Top 15 Best Audiophile Headphones 2022
In this article, we will highlight the best Audiophile headphones in 2022. Click the link to read the full guide.
Author:Daniel BarrettMay 30, 20222022 Shares404459 Views
Headphones are the life of music. As a result, there is a sea of choices for these musical devices. In the market presently, headphones are over a hundred thousand different kinds. In this article, we will highlight the best Audiophile headphonesin 2022.
Are you looking for the best of the best experience with sound? Here are the things to look out for when it comes to headphones.
- Perfect sonics
- Sound quality
- Pricing
- Balance and precision
- Noise cancellation
- Headphone Amplifiers
Now, let’s dive right into our top choice for the best audiophile headphones.
Best Audiophile Headphones 2022
1. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
The Beyerdynamic isn’t as famous as its German counterpart, Sennheiser. But in terms of features and qualities, the former is number one. The company’s DT770, DT880, and DT990 over-ear headphones were renowned for their excellent build and sound quality.
What to expect from Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
- Great value for your money.
- Exciting imaging and design.
- Tight analytic listening,
- Good sense of space
- Wide soundstage.
The DT 1990 Pro is the best over-ear headphone, in our opinion, but be sure to check out our review of the others below. Enjoy!
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
If you have the money and want a top-tier pair of headphones for modern life, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the way to go. The combination of high-quality Bluetooth codecs, great sound, improved noise cancelling, good battery life, and smart features like auto-pause and Bluetooth multipoint makes these the best all-around option for most people.
What to expect from Sony WH-1000XM4
- The best balance of features and performance.
- Multipoint pairing
- DSEE Extreme upscaling
- Autoplay/pause by a built-in sensor
- Conversational awareness.
3. Sennheiser HD 800
The third entry on our list of the best over-ear headphones could have easily been the first. But they cost well over $1,000 / £1,000. Nevertheless, the Sennheiser HD 800 is, hands down, some of the best-sounding pairs of over-ear headphones on the planet. When paired with the proper hardware, they sound excellently balanced.
4. Grado SR325e
Simply put, these Grado over-ear headphones are a masterpiece. Even if their retro shell doesn’t attract, their gloriously-musical output will. The open-backed design creates a clear, light sound with well-organized layers that deliver an energetic, rhythmical performance. And while those 360-degree rotating ear-cups might look a little old-fashioned, they’re a delight to wear.
They don’t come cheap, but these great cans are worth every dime. There’s only one downside. The open back cups do leak sound, so they’re not ideal for use in the office. But then that would be excessive anyway, like using a Porsche to do the weekly shop.
5. Focal Clear Mg
Focal is best known for its speakers, and seeing as it only launched its range of headphones in 2012, it’s a relative newcomer to the space. But it’s quickly made a name for itself by challenging some of the best models around. The Clear Mg is a high-end, open-backed pair that looks and feels as luxurious as that price tag would suggest.
What to look out for in Focal Clear Mg
- Excellent material quality.
- Comfy.
- Impressive sonic.
They’re open-backed, so the usual conditions about leaking sound apply. They’re proposed for home listening, aided by the 3m-long cable. This is easily detachable, so swapping to a replacement will be quick if it ever breaks or gets damaged. And it doesn’t make much mechanical noise as you move around – always a plus.
Sound-wise, they’re a little cleaner and clearer than their predecessors. Sounding a little less bright and more rounded in the treble. It makes them more forgiving of aggressive electronics and recordings, but they’re still admirably even-handed and balanced. We’re pleased to report that Beyerdynamic hasn’t over-egged the bass frequencies either, with the T1 (3rd Gen) sounding as tonally convincing as ever.
6. Austrian Audio Hi-X50
Austrian Audio isn’t the most interesting name for a new hi-fi manufacturer. But though it shows a certain lack of imagination, it also has the air of a belt and braces company – and we like that.
While Austrian Audio is a new company, the people behind it are ex-AKG employees and some of the most experienced in the industry. That maturity shines through in its Hi-X50 on-ears.
What to look out for in the Austrian Hi-X50
- Light and easy
- They’re solid.
- Quality-built headphones
- You can easily swap components like headband cushioning and memory foam earpads. So, you don’t need to worry about wear and tear.
- They come with a 3m cable, though a 1.2m optional extra is also available. Pretty mobile.
Downside includes:Every scratch and dent is evident on the Subpar source material.
7. Shure Aonic 3
You cannot ignore the popularity of wireless earbuds. They are, after all, ultra-convenient types of headphones. Clever features, including wireless charging cases, noise-canceling, and touch controls are all boxes that can be ticked by earbuds that cost less than the Shure Aonic 3.
The Shures have to rely on eartips for noise isolation, an in-line mic for controls, and a trusty headphone 3.5mm jack to connect to your smartphone (assuming it has one).
What to look out for in the Shure Aonic 3
- Small and comfy earbuds
- Lightweight and mobile.
- Headphone supports, so it doesn’t hang loosely from your ears.
Shure is a brand with an 80-year history of making pro audio. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Aonic 3 is a delight. Their sense of rhythm and timing must be heard to be believed, and their dynamic ability left us spellbound.
8. Urbanista Miami
Urbanista’s first over-ear noise-canceling headphones are an easy recommend for those on a budget. It also works if you don’t want to sacrifice style or sound performance. Noise cancellation itself isn’t the best on the market. The audio could be more detailed, though. An extended bass response makes the Urbanista Miami ideal for pop and RnB.
Battery life and connectivity are also decent for the price, making these a great alternative to pricier models like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Apple AirPods Max.
9. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
In some ways, the Beoplay HX is a typical Bang & Olufsen product: premium materials, premium construction, premium price. In others, though, they’re a lot less willful than we’ve become used to from the company.
The HX headphones’ priority is performance, although they are pretty expensive. What you get for the price, then, is vivid, lively sound and the feel and look of a premium product.
This means that you can buy a pair of Bang & Olufsen active noise-canceling wireless over-ear headphones for a fair bit more. The ones specified to compete and built to make you feel good about life. The specification is appropriately up to standard, performance is almost entirely impressive, and less tangible stuff such as ‘pride of ownership’ is sky-high.
10. Focal Stellia
The Stellia are top-of-the-line French-made headphones that absolutely epitomize high-end style. They are the gorgeous runway model, the sublime supercar, or the imposing mansion of the headphone world. And, strangely enough, they are closed-back and efficient, so they are intended to be worn outside where people can see you.
What to look out for in the Focal Stellia
- Wide-open soundstage with attention to detail
- Fantastic sound
- Accurate sound treatment
- Precise separation of the frequencies.
They cost $3,000! And as good as they are, therein lies the problem. The Focal Stellias is exorbitantly expensive for most people. This is ten times the price of our current favorite headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM3s.
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11. V-Moda M-200 Studio Headphones
The V-Moda M-200 refines the recipe from the previous M-100, making it an excellent choice for gamers, music producers, and music enthusiasts. While there are more detailed headphones for the price, the M-200’s unique customizations and style are standouts.
What to look out for in the V-Moda M-200 Studio Headphones
- Classic design
- Excellent build quality
- Sweat-resistant PU leather.
Yes, the M-200s are expensive, but they’re worth it for their sound quality, resolution, build quality, and unique, customizable plates.
12. JBL Tune 750BTNC
JBL is a popular name in the world of headphones and Bluetooth speakers, and rightly so. Solidly dependable, users know what to expect from the brand. Decent sound quality for a reasonable price.
The JBL Tune 750BTNC sounds excellent, looks great, and fits well. Reliable and easy to use, you might miss waterproofing and a few minor features – but at this price, it feels foolish to complain too readily.
13. Klipsch T5M Wired
Klipsch knows how to make a decent pair of affordable in-ear headphones. In 2018 it was the R6i II that stole all the headlines, but for 2020 it’s the T5M Wired causing a stir. They are highly comfortable, and they’re also some of the most musical buds we’ve heard at the money.
They sound detailed and dynamic with an even tonal balance and excellent sense of timing. The only slight downsides are they can generate cable noise if you don’t use the supplied clothing clip. Also, you can’t change the volume via the one-button control/mic. Still, that’s small fry in the grand scheme of things.
14. AKG K72
The word ‘audiophile’ might sound a little grand to some. But the AKG K72 is evidence that anyone can get their hands on a pair of excellent, audiophile-quality headphones. All for less than the price of a decent restaurant meal. These bargain closed-back headphones are almost unbeatable given the price, offering solid build quality, comfortable padding, and a 3m-long cable.
From the neutral presentation to the well-controlled bass, they sound far more expensive than they are. However, if you’re looking to upgrade the earbuds bundled with your phone, these are just the ticket.
15. Grado GS3000e
In our experience, Grado rarely fails, and it’s for true audiophile headphones like the GS3000e that the company is top-rated. Grado claims these are the finest wooden-cased headphones it has ever made. And it isn’t easy to contend against that.
We’re talking no compromise on audio quality. There’s the distinctive, unique styling and Grado’s traditional open-back design. They do leak sound, though, so we’d recommend using these headphones in the privacy of a listening room.
Sonically, they’re agile, involving, and just great fun to listen to. Use them with a suitably capable source and headphone amplifier, and they deliver a controlled sound, which is organized but far from routine – far-reaching dynamics and a fine sense of rhythm ensure that. They’re more forgiving of bright highs than some Grado designs yet still deliver adequate levels of detail. If you can deal with the style and open-back design, these audiophile headphones will reward you every time you put them on.
Editor’s picks:
Jump to
Best Audiophile Headphones 2022
1. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
3. Sennheiser HD 800
4. Grado SR325e
5. Focal Clear Mg
6. Austrian Audio Hi-X50
7. Shure Aonic 3
8. Urbanista Miami
9. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
10. Focal Stellia
11. V-Moda M-200 Studio Headphones
12. JBL Tune 750BTNC
13. Klipsch T5M Wired
14. AKG K72
15. Grado GS3000e
Daniel Barrett
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