When choosing the perfect pair of headphones, many users put sound quality first. Leading manufacturers present a series of competitive models that are perfectly compatible with common audio equipment. Our selection includes various types of devices with optimal functionality that have received positive recommendations for use not only from amateur music lovers, but also from advanced audiophiles.
Beyerdynamic T5p for indoor and outdoor
The first experiment of a model of this class for the manufacturer is rated as successful, provided that the device is connected to high-quality equipment. One of the pleasant surprises is the presence of an aluminum case and a transport cover, as well as a special adapter for an airplane. And the negative aspects are the lack of a microphone input. The closed cups can be adjusted for a tighter fit. The accessory has a soft sound picture with unexpectedly voluminous low bass and a chic midrange.
Advantages:
- wired;
- closed;
- wide range 5 – 50000 Hz;
- good with portable devices;
- sensitivity 102 dB;
- 2 cords 1.2 and 3 m; gold-plated L-shaped input;
- standard mini-jack;
- adapter for airplane.
Flaws:
- bulky;
- weight 350 g;
- cost from 50,000 rub.
Characteristics of Edifier NeoBuds Pro
- Manufacturer: Edifier
- Model: NeoBuds Pro EDF200051
- Drivers: 10mm dynamic, moving armature Knowles RAN-34200 BA
- Processor: BES2300YP
- Microphone: 6, ENC
- ANC: Yes, up to 42 dB
- Resistance: 24 ohms
- Frequency range: 20–40 kHz
- Output SPL: 92 +/-3 dB spl (A)
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- Bluetooth range: up to 10m
- Bluetooth protocols: BLE/HSP/HFP/A2DP/AVRCP
- Waterproof: IP54
- App: Edifier Connect (IOS and Android)
- Codecs: AAC, SBC, LHDC (up to 900 kbps), LDAC (to be added via firmware update in the first quarter of 2022)
- Input: 5V/200mA (headphones), 5V/1A (charging case)
- Case battery capacity: 500 mAh
- Charging: 120 minutes, fast charge
- Autonomy: up to 6.5 hours (ANC off), 5.5 hours (ANC on) earphone, up to 30 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (ANC on) case.
- Weight: 5.3 grams (earphone), 44.68 grams (with case)
- Dimensions: 34x30 mm (earphone), 65.5x48.2x25.6 mm (case).
Are hi fi and hi end the same thing?
So, hi-fi wireless headphones are distinguished by high-quality sound close to the original; for this, the developed model must meet certain technical parameters.
Important characteristics:
- frequency amplitude distortion, which determines the purity of the signal; with distortion below 4 dB, the sound is closer to ideal;
- frequency of the audio range, mainly 20 - 20,000 Hz;
- noise level in decibels - the level of sound, noise that the device produces.
For wireless Hi-End parameters, this relates more to the quality of the equipment itself; design, quality of materials, assembly of the device, and convenience for the client are taken into account. Basically, this model is one-piece and belongs to the expensive segment of wireless headphones.
However, despite all the luxury of sound, it does not always correspond to the appearance of the headphones. Some devices with clear sound have a normal appearance and assembly.
What to end up buying? Should I buy it at all?
Everyone must decide for themselves which headphones to buy, since the price difference is very large, and not everyone is willing to pay several tens of thousands of rubles for headphones. Also, everyone has their own preferences in headphone form factor.
Of course, the choice is not limited to the above selection. This is rather just an example of models from which to start looking for what you need. But, at the very least, it’s not logical to argue with the fact that headphones supporting Hi-Res Audio provide truly very wide possibilities in the field of sound.
For comparison, you can give an example of watching a video in 720p at 30 frames per second and then watching the same video, but in FullHD at 60 frames per second. The difference will be such that you will no longer want to return to the old format. It's the same with headphones.
Our answer to the question of whether to buy such headphones sounds in the affirmative. Yes, buy it if you have something to listen to such music on and you are willing to pay a little more than for regular headphones.
Semi-closed AKG K530
The corporate design leaves no doubt about the company's historical commitment to the trends of ergonomics, maximum comfort and high build quality. The stylish accessory has a frame headband made of two metal guides, a protective leather pad for comfortable wearing and elegant round plastic cups with a hinge. The sound transmission, according to users, is characterized by decent detail, but this is not an option for lovers of deep bass.
Advantages:
- wired;
- semi-closed;
- operating range 17 -26500 Hz;
- Neodymium magnets;
- sensitivity 102 dB;
- single-sided cable 3 m long;
- oxygen-free copper cord;
- standard entrance;
- replaceable ear pads.
Flaws:
- weight 245 g;
- the lower bass level is somewhat washed out;
- cost from 3000 rub.
Technical characteristics of good headphones
Autonomy Edifier NeoBuds Pro
According to Edifier, with ANC enabled, one charge of NeoBuds Pro will last for 5 hours of listening, while the case provides another 15 hours.
Without active noise cancellation, the performance will increase to 6/18 hours. There is a fast charging function - 15 minutes in the case will give you another 2-3 hours of listening. In terms of battery life, NeoBuds Pro is superior to both AirPods Pro (4.5 hours) and Nothing Ear 1 (4 hours).
Smartphone app
The Edifier Connect app may not be for everyone, but it does have a number of useful features.
Here you can find out the charge level, switch between ANC modes and adjust the sound through the equalizer. There's also a Game Mode that slightly reduces audio latency, although not completely. For gaming, cable headphones are ideal, but NeoBuds Pro are a good alternative.
The application interface is a little overloaded, and the bottom panel is occupied by a link to the company’s online store. Soundcore may have the best headphone app, but Edifier Connect can compete here if the company works on the interface.
Active Noise Cancellation
Edifier NeoBuds Pro headphones support noise cancellation up to 42 dB, which is twice that of AirPods Pro and Nothing Ear 1.
True, with everyday use the difference in decibels will not be significant. But you can be sure that strong winds or the roar of cars on the roads will not prevent you from enjoying your favorite music.
The noise-canceling effect is enhanced by ear tips that fit snugly in your ears and naturally isolate external sounds. There is a transparency mode, which, thanks to six microphones on two headphones, allows you to hear everything that happens around you.
The best Hi Fi and Hi End wireless headphones
There are several popular Hi-Fi and Hi-End headphones that best meet the necessary requirements.
Audio-Technica ATH DSR7BT
Hi-Fi wireless model from a Japanese company that has released full-size hi-fi headphones for listening to music and watching videos. Made of high-quality plastic and metal, the headband is covered with leatherette. The headband has a built-in NFS chip, digital sound is transmitted through the chip through an amplifier.
Wireless connection to any smartphone. The sound is close to ideal, thanks to the aptX HD Bluetooth codec, which gives sound above CD at 24 bit/48 Hz. The operating time is up to 15 hours, which allows you to use the headphones throughout the day. Hi-Fi wireless range up to 10 meters. The headphones fit comfortably and do not fall during active movements of the owner.
Pros of Audio-Technica ATH DSR7BT:
- high quality hifi sound;
- comfortable fit;
- wireless signal;
- up to 15 hours of operation on a single charge.
Cons of Audio-Technica ATH DSR7BT:
- inconvenient control panel;
- no 3.5mm jack.
Pioneer Se Ms7bt
Luxury Hi-Fi wireless headphones with a pleasant design, made of plastic, metal and artificial leather. They look expensive, there are three colors to choose from. The sound is transmitted via Bluetooth and does not lose quality when watching movies or listening to music.
With a large volume reserve, they are suitable for music of any genre, good for the sound of rock and metal. They sit comfortably despite the considerable weight of 290 grams, and correctly distribute the load. Copes with noise reduction. The bowl has a control panel with large buttons. The wireless Hi-Fi gadget charges to full discharge in three hours; it can work both wirelessly and from a 3.5 mm cable.
Advantages of Pioneer se ms7bt:
- hi-fi combined type of headphones;
- variety of colors;
- Light-emitting diode;
- long wireless operation time 12 hours;
- range up to ten meters.
Disadvantages of Pioneer se ms7bt:
- short charging cable;
- The ear cups are not ventilated and your skin may sweat.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Hi-Fi and Hi-End class monsters are back on the shelves of audio stores. A wireless model developed by Apple for athletes. The clip design does not cover the ears completely, light in weight, without inconvenience. There is noise reduction when listening to music wirelessly due to the design, a tight fit to the ear canal.
Each earphone has a volume control, a Siri call button, and track switching. The Hi-Fi and Hi-End gadget has a water-repellent coating that protects against sweat and water. Wireless headphones have a built-in ventilation chamber that relieves pressure on the ears and balances the bass. There is loud bass at low frequencies, but at other frequencies everything is balanced. Hi-Fi and Hi-End are supplied in a branded case, from which they can work for 24 hours on a charge.
Pros of Beats powerbeats pro:
- balanced Hi-Fi sound;
- interesting design;
- waterproof coating;
- best in battery life format;
- comfortable fit to the ears;
- clear voice transmission during negotiations.
Cons of Beats powerbeats pro:
- high price;
- Some features do not work with Android devices;
- bulky case.
Mifo O5
Another wireless Hi-Fi model with a charging case and earbud shape. The set includes a set of ear pads of different shapes and sizes. The color of the headphones varies by several tones - from standard black to light green. The case is metal, convenient to carry in a bag. Case with two light indicators - inside, outside. Inside the case there are magnets for attaching Hi-Fi headphones.
Each wireless earphone has two buttons for controlling music and conversations. Autonomously able to withstand six hours when charged, after prolonged wear they do not press. Excellent sound insulation; others cannot hear the music if the owner raises the volume above average.
Pros of Mifo O5:
- autonomous work;
- good Hi-Fi sound;
- inexpensive headphones;
- IP67 protection.
Cons of Mifo O5:
- heavy Hi-Fi carrying case;
- inconvenient location of buttons on the remote control;
- The signal periodically disappears.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW
The Japanese company has released several wireless Hi-Fi new products. ATH-CKR7TW has an attractive design, clear sound at high and low frequencies. I am pleased with the quality of the materials; the case is convenient to transport in a bag or pocket, thanks to its oblong shape. Suitable for listening to hip-hop music, jazz concerts with live instruments. For the rock and metal genre, the sound is rather weak, although the bass sounds clear, but without sharp pressure.
Hi-Fi operating time is only 6 hours on a single charge; you have to recharge it often. Supplied with replaceable ear pads and cable. Sometimes the sound lags when watching videos, but this does not happen with music. They are comfortable to use, do not put pressure on the ear, and do not rub.
Advantages of Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW:
- clear Hi-Fi sound;
- autonomous work;
- good build quality;
- nice materials.
Disadvantages of Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW:
- price for a Hi-Fi gadget;
- when talking, the sound comes only through the right earphone;
- poor ergonomics;
- The device application is a bit damp.
Bang Olufsen Beoplay h5
High quality Beoplay h5 vacuum, wireless headphones are connected by wire. They belong to the Hi-End and Hi-Fi segment in all respects. The weight allows you to wear the hi-end device comfortably and does not fall out during active movements. Suitable for jogging. The connecting cable is made of high quality materials. The set includes several interchangeable ear pads in different shapes and sizes.
The bass of wireless hi-end sounds great at high and mid frequencies and provides good sound insulation. The charge comes from a separate cable, which charges the gadget in two hours. At medium volume it works for up to five hours. Ergonomic, do not rub your ears when used.
Pros of Bang olufsen beoplay h5:
- led indicator;
- light in weight – 18 grams;
- strong cable;
- protects against dust and splashes;
- Hi-end charging time – 2 hours.
Cons of Bang olufsen beoplay h5:
- When the charge level is low, the volume decreases; you can make it louder only after charging.
Bowers and Wilkins P7 Wireless
High-quality high-end model of combined wireless gadgets, made of genuine leather and metal. Supplied in plastic packaging and a case made of pleasant-to-touch material. Hi-end have a folding design that allows you to easily carry them in a case. They sit comfortably on the head without squeezing the ears. Claimed wireless operation time is up to 17 hours, about 15 at high volume.
The outer side of the hi-end cups is made of metal; unfortunately, they can quickly become scratched. Noise cancellation allows you to use headphones comfortably even at high noise levels. Ideal for flights with small children in the cabin, the ear pads do not put pressure on the ears and save you from extraneous screams. The sound of music is balanced and does not hurt the owner’s ears.
Pros of Bowers and Wilkins P7 Wireless:
- there is noise reduction;
- hi-end supports aptX;
- wireless operation time - 17 hours;
- wireless range of five meters;
- comfortable to wear on the head;
- conveys the owner's voice clearly;
- high-quality hi-end materials.
Cons of Bowers and Wilkins P7 Wireless:
- price.
