Headphone Reviews

The ear cups of better over-the-ear, closed-back headphones should produce a tight seal around your ears and hush external noise. Here are a few examples.

JVC HA-RX700 ($60)
This big model is solidly built and very comfortable, and it comes with a rich sound signature. Most buyers will find it too large for portable use, but it’s great for stay-at-home listening. jvc.com

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 ($199)
Universally loved audio products are rare, but you won’t find too many folks with a bad thing to say about the ATH-M50. Along with great reviews from the experts, it has more than 2,500 five-star and just 30 one-star user ratings on Amazon. Bass is deep, detailing is above average, and comfort over long listening sessions is excellent. audio-technica.com

NAD Viso HP50 ($299)
Paul Barton is best known as the chief designer of PSB speakers, and he applied the same work ethic to NAD’s first headphone entry, the HP50. It’s a closed-back design, but it sounds more open than most. In fact, it’s the best over-the-ear I’ve heard in the $300 price class. nadelectronics.com