Top Picks

2015 Top Picks Of the Year Headphones and Headphone Amps

Headphones and Headphone Amps

(Also See “Value” Category)

AudioQuest NightHawk Headphone (January 2016 issue, watch for our review.)
(January 2016) AudioQuest’s first headphone, an over-ear, semi-open-back model, offers distinctive design, awesome comfort, and a highly natural sonic signature. $599, audioquest.com

Audeze EL-8 Headphone
(September) Audiophiles love the transparency and detail of planar magnetic drivers, but they’ve never been a friendly load for the flea amps in portable music players—until now. Available in over-ear open- and closed-back versions. $699, audeze.com

EnigmAcoustics Dharma D1000 Headphone (January 2016 issue, watch for our review.)
(January 2016) These unsual over-ear, open- back ’phones feature a hybrid design with dynamic and proprietary electrostatic drivers in each ear cup, resulting in high-resolution performance that really stood out last year for S&V headphone expert Steve Guttenberg. $1,190, enigmacoustics.com

Oppo HA-2 Headphone Amp/DAC
(July/August) Among several portable amp/DACs we rounded up last summer, the Oppo, with its elegant leather case, slim form factor, versatile inputs/outputs, and excellent Class A/B sound quality, proved a great combination of performance and value. $299, oppodigital.com

COMMENTS
Traveler's picture
Submitted by Traveler on December 21, 2015 - 12:23pm

No OLED? From what I've read in the past QD is supposed to be a cheap but inferior technology, nice to find out that it's performing better than advertised (such a rarity).

blabling2's picture
Submitted by blabling2 on April 16, 2024 - 9:07pm

It is our list of standout products reviewed in the 2015 calendar year.
connect 4

lisawindy907's picture
Submitted by lisawindy907 on April 16, 2024 - 9:28pm

Your main concern is presumably if the price quote is competitive now that you have the car's io games quote.

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