The sound of vinyl out of a pair of high-quality speakers is great. The best vinyl headphones must deliver the sound in the same way or even better than speakers do. To achieve this, they must be equipped with solid composition, quality drivers, and a crossover.
The best headphones for vinyl can have either dynamic drivers or magnet-based ones. They also vary in dynamics and detailing abilities, crossover, cost, and the sharpness of the sound quality.
The most essential feature is the compensation system. It is responsible for lowering clicks, pops, irregularity of the old vinyl records, and polishing the overall output. Vinyl headphones also vary in the areas of comfort like balance, ergonomics, padding quality, etc.
All the products in this review blend the above qualities in their own respective ways to deliver a unique sound experience. Read on to find the best headphones for vinyl. They are available in different budget categories, so you will definitely find a pair that is most suitable.
Best headphones for vinyl in 2021 are:
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
If you are a DJ in search of high-quality monitoring headphones for a decent price, look no further. The Audio Technica ATH-M40X has got you covered. These headphones are great for DJs as well as for use at home. They are ideal for casual listening, gaming, DJing, and studio application. With this kind of versatility, you are surely getting huge value for your money, which is not common with products at this low price point.
They are great for long listening sessions thanks to the adjustable design and heavily cushioned ear cups. The bass may not be as thrilling as some costlier models, which is as a result of the smaller sized driver. However, for the price, the bass response is still exceeding expectations.
The headphones have a rather bulky and heavy design, which tells on their portability to some extent. Nevertheless, they are foldable which compensates greatly for the bulkiness.
In general, the Audio Technica ATH M40X is one of the best headphones for vinyl. They have excellent sound performance and are highly versatile. Whether you are in the DJ booth, in the studio, or settling in for a quiet night while listening to your favorite songs, these headphones do a great job.
2. Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones
These headphones sport a pair of temporal zone pads that can be adjusted and are designed to sit with balance and reduce the pressure of the ear plates on the ears. This provides a more comfortable experience for the listener during use.
The headphones are designed with specific priority to great bass response, hence, they are a suitable choice for anyone who loves listening to songs with heavy bass. They are able to reproduce bass easily without it overwhelming the whole track.
The Koss Porta Pro is a studio-quality pair of headphones constructed with durable plastic and layered with thick padding. The headband can be adjusted to achieve the most comfortable fit. It is designed to be folded into a smaller, more compact size so you can carry it around safely without breaking the headband or ear cups.
The sound quality is great. You will enjoy the powerful low notes and superb bass reproduction. The overall sound delivery is rich and not the kind you would expect to get from a pair of headphones in this price category. The construction feels shaky, however, and it is obvious that they tried to save costs in this area. But it is better that the flaw comes up in construction than in the audio quality, which is why they are a valuable pair and one of the best vinyl headphones you can find on the market.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphones
These high-end studio headphones for vinyl have a vast range that can pick up frequencies as low as 5 Hz and transition through the sound flow up to a frequency of 35 kHz. Such a wide frequency response is responsible for the conveyance of original vinyl warmth and the smallest of details which fans of the analog sound hold very dear.
The bass can be really deep and dense, lively and unraveling as the track is being played. It sounds thumpy but not boomy, giving off an enveloping effect. The high notes are clear and detailed, delivered with accuracy and precision. The mid-range brings fullness of sound while quietly and precisely distinguishing between all the instruments and voice line.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO has an open ear-cup design which complements the spacious bass effect and lets the listener stay aware of the environment around. The circumaural padding is covered with velour coating which gives a solid, yet soft feel against the ears.
4. Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphones
This professional record player headset gives you great value for your money at its price point. It is made with great detail, fitted with precision, and feels like it should cost more. The headband and both ear cups are sufficiently padded, with an ergonomic shape that leaves you with the best headphone positioning on your head.
These are closed-back headphones, with improved protection and effective high-frequency noise canceling ability. This implies that outside sounds that are below 32 dB will not be heard. The sound delivery of the headphone is enveloping, giving a definitive sound in the head feel.
These vinyl headphones produce a sweet, enveloping sound that reproduces all the warmth in the track being played. They have a very wide frequency range that begins at 8Hz. Listeners can hear bass notes with much depth and the high notes with great accuracy. The mid-range is vast and notes here are detailed, with more deviation to the lower end. The bass is strong and full-bodied, featuring energetic thump and smooth transitions.
5. Edifier H650 Headphones
Though this is a budget pair of headphones for vinyl, it offers more value than the price tag. With an ergonomic on-ear design and lightweight of 3.2oz, it is extremely comfortable and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing extra weight. The headphones come with a special three-fold engineer decision so that they take up the least bit of space around the smallest turntable.
This is a closed-back device with large 40mm drivers that give you an immersive “sound in the head” experience. The combination of noise-canceling and sound-isolating technologies help to keep the sound output only within the headphones without the tiniest bit of leakage.
The drivers are formed with magnets and they dish out a clean, flat sound with all the detail in the original track. The mid-range is rich and wide. The bass may be a little lacking in depth but it still conveys the rhythm well and delivers the beat with accuracy. The treble has a hint of brilliance that doesn’t interfere with the full immersive experience.