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Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

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How comfortable are the Bose QuietComfort headphones for long listening sessions?

January 12th 2024

Best Audiophile Headphones for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 30th, 2024

🎧Passionate about music and need headphones to match? We've got you. The world of audiophile headphones is vast and, let's face it, can be pretty overwhelming. To make things easier, we've sorted through the noise to bring you the best of the best for 2024.

Whether you’re after unrivaled sound quality, seeking value for money, or need specific features, we’ve got a recommendation that’ll hit the right note.

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Overall Best: Sennheiser HD 800 S

Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones - Ring Radiator Drivers With Open-Back Earcups, Includes Balanced Cable, 2-Year Warranty (Black)

Our top choice for audiophiles in 2024 is the Sennheiser HD 800 S. Renowned for its exceptional audio quality and expansive soundstage, these headphones utilize a patented ring radiator transducer and 56mm drivers, capturing every subtle detail of your music. Although they come at a premium price, their open-back design and superior build quality make them a worthwhile investment for serious listeners. Additionally, these headphones perform best when paired with a powerful amplifier, so be prepared for a potential secondary purchase. According to our research, users consistently praise the Sennheiser HD 800 S for its precise imaging and comfort, making long listening sessions a true pleasure.

Lowest at Amazon

$1,599.95 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$26.50 at Walmart

More Answers

Still curious about the Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the soundstage like on the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones?

The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones really stand out with their wide and impressive soundstage, mainly due to their open-back design. If you're not super familiar with 'soundstage,' it's basically how the sound feels like it's all around you—sort of like being in a live music setting. As mentioned in the manufacturer's product info, the HD 800 S packs a 56mm ring radiator transducer, which is one of the largest dynamic drivers around. This big feature plays a huge part in its remarkable soundstage, offering crystal-clear precision and making the audio feel incredibly spacious and natural. From our findings, people who use these headphones often rave about how each sound and instrument seems to come from different directions and distances, really upping the immersive feel. It's like you're right there where the music or performance is happening. The open-back design helps with this spacious feel because it lets sound pass freely in and out of the ear cups. The downside is that they don't block out external noise, so they're not ideal if you're in a noisy place. But for home or studio listening, where it's quieter, they really shine. If having clear sound and a realistic listening experience is important to you, these headphones could be a great fit. Just remember, they don't have noise-canceling features. If noise isolation is a must, you might want to look at other options. But if you’ve got a quiet spot to listen in, the HD 800 S can make your music or movie time feel truly immersive.

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How is the bass response on the Sennheiser HD 800 S?

So, about the Sennheiser HD 800 S and its bass response—it's pretty interesting. These headphones have an open-back design, which really influences how they handle sound. It's not just for looks; the open-back lets air and sound pass through the ear cups, creating a natural, spacious sound. According to the manufacturer's description, this design choice is all about delivering a more natural listening experience. When you put them on, it's like being surrounded by instruments in a wide soundstage. The HD 800 S uses large ring radiator drivers, which help produce this immersive sound. The bass itself is precise and well-defined—don't expect those heavy, booming bass hits you get from headphones that are all about bass. From our research, the focus here is on clarity and detail, which is great for genres like classical, jazz, or acoustic music. Just keep in mind that the open-back design does mean sound can leak in and out, so they might not be the best for noisy or shared environments. But for some peaceful solo listening, they're fantastic. In short, if you love a wide soundstage with clear and accurate bass, the HD 800 S might be right up your alley. They're great for really getting into the nuances of your music, whether it's a symphony or an intimate acoustic set.

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Do the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones require a headphone amp?

If you're thinking about getting the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones, you're probably aiming for top-tier sound. These headphones are known for their amazing clarity and wide soundstage, which makes them a popular choice for audiophiles and sound experts. Now, about whether you need a headphone amp: Yes, you'll likely want one for the HD 800 S. According to our research, they have a high impedance of 300 ohms, which is common for professional-grade headphones. This basically means they need more power than a regular headphone jack can give, so a good amp will help them really shine in terms of clarity and detail. This is particularly true if you're using them in settings where precise audio is key, like mixing or mastering music. With a suitable amp, you'll be able to catch even the smallest details in your tracks. One interesting thing about these headphones, according to the manufacturer's description, is their unique ring radiator drivers along with an open-back design. These features contribute to the spacious and natural sound. However, our research suggests the bass might feel a bit on the lighter side for some people. If richer bass is what you're after, you might consider using EQ adjustments—some folks recommend setups like the [Oratory 1990 EQ](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Doratory%2B1990%2Beq%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for a more balanced sound. In terms of build, they're both sturdy and light, so they're comfy enough for long listening sessions, which is great if you'll be wearing them for hours. They're not cheap, but many say the outstanding audio quality is worth the price. If you're okay with putting a little extra into a headphone amp and maybe some EQ tweaking, the HD 800 S could be a fantastic addition to your audio gear.

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Runner-up: Sony MDR-Z1R

Sony MDRZ1R Signature, Hi-Res Headphone, Black

If you're seeking an excellent alternative for top-tier audio, consider the Sony MDR-Z1R. Constructed with kevlar and carbon fiber, these closed-back headphones deliver an expansive soundstage that rivals many open-back models. Although their price is on the higher side, the immersive bass and luxurious sheepskin ear pads provide comfort and justify the investment. The closed-back design offers added portability and practicality for travel without compromising sound quality. Our research indicates that users appreciate the Sony MDR-Z1R for its durability and exceptional sound performance, making it a standout runner-up.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$1,798.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black

For audiophiles on a budget, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers impressive sound quality at a fraction of the cost of high-end models. With a frequency response range of 15Hz to 28,000Hz and 45mm large-aperture drivers, these headphones provide versatility for a wide range of music genres. Their closed-back design is ideal for both casual listening and studio monitoring, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or audio quality. According to the manufacturer, the ATH-M50x is a favorite among users for its robust build and reliable performance, making it a top budget pick.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$148.00 at Amazon

Specific Pick: Focal Utopia

Focal Utopia High-Fidelity Over-Ear Open-Back Headphones (2022)

For those who seek an extraordinary blend of aesthetic appeal and supreme audio performance, the Focal Utopia is an excellent choice. These headphones are meticulously crafted using innovative materials and advanced engineering, resulting in Endgame-level sound quality. With their lightweight construction and excellent build, the Focal Utopia is designed for extended listening sessions. The manufacturer's description highlights its ability to deliver fully immersive sound, making it a favored choice among audiophiles who desire both style and performance.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$4,999.00 at Amazon

Specific Pick: HiFiMan Edition XS

HIFIMAN Edition XS Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones with Stealth Magnets Design, Adjustable Headband, Detachable Cable for Audiophiles, Home, Studio-Black

The HiFiMan Edition XS is a stellar option for those who desire high-quality audio with a neutral sound profile. Known for its clear and present vocals and lead instruments, these headphones excel in delivering a balanced sound experience. While they may lack a bit in the low-bass department, the high-bass bump adds warmth to the overall mix. Priced under $450, they provide an excellent entry point into the world of audiophile-grade sound without requiring a hefty investment. According to user reviews, the HiFiMan Edition XS is celebrated for its detailed audio reproduction and comfortable fit.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$269.00 at Amazon

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