Absolutely clear with extended bass and highs yet effortless and tight, the DENON AH-D2000 rate as the best (on paper) ‘sealed’ headphones we’ve measured in our lab. The D2000 are a closed-back design delivering mild ambient isolation and are capable of true timbre with an analytically neutral, flat response that audio engineers, media professionals and audiophiles seeking uncompromised acoustics should hear. Top performance at a great price for high-end listening via uncolored ’straight pipe’. Continue reading →

With the M50, Audio Technica Pro Division can boast of designing one of the best closed headphones anywhere near this price. The ATH-M50 stokes listeners seeking richly textured bass response with well-rendered vocal midrange and smoothly extended, clear upper treble detail. Moderate efficiency favors use with headphone amps for maximum dynamics when used with iPods / MP3 players, but they’ll sound strong even without dedicated amplification. Strong build quality plus good wearing comfort satisfies those expecting a headphone to work & play as hard as they do. Continue reading →