Top Picks

Headphones and Headphone Amps

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