A classic evolved: Sennheiser's HD650 rolled out six years after its predecessor, the HD600, and went on to earn its own cult status.  The new millenium saw a rise in genres of electronic music and Sennheiser scored in its response with this warmer, bassier cousin to the HD600. This became one of the most important models in Head-Fi ever to have been released, justifying its place in the headphone history books. [See Product Desc. For More] Innerfidelity's Tyll Hertsens brings the social studies for one of the hobby's most important headphones. Check out the rest of Sennheiser's legendary line-up here, or view our other open-back headphone options here as well as the amplifiers to drive them here. // Most customers test the HD650 alongside the HD600, and the HD660s. // Care tip: We recommend changing earpads every year or two for hygiene reasons. Check out the KITO or YAXI range if you need to freshen the headphones up. Bad smelling headphones aren't cool.  // For added headband comfort: Check out the DEKONI Nuggets.

Sennheiser celebrate the turn of the decade ready to build a new legacy with the HD560S. Affordable open-back headphones now have a new face fronting excellence.  HD560S lovers will delight in its superb detail retrieval excelling in reproducing details in strings and other acoustic instruments in pristine recordings. StereoNET praise it to "someone looking for clean, no-nonsense sound without breaking the bank". [See Product Desc. For More] Spatially, angled drivers with EAR (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) technology from Sennheiser create a realistic portrayal of stage rarely heard in open-back headphones at price point. Its 120ohm impedance makes HD560S a great match for any integrated amplifier's headphone outputs, ruling out source impedance mismatches. Headfonia says its "balance is impressive and the longer you listen to this headphone, the better it gets", adding it to his list of Recommended Buys. This is unfussy reference listening that'll bring out the most of the recordings you want pristinely rendered – this here stands up to all scrutiny. View all of Sennheiser's other offerings here, or check out all our other headphones here.

The ATH-R70x is Audio-Technica's first pair of open-back reference professional headphones and feature specially designed drivers and acoustically transparent housings fashioned from aluminum honeycomb mesh. These headphones provide an accurate and natural open-back sound. When you're done with this hit, view the rest of Audio-Technica's line-up here, or browse our other headphones here.

Managing the complicated acoustic design for the Vérité driver in a closed-back headphone may have been ZMF Headphones' toughest challenge to date. But the way they pulled it off with aplomb would have given little hint to that. Expect nearly all the Vérité's beryllium-coated transparency and detail in this closed model, with the benefits of privacy and isolation to boot. Positive Feedback were rendered "speechless at how you achieved the performance you achieved with these". [See Product Desc. For More] Its driver starts with a sandwich driver core of softer plastic PEN for effective damping at higher frequencies, this surface being coated with beryllium for the metal's stiffness, lightness and air acceleration properties.  That means Vérité Closed's driver moves as a perfect piston over all frequencies up to and above its working range, keeping distortion down due to cone and modal break-up. Audiophile Style compared the closed version against its open brethren, publishing a comprehensive study complete with measurements to conclude "they're as good as anything on the market today" and what "ZMF have achieved with the Vérité is truly remarkable". Stereophile's Herb Reichert says the "Vérités come closer to [Sony's] MDR-R10s in basic sonic character than any other headphones I've auditioned ... may even exceed Sony's cult classics in their illusion of speed and transparency". It's rightfully Headfonia's "best-of-the-best in the closed-back world". Make the headphone that made Stereophile's shortlist of Headphone Product of the Year 2020 yours today. OR... enjoy a smoother, more relaxed sound with ZMF's Eikon and ZMF's Atticus, or browse our other closed-back options here!

What a statement Bluetooth like Bathys is. Through it Focal invites anyone, to listen anywhere. In clear and obvious style. Focal's trademark M-shaped aluminium-magnesium dynamic driver brings you flagship sound on the go. 5 ⭐ came from What Hi-Fi? because "the success of Focal's first effort" isn't surprising. Headfonics say Bathys "represents a serious upgrade on consumer headphone choices from the likes of Sony and Bose", something Digital Trends second.  Wired writes Bathys is Bluetooth "even staunch audio nerds can enjoy". Superb acoustics on the part of Focal's know-how are a given, and the warm, rich and detailed fidelity of Bathys breaks new ground for a portable headphone of its size – wired or unwired. However, what makes Bathys truly compelling is its range of noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.1, Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive and app-controlled EQ. [See Product Desc. For More] Its name comes from the French word ‘bathyscaphe’, the first submarine exploration vehicle. And Bathys is the embodiment of calm, depth and absolute silence. It's already scooped up TechHive's Editors Choice award, and is ecoustics' favourite noise-cancelling headphone for 2022. Audioholics says Bathys "takes its place among the top sound quality-focused wireless headphones available", and gave it a Product of the Year award. At the cutting edge of tech, but dressed up in finery as a finished product like only Focal can. Blurring the lines between lifestyle and audiophilia has become typical from France's masters of savoir faire. Bathys is proof that Focal has mastered that.  The Bathys design comes inherited from Focal’s open and closed-back audiophile headphones such as Clear MG and Radiance. The earcup grilles repeat Focal’s design language, highly aesthetic curves drawing attention to the company's prestigious logo symbolising style, luxury and belief in better. A white back-lit system beneath the logo may be activated if desired, for an understated, chic effect. Another standout feature of Bathys is its elegant and timeless black-silver colourway, for effortless sophistication. Indeed, this wireless Focal is something you want to be seen with, but also to hear. The comparisons to its bigger audiophile siblings visually are apt, but so are they sonically. Bathys promises a big chunk of Focal fidelity on the move, its M-shaped aluminium-magnesium drivers among the most audiophile-grade mounted in a wireless headphone before.  This driver's stiffness, light weight and damping not only promises you a warm, immersive and authoritative presentation of music in stock tuning. It's also fine ground for EQ to be implemented – and Bathys comes together with EQ pre-sets for listeners to select via the Focal & Naim control app for iOS and Android. Not only does Bathys sound excellent – it can be made yours truly, too, when you select your favourite sound signature.  aptX™ Adaptive ensures wireless transmission stability in most conditions.  Focal added a Silent mode of cancellation optimised for trips with high background noise but let's you switch to a Soft mode to aid concentration at work, while Transparency mode enables you to stay connected to your surroundings. And a USB-C cable gives you the listener the final ability to access Bathys' 24/192 DAC via a computer or phone, when seeking uncompromised fidelity. The sense of completeness in Bathys' package promises that form and function have truly met. Despite its humble entry into the world of Focal, Bathys is in fact one of Focal's proudest Head-Fi releases. And there is much more to explore from Focal for those seeking ever-greater levels of wired sound quality here, and you can also browse all of our Bluetooth headphones here. 

Sennheiser set the bar high for what it took to be considered a modern flagship headphone in 2015 with the HD800S, and this model still holds its ground among the plethora of elite choices present. Can a lightweight headphone (just 330 grams) also be a heavyweight as an audiophile reference for Sennheiser?  LISTEN NOW HD800S father Axel Grell drops bombshell With soundstage for days, precise images and the ability to expose the tiniest detail, the HD800S continues to impress those who desire to hear everything in their music. [See Product Desc. For More] We recommend you hear it through iBasso Audio's DX320, HiBy Music's R8, or dedicate a full desktop set-up space for it. Further notes: The HD820 is popularly viewed as the closed-back equivalent of the HD800S, after they've tested Sennheiser's waters with the HD600, HD650 and HD660s. // Care tip: We recommend changing earpads every year or two for hygiene reasons. Check out the KITO or YAXI range if you need to freshen the headphones up. Bad smelling headphones aren't cool.  // For added headband comfort: Check out the DEKONI Nuggets. / Photography by Zepp Crew.

1997 was the year this legend was born. Old but never outdated, Sennheiser's ever-reliable HD600 has continued to earn its place. Always a litmus test for correctness and neutrality, these vintage, classic headphones are a gateway into this hobby and cement their place in the pantheon of modern audiophile gear. [See Product Desc. For More] Innerfidelity's Tyll Hertsens brings the social studies for arguably the hobby's most important headphone. Check out the rest of Sennheiser's legendary line-up here, or view our other open-back headphone options here. // Most customers test the HD600 alongside the HD650, and the HD660s. // Care tip: We recommend changing earpads every year or two for hygiene reasons. Check out the KITO or YAXI range if you need to freshen the headphones up. Bad smelling headphones aren't cool.  // For added headband comfort: Check out the DEKONI Nuggets.

Audio-Technica's ATH-M40x professional monitor headphones are tuned flat for incredibly accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range. Your studio experience is enhanced with superior sound isolation and swiveling earcups for convenient one-ear monitoring. // Care tip: We recommend changing earpads every year or two for hygiene reasons. Check out the KITO or YAXI range if you need to freshen the headphones up. Bad smelling headphones aren't cool.  // For added headband comfort: Check out the DEKONI Nuggets. When you're done with this hit, view the rest of Audio-Technica's line-up here, or browse our other headphones here.

When Audio-Technica's classic monitoring headphone M50X went wireless, we seized ATH-M50xBT2 immediately and added it to our carts. Gen 2.0 is now the host with the most, with Bluetooth 5.0 and LDAC™ promising greater use case scenarios to enjoy its legendary sound. M50XBT2 fits comfortably over your ears, without the fuss of the cables and harnesses the legendary M50x studio sound for an exhilarating wireless listening experience, with exceptional clarity and deep, accurate bass response. Audio-Technica allow you to hear and be heard too, with dual beam-forming microphones for great voice pick-up helping you to work from home without any second guessing. // Care tip: We recommend changing earpads every year or two for hygiene reasons. Check out the KITO or YAXI range if you need to freshen the headphones up. Bad smelling headphones aren't cool.  When you're done with this hit, view the rest of Audio-Technica's line-up here, or browse our other headphones here.

Bose raise the bar yet further as noise-cancelling headphone market leaders with the HP700. With the best noise-cancelling ability seen – or heard – yet, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, Bose Augmented Reality (AR) and 20 hours of battery life give you wonderful audio with total comfort, practicality and style. Check out all of Bose's industry-leading products here, or view our other wireless gear here.

As the most critically acclaimed model in the M-Series line, Audio-Technica's ATH-M50 is praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year. It's also available as a Bluetooth headphone here. From the large aperture drivers, sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals. // Care tip: We recommend changing earpads every year or two for hygiene reasons. Check out the KITO or YAXI range if you need to freshen the headphones up. Bad smelling headphones aren't cool.  // For added headband comfort: Check out the DEKONI Nuggets. When you're done with this hit, view the rest of Audio-Technica's line-up here, or browse our other headphones here.

An entry-offering that already gives you everything you could want in ZMF Headphones. Substantial bass that's never overbearing and a midrange plus highs that are always open and present open you up to your world of music once again. [See Product Desc. For More] The handcrafted, handmade TPE driver housed in various woods grants a flagship experience, for relatively little. Aeolus is the keeper of the winds for the Greeks, an apt name for this piece. OR... have more resolution with ZMF's Auteur, even more resolution with ZMF's Vérité, or browse our other open-back options here!

Sans Bentley logo and midnight black finish arrives Focal's Celestee. Building on the success that was Radiance is the navy blue closed-back from France's most accomplished headphone manufacturers. Elevating the fidelity that's possible on the road again is Focal's 40mm aluminum-magnesium M-shaped dome driver, with more than enough trademark dynamics, punch and transparency to retain your attention while moving around.  SoundStage! Solo give Celestee near top marks for a sound the vast majority will enjoy. Enjoy the Music.com praise them for delivering a Live experience with little to no fuss. [See Product Desc. For More] Headfonia praise Celestee as an utterly modern closed-back headphone that "enjoys some much-appreciated trickle-down sonic and visual cues from the Stellia". Headphone Guru calls it an all-rounder. Celestee's 35ohm impedance is splendid for travel listening from a smartphone or a new generation music player like HiBy Music's R6III and Questyle's QP2R. Prepare for its arrival with another visit to the Bentley-branded Radiance, itself a stunning listening experience that remains in ready stock and a true limited-edition alternative to Celestee. Or view the rest of our Focal offerings here and our other headphones here.

Creative Labs took the venerable Foster biocellulose dynamic driver and enclosed them in teak cups, to present you the E-MU Teak. The 50mm dynamic drivers at the heart of these headphones give you a big bass, big excitement and plenty of zeal, to keep driving your beats forward. Pair this with your energetic rock and you can't go wrong with this at home or on the go, with E-MU's easy-to-drive nature flexible everywhere. Also view our other headphones here.

The story of the SR80x holds a special place in not only our ears, but the ears of hundreds of thousands of listeners. Grado Labs built the first SR80 pair in 1991 and they wouldn't be here today without it.  A new, fourth-generation speaker design features a more powerful magnetic circuit, a voice coil with decreased effective mass, and a reconfigured diaphragm.  Re-engineering these components for their 44mm drivers improved efficiency, reduces distortion, and preserves the harmonic integrity of your music. 5 ⭐ from What Hi-Fi? earmark this as frontrunners in the budget wired headphones field. Headfonia recommend the SR80X not just to existing Grado devotees, but all headphone lovers at large. View all our Grado products here, or check out our other headphones here.

Grado broke the rules again. They've done it several times over seven decades of history, but this time, working with a new wood meant they had to retune the drivers. They called it a slow burn, and worked the hemp with maple, arriving on one of their best sounding limited editions ever made and owned the term "hemphone". "This produces a fuller sound, comprised of a noticeable low end and a top end that extends smoothly to its limits. The hemp may be doing the heavy lifting, but the hemphone is a joint effort." --- Grado. [See Product Desc. For More] Meanwhile, the Brooklyn attitude is on, refusing to bow down to fancy packaging by staying minimal sleek in a statement white box, black label.// GOOD TO KNOW Transducer Type: Dynamic Operating Principle: Open Air Frequency Response: 13hz-28kHz SPL 1mW: 98 Normal Impedance: 38 ohms Driver Matched db: .05 db Check out Grado's full range here, or check out YAXI Purple foam pads to deck it up, or KITO earpads if you'd like to get an extra pair with your headphones. / Photography by Zepp Crew

Backed by Technics’ legendary sound quality, EAH-A800 headphones feature superior audio, exceptional over-the-ear comfort, and sparkling call clarity for home, work, and travel. T3 rate the whole package 5 ⭐. The Headphone Zone was "not expecting this much of clarity and transparency from a wireless headphone". [See Product Desc. For More] Technics developed their own 40mm driver from advanced materials to convey maximum information and emotion that's ensured due in part to LDAC Bluetooth 5.2 transmission and top quality active noise-cancelling. Eight distinct mics help in advanced wind noise reduction and transmits your voice clearly on each call, with voice noise suppression technology isolating and amplifying speech. Access the vast and varied features of EAH-A800 with the Technics Audio Connect App for Android and iOS, while 50 hours of playtime even with active noise cancelling on keep up with you through the days and week. Multipoint pairing with two different devices, and voice assistants, complete a superb experience and new beginning for ANC Bluetooth headphones. Also view Technics' other offerings here, or our other Bluetooth gear here.

Hear the power of Bose's next-gen QuietComfort® 45 headphones, now with a best-in-class combination of noise cancelling performance and premium comfort, plus proprietary acoustic technology for deep, clear audio. CNET loved what they heard. QC45 comes with exclusive Bose technologies, like TriPort acoustic architecture and volume-optimised Active EQ, to produce everything in high fidelity. The proprietary TriPort design vents the earcups to add depth and fullness — all without increasing their size. [See Product Desc. For More] So you get better sound from this featherweight QC45 that's smaller, lighter, and more comfortable. Plus, volume-optimised Active EQ boosts highs and lows to maintain the same high-fidelity performance no matter how loud or soft you listen. Bass stays consistent when you turn down the volume and the music is still clear when you turn it up. That's all configurable via the Bose Music app, which works alongside six tiny microphones hidden in the earcups to continuously measure, compare, and react to outside noise. That noise is then cancelled with an opposite signal, resulting in fewer distractions – and more of your music. Use the button on QC45's left earcup to choose from Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or Aware Mode to let in some of your surroundings. Up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge means you'll be tuned into your audio for longer. And a glass-filled nylon plus custom cast metal build means your Bose survives the elements longer. Also check out the rest of Bose's builds that incorporate all that technology here, or our other Bluetooth headphones here.

The mastery of beryllium as a driver material in the Vérité underlined ZMF Headphones' credentials as an elite headphone manufacturer. With the advantages of one of audio's most coveted materials at hand, ZMF set out to build a statement flagship with all the speed, transparency, scale and dynamics in the world. Reference lovers, rejoice! [See Product Desc. For More] Its driver starts with a sandwich driver core of softer plastic PEN for effective damping at higher frequencies, this surface being coated with beryllium for the metal's stiffness, lightness and air acceleration properties.  That means Vérité's driver moves as a perfect piston over all frequencies up to and above its working range, keeping distortion down due to cone and modal break-up. Audiophile Style compared the open version against its closed brethren, publishing a comprehensive study complete with measurements to conclude "they're as good as anything on the market today" and what "ZMF have achieved with the Vérité is truly remarkable ... whether ZMF wanted to create a headphone that could comfortably go head-to-head with Focal's Utopia, he succeeded". Stereophile's Herb Reichert says the "Vérités come closer to [Sony's] MDR-R10s in basic sonic character than any other headphones I've auditioned ... may even exceed Sony's cult classics in their illusion of speed and transparency". OR... enjoy a smoother, more relaxed sound with ZMF's Auteur and ZMF's Aeolus, or browse our other open-back options here!