On this page you’ll find our FULL SIZED Headphone recommendations of this moment. This is an ever evolving list.
Beyerdynamic DT770
This Beyerdynamic was loved right from the beginning here on Headfonia. Mike and myself did a double review and we ended up recommending a lot of these DT770’s to our readers. The headphone turned out to be so successful that Beyerdynamic continued making them under the 32Ohm label and it’s still selling strong. For little money you get an excellent closed headphone (I recommend the velour pads) with a more V-Shaped sound signature. You get excellent detail and lovely bass, and when hooking it up to tube amp, the DT700 transform into a very addictive headphone. While no amplifiers are needed to drive this headphone, you will notice how remarkably better it sounds when amped. If you’re in need of something good and closed, this should be on your list.
Review: https://headfonia.com/the-beyerdynamic-we-love-dt770-anniversary-edition/
Philips Fidelio X2
With the Fidelio line (research lab is in Belgium), Philips has struck gold. The X2 is a superb sounding headphone that is very easy to listen to. Don’t forget it is an open headphone and that sound will leak in and out of it. The X2 is without doubt one of the better Mid-Fi headphones for use at home or at the office, not for on the go (even though is also is easy to drive). It simply is an excellent headphone that will be hard not to like sound wise. The X2 has all the detail but it has a warm and smooth sound signature where bass is present in a more than neutral amount. It’s very easy to love and with is slightly slower pace, never fatigues.
Review: https://headfonia.com/philips-fidelio-x2-evolution-sound/
ThieAudio Phantom (Added 13/02/2020)
If you’re after that certain planar magnetic sound with a reasonable budget, the Thieaudio Phantom is a formidable choice. Just remember to remove the inner foams and bear in mind its small deficiencies in sound in here and there. In the end, it’s not fair to expect a $1000 planar headphone performance from this one. Even though it has some weakness in its sound, I’m putting this into our Best Full Sized Headphones list. Its mid range performance solely deserves this recommendation for this price level. If they somehow can improve certain aspects of this headphone in the future, it would sell like hot cakes. They can start by removing the foam damps right away!
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/thieaudio-phantom-review/
Audeze LCD-1
Audeze LCD-1 (Added 02/02/2020)
Not only the Audeze LCD-1’s sound is great but the whole package is. Design, size, comfort, price and sound: everything works in favour of this headphone. It probably is my easiest decision ever to add the LCD-1 to our Best Headphone List, where you can find all our recommended buys. The LCD-1 design team deserves a medal, or at least a big bonus at the end of the year. It is impressive to see how they have managed to make the 90mm drivers perform. I like the balanced presentation, the musicality and the naturalness from top to bottom. Bass, mids and treble all are very impressive, but it’s probably the mids that will get you hooked to the LCD-1 most.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/audeze-lcd-1-review/
Meze 99 Classics
When Nathan starts calling headphones brilliant you can pretty sure they’re extremely good sounding. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like a headphone this much. The Meze 99 Classics ticks off most, if not all the boxes. It’s not cheap and it’s not expensive. Its accessories, cables, and general construction are nice, if not luxurious. With the right pads, it is a damn hard headphone not to hype. And that goes for sound: punchy, but even handed, this headphone’s neutral, contrasty signature is there for the long haul. The 99 Classics looks even better in real but if you don’t like them you can now buy the Meze 99 NEO in a black stealth edition.
Review: https://headfonia.com/meze-99-classics-on-the-cups-of-brilliance/
Meze 99 Classics
Sennheiser HD600/650
These are both great all rounder headphones with reference qualities. They have been around for decades already but they’re still highly popular because of their sublime sound. The HD600 has a leaner sound with forward mids, good treble and midrange detail, good bass impact. Pace is moderately fast. If you like a more laid back sound with fuller lows while retaining the overall detail level, more emotion and listen to slower paced songs, go for the HD650. An amplifier is recommended for both headphones and they will sound their very best in combination with a tube amplifier like the Bottlehead Crack or a solid state amp like the Beyerdynamic A20 which has a warmer and smoother character. These headphones are here to stay and we’ve been calling them “classics” for awhile already. You owe it to yourself to have once owned either of these masterpieces from Sennheiser.
Between $314 (HD600) and $389 (HD650) from Sennheiser
Review HD600: https://headfonia.com/the-sennheiser-trio-hd580-hd600-hd650/
Review HD650: https://headfonia.com/the-dark-sennheiser-hd650-all-for-the-music/
Audeze Mobius
Unless you’ve only read the introduction, you already know my opinion regarding the Audeze Mobius. It’s a fantastic piece of hardware, that doubles up as a great headphone. It embeds all of what Audeze did during the last years, and mixed it into one of the most thrilling devices I’ve ever tried.
The only drawbacks are the fact that you’ll have to use the USB entry to get the best of it, and then there’s the sub-par isolation. But apart from that, it easily ticks all the right boxes and goes directly in my recommendation list. Try it, love it, keep it. That’s what I did.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/audeze-mobius-review/
Hifiman HE-560
The HE-560 is one of those headphones situated between mid-fi and high-fi but you get extremely good sound for its price. With its orthodynamic driver its sound is fast, detailed and precise. Sound stage levels are very good and the bass quality is extraordinary. The mids are rich and spacious and treble is extended, detailed and airy. Fans of orthos and lovers of a linear, neutral but musical sound just need to add this headphone to their collection. It is extremely well tuned “audiophile style”. Yes, you will need an amplifier to make it sound this good but you don’t need to spends thousands either. If you’re looking for a highly qualitative sound in this price class, the open Hifiman HE-560 still is my recommended headphone.
Focal Elear
This headphone hasn’t been officially reviewed on Headfonia just yet but it sounds incredibly good. Fast, clean, detailed, natural, etc are all words that can be used to describe the Elear’s exceptional sound quality. I like the design and I like its price as it performs well above its $999 price point. The Utopia isn’t on the list just yet because – while it is/sounds sublime – it didn’t impress me as much as the Elear did at its price level. That being said the Utopia is one of the very best sounding headphones available on the market right now, but so are the even more expensive Sennheiser HE-1 (Orpheus 2) and the Hifiman Shangri La… If you’ve got $1K to spend, it probably doesn’t get any better than this.
Review: https://headfonia.com/review-focal-elear-hyperior/
Hifiman Ananda BT
To be honest with you, I was never a fan of Bluetooth earphones/headphones. This Hifiman Ananda BT however, changed my perception about wireless sound. This easily is the best wireless headphone I’ve ever listened to and it’s not even close. Together with the sound, the general user experience is very pleasing and simple.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/hifiman-ananda-bt-review/
Beyerdynamic T1.2
The Beyerdynamic T1 is a classic and if you’re looking for a reference level headphone with a neutral and brighter tuning, this T1 will be your thing. The T1 got revised last year and is now called the T1.2 and it features removable cables. While the trance-lover in Nathan prefers the original, he reckons that non-electronic, non-metal heads will probably prefer the new T1. If you love its robust mid-forward, mid-wide sound signature, the T1 2.Generation is a phenomenal choice. The T1.2 still is Beyerdynamic’s reference headphone. High-end amplifier recommended.
Review: https://headfonia.com/review-beyerdynamic-t1-v2/
Beyerdynamic T1 V2
Hifiman Edition X V2
The Hifiman Edition X V2 was voted best open headphone of 2016 here on Headfonia and a whole bunch of other sites. It’s got the typical planar magnetic sound, great detail, awesome bass and all that wrapped in an airy and musical presentation. With the recent price drop (originally $1799), this has become an even more highly recommended headphone in the +$1K category. Compared to the original V1, the V2 version simply sounds even better with richer mids and a more bodied, balanced sound. While it is easy to drive it isn’t really a headphone to take outside with you, unless you like getting looked at weird that is. With the X V2 you get a really good qualitative rich sound that is presented in a smooth and more laid back way that is non-fatiguing. Simply put: it is awesome.
Review: https://headfonia.com/review-hifiman-edition-x-v2-want-christmas/
Sennheiser HD800
The flagship from Sennheiser is a very picky headphone. It is often recommended with amplifiers priced above $1,000 and with similarly priced sources. The recording quality is also very essential. Don’t expect to be playing Top40, Pop, Jpop music with these cans and get satisfaction. But if you already have a good high end source and amplifier and high resolution source files, then the HD800 will deliver music at an unsurpassed refinement level. The voicing is sublime for Classical, Jazz and Vocals. It won’t work with Rock and RnB and other mainstream music. Most impressive about this gorgeous looking headphone are its sound stage width and depth, its spaciousness, accuracy & speed and finally the level of detail. While the HD800 for a lot of people is an end game headphone, others can stand how analytical it sounds. With a great amplifier however this headphone will produce sound of a level you didn’t know was possible. I’ll take the original HD800 over the nass heavier HD800S anyday.
Review: https://headfonia.com/hd800-t1/ & https://headfonia.com/picture-sunday-sennheiser-hd800/
Audeze LCD-X
If you were convinced by how we described the LCD-XC but you prefer open back headphones, than the LCD-X is the one you’re looking for. The X still is one of my favourite headphones when I’m not reviewing but a good amplifier is absolutely necessary. The first thing you will notice is that the sound has less bass body than the Audeze LCD-2 or 3 while improving on bass detail. The Audeze LCD-X produces a flatter, cleaner and more linear sound. Things sound cleaner especially on the mids and the bass section. The pace is faster, snappier, more nimble, quicker. I don’t think anybody has ever said that the 2 or the 3 sounds slow, but the LCD-X makes them sound slow. Amplifier recommended
Review: https://headfonia.com/faster-and-lighter-the-lcd-x/
Audeze LCD-XC
In the +$1K class, the Audeze LCD-XC still is my favorite headphone. Yes it’s rather heavy but the quality in sound simply is impressive. Though obviously not as open or spacious sounding as the open back models, the XC has its own way of projecting a more three dimensional sound stage image within its closed back boundaries. Whereas the LCDs have always been good with sound stage image, the XC takes it to a whole new level, giving you a much sharper image and focus of the sound stage and the instrument placements. Three dimensional depth is also on a whole new level. This paragraph alone gives enough reason to why the XC should always be considered when you’re planning on getting a high end closed headphone. The LCD-XC is fairly easy to drive but a really good amplifier will make it scale up nicely. Amplifier recommended
Review: https://headfonia.com/time-go-closed-back-audeze-lcd-xc/
Hifiman HE6SE
With the right (powerful) solid state or tube headphone amplifier the Hifiman HE6SE absolutely impresses. It’s neutral reference at its very best and if you like technicalities, you’ll be in heaven for sure. And it gets even better, if you already own a good speaker amp, you can just hook it up to the speaker taps and enjoy it like that. Fact is though that you need to properly amp your HE6SE and even more, you have to make sure the synergy between the amp and headphone sits right. But do that and it will wow you. The original HE6 is an icon and the new HE6SE extends that certificate for another 10 years. If a linear, balanced and neutral tuning with a musical presentation is your thing, then you owe it to yourself to listen to the HE6SE, it will surprise you in the good way for sure. The HE6SE has left me with a big smile on my face every single time I listened to it. It’s precise, a technical marvel and it does all that with a musical and engaging touch. How can you not love it?
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/hifiman-he6se-review/
HEDD HEDDphone
HEDD Audio HEDDphone [Added 14/04/2020]
HEDD has managed to create a high end headphone which brings freshness to the personal audio world. As a first headphone this can seriously count, though they of course have a lot of experience already producing speakers. Forget about planar and dynamic drivers and their typical sound signature. The full range AMT drivers in the HEDDphone prove that there’s room for diversification, and they bring you a really special, typical, high end sound. While HEDD has managed to nail the “sound”, it’s hard to forget about the size and weight. Unfortunately this might be a deal breaker for many, but for those who put sound first, the HEDD Audio HEDDphone is an easy recommendation.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/heddphone-review/
MrSpeakers Ether 2
It’s been the first time for me that I got to listen to a MrSpeakers headphone on a truly extended period, and I have enjoyed it a lot. It’s a headphone that’s moderately easy to drive, but it sure likes to play with desktop gear. My preference goes to transistor amplifiers when it comes to pairing these cans, but a decent tube amplifier can unleash a musical and relaxing sound.
MrSpeakers has made a very nice headphone with the Ether 2, and it personally convinced me with the pitch black background, excellent imaging and resolution, coupled with a finely tuned balance across all frequencies.
It is light and very comfortable to wear for hours of listening fun, it stays secure on my rather small sized head and I can enjoy its sound without fatigue. What I am not very fond of though, are the earpads, which make me sweat and heat up my ears quite a bit.
It’s a weird thing to say, but the Ether 2 is a wonderful headphone that I enjoy coming home to after a long and hard day at work. It makes me forget all the stress of the daily big city life.
Review: https://headfonia.com/review-mrspeakers-ether-2
Hifiman HE-1000 (Will be replaced by the HE-1000SE)
Hifiman’s masterpiece impressed right from the beginning with its full bodied sound and very high detail level. The HE-1000 has a great level of detail and its layering, depth and width is exemplary. The HE-1000 produces (one of) the best bass I’ve had the pleasure to hear and the mids and treble are to die for. It’s a very expensive headphone but the sound quality you get in return is very high. Back in 2015 the HE-1000 already won the headphone of the year award on HFN and I still use it daily to listen to my favourite tunes. Last year Hifiman introduced a 2nd revision of this headphone with a more forward sounding signature and even more clarity and precision. An amplifier of the same quality is of course recommended but you won’t be disappointed with the end result. Top class sound.
Review: https://headfonia.com/review-hifiman-he-1000-save-the-best-for-last
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0 [Added 03/03/2020]
The RAD-O is a high end headphone for the music-lover and so far we love every bit of it. I do recommend to “use” it with a good amplifier as you’ll be rewarded by getting it right. It really impresses in that case, delivering a great mix of technicalities and musicality. If you’re in the market for a high end orthodynamic headphone then the Rosson Audio RAD-0 certainly is one to put on your short list.
$2600 from Rosson Audio Design
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/rosson-audio-design-rad-0-review/
Meze Audio Empyrean
Well well… What a headphone Meze Audio have come up with! If you’ve been following me or Headfonia for a while you know I always call the classic Sennheiser HD650 “the King”, and well it’s time for the King to retire. But don’t be sad, a new King is born. This is a headphone everyone will still be talking about in 20 years. The Empyrean just is incredibly good and it checks all my boxes, and then some. We’re pretty spoiled when it comes to good gear and good headphones, but this is one is extra special. Just listen to it with a good amp at home or in your office and I bet a lot of you will join #TeamEmpyrean right away. Who’s with me?
It’s no wonder that the Empyrean is going to the recommended buy list for headphones. It’s the easiest decision of the year and it more than deserves its spot. What a masterpiece. Double thumbs up.
Review: https://headfonia.com/review-meze-audio-empyrean/
Focal Stellia.
Focal Stellia [Added 02/02/2020]
The Stellia feels like the flagship for the person who’s perhaps not quite the traditional hobbyist who’s looking to add something to their collection and enjoy the nuances between different headphones. Rather, the Stellia feels like it’s been created for someone who’s a) able to afford it, and b) wants to go straight to the ‘end-game’ and own one pair of headphones for bragging rights that screams ‘BEST’ in every regard – more leather…more detail…more bass…more accessories…more everything.
But, at the end of the day, it’s all about priorities. What ‘sparks joy’ for you? If it happens to be music, and you plan to listen to a lot of it with something that’s exquisitely designed and manufactured, then what’s stopping you? I can promise you unreservedly that the Focal Stellia is a 10/10 listen – there’s nothing like it. If this gives you a little inspiration to work harder or deprioritize something else in your life that’s not making you happy, then I’m pleased to have been of service.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/focal-stellia-review/
Abyss Diana Phi
With the Diana Phi, Abyss has brought some of the performance of the 1266 Phi to a lower cost model. It’s undeniable that almost 4000$ aren’t cheap, but the return you get from this headphone is unlike any I’ve heard before. It offers you incredible speed, accuracy and resolution in a well organized stage and a sound that never fails to amaze me.
It might not be the most ergonomic headphone in the market, but I’ll be damned if this isn’t one of the absolute best headphones I have heard to date. It’s beautifully resolving, not missing a single beep and it’s impressively fast and accurate. All those aspects I consider the Abyss to lead in the current market. The Diana Phi takes listening levels from a small headphone to the next stage and competes against the best of the best.
Review: https://headfonia.com/abyss-diana-phi-review/
Only the most popular products are listed here. If you feel it to be too limited, feel free to browse the reviews on the Headphones Category:
Joe
mike..looking forward to your hd700 and amperior reviews, LOL.. now you have to approach a sennheisser rep quick.. :p
Mike
Not a problem Joe, will do.
Artem
What about Shure 1540? How they compare to Hifiman HE-560?
Chris
Any recommendations for something in the price rangge of the CX300-II? Amazon says it is “currently unavailable”.
Mike
Chris,
The CX400s actually are very good as well, and not that much different price wise than the CX300s. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EZWO5O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=headfonia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001EZWO5O
Adrian
The headphones are listed here in order of increasing price.
Can you list them in order of increasing performance?
Thanks.
dale thorn
I looked at the list, and if it were rearranged by increased performance, it would still be about the same.
Nate
Mike, any recommendations for headphones that have better sounding to Sennheiser HD-650 that have similar warmth and lushness with a bit of treble?
Thanks
Nate
Mike, any recommendations for headphones that have better sounding to Sennheiser HD-650 that have similar warmth and lushness with a bit of treble and cleaner sound?
Thanks
Fex
Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro
CARCARA
I’m looking for an amplifier to use with my HD650, and I was thinking of the A20, this statement is still valid: “600/650 will sound your best”?
“An amplifier is recommended for both headphones and they will sound their very best in combination with a tube amplifier like the Bottlehead Crack or a solid state amp like the Beyerdynamic A20 which has a warmer and smoother character”
Eduardo
How would you define the signature of a tube amplifier, like BH crack, with a non-tube amplifier like the A20 or the V100?
I’m not asking what would be better for the money, but rather, for wanting to know more the difference of the tube for the solid
Lieven
ss is usually faster, tighter and more neutral in sound. Some wold say it sounds more dry compared to the lushness of the tubes.
The A20 is a warm sounding ss though, the V100 is the most neutral of the Violectric series. The BH crack can be both depending on the tubes used, but I’d go for some good liquid sounding ones
Eduardo
And comparing tubes and solid with warm signature, tubes with a warm signature still have better bass and treble softer compared to a solid amplifier with warm sound?
Does the BH crack inical (299) with the factory tubes come with this hot signature?
Teoman Taner
So I like fantasizing about theoretical ultimates even if there’s a 0.00000002% I’ll ever have the income to get them. In a fashion that’s beyond our class, can the Sennheiser HE1 still be considered the absolute pinnacle of headphone sets, budget non withstanding?
Wills
Well not really. The Hifiman Shagari La is right behind the He-1
gny
I’m surprise that there is no B&O in your list
Linus
We can only put on the list what we’ve heard extensively. If it’s not on the list, it either doesn’t deserve to be, or none of us has had the pleasure of reviewing it (yet).
Sagar Arakh
Great information. I would say Meze 99 has best performance as it’s audio output is very balanced.
peterapperup
I agree completely with your description of the Sennheiser hd800.