Pro Headphone 


Buyers Guide 

2020
Intro
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 parameters means and if they even matter. 

We hear you!

The truth is very little of the information Impedance should give you an impression as Then there's closed-back, open-back, and
found in headphone technical specifications to if mobile devices such as laptops and semi-open-back designs and different driver
reliably translates to their performance in the tablets will be able to drive a particular pair sizes and technologies: dynamic, planar
real world. Frequency response range? of headphones, or if you'll need a headphone magnetic, and electrostatic. The worst bit?
Doesn't tell you anything. All modern studio amp. Impedance doesn't show you the full Paying more doesn't necessarily yield a
headphones cover the range of human picture without taking sensitivity into account. higher quality product that will perform better
hearing and beyond. Harmonic distortion? In most cases, low impedance headphones at the task at hand. Long story
Most spec sheets will state something along are easier to drive than higher impedance short—choosing what headphones to buy
the lines of "< 0.1% THD at 1kHz," which ones, but there are plenty of 250ohm can be daunting, especially if you're new to
means nothing, as no modern pro headphones that can easily be driven from a this.
headphones will exhibit significant distortion smartphone.
at 1 kHz—it's the sub-bass range that’s
problematic in some models.
We're here to help
We at Sonarworks have measured more than 800 different
headphone models and have compiled our favourites 

in this guide.

Customers have asked us for years: 
 This allows us to prioritize properties like
I have X euros, my use case is Y, what are comfort, harmonic distortion, build quality,
the best headphones to use with Reference? and replacement parts availability. That said,
This guide will try to answer that question we have highlighted a few models that, out of
and help you find the best tool for your task the box, have close to neutral frequency
and budget, in a simple, straightforward response. All of these headphones will play
manner. with ample volume by virtually any modern
audio interface unless stated otherwise
While all these models 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.
Production / Mixing

/ Mastering in studio
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, and comfort.
Some argue that neutral-sounding headphones are not needed in the production phase—that
you don't need to pay attention to the tonal balance of your track before you start mixing. 

We believe there are strong benefits to starting your work with flat sound right from the get-go. 

If you can hear every instrument and effect properly, without any 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 the mixing phase fixing mistakes you wouldn't have
made if you just had flat sound all along. And if instead of mixing your tracks yourself you send
them to a mixer, there will be fewer surprises when you receive your mixed tracks back.

All headphones in this list are trustworthy For best available sound, go for the open - 

monitoring tools when used in tandem with or semi-open back models, as these designs
Reference 4, however, the lower-priced inherently lead to flatter frequency response
models typically will be less comfortable and and more natural sound. Keep in mind
offer fewer replaceable parts. If you can though that they do leak sound quite a bit
afford it, we highly recommend stretching and offer little sound isolation from the
your budget to one of the models found in outside world. If these are potential issues
the Goldilocks zone, there you'll find for you, choose one of the closed-back
headphones that are close to perfect, yet are alternatives.
still relatively affordable. With one of these It’s assumed that these headphones will be
models and Reference 4, nothing can stop used with an audio interface and most of the
you from making Grammy-worthy tunes! modern interfaces will be able to drive almost
Above the Goldilocks zone, there's the all of these models beyond safe listening
threshold of diminishing returns. Models levels. We have added notes to the few
priced beyond it are surely great but are Beyerdynamic models that may have issues
more of a luxury than a necessity. with volume.
TOP 

headphones list
Production / Mixing / Mastering in studio
 €25

€20

Monoprice 8323 Superlux HD 681

Closed Read full review → Semi-Open
Weight: 237 g Weight: 230 g
Cable: 1.2 m straight Cable: 2.5 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Extremely affordable Comfort not great Unbeatable price Comfort not great
Replacable cable Questionable longevity No replaceable cable
Two cables included
 €45

$50

ATH-M20x Samson SR850

Closed Read full review → Semi-Open
Weight: 190 g Weight: 276 g
Cable: 3 m straight Cable: 2.5 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Quite neutral frequency
 No replaceable cable More comfortable than 
 No replaceable cable
response Comfort not great HD 681
Quite high THD Less THD than HD 681
 €69

$75

DT 240 Pro Philips SHP9500S

Closed Read full review → Open

Weight: 196 g Weight: 330 g

Cable: 1.5 m coiled Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Sturdy build Long session comfort not 
 Comfort Limited availability outside U.S.
great
Fantastic value Most affordable good 
 Relatively high THD in sub bass
open-backs
 €118

€111

DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm AKG K612 Pro

Closed Read full review → Open
Weight: 270 g Weight: 238 g
Cable: 3 m coiled Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Superb comfort No replaceable cable Comfort No replaceable cable
Many replaceable parts Quite high THD High THD in sub bass at 

Harder to drive than it's 
 high volumes
rivals
 €128

ATH-M50x
Closed
Weight: 283 g
Cable: 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight, 3 m coiled

Pros Cons
Low THD Channel imbalance in low 

3 different length cables 

included
mid range
Goldilocks
The following models we recommend for mastering
 €229

€169

Focal Listen Pro DT 880 Pro

Closed Read full review → Semi-Open Read full review →

Weight: 280 g Weight: 295 g

Cable: 1.4 m straight, 5 m coiled Cable: 3 m coiled

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Good comfot Replacement ear pads 
 Superb comfort No replaceable cable
High quality plastic build not available Many replaceable parts Harder to drive than it's rivals
2 cables included
 €170

$220

Drop HD 58X (150 Ohm) Drop HD 6XX (300 Ohm)

Open Open
Weight: 260 g Weight: 260 g
Cable: 1.8 m straight Cable: 1.8 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

The most affordable 
 Not the cleanest sub-bass 
 Superb comfort Not the cleanest sub-bass 

version of the classic design due to THD Exceptionally flat 
 due to THD
Superb comfort 1.8m cable might be too 
 frequency response 1.8m cable might be too short 

short for some for some
Exceptionally flat frequency 

response
 €299

€310

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Sennheiser HD 600

Open Read full review → Open
Weight: 210 g Weight: 260 g
Cable: 3 m straight Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Lower THD than it's rivals Comfort not for everyone, 
 Superb comfort Not the cleanest sub-bass 

Exceptionally flat frequency 
 try before buy Exceptionally flat 
 due to THD
response frequency response
Lightweight
 €339

Sennheiser HD 650
Open Read full review →
Weight: 260 g
Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons
Superb comfort Not the cleanest sub-bass 

Exceptionally flat frequency 
 due to THD
response
 €396

€439

DT 1770 Pro DT 1990 Pro

Closed Open

Weight: 388 g Weight: 370 g

Cable: 3 m straight, 5 m coiled Cable: 3 m straight, 5 m coiled

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Superb comfort High-mid range not 
 Superb comfort Negligible upgrade over 

as accurate as open-back
 DT 880 sound-wise
Premium build Premium build
alternatives
Low THD Additional ear pads 

and cable
 €433

€799

Shure SRH1540 Audeze LCD-2C

Closed Read full review → Open
Weight: 292 g Weight: 550 g
Cable: 1.8 m straight Cable: 1.9 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Quite neutral frequency 
 Audible THD in sub bass Super low THD Heavy
response Not suitable for work with 
 Premium build
Premium build sub bass heavy content
Additional ear pads and 
 Comfort not for everyone, 

cable try before buy
 €629

€1 000

Fostex TH610 Focal Elear

Closed Open Read full review →

Weight: 375 g Weight: 450 g

Cable: 3 m straight Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Superb comfort, relaxed fit Weak isolation Premium all metal build Sound changes depending 

Premium build Super low THD on wearing position
Low THD Superb comfort
 €1 600

€1 700

Fostex TH900mk2 Sennheiser HD 800 S

Closed Read full review → Open Read full review →

Weight: 390 g Weight: 330 g

Cable: 3 m straight Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Superb comfort, relaxed fit Weak isolation Exceptional comfort Sound changes depending 

Premium build Feels like wearing nothing on wearing position
Low THD Premium build Relatively high THD in sub bass
 €3 999

Audeze LCD-4z
Open
Weight: 600 g
Cable: 1.9 m straight

Pros Cons
Super low THD Heavy
Exceptional build Costs a fortune
Fantastic sound
Production, Mixing 

and Mastering on the go
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 When carrying your headphones around, you Hopefully, you can stretch your budget to one
considered universal. They can be used for want them to be able to withstand some of the models found in the Goldilocks zone.
production, mixing, and mastering on-the-go beating in the backpack. In case they break, There you'll find sturdy headphones that'll
or in the studio and even for tracking it's great if the manufacturer offers a range of deliver close to perfect sound when used in
sessions. They won’t deliver as much sound easily replaceable spare parts. To save tandem with Reference 4, yet are still
isolation as dedicated tracking headphones, space in your luggage or backpack relatively affordable. Though, in most cases
yet there’s plenty of scenarios where that’ll headphones should be foldable and not too there's still a tradeoff between comfort and
be good enough to not cause any issues with bulky. Bonus points if headphones can also mobility, so you may have to prioritize one
your recordings. be driven from a laptop’s built-in audio over the other.
output.
All headphones in this list will be reliable
monitoring tools, however, for the less
expensive models, you won't find replaceable
parts, limiting their longevity.
 €25

€45

Monoprice 8323 ATH-M20x

Closed Read full review → Closed Read full review →

Weight: 237 g Weight: 190 g

Cable: 1.2 m straight Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Extremely affordable Comfort not great Quite neutral frequency
 No replaceable cable
Replacable cable Questionable longevity response Comfort not great
Two cables included Easily driveable from 

portable devices
 €69

$118

DT 240 Pro DT 770 Pro 32 Ohm

Closed Read full review → Closed

Weight: 196 g Weight: 270 g

Cable: 1.5 m coiled Cable: 3 m coiled

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Sturdy build Long session comfort not 
 Superb comfort No replaceable cable
great
Easily portable Many replaceable parts Bulky, not easily portable

Fantastic value

Easily driveable from portable 


devices
 €128

$229

ATH-M50x Focal Listen Pro

Closed Closed Read full review →

Weight: 283 g Weight: 280 g

Cable: 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight, 3 m coiled Cable: 1.4 m straight, 5 m coiled

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Low THD Channel imbalance in low 
 Good comfot Focal doesn't sell 

mid range replacement ear pads
Foldable design helps 
 Foldable design helps 

portability portability

Easily driveable from portable 
 Transport hard case included

devices
Easily driveable from portable devices
 €396

€433

DT 1770 Pro Shure SRH1540

Closed Closed Read full review →

Weight: 388 g Weight: 292 g

Cable: 3 m straight, 5 m coiled Cable: 1.8 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Premium build Bulky Lightweight, premium build Comfort not for everyone, 

try before buy
Superb comfort Uncomfortable when weared 
 Quite neutral frequency 

on neck response High THD in sub bass
Transport hard case included
Additional shorter cable 
 Transport hard case included Not suitable for work with 

would've been nice sub bass heavy content
Tracking
When recording vocals and guitars you’ll need headphones that
don’t leak sound to keep your tracks free from unwanted signals
such as the metronome or backing track. 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 your headphones can
provide isolation that protects your hearing as much as possible.

Whatever you’re recording, having a neutral All headphone models in this list are up to
frequency response helps to hear your actual the task. Some provide better isolation while
performance the way it is, without the sound others offer more comfort.
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.
 €25

€45

Monoprice 8323 ATH-M20x

Closed Read full review → Closed Read full review →

Weight: 237 g Weight: 190 g

Cable: 1.2 m straight Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Extremely affordable Comfort not great Quite neutral frequency
 No replaceable cable
Replacable cable Questionable longevity response Comfort not great
Relaxed fit yet good isolation
 €66

€69

Vic Firth SIH2 DT 240 Pro

Closed Closed Read full review →

Weight: 237 g Weight: 196 g

Cable: 1.2 m straight Cable: 1.5 m coiled

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Best sound isolation of 
 Long session comfort 
 Sturdy build Long session comfort not 

the bunch not great Fantastic value great
Suitable for drummers No replaceable cable
Strong clamping force 

keeps them in place
 €79

€118

Sennheiser HD 280 DT 770 M

Closed Closed
Weight: 285 g Weight: 300 g
Cable: 3 m coiled Cable: 3 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Strong clamping force keeps 
 No replaceable cable 3rd best sound isolation 
 No replaceable cable
them in place Long session comfort 
 of the bunch
not great Good comfort for tracking 

Sound isolation not as great 
 headphones
as some of it's rivals Many replacable parts
 €128

$140
Direct Sound 

ATH-M50x Extreme Isolation EX-29
Closed Closed
Weight: 283 g Weight: 326 g
Cable: 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight, 3 m coiled Cable: 2.7 m straight

Pros Cons Pros Cons

Low THD Channel imbalance in low 
 2nd best sound isolation 
 Cheaply built
Comes with 3 cables mid range of the bunch
Good comfort for tracking 
 Suitable for drummers
headphones Many replacable parts
Sound isolation 

performance ranking

Vic Firth
 Beyerdynamic 


1 SIH2 5
DT 240 Pro

Direct Sound 

2 Extreme Isolation EX-29 6 Monoprice

Beyerdynamic 
 Audio-Technica 

3 DT 770 M 7 ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica 
 Sennheiser 

4 ATH-M20x 8 HD 280
If you're serious about


studio headphones,

then try this...

The same know-how we've used to make this e-book

can be used to vastly improve your headphones. Our

Reference 4 calibration software makes your

headphones coloration free, so you can work with

confidence.

Sonarworks Reference 4 takes our measurements and

applies them to your headphones, so any tonal

coloration is reversed. The resulting sound will outclass

any headphones mentioned in this guide.

Available in major DAW plug-in formats and as a

standalone Systemwide app Reference 4 is already

used in thousands of studios worldwide.

Follow the link below for a free 21 day trial!

Click to Try Reference 4 for Free or visit sonarworks.com/reference