If you want to listen to your tracks with the utmost clarity, powerful bass, and excellent musicality, you need a good pair of headphones. And to reach top-tier performance, you’ll need a pair of some of the best audiophile headphones. They might be slightly more expensive than your average models, but they’ll deliver the kind of performance that’s invaluable to a music lover – and they’ll last you for years to come, too.
We’ve put together this lineup of some of the best hand-picked models currently available on the market. Whether you’re a fan of the Grado SR325x, Sennheiser HD660S2, or Denon AH-D7200, we’ve put these headphones through their paces so you don’t have to. We highlight what stood out to us, as well as the areas where each model truly excels.
In a hurry?
If you want the best of the best, here are our top three audiophile headphones.
| Denon AH-D7200 | Balanced, natural sound - courtesy of 50mm FreeEdge drivers that deliver an accurate response across the whole frequency range. | Check the current price |
| Focal Bathys | Delivers a warm signature while maintaining a balanced, clear soundstage. There's also exceptional bass response, which can be tuned to taste. | Check the current price |
| Grado SR325x | An entertaining soundstage with dynamic, detailed performance - all wrapped in an ultra-lightweight design with build quality that’s stronger than it first appears. | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these headphones
Every pair of headphones in this lineup has been chosen on its own merit; some simply deliver your music in such a sublime way, while others are so innovative in their design and features that they stand out from the rest. The Sennheiser HD660 S headphones are great examples of this.
We’ve picked the headphones for how musical they sound with vocals and their separation of instruments. Albums like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon (24-bit/96kHz) were used to assess performance, from the chiming clocks to the dynamic build-up in “Us and Them”. Each pair had to outperform others in their price range to earn a spot on this list.
Of course, music is subjective, so it’s perfectly reasonable to disagree with some of our findings. However, having listened to a wide range of headphones over the years, much like other reviewers who’ve spent time with these products, certain standout models tend to consistently earn praise. It’s often the same exceptional pairs that make the grade time and again.
We also used a couple of DAC headphone amps, noted further down, as some proved to be excellent partners, enhancing musical detail and expanding the soundstage, allowing each headphone’s full potential to come through.
The best audiophile headphones
1. Denon AH-D7200 Reference Quality Over-Ear Headphones
Key features
- 50mm FreeEdge drivers
- Real walnut ear cups
- Memory foam ear pads with engineered leather
Pros
- Exceptionally clear, detailed, and controlled sound reproduction
- Comfortable fit for extended, uninterrupted listening sessions
- Premium materials enhance durability and acoustic performance
Cons
- Closed-back design offers less open soundstage feel
The Denon AH-D7200 are designed to provide a clear and controlled listening experience, all courtesy of their 50mm FreeEdge drivers. These headphones also use a lightweight nano-fibre diaphragm that moves precisely with your music, helping reduce distortion and keeping fine detail intact – you’ll notice how stable and natural everything sounds. Plus, the self-damping design works to minimise unwanted resonance, so nothing feels exaggerated or forced.
The walnut earcups naturally absorb vibration, which helps maintain clarity and adds a sense of warmth that feels closer to a live performance.
Build-wise, there are memory foam ear cushions that adapt to your head shape for ultimate comfort, while the soft leather finish keeps things even more snug over longer sessions. The headband uses a sturdy aluminium frame with simple click-stop adjustment.
You also get a high-purity copper cable designed to preserve signal quality. It’s detachable too, which makes it easier to store or replace if needed.
2. Focal Bathys Wireless Headphones
Key features
- Wireless and wired ability
- Class-leading active noise cancellation technology
- Smartphone app EQ system
Pros
- Built-in hi-res DAC accessible via supplied cable
- 15 minutes of charge can give you 5 hours of playtime
- Voice assist connectivity to Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- You can’t turn the ANC off
Pronounced bat-ease, the Focal Bathy closed-back headphones boast one of the most accomplished noise cancellation systems we’ve heard, making them perfect for home use and when you’re on the move.
Via Bluetooth, they’re surprisingly accomplished, even though they use the older 5.1 Bluetooth standard. And, unusually for a hi-fi set of headphones, they can also be used for phone calls, delivering crystal-clear audio.
The standout feature of the Focal Bathys headphones, for us, is the built-in USB DAC. It does require a cable, but it’s absolutely worth it. The added musicality really highlights what’s missing from Bluetooth – something you might never have realised without this feature.
Don’t think we’re saying the Focal Bathys headphones sound poor over Bluetooth – they’re actually among the best at this price point, rivalling the Sony WH-1000XM5s and the mighty B&W PX7 S2s.
These headphones include physical button controls, giving you easy access to features like noise cancelling, with Silent, Soft, and Transparency modes. Volume adjustment is also straightforward, making them a great choice for those who prefer tactile controls. Focal deserves credit for including this.
There’s so much to say about these exceptional headphones that we’ve created a dedicated Focal Bathys review, which we recommend checking out – it’ll answer any questions you might have. One thing’s for sure: the Focal Bathys headphones are every bit as good as you’ve read and fully deserve their place on this list.
3. Grado SR325x Headphones
Key features
- 4th Generation Grado 44mm drivers
- 8-conductor cable
- Open-back design
Pros
- Performs exceptionally across all musical genres
- Upgradable third-party pad options allow for personalisation to suit your taste
- Ultra-lightweight comfortable design
Cons
- If you’re not a fan of sound leakage – open-back headphones aren’t for you
Part of the Grado Prestige Series, the Grado SR325x open-backed headphones are the flagship of the entry lineup, featuring the latest fourth-generation driver, bringing a sense of gravitas that surpasses any of their previous iterations.
Collecting praise from publications and YouTubers worldwide – along with a Product of the Year award – the Grado SR325x headphones couldn’t be ignored when creating a list of the best audiophile headphones.
Keeping that Brooklyn Grado signature ever-present places you right at the heart of the music, with impact and energy that deliver excitement and eagerness. There’s an edgy hit that flows exuberantly, yet still commands a sense of realism.
The width of the soundstage allows musical instruments and vocals to breathe with ease, while the Brooklyn Beat punch – a signature trait of Grado – is ever-present, completing the experience.
As with all Grado headphones, you can tailor the sound signature by interchanging the ear pads. Off-the-shelf alternative pads, compared to the included L-pads, subtly alter the musical frequency range, offering a slightly different listening experience.
Using dynamic moving coil drivers, they’re easy to drive, ultra-lightweight, and while the clamping isn’t to everyone’s taste, they fit snugly to your ears with a firmness that prevents unwanted movement.
Being open-backed, these are true audiophile headphones that capture the natural ebb and flow of the music. Although these headphones may have been tweaked to deliver bass that some might say leans slightly into the mid-range frequencies, most open-backed designs follow a similar approach to maintain realism.
Further reinforcing Grado’s philosophy, every pair of Grado headphones is hand-built in Brooklyn, giving them even more kudos over their rivals.
4. Grado Signature HP100 SE Headphones
Key features
- 52mm drivers with lightweight copper-plated voice coil
- Detachable braided cable
- 3.5Hz to 51.5kHz frequency response
Pros
- First Grado headphones to include detachable cables
- Alternative third-party pads allow customisable tweaks to suit personal taste
- Redesigned headband offers more comfort compared to earlier designs
Cons
- Earpads aren’t as comfortable as they could be
Launched in celebration of what would have been founder Joseph Grado’s 100th birthday, the Grado HP1000 SE open-backed headphones introduce a new direction in both design and sound signature.
Now featuring detachable dual 4-pin mini-XLR inputs to a 6.35mm cable, they offer Grado headphone owners something they haven’t had before – the ability to tailor the sound signature with alternative cables. There’s also the option to adjust comfort and further tweak the signature by using third-party interchangeable Grado headphone pads, compared to the standard G-Pads with which the headphones were originally designed.
Sound-wise, these headphones do differ from the standard Grado signature, delivering a sharper and more dynamic musical playback. That classic Grado sound isn’t completely lost for those passionate about it, but it’s a little more rapid, with higher frequencies becoming more noticeable, typically softened in standard Grado models.
The Grado Signature HP1000 SE headphones truly come alive with vocals, thanks to the copper-plated aluminium voice coil, while the 52mm dynamic driver pulsates with strings and percussion instruments. Grado haven’t forgotten their Brooklyn roots either — they can still smash out a meaty house beatbox sound, as you’d expect from headphones hand-built in their Brooklyn studios.
The finish uses a space-grade material that delivers a premium feel, remaining both weighty and comfortable. Extra padding on the headband enhances comfort for long listening sessions, while the clamping force creates a secure seal without becoming uncomfortable.
These headphones are rated at 38 ohms and deliver 117dB, meaning they’ll work in just about any scenario. However, in our opinion, it’s best practice to pair the HP1000 SE with high-quality electronics like the Chord Electronics Hugo 2 or FiiO K19 DAC headphone amps to ensure you hear exactly what these headphones are capable of.
5. Focal Stellia Headphones
Key features
- Lightweight metal beryllium M-dome driver
- 40mm pure Beryllium “M” shaped dome
- Closed-back design
Pros
- Low impedance and high sensitivity offer flexibility with partnering electronics
- Included cable options support multiple listening configurations
- Closed-back design allows for high-fidelity listening in a range of environments
Cons
- It could benefit from a bit more presence with male vocals to match its strength with female artists
The famous speaker brand Focal set out to create a high-end headphone that mimicked their speakers, and with the Focal Stellia closed-back headphones, they’ve certainly done just that.
Using anti-corrosive metals like beryllium, which is both lightweight and strong, Focal shaped it into a 4cm M-shaped surround. A copper voice coil driver completes the array, forming the core of their precise driver design.
This is housed within their fox-shaped diffuser, which forms the closed-back structure. It acts like a natural room treatment for each ear, removing unwanted reverberations and resonances that could otherwise compromise the Focal signature sound.
Acoustically, the Stellia delivers high-end sonic precision that sets it apart from many closed-back headphones. It flows with musical accuracy that is rhythmically energetic and full-bodied, especially when handling strong vocal performances.
Female vocals in particular benefit from the investment Focal has made in the Stellia, likely thanks to the exceptionally strong mid-range these headphones produce. Unlike many closed-back models, the Focal Stellia offers a wide and open sound signature, with an extended frequency range and surprisingly powerful bass, reaching beyond what you might expect from the size of the earcups.
The box itself is a masterclass in design and presentation. Focal includes two headphone cables and a beautifully crafted carry case.
The 1.2m cable is ideal for portable use, while the longer one is better suited to serious listening. Just like the headphones’ build quality, you can tell this is more than just another expensive pair; the balanced weight distribution and comfort-focused design show the meticulous effort Focal has put into them.
Each earcup features its own mono jack input. The shorter cable includes a 3.5mm jack with a 6.35mm adapter (included), while the longer 3m cable houses a 4-pin XLR connector – perfect for unlocking the full potential of these headphones when paired with top-tier electronics.
6. Sennheiser HD800 S Headphones
Key features
- 56mm ring radiator drivers
- Open-back design
- Absorber technology
Pros
- Works with multiple genres of music, making them ideal for anyone
- Excels with subtle frequency changes for a dynamic, punchy reproduction
- Adding a DAC headphone amp brings another level of musicality
Cons
- Cable connection doesn’t feel as premium as it could be
As part of this line-up of the best audiophile headphones, the Sennheiser HD800 S headphones are like the grandads of the list; they’ve been around for so long, but when something is so right, why change it?
The answer is simple: you don’t. Sennheiser clearly agrees, as these headphones remain exceptional at what they do. Yes, they have a few weaknesses, but when you consider the price of the HD800 S compared to a pair of high-fidelity speakers, they’re a bargain in comparison.
They offer a soundstage as wide as any of the best headphones on this list, and one of the strongest mid-ranges in their class. The HD800 S epitomises what a true audiophile seeks in a great pair of headphones.
The way Sennheiser separates musical instruments is easily class-leading. Although some newer models are starting to nip at their heels, it only highlights how right Sennheiser got it with the HD800 S at launch – and how they continue to stay ahead.
One of the greatest accolades for any product is when the reviewers themselves choose to own it. If you do your homework on the HD800 S, you’ll find that time after time, many reviewers settle on them, simply because they deliver so consistently.
At their price, it’s hard to fault them. Yes, they can become a little harsh when pushed hard with certain frequencies, but when paired with high-quality electronics, they sing among the very best – and that’s exactly why they’ve earned their place in this line-up.
7. Dali IO-8 Wireless Headphones
Key features
- Up to 35 hours of battery life
- Custom 50mm drivers and Dali’s signature paper/fibre cones
- Audiophile-grade noise cancellation
Pros
- Unique smartphone app offers free control for over-ear wireless headphones
- Hi-Fi mode appeals to audiophile purists
- Bass mode suits EDM lovers
Cons
- The clamping might feel a little snug for some
What’s not to like about the DALI IO-8 headphones? These lightweight wireless Bluetooth headphones offer dual connectivity – either via Bluetooth 5.2 or using the included 1.2m wired cable through a 3.5mm jack for true hi-res musical playback.
The design is genuinely eye-catching, and the build quality reflects a level of craftsmanship that matches the sonic performance, very similar to the Focal Bathys, which, in some regions, is a direct competitor. That makes the IO-8 a bit of a steal here in the UK.
Clamping is snug, with the earcups sealing sound directly to your ears. Unlike many wireless headphones, the IO-8 are a bit of an enigma — all controls are located on the headphones themselves, removing the need for a smartphone app.
They’re also highly tunable thanks to the built-in EQ system. EDM fans will be in their element – the bass reproduction is exceptional (it’s what DALI are known for), while switching to Hi-Fi mode brings the mid-range into sharper focus.
The signature sound is wider than expected, and although the ANC is impressive, it can be subtly noticeable with some musical playback. That said, when ANC is needed, it performs without disrupting your listening experience.
One reason you might notice the ANC is that the IO-8 gives you the option to turn it off entirely, which, for us, was a major plus when evaluating which headphones deserved a place on this list of the best audiophile models.
For those using them wirelessly, you can expect up to 30 hours of playback in Bluetooth ANC mode, matching the Focal Bathys, and around 35 hours with ANC turned off.
8. Sennheiser HD 660S2 Headphones
Key features
- 38mm high-performance transducer design
- Electrical dampening system
- Ergonomic headband
Pros
- Works with most musical genres and gaming
- Strong mid-range and treble response
- Deeper bass over the previous HD660S version
Cons
- They don’t deliver a serious bass punch
The Sennheiser 600 series is legendary in the headphone world, and this latest incarnation, the HD 660S2 introduces subtle tweaks that enhance and improve upon the original.
These headphones extend the bass response compared to the original model, while also refining the higher frequencies for a more cohesive musical presentation. This allows the mid-range to come into sharper focus, helping instruments and vocals shine through.
If you’re after deep, booming bass, you might be slightly underwhelmed – but that’s because the HD 660S2 is musically tuned across the full frequency range. Rather than becoming a one-trick pony, it gives your music space to breathe and feel natural.
The use of a new 38mm transducer really brings Sennheiser’s intentions to life, addressing earlier issues of slightly weak bass and occasionally shrill highs, resulting in a more balanced and natural sound.
If you’ve never owned a pair from the Sennheiser 600 series, ask anyone who has – they’ll tell you the clamping force is spot on, and long listening sessions are a pleasure. There’s no fatigue, which can’t always be said for other headphones in this price range.
They’re also easy to drive, but like all great-sounding headphones, pairing them with a capable DAC headphone amp, such as the FiiO K11, will reveal so much more. Without one, you’re only short-changing yourself.
In the box, you’ll find two 1.8m cables: one with a 6.35mm jack, the other with a 4.4mm balanced connection. And for those who need it, a 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter is included. There’s also a simple carry pouch to keep them safe when not in use.
9. Meze 99 Classic Over-Ear Headphones
Key features
- Fully serviceable design with replaceable components
- CNC-carved wood with detailed hand-finishing
- Spring steel headband for even pressure distribution
Pros
- Warm, natural sound with pleasing tonal balance
- Comfortable fit that adapts to your head shape
- Durable build designed for long-term ownership
Cons
- Less analytical sound than studio-focused models
The Meze 99 Classics are built to give you a natural and balanced listening experience, with an emphasis on musicality rather than analysis. The walnut wood earcups help control resonance while adding a sense of warmth that suits a wide range of genres. Plus, each pair shows off its own natural wood grain, which is carefully finished and inspected over an extended process to ensure consistency and quality.
Comfort has been thought about here just as much as sound. The spring steel headband is designed to spread pressure evenly, so you don’t get that tight or fatiguing feeling during longer sessions, while memory foam ear pads gently adapt to your head for a personalised fit. Better still, with zinc alloy hardware and a fully serviceable construction, these headphones are designed to last – no disposable materials or fixed components.
And when you put them on, they feel as considered as they look. The combination of materials and design choices gives you a listening experience that’s relaxed, engaging, and easy to return to day after day.
Common features of audiophile headphones
With any kind of speaker – whether it’s a pair of headphones or a dedicated set of 3-way floorstanders – the goal is always the same: to replicate accuracy and clarity. The very best examples can even create a sense of location and height for each performer, while the space between them delivers width and depth to the soundstage.
Strong vocal performance and a well-controlled bass that doesn’t intrude on the mid-range are also paramount for audiophile listening. Any sonic intrusion in these areas can mask fine musical details, hiding information that should be heard.
Connectivity and upgradability are welcome features. If your headphones offer these, it means you can fine-tune the system to better suit your ears, ideal for addressing small nuances you might not prefer.
What matters most, though, is that a good pair of headphones should be as faithful to the original recording as physically possible. Clever design features, like damping resonances and minimising internal reflections, help ensure nothing gets in the way of the sound.
One thing that’s always been true of sound is that its “quality” is subjective. And for that reason, even among the best audiophile headphones, you’ll find things that are completely unique.
How to choose the best audiophile headphones for you
If you’re choosing a pair of headphones for music listening, a few key factors can make or break the experience – and they might not be the things you’d initially think of.
One of the most important is clamping force and overall comfort for extended listening sessions. If the fit is too tight or too loose, you’re unlikely to enjoy using them for music. But, just like Goldilocks, if it’s just right, you’ve already won half the battle.
The next step is knowing your budget – and, crucially, how you intend to use your headphones.
For example, the Grado Signature HP1000 SE isn’t ideal for portable listening due to its open-back design and studio-focused intent. On the other hand, the Focal Stellia or Bathys headphones are great options for on-the-go use. Their closed-back construction helps block out external noise, making them better suited for public spaces.
The Bathys, in particular, also features ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), which is especially useful in noisy environments or during long-haul flights, where unwanted ambient sound could otherwise spoil your listening experience.
So, it’s not always about getting the most expensive headphones you can afford – it’s about getting the right ones for your needs. Understanding this is essential.
Open-backed headphones are often seen as an audiophile’s dream, but they come with trade-offs. Sound leakage will likely disturb others nearby, and in busy settings, external noise can also creep into your listening, affecting the overall experience for both you and those around you.
Lastly, think about the extra equipment you plan to use with your audiophile headphones. These models are usually very revealing, and if any part of your setup is subpar, it will hold back the headphones’ true potential. To get the most out of them, the supporting electronics should be of equal or better quality.
FAQs
Do you need a DAC for audiophile headphones?
To reveal everything your audiophile headphones have to offer, a DAC built into a headphone amp is the best option. This ensures your headphones receive the highest possible musical detail from the source.
Do audiophile headphones make a difference?
Audiphile headphones are a bit like owning a full-size high-end hi-fi system that you wear on your head – so they make a huge difference to your listening experience. Pound for pound, a well-matched pair of headphones can outperform an audiophile hi-fi system, often at just 30% of the cost when scaled correctly.
What is the difference between audiophile headphones and normal headphones?
Audiophile headphones differ from standard headphones in that they use more premium electronics and design to ensure an immersive, clear, and detailed listening experience. They often have a great bass response, a crisp high end, and great ability to separate the instruments’ positioning in a track. Regular headphones can still offer great sound quality, but they focus more on features such as noise cancellation and can prioritise a certain frequency range, such as the bass or mid-range to highs for vocals.
Final thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide and that it’s helped you in some way to find the best audiophile headphones for your needs. We know there was a lot to cover with nine models included, but if you’re serious about finding a truly accomplished pair, we’re confident you’ll have spotted at least one that’s already caught your eye.
As we mentioned earlier, sound is often a deeply personal and emotional experience. If you disagree with some of our choices, why not share one of your own favourites in the comments? After all, when it comes to sound, we all have our preferences, and no two people hear the same piece of music in quite the same way.
0 Comments