What Are the Best Blue Tooth Headphones for Serious Musicians
If you want to buy the best audiophile headphones right now in 2022, you came to the right place. Below you will find a list of all the best high-resolution headphones on the market. The list is updated quarterly and features an insane number of models covering different designs and budgets.
The truth is, very few people getting into this hobby buy one of these fabulous high-fidelity headphones as a first purchase. It's like an addiction where you start small and upgrade your system along the way. With that in mind, I have laid out a few things below I think you should consider before making a purchase, and I sincerely hope this article can help you choose the right ones for your particular needs.
The pursuit of high-end audio fidelity usually involves a lot of tinkering and making many headphone purchases and upgrades along the way. For example, you might start with a set of simple budget audiophile headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro plus a relatively inexpensive DAP (Digital Audio Player).
Still, before you know it, you're listening to music on a full array of DACs & tube amplifiers. You may own custom cables and multiple sets of multi-thousand-dollar headphones, such as the gorgeous Focal Stellia . Your pockets will be significantly lighter, but your music sounds great. There's something about this hobby that drags you in. Once it does, it's impossible to go back to using consumer-grade audio equipment.
The 30 Best Audiophile Headphones of 2022
SONY MDR-Z1R - Closed-Back Audiophile Headphones
Sony MDR-Z1R - Best Headphones List 2022
The Sony MDR-Z1R is a surprising take on high-end headphones. Why surprising? Well, instead of going for the predominantly popular open-back design seen on most top-end headphones, the Z1R is closed back. It makes them a whole lot more versatile when it comes to where and how you use them.
Massive 70mm dynamic drivers (cone-shaped) adorn the internals and have sheepskin slathered over the externals. Build quality is top-notch as they feel both premium and solid; there's no need to baby them.
Supremely comfortable, the sound is about big powerful bass with outstanding detail retrieval. We truly rate them, and the ability to isolate ourselves from the external environment is just the icing on the cake.
HIFIMAN SUSVARA - The Best Audiophile Headphones of 2022
Best audiophile and hd headphones
After hearing these fabulous open-back audiophile headphones, you will instantly know why they were added to the list. Hifiman is a huge name audio brand, and the Susvara is just a stunning all-around headphone that competes with the best of the niche brand headphones we list below.
The Susvara is the result of years of development which has resulted in an actual reference headphone designed for enthusiasts and developers at the same time. They utilize custom driver technology and open-back housing to bring music that is very true to the source.
Each headphone is constructed using wood and metal. They feel incredible in hand and on the head. We recommend you use a high-quality source and file to get the most of them as they are ruthless in displaying the deficiencies in poorly mastered tracks.
SENNHEISER HD660-S
The update to the excellent value Sennheiser HD650
The original HD650 headphones were one of the best value audiophile-grade headphones on the planet. They offered a large proportion of what you get with the companies much more expensive HD800 at a fraction of the cost.
Sennheiser also doesn't make unnecessary upgrades and, as such, has a longer product life cycle than other companies that try to catch the flavor of the month vibe by releasing multiple models without significant improvements.
The HD 660s are more refined but still retain the outgoing model's slightly mid eccentric and warmer tones and still retain incredible detail. They are open-back headphones that pair exceptionally well with tube amps but are driven easily from most high-resolution sources.
Hifiman HE1000SE
Hifiman HE1000SE headband
Technology: Open back planar headphones
They use a different baffle system near the diaphragm, which reduces distortion and provides a purer reproduction of the source material.
Build quality is fantastic, and Hifiman continues to improve and refine its headphone designs to the point that the HE1000 series are some of the best-looking models on the market.
Comfort is also one of the best in class as it is a very lightweight design paired with beautiful materials at the contact points with your head. Open back allows for both breathability and a wide airy soundstage.
Hifiman Arya
If you don't have the funds to shell out over $3000 for outstanding sound, but the Arya still isn't a cheap set of headphones. However, they are one of the best planar magnetic headphones of 2022 and are well worth the money for many people.
They have a very natural and neutral sound to them. There is no overemphasis added to your music, but it displays to the absolute fullest. Mids are smooth and highly detailed, and the bass is consistent and punchy while not being overbearing.
In terms of soundstage and spacing, this is a go-to headphone for us, and it displays live and orchestral music with vivid reality.
The only caveat here is that the Hifiman Arya benefits significantly from using a good quality source. If you do not have one at hand, this will introduce some extra expenses to get you to the endgame.
Focal Utopia by Focal Headphones
Technology: Open-back dynamic driver headphones
Most headphone companies hope to make waves when releasing a new headphone, and Focal managed to create a Tsunami. If you want to know what headphones have the best sound quality, then Utopia is right at the top of my list.
The Focal Utopia is now out, and after spending a couple of sessions with it, we had to crown it as a king of the audiophile headphones world.
Detail retrieval is jaw-dropping, and the soundstage is massive. It is everything I wanted when I got into this hobby, and it very much feels like an endgame product.
They are light and incredibly well built, and if I could have one headphone for the rest of the time, right now, it would be the Focal Utopia.
At a shade under four grand, these will be out of reach for most headphone enthusiasts. Nonetheless they are a stunning achievement from the French manufacturer.
Audiophile On Focal Utopia Review
Official Focal headphone website
Monoprice Monolith M1070
Technology: Planar Magnetic headphones without the Audeze price tag
Monoprice came almost out of nowhere to produce one of the most surprising headphones of recent times.
The company jumped in headfirst to the high-end audiophile headphone world by releasing a range of planar magnetic headphones with open and closed back designs.
Our pick of the bunch has to be the excellent Monoprice M1070. For the cost, it's hard to think of anything that sounds so good. It offers Audeze beating performance for a fraction of the price.
The Monolith is high on our list of the best planar headphones .
Kingsound KS-H3
Technology: Electrostatic Headphones
Technology: Open back electrostatic headphones. I have owned the Kingsound KS-H3 for a couple of years now, and every time I put them on, I know I'm in for a good time.
The brand might not be as trendy as Stax or Focal, but they still give them a serious run for the money. Paired with my WooAudio tube amp, they are everything audiophiles would look for in a set of premium headphones.
Detailed, transparent, and unlike some other Electrostatic headphones, they also have solid bass. Oh, and if comfort is your thing, then look no further—easily the most comfortable set of full-sized headphones, period.
Don't look past the company's own M-20 headphone amplifier/energizer either. Paired with the KS-H3 and the proper selection of tubes, it is a beautiful thing bringing out that analog-style warmth that makes old recordings shine.
Official Kingsound Audio Headphones website
Please read our full review of the Kingsound KS-H3 Electrostatic Headphones .
Sennheiser Orpheus
You will most likely never own these headphones. You will most likely never listen to these headphones. You will most likely never even see a set of these headphones. However, everyone who has heard them says that the new Sennheiser Orpheus is the best audiophile headphone money can buy.
How much money did you ask? Well, in the region of $50,000. As an exercise in how far we can take headphone technology, it's a great project, but if you own one, you should be slapped for having more money than sense.
Sennheiser went all out, and no corners were cut in the pursuit of all-out sound fidelity. If there was any perceived weakness, Sennheiser sought to rectify it, and along the way, he created not just an incredibly advanced piece of audio equipment but a work of art.
Check out the story behind the Orpheus .
Sennheiser HD800s
Technology: High Definition Dynamic Driver
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The HD800 was for a long time considered the best audiophile headphone. I still currently own it for a long time before upgrading to the current model, the HD800s.
Unlike the 820 models listed below, this headphone still uses an open-back construction and continues the tradition of highly detailed yet airy open sound with a massive soundstage.
It's a true classic headphone that is a worthy successor for the original.
The official website for the Sennheiser HD800s
Sennheiser HD820
Technology: HD800 series styling with a versatile closed-back design
The latest development of the Sennheiser HD series of headphones is now their best and most expensive headphone (other than the Orpheus). It is a masterpiece and with outstanding resolution and transparency.
I think, however, many people are getting mistaken as to the performance of the HD820. These are not a 1 to 1 replacement for the original HD800 headphones. The HD800 is visceral and cutting. They are ruthless and add minimal flavor to the sound.
The HD820 sounds less like a tool headphone designed to be used in the studio and more like an engaging and enthralling experience.
The HD820 is a headphone dedicated to listening with maximal pleasure.
Audiophile On Sennheiser HD820 Review
Sennheiser HD650
Technology: Open back dynamic driver headphones
The HD650 is one of the cheapest audiophile headphones on this list and another that I own. The HD650 gives you a lot of what makes the Sennheiser HD800 headphones so good in a far cheaper package.
Many headphone enthusiasts consider the HD650 the only headphone you ever really need to listen to high-definition audio. For a large part, I agree with that statement. They set the bar at 90-95% of what the far more expensive headphones can do and are top-shelf performers even when you remove price from the equation.
Take the price into the equation, and you have the perfect headphone for budget audiophiles.
Audeze LCD-5
Technology: Open back planar magnetic headphones
The top of the line Audeze LCD-5 is true luxury headphones in every sense of the word and the new flagship headphone from standout brand Audeze.
You are in for a treat with this set of planar magnetic beasts, from the exquisite and ornate packaging to the stellar build.
Made from some of the finest materials, swathed in wood and leather, they look every bit as good as they sound.
Transparent, detailed, fast, and with an excellent sound stage, this is like having an entire 2-way speaker system planted right on top of your head.
Official Product page for the Audeze LCD-5
Audeze LCD-4x
Technology: Open back planar headphones
The LCD-4 by Audeze are legendary headphones and one of the best models created in recent memory. They are the definition of an actual audiophile headphone. The x model is the evolution of the now discontinued but highly popular LCD-4 with several key refinements in all the right areas.
Audeze uses their extensive knowledge of planar drivers to tune the LCD-4x in a way that makes them fun and engaging yet displays so much micro detail and soundstage.
The build quality is unbelievable, and they will hold their value well for years to come. A future classic.
FOSTEX TH900 MK2
Another legendary audiophile headphone on this list is the Fostex TH900 Mk2. I consider this an excellent alternative for people who want similar performance as the Sennheiser HD820 for a lower price.
The build quality is some of the best, and the stunning wood earcups give a premium feel to this classic design.
The sound is slightly warm and smooth with enhancing low end and perfectly matched treble.
Audiophile On Fostex TH900 Mk2 Review
Focal Stellia
Technology: Close back headphones with acoustically tuned chamber
Easily the best-looking audiophile headphone of 2020, the Focal Stellia sounds every bit as good as it looks.
Drawing inspiration from the Focal Utopia, they drew many of the elements into a closed-back design. Focal created a unique internal waffle design on the earcups to aid tuning and reduce sonic reflection to achieve the exceptional sound quality that closely mimics an open-back presentation.
Premium materials as always, and they are cones to catch the eye and suitable for use as a portable set if you wish.
Audiophile On Focal Stellia Review
Beyerdynamic T1 - 3rd Generation
Technology: Tesla Coil Dynamic Driver Headphones
Just like the Sennheiser HD800, these Beyerdynamic headphones have been around for years, for a good reason. Now though, there is a third-generation available to buy.
The German headphone company makes many excellent headphones, but my pick of the bunch has to be the Beyer T1.
The sound is comparable to that of the Sennheiser HD800 but with a bit more of a low-end grunt and warmth that leads to a more natural and less sharp listening experience.
Detail retrieval is at an all-time high thanks to the use of Beyerdynamic's Tesla Driver Technology. Build quality is top of the line, and these headphones should serve you well for decades to come.
Official Webpage of the Beyerdynamic T1
Hifiman Ananda
Technology: Open back planar magnetic headphones
Everyone thought Hifiman would fizzle out when Audeze started to take control of the market a few years back.
For a long time, these two headphone makers were the kings of planar magnetic technology. Hifiman'sline started to grow somewhat stagnant, but then they released the Hifiman HE-1000, a true audiophile-grade headphone, and continued expanding their line based on that success.
I love everything about this headphone, from its styling to its fit and finish and the transparent, highly detailed, and ultra-accurate sound. I was so impressed that the Ananda are the headphones I will be purchasing this Christmas.
Official Hifiman Website
Hifiman HE400SE - Best Headphones For Budget Audiophiles
Technology: Open back planar magnetic headphones
While there are better sounding, better looking, and just all-around better headphones on this list, most of them also cost many times the humble Hifiman HE400SE.
I wanted to include it as an excellent option for those aspiring audiophiles on a budget. The law of diminishing returns is significant in this hobby, and the HE400s offset that by offering big performance at just $299 in the US market.
A warm-sounding but still very detailed Planar headphone weighs only 350g, so they can be worn all day and built to last for years to come.
One of the best headphones buys if you, like many others, consider yourself a budget audiophile.
Grado GS1000e
Technology: Open back dynamic driver headphones
It's hard to make a list of the best audiophile headphones without including Grado. The GS designation on the Grado GS1000e stands for Statement Series, and you can see why.
The GS1000e, unlike the PS1000e discussed below on this list of the best audiophile headphones, will give out precisely what you put into it.
It is as transparent as it gets, and if your source chain is up to snuff, they show themselves for being one of the most accurate and true-sounding headphones on this list.
Additionally, I am a massive fan of classic aesthetics.
Official Website of the Grado GS1000e
Grado PS1000e
Technology: Open back dynamic driver headphones
The PS1000e are my favorite headphone from the Grado lineup this year. The Grado PS1000e is beautiful in every way.
The stunning metal earcups and leather headband are a sight to behold, but when you get to head these headphones with rock, acoustic, classical, and jazz music, they begin to shine.
They retain all of the detail that the GS1000 produces, yet at the same time, they have visceral detail and accuracy. The treble is brighter and bass subdued.
Audiophile On's Grado PS1000E Review
ThieAudio Phantom
Thieaduio Phantom with cable attached
Tecnology: Planar Magnetic
Linsoul has been one of the biggest drivers behind the advance of Asian Hifi products in the past ten years. Finally, they have taken their knowledge and feedback from experience with loyal customers and created ThieAudio.
The Phantom is the company's first headphone, and they were ambitious to opt for a planar driver and a budget price range, but they pulled it off, and it's a massive win for budget audiophiles.
The Phantom is a great first headphone, and we are even more excited to see where they go from here.
AudiophileOn Thieaudio Phantom Review
Focal Clear
Focal Clear features
Technology: Open back dynamic driver headphones
Budget is relative when talking of the products on this website, and the Clear is one of Focal's "budget" or "entry-level headphones."
They follow the design ethos of the higher-end models, but you exchange luxuries like carbon fiber for aluminum.
The Focal Clear is a perfect mid-priced headphone with great build, looks, and comfort.
AudiophileOn'sFocal Clear Review
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Technology: Closed-back planar magnetic headphones
We reviewed the Mr. Speakers Ether a few years ago or months ago and were massively impressed how far Dan (aka Mr. Speakers) had taken the company.
From modifying the popular Fostex T50RP headphones to building the Ether Flow from the ground up and now the Stealth, we have seen Mr. Speakers become one of the best headphone brands on the market today.
The Stealth is an excellent choice. Ultra transparent, extensive detail, and impressive amount of bass in the versatile form of a closed-back headphone
Dan Clark Stealth Webpage
Hifiman Shangri-La - The Best Audiophile Headphones You Shouldn't Buy
Hifiman Shangri-La - The worlds most expensive headphones
Make sure you swallow your coffee before reading about this because I don't want you to spit it all over your screen. The Hifiman Shangri-La headphones (with amplifier) are jaw-dropping $50,000 (USD). Yes, I have seen them, heard them, and in no way would I ever recommend them under any circumstance.
They are included on this list purely based on their sound, without a doubt one of the best-sounding headphones I have ever heard. The price is simply inexcusable and nothing more than a price gouge designed to take advantage of people with more money than sense.
For more than five times less than that, you could have yourself a Head Amp Blue Hawai and a set of Stax SR-009. I mean, that's a pricey combo, but the Shangri-La does not sound $40,000+ better.
Sigva P-II - The Best Audiophile Headphones around $500
Sivga P-II headphones
The Chi-Fi (Chinese Hifi) Market is in full swing and not content with attacking the market share of well-known western earphone brands. They seem set to take on the audiophile headphone segment in 2020.
In our review of the Blon B20 planar magnetic headphones , we think we stumbled across the best high-fidelity headphones for the buck. The company seems to source high-quality OEM products, and as such, they have a lot of similarities with other brands like Sendy, somehow though the Blon sounds a little better and is priced a lot cheaper.
The Blon has an abundance of micro-detail, and they are wide open and airy sounding. Vocals sound especially good due to the clarity and natural presentation with just the slightest hint of warmth. This is a headphone with which to sit back, relax and enjoy your music.
Campfire Audio Cascade
New to the best audiophile headphone list is the first-ever full-size headphone from Campfire Audio. The Cascade takes off where the company's top-rated IEM lineup took off, and it oozes quality at every turn.
The Cascade is a set of closed-back headphones with a large Berrylium dynamic driver. The build quality is superb, blending modern aesthetics with top-of-the-line construction and materials.
As with any of Campfire Audio's products, the focus is on attention to detail, and it's not just the headphones; the accessory set and included carry case is one of the best we have seen.
Soundwise it's all about the company's house sound. The campfire has a knack for tuning headphones that make you want to listen more and more. The Cascade has lots of detail, good top-end extension, and an amazing low-end presentation.
To find out more, read our full Campfire Audio Cascade review .
Readers Headphone Choice
A few years ago, we would have put together a list like this and still had plenty of room to spare; however, nowadays, there is so much choice on the market we have to leave a lot off this list of the best audiophile headphones.
The final spot, as usual, is reserved for the reader's pick; what headphones should we have included? What have we missed out on? What should get recognition?
Leave a comment below and tell us what your favorite audiophile headphone is if you want to see us put in the final place, the one that receives the most votes will be added to this list at the end of the year.
Honorable Mentions
Plenty of headphones come through our doors that we get to listen to but do not quite have time to do a full review. Some of the ones that impressed us this year have been the Mr. Speakers AEON, Sennheiser HD660, and the Fostex TH-610.
Erzetich Audio Mania Hifi Headphones
We just finished our review of the Erzetich Mania headphones and will be considering them for a place on this list. These headphones have a wonderfully rich sound with a surprising v-shaped tuning to them.
They are an expensive set of headphones, and the design is dated from what you can find on other premium headphone companies. However, it has to be noted that they are one of the best-built headphones on this list.
Headphone Buyers Guide and FAQ
Why do people spend so much money on Audiophile products?
Much of this obsession comes down to audiophiles (and those that appreciate fidelity in general) having a deeper understanding of how the physical hardware they use affects the reproduction of their music. It is easy to become obsessed with minor annoyances in recordings often easily overlooked by a layperson.
As your ability to listen improves, you will soon pick up on barely audible treble spikes, minor bass roll-offs, and much more. This is because when you know what to look for, it's amazing how much an effect these little things can have on your enjoyment of the music.
Of course, good music sounds better through good audio equipment, but it is by no means a necessity for pleasure.
An extra benefit to purchasing a set of audiophile headphones is that you can have incredible sound, but you don't have to step into the ultra-pricey world of high-end HiFi systems.
Many people do not have the space to accommodate a full-size Hifi setup, so headphones become a suitable compromise. By going the headphone route, you can still experience extremely high levels of fidelity in a relatively compact package.
Things to consider when buying Audiophile Headphones
While sound quality should be of the utmost importance when buying audiophile headphones, don't forget to consider a few other factors when looking for the best solution. This will further your enjoyment of your headphones in the long term.
The best audiophile headphones in the world might have the best sound, but if they are too impractical for use in the scenarios where you listen to music, buying something better suited to the task is probably worth buying. We have highlighted some areas below we think you should consider before making any purchase.
Comfort & Fit
Comfort and fit both play significant roles in determining how good a match certain headphones are for you. A set of uncomfortable headphones will make you want not to use them.
On the other hand, good audiophile headphones will be comfortable for long listening periods. Consider how these headphones are designed to be worn, plus the materials, ventilation, padding, and weight, impacting comfort.
Consider Your Budget - The Best Audiophile Headphones Ain't Cheap
The price is one of the most significant barriers to entry for some of the world's best-sounding headphones. Don't be too disheartened, though, as several budget headphone options produce about 95% of the sound that the multi $1000 versions do.
The difference between an entry-level audiophile headphone and an ultra-high-end model is a sonic evolution instead of a revolution.
This is something that audiophiles refer to as diminishing returns. A headphone that is twice the price of another rarely will indicate a doubling in sound quality. Nevertheless, some bargains to be had offer a lot of value to headphone buyers on a budget.
Audiophile Headphone Availability and Servicing
Generally speaking, audiophile headphones will not be cheap, and as with all electronic goods, things can and do go wrong. However, given the high initial cost, most people will want to have a warranty and support system in place.
I tend to refer people to Amazon as a first-stop shop because they are very consumer-friendly when issues arise. However, many companies on this list value their customers and put in the effort in the aftercare.
If it is a foreign company and you need to ship them back to the factory, you will most likely be paying the postage, and you will also want to have them insured both ways, so this can certainly add to the cost worth considering.
What audiophile headphones do I use?
One of the most common questions I get asked is what audiophile headphones do I use personally? As someone who runs a site dedicated to high-end audio products, this comes up a lot but take these with a grain of salt.
What works for you might be completely different; there is no right or wrong answer. Also, remember as the owner and writer for an audiophile website, I am likely to change my equipment multiple times a year. That said, here are some links to my favorite equipment I purchased in the past year.
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MY Headphones (Home Audiophile)
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Earphones /IEMS
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DAP (Hifi Home / Transportable)
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Amp/DAC
What source should I use with High-Resolution Audiophile headphones?
Music is and always will be the show's star, but the headphones you use have a massive effect on sound quality. Of course, the same is true for the source you use. Assuming you are using high-resolution audio files, you will want to use an excellent source to make sure the signal is crispy clean and has enough power to drive your headphones to their full potential.
I use 2 "sources" "both listed above) for most of my listening, One for home and one for on the go. My home setup is an insane all-in-one Amp and DAC, and on the go, I will most likely be using my phone with an external DAC or a stand-alone DAP.
However, you don't have to spend a lot to get a great sound. Something like the budget-friendly Objective 2 amp will blow your mind with its transparency and detail for home use. On the other hand, if the portable clean sound on a budget is your thing, then many frugal audiophiles still swear by the Clip Mp3 Player by Sansa.
The short version of what I am trying to say is, that upgrade your files first, then headphones, and after that, you can throw any extra at the sources. The differences in sound quality from changing headphones can be night and day.
If you want to read more about the best source hardware for your music, you can check our lists of the best high-resolution music players and budget music players .
Build quality is also excellent, with a metal body chassis and wooden earcup setup making them very durable. Comfort and looks also get the nod from us, making them well-rounded and great value for money.
Source: https://www.audiophileon.com/news/20-best-audiophile-headphones/
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