buying guide
Key
W = Sound+Image Award Product of the Year
HC = Sound+Image Award Highly Commended
Headphones
On/over-ear headphones
Every model listed here has won a Sound+Image award – but consider also what functions you need, as well as the prices. Open-backed models can have a thrilling airy sound that closed models can’t match, while cables often beat Bluetooth for best sound. But for commuting or long distance, closed wireless noise-cancellers can bring an isolation worth paying for.
YAMAHA HPH-W300
W2019 / $249 / au.yamaha.com
Yamaha delivers some fine headphones, and these $249 over-ears deliver cabled sound and quality of build that far exceeds their price, and there’s wireless Bluetooth as well for convenience.
SENNHEISER HD 560S
W2021 / $320 / www.sennheiser.com.au
These open-backed home headphones demonstrate what Sennheiser does best — natural and high-value shining sound, a reminder of the performance headstart granted by cable rather than Bluetooth.
BEYERDYNAMIC AMIRON HOME
W2020 / $799 / www.beyerdynamic.com.au
Open headphones which deliver endless clarity and delight when used at home driven by a good headphone amplifier (such as beyerdynamic’s own!) able to drive their 250-ohm load.
SENNHEISER HD 660S
W2019 / $799.95 / www.sennheiser.com.au
Open-backed home headphones which deliver tunes old and new as if piped fresh from the studio, with music flowing effortless and free. A joyous headphone with high comfort for long sessions.
STAX SRS-3100 SYSTEM
W2020 / $1400 / www.audiomarketing.com.au
Electrostatic ‘earspeakers’ paired with the required driver unit to deliver that Stax sound so detailed, so revealing, that it results in an entrancing and relaxing listening experience.
STAX SR-009S/SRM-700S
W2021 / $13,650 / www.audiomarketing.com.au
Taking electrostatic Stax performance to the heights of beguiling
