Notes

10 Great Books On Headphones
Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into audio. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that includes ANC, a mobile app to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.


They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at 250 grams. They're extremely comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening the audiobook. The headband has a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature that has been created to please casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, but it is not harsh or overpowering. The earphones boast a huge and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also feature touch controls, which are easy to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can turn on the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right-ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

Other helpful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our most basic test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic mic for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation is top-quality and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, offering top-quality performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup for an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone let you control your calls and music on any compatible device.

Like the original PX7, these headphones are elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup, and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, but they never feel tight. The new form and shape was perfected over many months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press into my rotund skull.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little thinner. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as a fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful feature that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W app offers the same features as the onboard buttons in the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest demands. Its engineering was optimized to achieve a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is required to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which can increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even though they are a little light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper sound of the snare drum.

Despite wireless headphones online shopping of a booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when required. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music with punchy basses, but may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are very linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a major plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They are expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for years to be used and perform at their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for those looking to kill time or simply want an affordable set of headphones that block out noise. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is warmer and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate the voice assistant of your phone and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is specifically designed to block out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's low latency when playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning and adjust to the particular shape of your head, so you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.

Website: https://www.headphonesshop.uk/