Over-Ear Headphones

Our Take
"Daddy, why are there tears in your eyes? Is that a spaceship on your head?"
"brb son, my soul is currently being transported to the ninth realm via auditory bliss."

From Audeze 
The LCD-4z is by far Audeze’s most advanced headphone featuring innovative planar magnetic technology that delivers startling dynamics and incredibly open and spacious sound. It features our most advanced diaphragm design; our exclusive nano-scale film actually weighs less than the air it displaces! Benefits include much faster response times for better imaging, and the flattest, deepest, most accurate bass response of any headphone available.

Featuring a new look and greater efficiency, the design and sound of the LCD-4z is sure to thrill! Engineered with a new magnesium housing to produce a light-weight, visually appealing headphone, the LCD-4z maintains the sound signature of LCD-4. We have taken the award-winning design of our top-of-the-line LCD-4 and engineered it with a special 15 ohm voice-coil making it significantly easier to drive than the original LCD-4. The LCD-4z features a dark sleek aesthetic with gold accents. The magnesium rings of the LCD-4z are designed to be strong, lightweight, and non-resonant for a very clean output.

Near weightless nano-scale diaphragm
The LCD-4z features our most advanced diaphragm design; our exclusive nano-scale film actually weighs less than the air it displaces! Benefits include faster response for better transient/impulse response, imaging, and the flattest, deepest, most accurate bass response of any headphone available.

Audeze nearly doubles the magnetic force
Double Fluxor™ Magnet Arrays bring the magnetic flux to 1.5 Tesla, nearly doubling the power driving the diaphragm for improved transient response and far greater resolution.

Precise Imaging
Patented Fazor Element waveguide reduces diffraction of soundwaves resulting in improved treble response, transparency and imaging.

Near zero distortion
Combining our Fluxor™ magnet arrays, nano-scale diaphragm, Fazors, Uniforce voice coil, and other features, the LCD-4 and LCD-4z give you even lower distortion and greater accuracy - usually 1/10th the distortion of conventional headphones. 

Designed, engineered, and handcrafted in our California factory
The LCD-4z headphone is thoroughly engineered and meticulously hand-built using the finest materials combined with cutting-edge planar magnetic technology. We closely match transducers to within +/- 1 dB. The quality of the entire structure guarantees years of trouble-free listening. Our cutting-edge designs and circuit technologies have created a breathtakingly beautiful sounding headphone.

Style	Over-ear, open-back
Transducer type	Planar magnetic
Magnetic structure	Proprietary magnet array
Phase management	FAZOR
Magnet type	Neodymium N50
Diaphragm type	Nano-scale Uniforce™
Transducer size	106 mm
Maximum power handling	5W RMS
Maximum SPL	>130dB
Frequency response	5Hz – 20kHz
THD	<0.1% @ 100dB
Impedance	15 ohms
Sensitivity	98 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
Minimum power requirement	>100mW
Recommended power level	>250mW

 

• 1/4in to dual 4-pin mini-XLR Premium LCD Headphone Cable
• Professional travel case

From Audio-Technica 
The result of Japanese craftsmanship and expert engineering, the ATH-ADX5000 Hi-Res Audio headphones set a new standard in open-back headphone performance. The headphones utilize newly developed Core Mount Technology that optimally positions the driver unit within the housing to improve airflow efficiency. The efficient airflow helps the headphones reproduce highly transparent mid and high frequencies and rich, precise bass sound. The 58 mm integrated driver units combine a tungsten-coated diaphragm, baffle and Permendur magnetic circuit in a single unit to reduce unwanted vibration and, since no screw clamps are required, decrease the weight. The baffle is made of a highly-rigid polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)/glass fiber composite to provide stable diaphragm movement.

The housings of the ATH-ADX5000 have a honeycomb-punched design that keeps the housing face open to ventilation, while closing off the sides. This design delivers an accurate, natural sound, but prevents air pressure loss that can negatively affect sound quality. The frame is constructed of strong, lightweight magnesium; the earpads and headband are fashioned from Alcantara, a material known for its extreme durability and comfort.

The ATH-ADX5000 headphones come with a detachable 3.0 m (9.8') cable with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphones and a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug for connecting to devices. Each pair of headphones is individually identified by a laser etched serial number and comes with a specially designed hard carrying case.

Features

• 58 mm integrated driver units utilize a Permendur magnetic circuit with exceptional magnetic characteristics
• Japanese craftsmanship: Each housing is carefully hand assembled in Tokyo
• Tungsten-coated diaphragm provides high rigidity for an improved transient response
• Integrated driver unit design combines diaphragm, voice coil, baffle and magnet in single unit to reduce unwanted vibration
• Each pair of headphones is individually identified by a laser etched serial number and comes with a specially designed hard carrying case
• Newly developed Core Mount Technology places driver unit in optimal position for improved airflow and excellent full-range audio reproduction
• Magnesium frame results in rigid, thin, lightweight construction
• New honeycomb-punched housing design blocks side ventilation to prevent undesirable air pressure loss
• Luxurious Alcantara material used on earpads and headband, providing amazing comfort and durability

Type	Open-back dynamic
Driver Diameter	58 mm
Frequency Response	5 – 50,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power	1,000 mw
Sensitivity	100 dB/mW
Impedance	420 ohms
Weight	270 g
Cable	Detachable 3.0 m (9.8') cable with A2DC connectors
Connector	6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug

• Detachable 3.0 m (9.8') cable with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphones and 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug
• Hard carrying case

 

Our Take
Holy smokes. Welcome to closed-back heaven. Supreme sound delivered by Focal's special pure Beryllium dome and built with utmost luxurious comfort, you'll fall in love with Stellia the moment you put it on. We sure did. We give it our unequivocal endgame recommendation.

 
From Focal

This very high-end circum-aural headphones manufactured at Focal is equipped with a new generation of exclusive electrodynamic speaker drivers, capable of working at low acoustic load while offering an extremely extensive frequency response (5Hz – 40kHz). Thanks to the many cutting-edge technology which are integrated in its speaker drivers (the frameless 100% copper voice coil, ‘M’-shaped pure Beryllium dome), Stellia delivers a perfect sound, whether bass articulation or the highest frequency details. In addition, Stellia’s offers extremely low impedance at 35 Ω, making the headphones very easy to drive through the output of a mobile audio source: experience the purity of sound, everywhere.

Each component has been developed with optimal acoustics in mind, without compromising on style. Because at Focal, innovation goes beyond technology; it influences product use and aesthetics. So, the two cognac and mocha finishes and the full-grain leather chosen sublimate this unique object.

 

Key points:

• Reference closed-back headphones for home and on-the-go use
• Exclusive full-range speaker drivers with an ‘M’ shape pure Beryllium dome (patent pending)
• Uncompromising tonal balance, reproduction of the tiniest sound details at both very high and very low frequencies
• Incredible dynamics within a pair of closed-back headphones
• Excellent performance when connected to a portable audiophile player
• Very good ambient noise soundproofing
• Comfortable and ergonomic
• High-quality materials

• Type: Circum-aural closed-back headphones
• Impedance: 35 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 106dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz
• THD: 0.1% @ 1kHz / 100 dB SPL
• Frequency response: 5Hz–40kHz
• Loudspeaker: 1.6″ (40mm) pure Beryllium “M” shape dome
• Weight: 0.96lb (435g)

• Case (cognac and mocha faux leather)
• 3m high-quality cable (Ideal for use at home on a high-end amplifier, thanks to its symmetrical 4-pin XLR connector.)
• 1.2m high-quality cable (designed to be portable with a stereo 3.5mm jack)
• Rigid travel case (in cognac and mocha woven finishes)
• 1/8" Jack adapter

Our Take When Focal released the Utopia in 2016, it was quickly lauded by many as the "greatest headphones in the world." Once you listen, it's easy to hear why. The transparency and accuracy is mind-blowing. You will hear detail in music you love that you've never heard before. If you have or are considering a high end headphone DAC/amp, the no-compromises Utopia is amongst the very best open-back headphones you can buy. Endgame, no question.

From Focal

Utopia have already become the world reference high-fidelity headphones manufactured in France by Focal. They are the result of 35 years of innovation, development and manufacturing of high-end speaker drivers and loudspeakers. Equipped with exclusive technology, they offer striking realism, neutrality, dynamics and clarity, for sound with unrivaled purity. Utopia are unique: they are the world’s first audiophile headphones featured totally open-backed full-range speaker drivers with pure Beryllium ’M’-shaped domes. The acoustic quality of this exclusive solution allowed Focal to avoid the use of any crossover or passive filtering process to achieve a frequency response from 5Hz to 50kHz! The equivalent of two tiny authentic loudspeakers over your ears… They meet all the requirements expected of high-end headphones due to their sophisticated and elegant design and to purposeful materiality, such as the carbon fibre yoke and true lambskin leather ear cushions.

The listening experience is outstanding in terms of realism, natural sound reproduction, dynamics and clarity. When listening to them, the headphones virtually disappear and the audio signal is revealed with a level of precision never achieved until Utopia.
Design is also a key point, be it in regards to the way of using the headphones, comfort, as well as the aesthetic. Another achievement with Utopia is the removal from the conventional rotation included on the yoke and its integration into the headband to ensure a total purity of the design. The true lambskin leather, used on the cushions, reinforces the character of classically elegant lines, as well as the expression of comfort and overall performances. These headphones have immediately been applauded by the press as well as music lovers after launching.

Key points:

• Made in France
• Open back circum-aural headphones dedicated to low noise environments
• Reference pair of headphones featuring full range loudspeakers made of a
  pure Beryllium “M” shape dome (patent pending)
• Mechanical design offering a full compatibility to any size and shaped head
• Balanced cable with channel separation for fast and easy custom-made solutions (bi-amp)

Headphone
Driver Size	1.57" / 40 mm
Design	Over-Ear (Circumaural)
Earcup Style	Open-Back

General
Frequency Response	5 Hz to 50 kHz
Sensitivity	104 dB at 1 kHz / 1 mW
Impedance	80 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.2%
Foldable	No

Connectivity
Audio Connector	1/4" TRS Straight
Connector to Earpiece	2 x LEMO (Unspecified Type)

Cable
Design	U-Type
Color	Black
Detachable	Yes
In-Line Remote/Microphone	None
Type	Oxygen-Free Copper
Cable Length	9.8' / 2.99 m

Physical
Material of Construction	Carbon Fiber, Fabric, Leather, Metal
Weight	1.08 lb / 490 g

 

• Rigid carrying case with magnet locking system
• 9.8ft (3m) OFC cable (1 x Neutrik® 01/4“ (6,35mm) stereo Jack Neutrik® 2 x shielded 03⁄8“ (9.5mm) Lemo® connectors with self-locking bayonet system)

Our Take
It's not often that you have one of those "wow, where has this been all my life" moments. Empyrean delivers that. Our office has been abuzz nonstop since the moment we received our demo pair. Beyond jaw-dropping sound, one thing we've come to love the most is the unsurpassed comfort. Meze's unique "suspension wings" increase the headrest’s contact surface area with your head and relieve uncomfortable pressure points exceptionally well. It's one of the very few headphones that can truly be comfortably worn all day.

Ultimately, at its price, despite its beautiful design and superb handmade craftsmanship, the Empyrean is not just a luxury headphone – it's a groundbreaking engineering masterpiece. Our highest recommendation.

From Meze
A blend of premium materials, exquisite craftsmanship and detailing that’s unmistakably Meze, Empyrean is one of the most technologically innovative planar magnetic headphones in the world.

“Empyrean was born from passion, curiosity and innovation. As a business, we have allowed ourselves the freedom to experiment and take risks in search of the perfect sound. To generate something truly remarkable, one must dare to explore, and that’s what we did with Empyrean. We pushed and refined industry’ standards and achieved a true game changer for audiophiles.” – Antonio Meze, Lead designer and Founder of Meze Audio

Empyrean is the product of two passionate companies coming together to explore what is possible beyond their individual capabilities. The result is a no-compromise headphone embodying Meze’s daring aesthetic and user-centered design approach and Rinaro’s experience in research and development within the field of planar magnetics. Rinaro, a progressive audio company, has at the heart of its technology an R&D team that has been at the forefront of planar magnetic development since the 1980’s. What originally started as a state-funded initiative with a focus on innovation has now entered into a new chapter of audio progression with the opening of a cutting-edge industrial facility in Ukraine.

  
Over 30 years of research and development have led to the creation of the first Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. Meze Audio have collaborated with Rinaro to create a new standard in planar magnetic audio, the resulting technology being one of the lightest and most advanced planar magnetic drivers on the market.

Features:

• Open-back, Circumaural headphones
• Aluminum CNCframe
• Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
• Carbon fiber headband
• Pressure distribution wing
• Isomagnetic earpads
• Anthropometric earcup shape

• Driver Type - Isodynamic Hybrid Array -Operating Principle Open Back
• Ear Coupling Circumaural
• Frequency response 4 - 110,000 Hz -Impedance 31,6 Ω
• NominalSPL100 dB(1 mW/1kHz) -Maximum SPL>>130dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.1% - Weight: ~ 430g

• High-strength aluminum suitcase with foam inserts
• 3m OFC cable, ending with 6.3 jack
• Headphone termination: 2x4pin Mini-XLR
• Two sets of earpads included: one real leather, one Alcantara