Top 10 Reference Headphones (April 2024)

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones – ⭐ Best Overall Reference Headphone

ATH-M50X by Audio-Technica

Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with deep accurate bass response
Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
90 degree swiveling earcups for easy one ear monitoring and professional grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort

K240STUDIO by AKG

Release date: 10/01/2001
Color: Gold
Weight: 0.53 pounds
Dimensions: 4.3 x 7.5 x 7.9 inches
Warranty: Limited warranty valid united states of america (*) and canada (**):akg acoustics warrants akg products against defects in material or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of original purchase, and agrees to repair or, at our option replace

Professional studio headphones
Semi-open
3 m replaceable cable
Audio Interface type: Stereo plug – 3.5mm (1/8-inch) with 6.3 mm (1/4”) screw-on adapter

SASR850C by Samson Technologies

Professional studio Reference semi-open headphones designed for tracking, mixing, mastering and playback.
Proprietary large 50mm drivers with rare earth magnets deliver an extended frequency response and great dynamic range
Circumaural, over-ear, design with velour cushioning provides outstanding comfort for long listening sessions
Self-adjusting headband for optimal fit
1/4" Stereo Adapter included

K702 by AKG Pro Audio

Release date: 12/03/2019
Color: Black
Weight: 0.51 pounds
Dimensions: 4.4 x 7.8 x 8.3 inches
Warranty: Limited warranty valid united states of america (*) and canada (**):akg acoustics warrants akg products against defects in material or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of original purchase, and agrees to repair or, at our option replace

Over-ear design for maximum wearing comfort for long work sessions
Sophisticated open technology for spacious and airy sound without compromise
Patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm for improved high-frequency range and better performance at low frequencies
Unique flat-wire voice coil for higher sensitivity, better impluse and treble response
Specially shaped 3D-foam ear pads for optimum fit and ease of use

KNS8400 by KRK

Detachable in-line volume control
Voiced to remain true to the character of KRK’s class leading studio monitors, developed with 25 years of years of experience in studio sound.
The latest reference quality frequency response for closed-back, circum-aural dynamic headphones.
Newly developed headphone acoustical system bringing a new level of headphone performance for the first time.
Utilizing the latest in acoustic memory foam technology this ensures class leading performance in both reproduction and isolation.

HD 650 by Sennheiser Pro Audio

Specially designed acoustic silk ensures precision damping over the entire frequency range and helps to reduce THD to an incredible 0.05 percent
Improved frequency response is 10 39,500 Hertz ( 10 dB)
Hand selected matched driver elements; Highly optimized magnet systems for minimum harmonic and inter modulation distortion
High power neodymium magnets deliver maximum efficiency; 3.5 millimetre jack plug. Frequency response (Headphones):10 41000 Hz
Lightweight aluminum voice coils for very fast transient response
Cable length 118 inches
Specially designed acoustic silk ensures precision damping over the entire frequency range and helps to reduce THD to an incredible 0.05percent
Improved frequency response of 10 39,500 Hertz ( 10 dB) for rich sound
Hand selected matched driver elements
High power neodymium magnets deliver maximum efficiency
Lightweight aluminum voice coils for very fast transient response

MP000824 by Avantone

Type Ear coupling: Circumaural Primary application: Recording Secondary application: DJ, live sound Operating principle: Closed back Audio Frequency response (TX): 18Hz - 25kHz Max SPL: 113 dB Driver size 50mm Noise cancelling: No
The MixPhones Mp1 Triple Play Personal Monitor with Vari-Voice is suitable for live sound, DJ, studio recording, mixing playback and listening applications
The unique design allows the user to move between normal neutrally voiced stereo field, monaural (mono), and a specially contoured "mix" mode that focuses the midrange frequencies to simulate the sound of Avantone Mixcubes, and allow better articulation of critical mix frequencies
The MixPhones MP1 is the creation of industry professional and end users that need more than just another headphone
This elegant piece of industrial audio jewelry is made to sound as good as it looks

K701 by AKG

SASR950 by Samson Technologies

HD 800 S by Sennheiser Consumer Audio

Open back, around ear, reference class dynamic headphone
56mm ring radiator transducers are the largest drivers ever used in dynamic headphones
Innovative absorber technology reduces unwanted frequency response peaks allowing all the music nuances to become audible
Unique ear cup design directs sound waves to the ear at a slight angle to create an impressively natural and spatial listening experience
Includes two connecting cables: single ended 1/4 inches And balanced 4. 4 mm Pentacon cable
Connectivity technology: Wired