If you want to get the top audiophile headphones in 2023, you’ve come to the perfect place. Below is a list of the best high-resolution headphones currently available. The list is updated quarterly and includes an absurd amount of models with varying designs and price points.
In reality, very few newcomers to this hobby purchase one of these magnificent high-fidelity headphones as their first purchase. It’s similar to an addiction in which you start small and gradually improve your system. In light of this, I have outlined a few points I believe you should consider before making a purchase, and I genuinely hope that this article will assist you in selecting the best products for your personal needs.
The quest of high-end audio fidelity typically includes a great deal of experimentation and numerous headphone purchases and upgrades. For instance, you may begin with a pair of inexpensive audiophile headphones, such as the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, and a reasonably modest DAP (Digital Audio Player).
Nevertheless, before you know it, you’ll be listening to music through an assortment of DACs and tube amplifiers. You may possess specialized cables and many sets of expensive headphones, such as the exquisite Focal Stellia. Your pockets will be substantially lighter, but the audio quality will be excellent. There is something captivating about this hobby. Once this occurs, it is impossible to use consumer-grade audio equipment again.
Table of Contents
List of the 10 Best Audiophile Headphones for You in 2023
1. SONY MDR-Z1R – CLOSED-BACK AUDIOPHILE HEADPHONES
The Sony MDR-Z1R is an unexpected twist on premium headphones. Why shocking? The Z1R, however, has a closed-back design as opposed to the open-back style found on the majority of high-end headphones. It makes them considerably more adaptable in terms of where and how they might be used.
Massive 70mm cone-shaped dynamic drivers adorn the interior, while sheepskin covers the exterior. There is no need to be gentle with them, as they are of superior quality and feel premium and sturdy.
The sound is characterized by a large, strong bottom and exceptional detail recovery. The ability to remove ourselves from the outside environment is merely icing on the cake.
2. HIFIMAN SUSVARA – The finest audiophile and high-definition headphones
You will immediately understand why these superb open-back audiophile headphones were put to the list after hearing them. Hifiman is a well-known audio brand, and the Susvara is a phenomenal all-around headphone that rivals with the greatest headphones from the specialized brands listed below.
The Susvara is the result of years of refinement, resulting in a reference headphone suited for both audiophiles and audio engineers. They use unique driver technology and open-back housing to deliver music that is extremely faithful to the original source.
Each pair of headphones is made from wood and metal. They feel fantastic in both the hand and on the head. We advocate using a high-quality source and file to get the most out of them, as they expose the flaws in badly mastered tracks with brutal clarity.
3. SENNHEISER HD660s: The upgrade to an outstanding value Sennheiser HD650
The original HD650 headphones were among the most cost-effective audiophile-grade headphones in the world. They provided a substantial percentage of what the company’s considerably more expensive HD800 offers at a quarter of the price.
As a result, Sennheiser has a longer product life cycle than firms who release many models with insignificant enhancements in an effort to capture the flavor of the month.
The HD 660s are more polished, but retain the previous model’s slightly mid-eccentric and warmer tones, as well as their remarkable level of detail. They are open-back headphones that match particularly well with tube amplifiers but can also be driven by the majority of high-resolution sources.
4. Technology Open back planar headphones on the Hifiman HE1000SE headband
They employ a unique baffle arrangement around the diaphragm, which eliminates distortion and produces a more accurate reproduction of the source material.
Hifiman continues to improve and refine its headphone designs to the point where the HE1000 series are among the most attractive headphones on the market.
The comfort is also among the greatest in its class, as the design is extremely lightweight and the materials at the head contact points are exquisite. Open back permits both ventilation and a spacious, airy soundstage.
5. The Sennheiser Orpheus headphones are fifth.
Most likely, you will never possess these headphones. These headphones will most likely never be listened to. These headphones will most likely never even be seen. However, according to everyone who has heard them, the new Sennheiser Orpheus headphones are the best audiophile headphones money can buy.
How much did you request? In the vicinity of $50,000. As a demonstration of how far we can push headphone technology, this is a fantastic endeavor, but if you own one, you should be smacked for having more money than sense.
Sennheiser made no concessions in its pursuit of optimal sound fidelity; no expense was spared. If there was a perceived flaw, Sennheiser worked to eliminate it, and in the process, he developed not only a technologically advanced piece of audio equipment, but also a work of art.
6. SENNHEISER HD650: Headphones with an open back dynamic driver
The HD650 is one of the most affordable audiophile headphones on this list, and I also possess it. The HD650 provides many of the features that make the Sennheiser HD800 headphones so wonderful in a far more affordable form.
Many headphone fans believe that the HD650 is the sole pair of headphones need to listen to high-definition audio. I agree with the most of this statement. They set the bar at 90-95 percent of what significantly more costly headphones can do and are top-tier performance regardless of price.
Consider the price, and you have the ideal headphones for audiophiles on a budget.
7. AUDEZE LCD-5: Planar magnetic open-back headphones
Audeze’s latest flagship headphones, the LCD-5, are luxury headphones in every sense of the term and the pinnacle of the company’s product line.
From the gorgeous and elaborate packaging to the superb construction, this set of planar magnetic beasts is a real treat.
Made from some of the best materials and wrapped in wood and leather, their appearance matches their acoustic quality.
This is like having a two-way speaker system placed directly on top of your head; it is transparent, precise, quick, and has a fantastic soundstage.
8. FOSTEX TH900 MK2: Front and side view of the lacquered Fostex TH900 MK2 headphones
The Fostex TH900 Mk2 is another iconic audiophile headphone included in this list. This is a fantastic alternative to the Sennheiser HD820 for those seeking comparable performance at a reduced price.
The build quality is among the best, and the wood earcups give this traditional design a premium feel.
The sound is slightly warm and smooth, with a bass end that is enhanced and a treble that is properly balanced.
9. FOCAL STELLIA: Focal Stelia headphones with cord in the carrying bag
The Focal Stellia is unquestionably the best-looking audiophile headphone of 2020, and it sounds just as fantastic as it looks.
Using the Focal Utopia as inspiration, they incorporated several of its components into a closed-back form. Focal devised a one-of-a-kind internal waffle design on the earcups to aid in tuning and prevent acoustic reflection in order to achieve an open-back-like sound quality.
As always, these cones are made from premium materials and can be used as a portable set if desired.
10. BEYERDYNAMIC T1 – GENERATION III
The Beyerdynamic T1 third-generation audiophile headphones with the technology of Tesla Coil Dynamic Driver Headphones on a white background.
Similarly to the Sennheiser HD800, these Beyerdynamic headphones have been available for years, and for good reason. However, the third generation is now available for purchase.
The German headphone manufacturer produces numerous fantastic headphones, but my favorite is the Beyer T1.
Comparable to the sound of the Sennheiser HD800, but with a bit more low-end rumble and warmth, resulting in a more realistic and less crisp listening experience.
Utilizing Beyerdynamic’s Tesla Driver Technology has resulted in unprecedented detail retrieval. These headphones have superior build quality and should serve you well for decades.
Buying Guides
WHY DO PEOPLE SPEND SO MUCH MONEY ON AUDIOPHILE PRODUCTS?
This fixation is largely the result of audiophiles (and those who value fidelity in general) having a greater awareness of how the physical hardware they employ impacts the rendition of their music. It is simple to grow fixated with little annoyances in recordings that a layperson would typically miss.
As your listening capacity increases, you will quickly detect barely detectable treble peaks, tiny bass roll-offs, and a great deal more. This is because, when you know what to look for, it is astounding how big of an impact these small details can have on your musical enjoyment.
Obviously, good audio equipment makes good music sound better, but it is by no means required for enjoyment.
A further advantage of acquiring a pair of audiophile headphones is that you can enjoy amazing sound without having to invest in an expensive high-end HiFi system.
Many individuals lack the capacity to accommodate a full-size Hifi system, thus headphones are an acceptable alternative. You can still experience incredibly high levels of fidelity with a relatively tiny headphone setup.
Considerations When Purchasing Mobile Headphones
While sound quality should be of the biggest significance when purchasing audiophile headphones, don’t overlook a few other considerations when searching for the optimal product. This will enhance your long-term enjoyment of your headphones.
The best audiophile headphones in the world may have the best sound, but if they are impractical for usage in situations where you listen to music, it is likely worth purchasing something more suited to the task. Before making any purchase, we believe you should examine the following points.
COMFORT & SIZING
Comfort and fit play key factors in determining the compatibility of headphones with your ears. A pair of uncomfortable headphones will discourage their use.
Conversely, quality audiophile headphones will be comfy for extended listening sessions. Consider how these headphones are intended to be used, in addition to the materials, ventilation, padding, and weight, all of which affect comfort.
CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET – THE BEST MOBILE HEADPHONES ARE NOT EXPENSIVE
The price is one of the most major entrance hurdles for some of the best-sounding headphones in the world. However, don’t be too dismayed, as a number of inexpensive headphones offer approximately 95% of the sound quality of headphones that cost over $1000.
Instead of a sonic revolution, the difference between an entry-level audiophile headphone and an ultra-high-end model is an evolution.
This is referred to by audiophiles as diminishing returns. A pair of headphones that costs twice as much as another pair rarely offers superior sound quality. Nevertheless, there are a few deals available that give a great deal of value to customers on a budget.
AUDIOPHILE HEADPHONE AVAILABILITY AND SERVICING
In general, audiophile headphones will not be inexpensive, and like with any electrical product, they can malfunction. However, given the high initial cost, the majority of users will desire a warranty and support system.
Amazon is incredibly consumer-friendly, so I usually send folks to them as their first point of contact. However, numerous businesses on this list cherish their clients and invest in aftercare.
If it is a foreign company and you must ship them back to the factory, you will likely be responsible for the postage, and you will also need to insure them in both directions, so this is an additional cost to consider.
HOW DO I USE AUDIOPHONE HEADPHONES?
One of the most frequently asked questions is what audiophile headphones I personally use. As the administrator of a website dedicated to high-end audio products, I hear this a lot, but take these claims with a grain of salt.
What works for me may not work for you; there is no right or incorrect solution. Also, keep in mind that as the proprietor and author of an audiophile website, I am likely to replace my equipment multiple times per year. Having said that, here are some links to my favorite equipment from the previous year.
WITH HIGH-RESOLUTION MOBILE HEADPHONES, WHAT SOURCE SHOULD I USE?
The music will always be the star of the show, but headphones have a significant impact on sound quality. Obviously, the same applies to the source you employ. Assuming that you are using high-resolution audio files, you will need to use a superior source to ensure that the signal is crisp and clean and has sufficient strength to drive your headphones to their full capacity.
For the majority of my listening, I utilize two “sources” (“both stated above): one at home and one on the move. On the go, I will most likely use my phone with an external DAC or a standalone DAP. At home, I have an insane integrated amplifier and digital audio processor.
However, you do not need to invest a lot of money to obtain a wonderful sound. For home use, an amplifier like the reasonably priced Objective 2 will blow your mind with its clarity and detail. If you prefer portable clean sound on a budget, however, many thrifty audiophiles continue to recommend the Sansa Clip MP3 Player.
The abridged version of what I am trying to convey is that you should first upgrade your files, then your headphones, and then you can add anything extra to the sources. The sound quality differences between headphones can be night and day.
Check out our lists of the best high-resolution music players and the best budget music players to learn more about the best source hardware for your music.
With a metal body chassis and wooden earcups, the build quality of these headphones is also exceptional. We also approve of their comfort and style, making them well-rounded and affordable.