In part two of our deep dive, we’re back with more real-world tests, head-to-head battles, and no-nonsense breakdowns of the best cans on the market.
From industry heavyweights to sleeper hits, we’re cutting through the noise to help you find your perfect match. Dive into our latest reviews for Headphone Month below—because your ears deserve the best.
The Audeze LCD-X is a headphone that is sonically at the very top of its game, whether you’re an audiophile chasing pristine sound or a professional working in a studio you’ll appreciate what Audeze have accomplished. Right out of the industrial black carry box, the experience is nothing but premium – sturdy aluminum ear cups, thick plush earpads, and that signature Audeze industrial look. They’re not the lightest headphones around, but the suspension-style headband does a decent job of keeping things comfortable, even during long listening sessions. Still, if you’re sensitive to weight, you might feel it after a while. Build-wise, though, this thing is rock solid and built to last.
When it comes to sound, the LCD-X doesn’t mess around. The bass is deep, tight, and incredibly well-controlled – enough to add warmth and impact without ever overwhelming the mix. The mids are silky smooth and natural, making vocals and instruments sound rich and lifelike. Treble is detailed but never harsh, so you can listen for hours without fatigue. The soundstage is impressively wide, and the imaging is pinpoint accurate. You really start to get a feel for why so many professionals use these for mixing and mastering. Everything is presented with a level of clarity and separation that makes you hear details in your favorite tracks you might have missed before.
While the LCD-X is easier to drive than some other planar magnetic headphones, it still benefits from a good amp to really shine. Plugging it into a high-quality setup unlocks its full dynamic range, giving it that extra depth and power that makes it even more engaging. In the box the lead which connects to the headphones is a 4 pin XLR, with additional adapters allowing you to connect to quarter inch and 3.5mm jacks. Whether you’re using it for serious audio work or just getting lost in your favorite albums, it delivers an experience that’s both analytical and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a headphone that blends precision with musicality, the Audeze LCD-X is one of the best in the game.
The Audeze MM-100s are a fantastic entry point into the world of both Audeze and planar magnetic headphones, offering premium performance without the hefty price tag. Tuned by 18x Grammy-winning engineer Manny Marroquin, the MM-100s deliver a clean, well-balanced listening experience that punches well above its weight.
Sound-wise, it has that classic Audeze warmth with tight, well-controlled bass. The mids are rich, vocals sit up front with it’s slight 1k prominence, and instruments sound incredibly natural. Treble is smooth and easy on the ears, though some might find it a bit laid-back and darker compared to more analytical studio headphones. The MM-100’s have great imaging, being able to point sound sources with ease, even with its slightly limited soundstage.
Comfort and build quality are solid. The lightweight yet durable frame provides a comfortable fit, and the suspension headband distributes weight evenly, allowing you to wear them for extended sessions without discomfort. The ear cups are luscious and roomy, adding to the overall premium feel of the headphones despite their more affordable price.
At around A$679, the MM-100 are an excellent value for anyone looking to dip their toes into high-quality planar sound. It might not have the sheer depth and detail in the top end of Audeze’s top-tier models, but for the price, it’s an easy recommendation. Whether you’re mixing music, gaming, or just enjoying your favourite tracks, this headphone delivers an enjoyable and refined listening experience.
The Dan Clark Audio Noire X refines the design and sound signature of its predecessor, offering a premium listening experience with enhanced comfort and portability. The teardrop-shaped ear cups, crafted from carbon and aluminum, feel sturdy yet lightweight. The foldable design makes them more convenient than many other high-end planar magnetic headphones, making them extremely versatile and great for those who want to move their set up around from time to time.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we have to mention the Noire X’s premium unboxing experience. On opening, you’re presented with a Noire-branded hardcase which is casing the headphones, alongside a premium drawstring bag which houses the included cable. Once you’ve taken out all the equipment ready for set up, you’ll find a quick guide and a letter of authenticity, which has been both hand-dated and has the headphones’ serial number included.
Comfort is one of the standout features. The self-tensioning headband is great for distributing the pressure, for a fit that somehow feels almost weightless when you get it to sit correctly on your head. The plush ear pads provide an additional layer of comfort, allowing a secure yet breathable fit. Clamping force is well-balanced, ensuring they stay in place without causing fatigue. Even during extended listening sessions, they remain comfortable, making them ideal for both casual and critical listening.
Sonically, the Noire X delivers a refined and balanced performance. The bass is punchy, the midrange silky, allowing vocals and instruments to sound natural, with a slightly warm tonality that enhances their presence. Treble is smooth and detailed, offering sparkle without becoming harsh or fatiguing. The soundstage feels immersive, with precise imaging that places instruments naturally in the mix.
The Noire X also features what Dan Clark Audio is calling its Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, or AMTS for short, previously only found in their top-of-the-line headphones. This tuning system is used as a waveguide, which allows it to tune the frequencies that go into your ear, similarly to acoustically treating a room with speakers.
Though not excessively power-hungry, the Noire X really benefits from a quality amplifier or DAC, revealing more nuance and depth in the music. With the right setup, they offer a level of detail and refinement that competes with headphones in higher price brackets.
For audiophiles seeking a comfortable, well-built, and travel-friendly planar magnetic headphone, the Noire X is the go-to choice. Its engaging and balanced sound signature, combined with a premium yet lightweight design, makes it best in its price range and should not be missed.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are all about style, luxury, and top-tier sound on the go. From the moment you pick them up, you can tell they’re premium—the aluminum frame, plush leather earcups, and refined design make them feel like the Ferrari of wireless headphones. They’re built to impress, both visually and sonically.
Sound quality? Absolutely stellar. The Px8 delivers a beautifully detailed and balanced sound, with tight, controlled bass and rich mids. Whether you’re listening to jazz, electronic, or a full orchestra, the Px8 handles it all with finesse.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is incredible, blocking out a good chunk of background noise and helping the bass and mids really shine through. It’s certainly one of the best ANC headphones on the market, stopping that mid and high background hum like a brick wall. The transparency mode is also impressive, letting in external sounds naturally when you need to be aware of your surroundings.
Comfort is great for a premium headphone, though the fit is a little firm, it’s probably to help with passive isolation.
Battery life is excellent at around 30 hours, and the quick-charge feature gives you several more hours of playtime in just 15 minutes. Connectivity is rock-solid with aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring high-quality wireless audio with minimal lag.
Overall, the Px8 is a great choice for those who want audiophile-grade sound in a luxurious wireless package. If you value both sound quality and aesthetics, these headphones will make every listening session feel special.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MkII is the long-awaited refresh of the legendary DT 1990 Pro, a staple in mixing studios across the world. With updated tuning and new features, does the MkII live up to its predecessor’s reputation?
Beyerdynamic stays true to its roots with a tank-like build—solid metal ear cups, a reinforced headband, and plush velour earpads. The MkII remains incredibly durable yet comfortable for long sessions. It weighs 370g, but thanks to the balanced clamp force and soft padding, it sits snugly without excessive pressure. The detachable mini-XLR cable is a nice touch, ensuring longevity and easy replacement.
Now with a 30ohm impedance, compared to the original DT 1990 Pro’s 250 ohms, they’re now easier than ever to drive and can be used with a whole host of home equipment.
The DT 1990 Pro MkII refines the already stellar sound signature of the original, improving both neutrality and musicality. The bass is tight and well-controlled, with a slight sub-bass lift for added depth. The mids remain clear and natural, making vocals and instruments shine without any artificial warmth. The treble, historically a Beyerdynamic talking point, is now smoother, less fatiguing, but still highly detailed.
For mixing, mastering, and high-fidelity listening, you can not go wrong with the DT 1990 Pro MkII, balancing precision, power, and comfort. The refined tuning makes it an excellent tool for professionals and audiophiles alike, offering crystal-clear detail and an immersive soundstage. If you want accuracy without harshness, this is one of the best open-back studio headphones on the market.
The Neumann NDH 30s are a premium open-back studio headphone designed for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. Neumann, famous for their legendary microphones, has made waves in the last 15 years with their studio monitors, and now they’re bringing that expertise to headphones.
The build is robust yet elegant, with an aluminum construction that feels both durable and lightweight. The memory foam earpads and padded headband ensure long listening sessions remain comfortable. You’re getting a seriously premium product with the NDH 30s. The only oddity is the detachable cable falls on the right ear up, as opposed to the usual left side entry – I’ve caught myself putting these on the wrong way round more times than I care to admit!
Sound quality is where the NDH 30 shines. The tuning is incredibly neutral and transparent, designed to mimic the flat response of Neumann’s KH line of studio monitors. The bass is tight and controlled, never overpowering, but with enough depth for accurate low-end representation. The mids are clear and uncolored, ensuring vocals and instruments sound exactly as intended. The treble is detailed but never harsh, offering superb resolution without fatigue. The soundstage is expansive and natural, with excellent imaging that makes positioning in a mix effortless.
For studio professionals and audiophiles who crave accuracy, the NDH 30 is an exceptional choice. It delivers a true-to-source sound, making it a reliable tool for mixing, mastering, and reference listening. Neumann truly have crafted a headphone that is worthy of it’s name.
OLLO X1 is a dynamic headphone built for mixing, mastering, and studio work. With real wood earcups and individually calibrated tuning, OLLO promises “Perfect Tuning.” and honestly, it delivers on that promise.
OLLO sticks to its signature sturdy wooden ear cups, a steel headband, and a user-serviceable design with the X1. Coming in at 390g, they’re solid but not overly heavy. With a real soft and cushioned suspended headband these never feel like a chore to wear at all. The clamping force is strong, giving a secure fit. Though open-back, they provide a good amount of passive isolation, which caught me by surprise. The earcups swivel in all directions for comfort and a consistent seal.
The X1 also comes with a calibration plugin to compliment the headphones in the digital world. Each unit comes with its own personalised calibration file provided by OLLO which you can download on their website using the headphone’s serial number. You can then import the file into the USC-II calibration software for optimal calibration based on your specific pair of headphones. Pretty neat and goes a step above using traditional generalised calibration software such as Sonarwork’s SoundID Reference.
Don’t let the inclusion of calibration software make you think these headphones aren’t up to scratch straight out of the box. True to OLLO’s claim, X1 is one of the flattest, most transparent headphones I’ve heard. The bass extends deep but stays neutral, never overpowering the rest of the frequencies. Mids are crystal-clear, presenting vocals and instruments with precision. The treble is well-balanced, sharp when needed, smooth otherwise. The overall sound is brutally honest, exposing every detail, good or bad. The dynamics are excellent, making music feel alive, and the soundstage is noticeably wider than previous OLLO models.
Overall the X1 is a top-tier studio headphone—highly detailed, ultra-reliable, and built to last. If you want to hear your music exactly as it is, X1 is a fantastic investment.
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones are a fantastic choice for audio pros and serious music lovers. At just 260 grams, they’re lightweight but feel solid, with a durable metal headband and ear cups that swivel a full 180 degrees – no awkward pressure points here!
The thing that makes these headphones so interesting is that they’re essentially two headphones in one. With interchangeable ear pads, the ‘Producing’ pads (soft black velvet-like material) and ‘Mixing’ pads (a rougher, gray fabric), can be swapped depending on whether you want a warmer, fuller sound or something tighter and more precise.
Sound-wise, these deliver clean, well-balanced bass. The mids are natural and detailed, making vocals sound lifelike, while the treble is crisp without any annoying harshness. The open-back design adds to the magic, giving a spacious, airy soundstage that makes everything feel more immersive.
Comfort-wise, the HD 490 Pros are an actual dream. They fit snugly without squeezing your head, the headband features two soft pads which reduce any strain on the top of your head. With the addition of the swappable ear pads, both pads are extremely comfortable but the edge definitely goes to the ‘Producing’ pads with their soft velvet-like material.
Overall, the HD 490 PRO nails the sweet spot between comfort, versatility, and stellar sound quality. Whether you’re mixing tracks, producing music, or just kicking back with your favorite album, they’re one of the best open backs you can get at any price range.
