The Best Hi-Fi Headphones: Desperate to find headphones with a well-balanced sound? Then check out our selection of the Best Hi-Fi Headphones. There are definitely models here that deserve the attention of a music lover.
5 Best Hi-Fi Headphones
You’ve probably seen the acronym “Hi-Fi” many times on headphones and other musical equipment – but have you ever wondered what it means?
Hi-Fi is the very line that separates audiophile equipment from the usual “for an amateur”. If you listen to Hi-Fi headphones after some Chinese “earbuds” from the telephone set, it will seem to you that you have discovered another universe.
This article will recommend the 5 Best Hi-Fi Headphones that will definitely not disappoint the music lover.
What Does Hi-fi Mean and How is It Different From Hi-end?
Hi-Fi is short for High Fidelity, which means high fidelity. In theory, Hi-Fi headphones transmit sound as faithfully as possible, close to the original and almost without distortion. To receive the “Hi-Fi” status, headphones must comply with the DIN-45500 standard – that is, pass the following requirements:
- Amplitude distortion – up to 4 dB.
- The frequency range is 20 to 20,000 Hz (all frequencies recognized by the human ear are reproduced).
There is also a requirement for the noise level in decibels, but it is not relevant specifically for headphones.
In the 70s, when the concept of “Hi-Fi” appeared, headphones that met the described requirements were “a gimmick” and cost a lot of money. However, thanks to modern technologies, it is as easy as shelling pears to release headphones with a frequency range of 20-20000 Hz – this will surprise no one.
Manufacturers began to sculpt fashionable “Hi-Fi” for everything, having the right. So in practice, “Hi-Fi” is no longer a quality mark. Even high-spec headphones can sound mediocre if the manufacturer saves on materials and uses cheap plastic to make audio equipment.
Despite some consonance, “Hi-End” is a concept “from another opera.” This status is assigned to expensive, exclusive audio equipment. At the same time, the requirements for sound characteristics for Hi-End headphones are not defined.
Metaphorically speaking, Hi-Fi is a well-renovated apartment near the center, while Hi-End is a luxury apartment with a pool in a prestigious hotel. The second will be more expensive, but not the fact that it is more comfortable.
Top 5 Best Hi-fi Headphones
Our top Best Hi-Fi Headphones only contain models that are made from quality materials and sound great. You will definitely not be ashamed to recommend them to your friends.
1. PIONEER Bluetooth Headphones SE-MS7BT
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency response: 9-22000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 98dB / mW
- Membrane diameter: 40 mm
Pioneer SE MS7BT – two-in-one headphones made in retro style. On the one hand, the addition “BT” to the model name quite transparently hints to us that this is a wireless model with Bluetooth support – and this is true. On the other hand, the kit includes a cable with which the accessory can be made wired.
With a wired connection, the frequency range of the Pioneer SE MS7BT is much wider – 9-40,000 Hz. However, even when connected via Bluetooth or NFC, the headphones “don’t fall into a puddle.” The manufacturer has equipped them with aptX HD and AAC codecs, which allow you to transmit sound wirelessly at a resolution of 24 bit / 48 kHz and with an increased bit rate. Rare-earth magnets and lightweight aluminum coils also work for sound quality.
- Attractive design – especially in brown.
- Large, soft ear cushions that completely wrap around the ear.
- High build quality.
- Good noise insulation is important in the absence of noise reduction.
- Quality sound with deep bass.
- Long battery life (12 hours).
- There is no indicator showing the charge level.
- The supplied charging cable is short (50 cm).
2. Focal Listen Wireless Headphones
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency response: 15-22000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 122 dB / mW
- Membrane diameter: 40 mm
French manufacturer Focal is positioning its Listen headphones as a smartphone accessory. However, the user can guess this himself, having seen a microphone and a phone call answer button on the cable supplied with it.
The sound of the headphones is also somewhat optimized for outdoor listening. There is a slight boost in bass frequencies in the 50-80 Hz range. The manufacturer deliberately rebuilt Listen in this way – to block the city traffic noise, which reaches its maximum density in the specified range. Nevertheless, this does not spoil the overall sound of the headphones. To be sure, it is enough to read the reviews of real users, in which the words “magical” and “excellent” are found every now and then.
- Smooth sound with deep bass.
- Sits comfortably on the head.
- The design of the headphones is modest but tasteful.
- Reliable construction.
- Significant weight (273 grams).
- The set does not include a 3.5-Jack to 6.3-Jack adapter.
- The appearance is not unique – the headphones are too similar to the Focal Spirit model.
- Overcharge.
3. Sennheiser Momentum in-Ear Wireless Headphones
- Mount type: in-ear
- Frequency response: 15-22000 Hz
- Impedance: 18 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 112 dB / mW
Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless is a clear confirmation that in-ear headphones are not always “beepers” without bass. This model sounds tasty and rich – even the 20 Hz bass of nude metalists is felt to the full.
However, if you go to the Sennheiser website, you will find that there are two words about Momentum In-Ear Wireless sound, and everything else is about design. “Momentums” mostly fashion things for dudes, and not all of its innovations are of practical use. For example, the ergonomic “collar”, which Sennheiser proudly calls a unique design solution, turns sideways for athletes since its “wings” knock painfully on the collarbones while running.
- High-quality materials and workmanship.
- Capacious battery – one charge lasts for 10 hours.
- Cute bezel design with metal engraving.
- Extended manufacturer’s warranty – 2 years.
- 4 pairs of ear adapters included (XS, S, M, L).
- Supports fast charging function.
- Crisp and balanced sound.
- Good insulation.
- The microphone is too sensitive and picks up street noise.
- Not suitable for sports – for example, when running, the headset knocks on the collarbones.
4. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8 Wireless On-Ear Headphone
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
- Impedance: 30 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 110 dB / mW
- Membrane diameter: 40 mm
BeoPlay H8 is a favorite of Yabloko, who claim that only the product from the iconic B&O company looks harmonious next to the iPhone. Indeed, BeoPlay H8 has a minimum of plastic, mostly anodized aluminum and genuine leather. Moreover, the skin of two animals at once: a calf (hard headband) and a sheep (soft ear pads).
No matter how the BeoPlay H8 looks, the fastidious Applegoers wouldn’t praise them if they sounded mediocre. But even with this, there is complete order – realistic and reliable sound is provided by the proprietary B&O Signature Sound technology, on which venerable sound engineers worked. The unique Active Noise Canceling system contributes to its contribution, which removes the sounds of the outside world “to zero”, thus allowing the music lover to focus on his favorite songs.
- Fantastic driving sound with crisp but moderate bass.
- They work with both cable and Bluetooth.
- Impressive battery life – 16 hours on a single charge in Bluetooth mode.
- Premium materials and high-quality workmanship.
- Touch control – no dangling mechanical keys.
- Built-in equalizer and noise reduction.
- Do not add up.
- The ear cups are too tight on the ears – this can be uncomfortable.
- Mount type: in-ear
- Frequency response: 10-40000Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 108dB / mW
- Membrane diameter: 13 mm
Dunu Titan 5 will make even a sophisticated basshead turn frightenedly pale – if you turn them on at full power. Headphones are famous for their skillful elaboration of low frequencies, which at the same time know their place and do not fill the entire sound space. A rigid dynamic driver provides excellent bass with a titanium diaphragm. The diameter of the driver is 13 millimeters, which is a lot for in-ear headphones.
The appearance of Dunu Titan 5 matches the sound – just as powerful and monumental. The stainless steel case is CNC machined and triple polished. The earbuds are quite sturdy but heavy at the same time. In the hanging position, they pull the wire, which can cause discomfort to the user.
- Quality materials (steel, rubber) and good workmanship.
- Very loud sound with a moderate preponderance towards the bass.
- They fit tightly in the ears, do not fall out.
- A rich set – 6 pairs of nozzles, a case, an adapter for 6.3 mm.
- Detachable wire.
- Relatively heavy – pulls the wire in a hanging position.
- Soundproofing could have been better.
- No sweat and moisture-proof.
Conclusion
This is not the 70s when the Best Hi-Fi Headphones were something out of the ordinary – now, in any decent audio store, you will be offered a huge number of models. All of the Hi-Fi headphones from our rating sound decent, but in different ways.
You shouldn’t neglect the check: maybe the one who recommended the Dunu Titan, 5 models, to you likes the “bass” sound, and you are a supporter of balanced sound – then the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless is more suitable for you.
Do not be afraid to “strain” the consultant in the store and listen to as many models as possible. Hi-Fi headphones are an expensive gadget, after all, so you have every right to be picky.