15 Best Documentaries On Headphones
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and come with features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony’s most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.
They’re lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. They’re very comfortable to wear, even when you’re listening to or reading a book. The headband is soft and has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, but it’s not harsh or overpowering. The earphones headphones boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to what’s happening around you without taking off the headphones.
They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony’s advertised 30 hour battery life.
The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or in the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and improved performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits enhanced active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, provide a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee superior call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone let you control your music and calls on any compatible device.
The Headphones Cheap sport a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, but don’t feel tight. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months, and delivers a soft clamping pressure that doesn’t press into my rotund skull.
At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They’re 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little thinner. They’re light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and they’ll stay comfortable in your hand during long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.
They’re powered by bluetooth headphones jbl 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for both high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can also play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone’s status indicator is a useful gesture that flashes green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app offers the same controls as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track’s name when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode are missing, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you’ll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the output power and improve the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn’t resemble the most expensive pair of headphones beats, but they feel premium in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4″ to 1-/8″ adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even however they are lighter on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The region of the treble is linear which means you won’t have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.
Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still deliver impact and dynamism when it is needed. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with punchy basslines, but they may not be as fun as some of the other models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They’re very straight and have a slight scoop in the upper mids, which will not be noticed by most listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a huge benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for headphones Cheap audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top choice. They are expensive however you’re buying a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform to their best in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or just want an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch that will give them some protection when you put them into a bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles from a plane, though their audio profile is heavy and warm.
The Life Q20’s controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you’ll see buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are media playback controls. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone’s voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker’s Soundcore Life Q20 headphones wireless deliver an immersive and deep listening experience due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won’t be able to take advantage of the superior codec’s lower latency when you’re playing games on your PC.
The Life Q20’s headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.