Headphones Buying Guide 2021 - Compressed

Headphones
Buying Guide
2021
sonarworks.com
Intro Page 2
So you need to buy headphones for audio

work. You compare the spec sheets of a few
popular models and you're not sure what
each of the specifications means and if they
even matter. We hear you!
The truth is very little of the information found in headphone technical Impedance doesn't show you the full picture without taking sensitivity
specifications reliably translates to their real-world performance. into account. In most cases, low impedance headphones are easier to
Frequency response range? Doesn't tell you anything. All modern studio drive than higher impedance ones, but there are plenty of 250 ohm
headphones cover the range of human hearing and beyond. Harmonic headphones that can easily be driven from a smartphone. Then there
distortion? Most spec sheets will state something along the lines of "< are closed-back, open-back, and semi-open-back designs and different
0.1% THD at 1kHz," which means nothing, as no modern pro headphones driver sizes and technologies: dynamic, planar magnetic, and
will exhibit significant distortion at 1 kHz—it's the sub-bass range that’s electrostatic. The worst bit? Paying more doesn't necessarily yield a
problematic in some models. Impedance should give you an impression higher quality product that will perform better at the task at hand. Long
as to if mobile devices such as laptops and tablets will be able to drive a story short—choosing what headphones to buy can be daunting,
particular pair of headphones, or if you'll need a headphone amp. especially if you're new to this.
Intro Page 3
We are here
→ to help
Intro Page 4
We at Sonarworks have measured more Customers have asked us for years: I have X euros, my use case is Y,
what are the best headphones to use with Reference? This guide will try
than 800 different headphone models and to answer that question and help you find the best tool for your task and
budget, in a simple, straightforward manner. While all these models
have compiled our favorites in this guide. sound great when used with Reference, that doesn’t necessarily mean
that they are good on their own. In fact, some of them have such heavy
sound coloration that they’d be a nightmare for any serious audio work
right out of the box. However, since Reference takes care of the
frequency response by making it neutral, it is no longer a key factor
when considering different models. This allows us to prioritize
properties like comfort, harmonic distortion, build quality, and
replacement parts availability. That said, we have highlighted a few
models that, out of the box, have close to neutral frequency response.
All of these headphones will play with ample volume by virtually any
modern audio interface unless stated otherwise.
SoundID Reference Page 5
4
Production /
Mixing /
Mastering in Studio
Production / Mixing / Mastering in Studio Page 6
When working long hours in the studio on

your productions, mixes, and masters, two
requirements absolutely must be met by
your headphones:
→Clean,
Neutral sound
→Comfort
Some argue that neutral-sounding headphones are not needed in the With one of these models and SoundID Reference, nothing can stop you
production phase — that you don't need to pay attention to the tonal from making Grammy-worthy tunes!
balance of your track before you start mixing. We believe there are
Above the Great Value zone, there's the threshold of diminishing
strong benefits to starting your work with flat sound right from the get-
returns. Models priced beyond it are surely great but are more of a
go. If you can hear every instrument and effect properly, without any
luxury than a necessity.
coloration from your headphones, it's highly likely that the decisions you
make will lead to better-sounding productions. You’ll spend less time in For the best available sound, go for the open or semi-open back
the mixing phase fixing mistakes you wouldn't have made if you just had models, as these designs inherently lead to flatter frequency response
flat sound all along. And if instead of mixing your tracks yourself you and produce a more natural sound. Keep in mind though that they do
send them to a mixer, there will be fewer surprises when you receive leak sound quite a bit and offer little sound isolation from the outside
your mixed tracks back.
world. If these are potential issues for you, choose one of the closed-
back alternatives.
All headphones in this list are trustworthy monitoring tools when used in
tandem with SoundID Reference, however, the lower-priced models It’s assumed that these headphones will be used with an audio interface
typically will be less comfortable and offer fewer replaceable parts. If and most of the modern interfaces will be able to drive almost all of
you can afford it, we highly recommend stretching your budget to one of these models beyond safe listening levels. We have added notes to the
the models found in the Great Value zone, where you'll find headphones few Beyerdynamic models that may have issues with volume.
that are close to perfect, yet are still relatively affordable.
Our TOP
for Studio Use
→Production
→Mixing
→Mastering
TOP for Studio Use
Page 9
Monoprice Superlux HD
8823 681
Closed Full review on our blog → Semi-Open Full review on our blog →
Price: €25.00 Price: €25.00
Weight: 237g Weight: 230g

Cable: 1.2m straight Cable: 2.5m straight
→ Extremely affordable
→ Comfort not great
→ Detachable cable
→ Questionable longevity
→ Non-detachable cable
→ Two cables included
TOP for Studio Use

Page 10
Audio-Technica Samson SR850

ATH-M20X Semi-Open Full review on our blog →
Closed Full review on our blog →
Price: €48.00 Price: €50.00

Cable: 3m straight Cable: 2.5m straight
→ Quite neutral → Non-detachable cable

→ More comfortable than → Non-detachable cable
frequency response
HD 681
→ Less THD than HD 681
→ Quite high THD
TOP for Studio Use

Page 11
Beyerdynamic Philips
DT 240 Pro SHP9500S
Closed Full review on our blog → Open
Price: €66.00 Price: €75.00

Cable: 1.5m coiled Cable: 3m straight
→ Sturdy build
→ Long session comfort → Comfort
→ Limited availability outside
not great
the U.S.
→ Fantastic value
→ Most affordable good

open-backs
→ Relatively high THD in sub
bass
Audio-Technica Beyerdynamic
TOP for Studio Use
Page 12
ATH-M50x
Closed
DT 770 Pro Closed 250 Ohm Full review on our blog →
Price: €125.00 Price: €75.00

Cable: 1.2m straight Cable: 3m coiled
3m straight
3m coiled
→ Low THD
→ Channel imbalance in → Superb comfort
→ 3 different length cables low mid range → Many replaceable parts

→ Quite high THD
included
→ Harder to drive than it's rivals
TOP For Studio Use Page 13
AKG K612 Pro Drop HD58X

Open Great Value Full review on our blog → Open Great Value 150 Ohm
Price: €115.00 Price: €170.00

→ Comfort
→ Affordable version of the → Not the cleanest sub-bass
→ Relatively flat frequency classic design
due to THD
response
→ Superb comfort → 1.8m cable might be short
→ Flat frequency response → Not woth it if you're outside

the U.S
Focal Listen Pro Drop HD6XX

Closed Great Value Full review on our blog → Open Great Value 300 Ohm
Price: €229.00 Price: €220.00

Cable: 1.4m straight Cable: 1.8m straight
5m coiled
→ Good comfort → Heavy coloration if → Superb comfort

→ Not the cleanest sub-bass
used without calibration due to THD
→ High quality plastic build

→ Exceptionally flat frequency
response
→ 1.8m cable might be short
→ 2 cables included
Beyerdynamic Audio-Technica
DT 880 Pro ATH-R70x
Semi-Open
Semi-Open Great Value Open Great Value Full review on our blog →
Full review on our blog →
Price: €255.00 Price: €229.00

Cable: 3m coiled Cable: 3m straight
→ Superb comfort → Non-detachable cable → Lower THD than its rivals

→ May not fit well smaller heads
→ Many replaceable parts

→ Harder to drive than its rivals
→ Exceptionally flat frequency
response
→ Lightweight
Sennheiser
Sennheiser
HD 600 HD 650
Open Great Value Open Great Value Full review on our blog →
Price: €310.00 Price: €333.00

Cable: 3m straight Cable: 3m straight
→ Superb comfort → Not the cleanest sub-bass → Superb comfort → Not the cleanest sub-bass
due to THD
due to THD
→ Exceptionally flat frequency → Exceptionally flat frequency

response
response
TOP for Studio Use

Page 17
Beyerdynamic Beyerdynamic
DT 1770 Pro DT 1990 Pro
Closed Full review on our blog → Open
Price: €425.00 Price: €429.00

Cable: 3m straight Cable: 3m straight
5m coiled 5m coiled
→ Superb comfort → High-mid range not as → Superb comfort → Negligible upgrade over DT
accurate as with open-back 880 sound-wise
→ Premium build
→ Premium build
alternatives
→ Low THD
→ Additional ear pads and cable
TOP for Studio Use

Page 18
Shure SRH1540 Fostex TH610

Closed Full review on our blog → Closed
Price: €437.00 Price: €629.00

Cable: 1.8m straight Cable: 3m straight
→ Quite neutral frequency → Audible THD in sub bass
→ Superb comfort, relaxed fit → Weak isolation
response
→ Not suitable for work with → Premium build
→ Premium build
sub bass heavy content
→ Low THD
→ Additional ear pads and cable

→ Comfort not for everyone
TOP for Studio Use

Page 19
Audeze LCD Fostex

2C TH900mk2
Open Closed Full review on our blog →
Price: €779.00 Price: €1 600.00

→ Super low THD

→ Heavy
→ Superb comfort, relaxed fit → Weak isolation
→ Premium build
→ Premium build
→ Low THD
TOP for Studio Use

Page 20
Sennheiser
Audeze LCD
HD800S 4z
Open Full review on our blog → Open
Price: €1 400.00 Price: €3 995.00

→ Exceptional comfort
→ Sound changes depending on → Super low THD → Heavy
wearing position
→ Feels like wearing nothing

→ Exceptional build
→ Costs a fortune
→ Relatively high THD in sub bass
→ Premium build
→ Fantastic sound
Production /
Mixing /
Mastering On
the Go
Production / Mixing / Mastering On the Go

Page 22
In order to make your work on-the-go

worthwhile, neutral-sounding headphones
are paramount. They enable you to continue
the work you began in the studio on
speakers, without things sounding too
different and vice versa—take your remotely
started work seamlessly to the studio.
The models in this category can be considered universal. They can be laptop’s built-in audio output.
used for production, mixing, and mastering on-the-go or in the studio All headphones in this list will be reliable monitoring tools, however, for
and even for tracking sessions. They won’t deliver as much sound the less expensive models, you won't find replaceable parts, limiting
isolation as dedicated tracking headphones, yet there’s plenty of their longevity.
scenarios where that’ll be good enough to not cause any issues with
your recordings.
Hopefully, you can stretch your budget to one of the models found in
the Great Value zone. There you'll find sturdy headphones that'll deliver
When carrying your headphones around, you want them to be able to close to perfect sound when used in tandem with SoundID Reference,
withstand some beating in the backpack. In case they break, it's great if yet are still relatively affordable. Though, in most cases there's still a
the manufacturer offers a range of easily replaceable spare parts. To tradeoff between comfort and mobility, so you may have to prioritize
save space in your luggage or backpack headphones should be foldable one over the other.
and not too bulky. Bonus points if headphones can also be driven from a
TOP for On The Go Page 23
Monoprice Audio-Technica
8323 ATH-M20x
Closed Closed
Price: €25.00 Price: €48.00

→ Easily driveable from portable → Comfort not great

→ Quite neutral frequency → Comfort not great
devices
response
→ Easily driveable from portable
devices
→ Two cables included
Beyerdynamic Audio-Technica
DT 240 Pro ATH-M50x
Closed Great Value Closed Great Value
Price: €66.00 Price: €125.00

Cable: 1.5m straight Cable: 1.2m straight,
3m straight,
3m coiled
→ Sturdy build
→ Long session comfort not great → Low THD
→ Easily portable
→ Foldable design helps → Non-detachable cable
→ Fantastic value
portability

→ Easily driveable from portable devices
devices
Beyerdynamic Focal Listen

DT 770 Pro Professional
Closed Great Value 32 Ohm Closed Great Value
Price: €129.00 Price: €229.00

Cable: 1.6m straight Cable: 1.4m straight,
5m coiled
→ Superb comfort
→ Non-detachable cable → Good comfort
→ Heavy coloration if used
→ Many replaceable parts
→ Bulky, not easily portable → Foldable design helps without calibration
portability
→ Transport hard case included

devices
Beyerdynamic Shure SRH1540

DT 1770 Pro Closed
Closed
Price: €425.00 Price: €437.00

Cable: 3m straight, Cable: 1.8m straight
5m coiled
→ Premium build
→ Bulky
→ Lightweight, premium build
→ Comfort not for everyone
→ Superb comfort
→ Uncomfortable when weared → Quite neutral frequency → High THD in sub bass
on neck
response
→ Transport hard case included
→ Not suitable for work with sub

→ Additional shorter cable would've → Transport hard case included
bass heavy content
been nice
Tracking
4
Tracking
Tracking Page 28
When recording vocals and guitars you’ll need Furthermore, if you’re a drummer, there’s a great chance that you’re
exposing yourself to extremely high volume. If that’s the case, it’s best if
headphones that don’t leak sound to keep your headphones can provide isolation that protects your hearing as
much as possible.
your tracks free from unwanted signals such

Whatever you’re recording, having a neutral frequency response helps
as the metronome or backing track. to hear your actual performance the way it is, without the sound
coloration of headphones.Furthermore, if both you and your recording
engineer use headphones with flat frequency response, nothing gets
lost in translation—you both hear the same sound. Using the Reference
plugin in zero latency mode will help you achieve this.
All headphone models in this list are up to the task. Some are better at
minimizing the sound leakage, while others offer more comfort.
Tracking Page 29
Monoprice Audio-Technica
8323 ATH-M20x
Closed Closed
Price: €25.00 Price: €48.00
Impedance: 40Ω Weight: 190g

Weight: 237g Cable: 3m straight
Cable: 1.2m straight
→ Quite neutral frequency → Comfort not great
response
→ Relaxed fit yet good isolation
Tracking Page 30
Vic Firth SIH2 Beyerdynamic

Closed
DT 240 Pro
Closed
Price: €59.00 Price: €66.00
Cable: 1.7m straight Cable: 1.5m coiled
→ 2nd best leakege performance → Long session comfort not great

→ 3rd best leakege performance → Long session comfort not great
of the bunch
of the bunch
→ Suitable for drummers

→ Sturdy build
→ Strong clamping force keeps → Fantastic value
them in place
Tracking Page 31
Sennheiser Audio-Technica
HD 280 Pro
Closed
ATH-M50x
Closed
Price: €99.00 Price: €125.00

Cable: 3m coiled Cable: 1.2m straight,
3m straight,
3m coiled
→ Strong clamping force keeps → Non-detachable cable

→ Low THD
→ Channel imbalance in low mid
them in place
range
→ Long session comfort not great
→ Comes with 3 cables
→ Sound isolation not as great as → Good comfort for tracking

some of it's rivals
headphones
Tracking Page 32
Direct Sound Beyerdynamic
EX-29 DT 770 M
Closed Closed
Price: €129.00 Price: €139.00
→ Suitable for drummers

→ Cheaply built
→ Best leakege performance the → Non-detachable cable
bunch
→ Many replacable parts
→ Good comfort for tracking
headphones
→ Many replacable parts
Tracking Page 33
Sennheiser
HD 300 Pro
Closed
Price: €175.00
Weight: 297g
Cable: 1.5m straight
→ Sturdy build
→ Pricey for tracking headphones
→ Relatively neutral sound out-

of-the-box
→ Sound leakege performance on

par with DT 240 Pro
Tracking headphones ranked Page 34
Tracking
Headphones
Ranked
By best sound leakage performance

Sound isolation performance ranking Page 35
➀ Beyerdynamic
DT 770 M ➃ Sennheiser HD
300 Pro ➆ Audio-Technica
ATH-M20x
➁ Vic Firth SIH2

➄ Direct Sound
EX-29 ➇ Sennheiser HD
280 Pro
➂ Beyerdynamic
DT 240 Pro ➅ Monoprice
8323 ➈ Audio-Technica
ATH-M50x
Get the most
out of your
headphones
-> A fully functional 21-day free trial
-> No credit card required, no hidden

conditions
->A quick and guided setup
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Headphones

So you need to buy headphones for audio

When working long hours in the studio on

that are close to perfect, yet are still relatively affordable.

Production / Mixing / Mastering in Studio Page 8

for Studio Use

Price: €25.00 Price: €25.00

Weight: 237g Weight: 230g

→ Two cables included

TOP for Studio Use

Audio-Technica Samson SR850

Closed Full review on our blog →

Price: €48.00 Price: €50.00

Weight: 190g Weight: 276g

→ Quite neutral → Non-detachable cable

→ Comfort not great

→ Less THD than HD 681

→ Quite high THD

TOP for Studio Use

Price: €66.00 Price: €75.00

Weight: 196g Weight: 330g

→ Most affordable good

Price: €125.00 Price: €75.00

→ 3 different length cables low mid range → Many replaceable parts

TOP For Studio Use Page 13

AKG K612 Pro Drop HD58X

Price: €115.00 Price: €170.00

Weight: 238g Weight: 260g

→ Flat frequency response → Not woth it if you're outside

TOP For Studio Use Page 14

Focal Listen Pro Drop HD6XX

Price: €229.00 Price: €220.00

Weight: 280g Weight: 260g

→ Good comfort → Heavy coloration if → Superb comfort

→ High quality plastic build

TOP For Studio Use Page 15

Full review on our blog →

Price: €255.00 Price: €229.00

Weight: 295g Weight: 210g

→ Superb comfort → Non-detachable cable → Lower THD than its rivals

→ Many replaceable parts

TOP For Studio Use Page 16

Price: €310.00 Price: €333.00

Weight: 260g Weight: 260g

→ Exceptionally flat frequency → Exceptionally flat frequency

TOP for Studio Use

Price: €425.00 Price: €429.00

Weight: 388g Weight: 370g

TOP for Studio Use

Shure SRH1540 Fostex TH610

Price: €437.00 Price: €629.00

Weight: 292g Weight: 375g

→ Quite neutral frequency → Audible THD in sub bass

→ Superb comfort, relaxed fit → Weak isolation

→ Additional ear pads and cable

TOP for Studio Use

Audeze LCD Fostex

Price: €779.00 Price: €1 600.00

Weight: 550g Weight: 390g

→ Super low THD

→ Superb comfort, relaxed fit → Weak isolation

TOP for Studio Use

Price: €1 400.00 Price: €3 995.00