Tech Report
By: Nick Gambino
For a short time, it seemed over-the-ear headphones had gone out of style, replaced by the less-of-a-hassle appeal of in-ear buds. But as time has proven, in-ear buds just don’t compare to the quality of sound available through a fantastic set of over-the-ear headphones.
But you already knew that, didn’t you? That’s why you’re here. You are in search of the perfect over-the-ear headphones and want to know where to start. There are so many out there and some are just plain trash.
Of course there are the over-marketed brands out there like Beats by Dre which is currently offering its Straight Outta Compton themed-headphones. While Beats is definitely a high-quality product, it failed to make our elite list. Our list is invite-only. Sorry, Dre.
So what did make our list? Check it out!
5Bose QuietComfort 25
So coming in at #5 in our list is the Bose Quiet Comfort 25. A big draw for over-the-ear headphones are their noise-canceling capability. Bose all but defined this feature and so of course they had to make our list.
The Bose QuietComfort 25 is easily one of the best over-the-ear headphones out there, offering high-caliber sound output that captures the highs and the lows and everything in between.
Noise-canceling is made into a fine art with these guys. Seriously, you might think you were deaf if it wasn’t for those beautiful sound waves hitting your eardrums courtesy of these superb headphones.
Price: $299.00
Where to buy them: amazon.com (of course)
More information: bose.com
4Sennheiser Momentum 2.0
If a pair of headphones doesn’t offer superb quality of sound, then it didn’t make our list. Sennheiser is known for putting out quality headphones and this year is no exception.
While the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 hasn’t particularly improved much of the sound output compared to their earlier model (not that they had to), the comfort level has surely improved. So not only do you get fantastic sound levels, they feel good too.
Now, these ones are wired (which is still the best experience for any true audio-file) but there’s a more expensive wireless version available as well.
Price: $349.95
Where to buy them: amazon.com
More information: Audio-technica.com
3Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7
The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 is another cheaper-priced headphone that also delivers. Perfect for the budget-minded, these wired cans are fast becoming popular. The design somehow brings to mind the retro style of the 70s fused with the future. And that ain’t a bad thing.
Audio-Technica’s signature “True Motion” drivers have been packed inside giving you a pristine listening experience. While not the most comfortable headphones on the market due to the seal it creates around your ears, they’re definitely one of the best in terms of quality of sound.
Price: $225
Where to buy them: amazon.com
2Sony MDR-ZX770BT
Sony has always been on the front-line of audio/visual innovation and if they’re not being particularly innovative they’re at least putting out a robust product. So it goes with the MDR-ZX770BT (try saying that 10 times fast).
These headphones are packed with features such as wireless capability and a simple multi-function button to skip around while listening to music or pick up a call. The sound quality is particularly impressive when you consider the price of these bad boys.
Price: $148.00
Where to buy them: amazon.com
More information: sony.com
1Philips Fidelio X2
And the best over-the-ear headphone belongs to the Philips Fidelio X2. Philips delivers a product here that is shockingly good. While it doesn’t necessarily provide the best noise-canceling experience out there, it sure makes up for it with its full range of sound, picking up the high highs and the low lows.
Probably most shocking is the quality provided doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Especially compared to some other rival headphones out there.
Price: $299.99
Where to buy them: amazon.com
More information: usa.philips.com
So there you have it, the top 5 headphones of 2015, just in time for the holiday season (a few months early).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Gambino is a regular script writer and tech beat reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter.
I have purchased both at the same time to give a try and see which one I liked betetr to keep. I will not repeat most of what has been said, I just want to share what the differences where to me.Sony Pros Connectivity. Controls on headset especially the Volume is so much betetr and easy to control while on. Price. I got mine on Amazon for 214 vs. the 299 listed on this site. Where I bought mine from listed the headset as Sony 7.1 surround sound without the model no. Comfort here is slightly betetr when you first put them on because they do not apply as much tension to your ears. The Senn’s put a bit more pressure on your ears than Sony’s.HD 170 Pros Range is much betetr. With both transmitters in the same spot (only one turned on at a time) I can walk anywhere in my small house and never drop a signal with the Senn. The Sony on the other hand even though is lists a further range drops out signal when I leave the living room around the corner to the kitchen. Corner from transmitter is about 15ft and it does the same anywhre else I go. Head set weight on the Senn. is 255 gr. vs 315 gr. on the Sony. That is about 23% heavier and much more so after a while. Sound (to me) is much more natural than the Sony and I am not saying that the Sony does not sound good and this is especially true with instrumental music. With movies I can accept both as even. Batteries are replacable, all you have to have is 2 spares so even if you run out of charge it will take 20 sec to replace both and be going, not to mention the cost of shipping both ways and the repair bill for a Sony battery replacement.No bashing intended here. I can honestly say that if you buy the Sony without any comparison and can live with the battery issue you would love them.
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