, but the Oppo PM-1 gives the impression that it’s no rich man’s toy or passing fancy. It means business and can produce the goods.
The cable is a good example; covered in a close-woven black fabric, it’s reminiscent of goods made in a bygone age. They are certainly high quality.
The Oppo PM-1 headphones looks like they’re more at home amid the tantalus cabinets and antique davenports of a West London penthouse; and likewise they have the solid feel of an item which will stand up to years of enjoyment.
Comfort
The earpads are big enough for the appendages of most people, but if earcup size has been an issue before, these may be on the snug side. The earpads are perforated and breath a little, so things shouldn’t get too moist under them.
The Oppo PM-1 headphones are held on by equal pressure between the plump earpads and equally generous headband padding, and wearing glasses doesn’t pose any problems.
Suitability for intended application
The Oppo PM-1 is definitely meant for relaxing and enjoying the music with few distractions coming either from the headphones themselves or from without; the open design will allow audio out and exterior sound to penetrate so a nice quiet space is ideal in which to get totally lost in the music.
Portability
The handsome case which these headphones arrive in is of limited use if travelling as the accent is on quality and presentation, but there is a travel case offered for the PM-1 in the packaging so if you are planning to travel with them you won’t be disappointed. The earcups fold flat on the PM-1 so they can be packed without being too hungry for space.
Also included is a small one metre cable with a 3.5mm jack for enjoying the headphones from smaller players and amps;
Sound characteristics:
(Used with Chord Hugo DAC/Amp & FiiO X3)
Bass:
Bass is as you’d expect from a planar magnetic design; it reaches low and fills the bottom part of the audio spectrum nicely. It’s not overblown; it’s just enough to tickle your eardrums and be felt as much as heard. Higher up, the bass is as strong and impactful as is called for by the audio with all the quality hinted at by the PM-1’s outward design.
Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):
The midrange gives the impression that the PM-1 is slightly on the ‘fun’ side of neutral – but it’s subtle. The midrange has as much presence as the bass and treble, but the Oppo PM-1 does not sound neutral, perhaps ‘sumptuous neutral’ is more like it. There is plenty of space and very little congestion amid busier sections of music. Anything here can be paid attention to, and zoomed in on for all those tiny details.
Both male and female vocals are given a slight prominence and backing vocals are just as present in the mix, with definition and details easily giving added realism.
Treble (e.g. high hats):
Treble is smooth. The Oppo PM-1 headphones are not dark (at least when paired with a Chord Hugo) but they allow a comfortable, non-fatiguing listen. There’s enough treble here to add the upper harmonics to instuments and shimmering qualities to percussion and not quite enough to cross the threshold into uncomfortable territory.
Given that the Oppo PM-1 is provided with a smaller 1m 3.5mm cable, the headphones were tried with a similar sound source, the Fiio X3. The slightly warmer nature of the X3 was apparent on the PM-1, but the combination still gives a punchy and involving presentation. The PM-1 does respond well to lower-powered devices but my cheap android phone could have done with going a couple of notches higher in volume. Apple iPhones and brands such as Samsung/HTC should not have any issues though.
There is a lot of room in these headphones! Anything recorded in a studio with separate close miking and mixed is as wide as the producer envisioned, but live and classical recordings are given a real treatment. The listener is virtually surrounded among strings, woodwinds and flutes.
Separation is likewise superb; the Oppo PM-1 is like a pair of opera glasses for the ears. However with a lot of classical recordings, the shuffling of feet and turning of music pages will be noticeable, along with the odd click of a woodwind key.
Music genres good for and why:
Everything was tried with the PM-1 from Harry Richman to Herb Alpert, and it all sounded great. The PM-1 is another one of those all-rounders which doesn’t even blink in the face of audio adversity; the obvious result of good breeding, no doubt.
Pros:
High quality in every way
Comfortable to wear and hear
Exceptional sound quality
Travel pouch
Great for those relaxing at home and in the office, the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is a slight departure from the usual style of in-ears and earbuds. Audio-Technica have mashed the two styles in a way that reminds us of the Final Audio Piano Forte Series. These are not designed for all scenarios; on a motorbike journey for instance, enjoyment is reduced to knowing only when cymbals are being used in a recording. Of course, open-back headphones do not receive low scores for leaking sound and so the snappily named Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is being viewed with a similarly open mind.
Pros
Very comfortable
Feel secure whilst worn
Great open wide sound
Cons
Case very small
Not for noisy places
Being big in Japan, Audio-Technica have been satisfying the Japanese fetish for personal audio products for some years now and have a huge number of different models. This allows for a little experimentation in the boardroom and some interesting items for us to try.
Key Features
The Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS comes with a handy button for smartphone functionality, and a volume control. The volume control does not communicate with the phone, it is a variable resistor only but works very well. The carry case is very small indeed; being hard it will afford some protection but the cable would need to be wound more tightly than perhaps it should. The relatively large size of the driver units doesn’t help either.
First Impressions
We all like something a bit different and the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is certainly that. Given that portable audio is all about blocking out the outside world, these earphones are a departure from the norm. Perhaps taking a leaf out of Final Audio’s book (their Piano Forte range is similar), Audio-Technica have seen a potential for small, open-backed models for those quieter moments out there, or for casual listening at home.
Sound Quality
As with anything open, the surroundings make a crucial difference and with a design worn like this, people are going to expect to use them outside. Great if it’s quiet, but a bit of road noise will reduce the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS to a tinny irritant by contrast.
At home though, the presentation is as comfortable as the fit and I have the impression of a halfway house between headphones and speakers; it’s like a very cheap alternative to the AKG K1000 speakerphones. Soundstage is the best feature of the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS, along with the natural feel they have.
The sound is very well balanced despite the loss of bass due to the open fit – perfect for lounging around the house while still remaining alert of the surroundings. The sound is on the bright side but this may just be the added soundstage making certain details stand out more, and also the fit. By pushing the capsules gently against my ears the bass is heightened; perhaps it is the design of our ears which might lead to subtle differences here in what we each perceive.
Summary
It would be good to see more models like the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS coming through; we’re in danger of becoming too conventional in the headphones world and being set in our ways. It seems that companies like Audio-Technica and Final Audio don’t want us to get too comfy and are happy to prod us towards a more inclusive attitude. And why not? The headphones concept might be 100 years old, but things are far from predictable; particularly with new technologies being developed and many new ways of using and relating to music to look forward to.
Totally immersive – don’t forget your life jacket and emergency flares for when you inevitably get lost in there. It’s unusual for a highly esteemed brand’s flagship headphone such as the Shure SRH1840 to be going for under £500 (particularly headphones as good as this), so take advantage of Shure’s generosity!
Pros
Sound Superb
Comfort
Spares included
Removable cable
Cons
Some may find headband underpadded
Despite the recent growth of the headphones market and the high standards attained by makers generally, it’s easy to recognise products Shure puts out; always nice to the touch as well as the ear, solidly built and sounding great. So with heavy hearts we find another predictably fantastic pair of headphones for review!
Key Features
Shure has seen fit to include some spare earpads and a spare cable with this model, as it has with the SRH1540. Spending this kind of money on headphones probably gets people searching for extra value and they won’t be disappointed here. Also a storage case is included.
First Impressions
Having not long put down the SRH1540, it was surprising how light the SRH1840 still felt. These headphones are almost not even there, particularly when worn. Some would prefer more padding on the headband, but the negligible weight is borne mostly by the earpads.
Sound Quality
Warm without being bassy, crisp without being strident – Shure has really done a good job here. Things can get a little harsh with a raft of flutes playing, but that’s the nature of the sound which the SRH1840 brings out faithfully. Also an amp will be an advantage – the impedance and sensitivity of the SRH1840 is not suited to being used straight out of a portable player or phone. My Fiio X3 can power them but seem as if it is straining a bit. An E12 gave a more relaxed presentation, and the bass boost was not lost on the SRH1840, giving some added weight to proceedings. There may be a bit of a bump on the SRH1840 at the top and bottom ends of the range, but midrange is still fully represented.
Summary
Close to perfect. For those who want just a little more detail without spilling over into strident territory the Shure SRH1840 is certainly worth considering. Together with the modest price and incredible comfort, the SRH1840 is a flagship model indeed!
We’ve collected the best full size hi-fi headphones from under £100 to over £1000 from 2015. The reviews are designed to help you choose from the massive selection of hi-fi and audiophile headphones with open back and closed back designs available. From trusted brands like Shure and Grado, to the freshest new brands like SoundMAGIC and Final Audio Design.
Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite full size open back and closed back headphones.
There are not many good Hi-Fi headphones for under £100, but the SR80i is an exception. The Grado SR80i is a great first step into high quality full size Hi-Fi headphones. Choosing the best Grado headphone is a little tricky as they are all excellent, but the sensibly priced Grado SR80i headphone is a worthy contender for best entry level on ear Hi-Fi headphone.
The SR80i is a energetic sounding headphone, with excellent clarity through the mids/highs, highly detailed resolution and a solid bass kick. Grado’s have a very up-front sound that can bring music to life. The SR80i is an on-ear headphone, so they can require a bit of re-adjusting after some use to get them comfortable again.
Unlike some audiophile class headphones the Grado SR80i’s are sensitive enough to give good response without any dedicated amplification, as they are rated at a very efficient 32 ohms.
All of the Grado range are fully open back headphones, which means sound can leak in and out of the ear cup. If this isn’t a problem then the SR80i is a very solid choice for a home listening Hi-Fi headphone.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Delivery stunningly good sound quality for the price. If the open back headphone design is no problem then you should definitely consider this headphone.
Featuring a fully sealed (closed back) design and extremely robust build quality, the Beyerdynamic DT770 is a real workhorse of a headphone that is suitable for daily use and abuse.
With a pedigree in studio and live recording, Beyerdynamic is the number one choice at the BBC – check out photos on the BBC Radio 1 website and you will see most guests wearing the DT770.
Bass response is powerful and positional accuracy is excellent, making this a firm favourite for gaming and movies. However, the DT770 is a versatile headphone and is great for long music listening sessions also.
The DT770 is available in an easy to drive 80 Ohm version (suitable for home and even mobile listening) and also a much harder to drive 250 Ohm version that is designed to be plugged into a high output power mixing desk or dedicated headphone amp.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Robustly built and with superb sound quality, if you are looking for a closed back headphone with a big sound then the DT770 should be high on your list.
SoundMAGIC HP150
SoundMAGIC’s second generation full size HP150 headphone (replacing the excellent HP100) is a fantastic addition to any audiophile headphone setup. With a natural midrange, wide soundstage and excellent detail resolution, the HP150 has an engaging sound that makes this a perfect everyday headphone for home or the office.
Despite the closed back headphone design, music is given breathing space and voices sound natural. Overall a very well balanced headphone.
The low impedance of the HP150 makes them suitable for use with portable players without the need for further amplification.
Generously padded earcups and adjustable headband provide for a comfortable listening experience, even during longer listening sessions. The construction of the HP150 is very solid, and the earcups swivel so the headphone can easily be stored in the included hard case.
The HP150 is a closed back model; this headphone type is best for situations where isolation is requires, but if this is not an issue then also consider the SoundMAGIC HP200, which is generally thought of as better for natural-sounding music.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The HP150 represents fantastic value for money and gives a sound which is engaging, fun and of impressive quality. Great for all genres.
With this closed-back full size headphones, Shure have made a fantastic headphone for people who like their bass, but without the bloat of similar ‘basshead’ headphones when it comes to a wide range of music and styles. However, the SRH1540 will pick up and run with higher levels of bass if the track has them – lower quality recordings/mixes are faithfully reproduced.
The overall sound is exciting, yet smooth. It has been said that they give the sound of music recorded using ribbon microphones and there is a hint of a vintage feel to the sound.
They are immediately engaging, and along with a fine build quality they are certainly headphones to hanker for; aircraft-grade aluminium alloy and carbon fibre make for some very solid headphones indeed, while at 286g, they are very light considering the materials and solid feel.
The impedance/sensitivity of these headphones should be suitable for most portable players and applications, but a portable amp will allow them to be at their best.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you like a good warm detailed sound but find higher frequencies tend to lead to fatigue, then these headphones are definitely recommended.
HiFiMAN HE-400
A relatively new name, HiFiMAN has made itself very well known in recent years with its range of planar magnetic headphones among other models.
The HE-400 is a very low-cost taste of what this technology can do with your music; the bass is not like anything heard from dynamic headphones, and the soundstage and imaging is breathtaking.
The bass is not bloated or overemphasised; it is simply replicated in the headphones so that it is felt by the ear, as well as heard. Sub bass is sublime.
The 440g weight may not suit everyone but there is some wonderful technology to account for; the HE-400 is certainly for those who accept no compromise when it comes to sound quality.
The sound signature is rich and detailed; there is a slight roll-off at the top end making these relatively warm but not at the expense of details. This is one to consider if you dislike too much high-frequency energy getting in the way.
Their wide-open design may not lend itself well to shared environments such as the train or bus, but with headphones like these to listen to, why would you want to go out?
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The HiFiMAN HE-400s are heavy hitters when listening at home and lend a wonderful weight to any music.
The Pandora Hope VI is the bigger brother to the Hope IV model and includes the same hybrid driver technology, i.e. two speakers per ear.
Constructed with both dynamic and a balanced armature drivers, the Hope VI delivers the warm and engaging sound most headphone users are looking for, but with greater accuracy and speed when compared to similarly-priced dynamic models. There is no crossover; the full frequency range of both drivers is used.
The Hope models have a BAM (balancing air movement) mechanism to ensure that air flowing within the earcups does not compromise the sound; this, with the dual driver technology, leads to a listening experience which is great value for money.
Made from matt-finished ABS thermoplastic resin, the Hope IV has a very solid and well built feel – these have been made to last through many years of listening pleasure. The earpads feature a highly elastic synthetic leather material which provides a good seal for great bass response and further isolation.
The 1.5m detachable cable is also great quality, with strain reliefs to ensure that it remains free of problems should the cable get snagged.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The Hope VI is certainly worth considering as an upgrade if you like listening to details within music and appreciate great imaging, but do not want to compromise where it comes to bass.
Ultrasone’s range includes some fantastic portables and the Signature pro is no exception. Easily driven, these headphones are perfect for commuting or around town. The modest design is low-profile enough for those who want to stay under the headphone fashion radar; the spartan design belies the rich, sumptuous sound within.
Featuring Ultrasone’s own S-Logic™ Natural Surround system, these have the ‘speakers in a room’ effect due to the way the technology uses your ears as part of how they work. The audio is reflected off of the pinna of the ear into the ear canal just as sound is naturally, leading to a fully immersive presentation.
The Signature Pro has bass which is not overblown or pumped up; it is bright without being sibilant and the midrange is well balanced with great detail. Soundstage is amazing and isolation is impressive.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
At home on the train or in the living room, the Ultrasone Signature pro takes high-end audio wherever you wish to go. Altogether, a very solidly built and high quality portable.
Beyerdynamic Tesla T1
Founded in 1924 Beyerdynamic is one of the oldest names in audio and still manufactures most of their products in Germany by hand. The Tesla T1 is the culmination of many years of experience, which is evident from the beautiful finish of the headphone and superbly balanced sound. Delivered in its aluminium flight case the Beyer T1 has a solid industrial beauty that exudes high end build quality.
The A1 amplifier is the perfect partner to the T1 which at 600ohms is not an east headphone to drive. With its unique intelligent-circuit concept the Beyerdynamic A1 is capable of reproducing an amazingly wide frequency range which stretches way above human perception. Underneath the large front-panel-mounted aluminium volume control is a high grade ALPS-potentiometer for smooth volume adjustment. This is just part of the attention to detail that ranges from the outer unit construction to its quality integral components – use of a generously-dimensioned toroidal core transformer, plus a combination of carefully selected components allows even the highest-impedance headphones to be driven flawlessly over the entire frequency range.
We feel the Tesla T1 is the best balanced, most comfortable high end headphone available. Offering a level of insight that is at times staggering, the T1 breathes life into music. If there is one problem with this headphone it is the fact you cannot listen to basic quality MP3’s or fizzy low res music – the T1 is simply too revealing and compressed music is shown up for its lack of definition.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The sound is fluid and natural, there is a fast sense of detail that is crisp and precise without being fatiguing. The headphones themselves are surprisingly light and in typical Beyer style really comfy.
Fostex TH-900
The Fostex TH-900 is among the best sounding closed-back headphones, they are a treat for anyone who likes a smooth, effortless presentation.
With a low impedance of 25 ohms and 100dB sensitivity, these can be enjoyed on the move or at home; however a separate amplifier is required to get the best out of them if used for portable applications.
They have a warm sound signature, but at the same time have a speed and tightness which provides a lot of impact in the bass region. They are well balanced and the sound really must be heard to be believed; the TH-900 exudes beautiful quality in terms of both sound and build.
The protein leather earpads feel as comfortable against the skin as the music feels against the ear; these are amazingly comfortable headphones and really deserve the high esteem in which they are held by audiophiles everywhere.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Possibly the best quality closed-back headphones currently on the market. The price only seems high if you haven’t heard them yet!
The flagship Grado PS1000 is a headphone for someone looking for the very best headphone available. With the ear cups hand internally crafted with mahogany, while the outer is machined from a non-resonant metal material. The drivers are manufactured to tolerances far exceeding normal expectations, making the PS1000 a very special headphone that deserves serious attention.
Often described as a portable listening room, the PS1000 offers levels of clarity and detail that is normally reserved for dedicated listening spaces costing tens of thousands to construct.
When choosing a high end headphone like the PS1000 the best advice we can offer is to try the headphones out for yourself with your own equipment (we offer a 30 day money back guarantee).
The PS1000 sounds best when matched with a good quality headphone amplifier, but is relatively easy to drive and can sound great connected with any good quality audio source.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
We are big fans of the “Grado sound” and the PS1000 has the trademark lively, detailed delivery that is both engaging and exciting. This headphone has to be heard if you are serious about your music.
The LCD-3 is a headphone which does not compromise in the search for the highest quality audio reproduction. The planar magnetic drivers deliver a very fast and powerful sound, with breathtaking imaging and realism. Your music will come to life.
More than one audiophile has remarked that these are the best headphones they’ve heard, and they certainly live up to their reputation.
Individual instruments are as real to the listener as the spaces they’re recorded in; the effect is a truly immersive listening experience which is hard to find anywhere else outside of full electrostatics.
The LCD3 is a headphone for enjoying at home – the weight and wide open-backed design is not for the street or more strenuous activities; also a headphone amp is recommended.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Whilst you wonder how people can afford to buy these headphones, LCD-3 owners everywhere are marvelling at how you can go without them.
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Professional Reference-Class Open Back Headphone from Shure, the SRH1840 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Let us introduce the flagship of Shure’s reference-class headphone line, the SRH1840. The Shure SRH1840 open back headphones have been developed with premium materials and precision engineering. They are ideally suited to professional recording, mastering and audiophile listening applications.
Shure’s SRH 1840 features individually matched drivers for unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended highs and accurate bass. Custom-crafted, the Shure SRH1840 is extremely lightweight and durable. Steel driver frame with vented centre pole piece improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance for consistent performance at all listening levels. Individually matched 40 mm neodymium drivers for unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended high-end and accurate bass.
An included storage case, replacement set of velour ear pads, and an additional cable ensures years of uninterrupted listening enjoyment.
Open-back, circumaural design for exceptionally natural sound
Lightweight construction featuring aircraft-grade aluminium for enhanced durability.
Steel driver frame improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance
Ergonomic dual-frame, padded headband is lightweight and fully adjustable
Oxygen-free copper cable (OFC) with Kevlar reinforced jacket
Dual-exit cables with gold-plated MMCX connectors
Replaceable velour ear pads with high density, slow recovery foam
Additional cable and zippered storage case included
Sennheiser’s top of the range headphone-amplifier combination is as pleasing as expected. John had a closer look at the pairing and gave it a thorough listen – without further ado, enjoy our newest video review!
Sennheiser have created the HDVD800 to excel the current levels of audio quality for audiophile listening. As the perfect match for Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones, the HDVD800 delivers a balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive tonal spatiality with perfect conversion of digital to analogue signals.
The HDVD800 connects with all digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital to analogue converter that modifies audio signals with superior resolution. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs or USB. Further to the symmetrical inputs, the asymmetrical input socket of the HDVD800 is able to balance incoming signals before further processing takes place.
Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 is the cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.
This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.
The ultimate in audiophile sound.
Sennheiser have created the HDVD800 to excel the current levels of audio quality for audiophile listening. As the perfect match for Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones, the HDVD800 delivers a balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive tonal spatiality with perfect conversion of digital to analogue signals.
The HDVD800 connects with all digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital to analogue converter that modifies audio signals with superior resolution. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs or USB. Further to the symmetrical inputs, the asymmetrical input socket of the HDVD800 is able to balance incoming signals before further processing takes place.
Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 isthe cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.
This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.
The ultimate in audiophile sound.
– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/sennheiser-hdvd800-balanced-digital-studio-headphone-amplifier-dac.html#sthash.4FhsdgyQ.dpuf
Sennheiser have created the HDVD800 to excel the current levels of audio quality for audiophile listening. As the perfect match for Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones, the HDVD800 delivers a balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive tonal spatiality with perfect conversion of digital to analogue signals.
The HDVD800 connects with all digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital to analogue converter that modifies audio signals with superior resolution. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs or USB. Further to the symmetrical inputs, the asymmetrical input socket of the HDVD800 is able to balance incoming signals before further processing takes place.
Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 isthe cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.
This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.
The ultimate in audiophile sound.
– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/sennheiser-hdvd800-balanced-digital-studio-headphone-amplifier-dac.html#sthash.4FhsdgyQ.dpuf
