HEADPHONE GUIDE
Our Complete Guide to Headphones
Our Comprehensive Guide for Buying Headphones and Getting a Better Sound Out of Them
STEP 1 | CHOOSE YOUR TURNTABLE
What Should You Look for in a Pair of Headphones?
Not all headphones are designed for the same experience. Some are made for listening on the move, while others are built to bring every detail of a recording to life. Before you choose, here are a few things worth considering.
In-Ear vs. Over-Ear
In-ear headphones, sometimes called in-ear monitors (IEMs), are compact, lightweight, and easy to take anywhere. With the right fit, they can provide excellent sound and help reduce outside noise.
Over-ear headphones surround your ears with larger earcups, making them a popular choice for longer listening sessions. They can offer a spacious sound presentation and a comfortable experience when you’re listening at home or at your desk.
Open-Back vs. Closed-Back
Closed-back headphones are designed to keep more of your music in and outside noise out. They’re a practical choice for shared spaces, offices, or anywhere you want fewer distractions.
Open-back headphones allow air and sound to pass through their earcups, often creating a wider, more natural sense of space. They’re especially popular with audiophiles, but because sound can escape, they’re best enjoyed somewhere quiet.
Wired vs. Wireless
Wireless headphones are convenient for everyday use, especially when you’re moving around. But for listeners who want a simple connection without Bluetooth compression, wired headphones are worth considering.
They also give you the flexibility to use a dedicated DAC and headphone amplifier, opening the door to even better performance from your favorite devices.
Comfort and Fit
Even the best-sounding headphones won’t be enjoyable if they aren’t comfortable. Consider how long they’ll be worn, the weight of the headphones, and whether the earcups or ear tips fit securely. For in-ear models, finding the right ear tip size can also make a noticeable difference in bass and noise isolation.
Our Picks For How You Listen
Sennheiser IE 200
Great Sound, Wherever You Go
For someone who wants quality sound without carrying around a full-size pair of headphones, the Sennheiser IE 200 is a great place to start.
These compact wired in-ear monitors deliver balanced, detailed sound in a lightweight design. With adjustable ear tips and a detachable cable, they’re a practical choice for anyone who enjoys music throughout the day.
Pair them with a portable DAC like the Audioengine HXL, and you’ve got a compact listening setup that can travel with you.
Our pick for: Someone who wants to enjoy detailed, high-quality music from their phone, tablet, or laptop.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)
A Great Starting Point Under $200
If you’re looking for a serious upgrade without stepping into premium audiophile pricing, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is worth a look.
Originally developed for studio environments, these closed-back headphones have become a favorite for their detailed sound, comfortable velour ear pads, and durable construction.
Their closed-back design also makes them a great choice for focused listening, whether you’re enjoying an album at your desk or settling in for a movie.
Pair them with a headphone amplifier and DAC to get the most out of their 80-ohm design.
Our pick for: Someone upgrading from everyday headphones who wants a more focused, detailed listening experience.
Meze Audio 109 PRO
For the Serious Music Lover
For someone who wants to experience their music on an entirely different level, the Meze Audio 109 PRO offers a premium listening experience.
Its open-back design creates an expansive, natural soundstage, helping instruments and vocals feel distinct and precisely placed within a recording. Premium materials, real walnut earcups, and a comfortable suspension headband make these headphones as impressive to own as they are to listen to.
The 109 PRO is designed for listeners who enjoy sitting down with an album and appreciating everything that went into the recording. Pairing it with a quality DAC and headphone amplifier makes for an excellent dedicated listening setup.
Our pick for: The audiophile who values exceptional sound, craftsmanship, and an immersive listening experience.
STEP 2 | CONNECTIONS & COMPATIBILITY
Great Headphones Deserve a Great Connection.
Buying a good pair of headphones is an excellent first step, but there’s another part of your listening setup that often gets overlooked: the device powering them.
Whether you’re listening from a phone, computer, or TV, the way your audio gets to your headphones can affect what you hear.
What Is a DAC, and Why Does It Matter?
A Digital-to-Analog Converter, or DAC, takes the digital audio coming from your device and converts it into an analog signal your headphones can play.
Your phone or computer already has some form of DAC built in, but the quality of its audio output can vary. A dedicated external DAC can provide a cleaner audio signal, helping capable headphones reproduce more of the detail in your music.
What About a Headphone Amplifier?
While a DAC handles the conversion, a headphone amplifier provides the power needed to drive your headphones.
Some headphones are easier to power than others. Higher-impedance or less-sensitive models may benefit from a dedicated amplifier that provides enough output for comfortable listening, including demanding passages in a recording. The good news? You don’t necessarily need two separate devices. Audioengine DACs combine digital-to-analog conversion and headphone amplification into one convenient solution.
Two Ways To Get More From Your Headphones
Whether you’re listening at your desk, on the move, or from your favorite chair, Audioengine offers two straightforward ways to improve your headphone setup.
Audioengine HXL
High-Fidelity Sound That Goes With You
Your favorite music shouldn’t be limited by where you listen. The Audioengine HXL is a compact, portable DAC and headphone amplifier that connects to compatible phones, tablets, and computers through USB-C.
It features both a standard 3.5mm headphone output and a 4.4mm balanced output for compatible headphones and cables, giving you flexibility as your listening setup grows.
With no batteries to charge and a design small enough to carry anywhere, the HXL makes high-quality wired listening easy to enjoy throughout the day.
Our recommendation: For someone who listens from their phone or laptop and wants a powerful audio upgrade without adding a complicated setup.
Audioengine D1P
A Flexible Listening Experience at Home
If most of your listening happens at a desk or in your living room, the Audioengine D1P is an excellent addition to your setup.
This compact DAC and headphone amplifier offers USB-C and optical digital inputs, allowing you to connect compatible computers, televisions, and other digital audio sources.
With a dedicated headphone output, stereo RCA outputs, and an output selection switch, the D1P gives you the flexibility to enjoy private headphone listening or send music to a powered speaker system.
Our recommendation: For someone building a dedicated listening space or looking to get more out of their computer or TV audio.
Shop All Headphone Amplifiers & DACs
STEP 3 | GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HEADPHONES
Better Listening Doesn't Have to Be Complicated.
You don’t need an elaborate audio setup to enjoy great sound. Sometimes, the right headphones and a simple DAC are all it takes to make your favorite music feel new again.
Take Your Music With You
A portable DAC like the Audioengine HXL lets you connect wired headphones directly to compatible phones, tablets, and laptops. It’s a great way to enjoy high-quality audio wherever your day takes you, without relying on your device’s built-in headphone output.
Connection: Phone or Laptop → HXL → Wired Headphones
Make More of Your Desk Setup
Whether you’re working, gaming, or listening to your favorite albums, a dedicated headphone setup can make your computer a much better place to enjoy audio.
The Audioengine D1P connects through USB-C, providing a dedicated DAC and headphone amplifier for your wired headphones. It can even connect to powered speakers when you want to share your music with the room.
Connection: Computer → D1P → Wired Headphones
A More Personal Home Theater
More listeners are discovering the appeal of a private listening experience, where they can enjoy their favorite movies and shows without disturbing anyone else.
A quality pair of wired headphones combined with a DAC like the Audioengine D1P can transform how you experience your TV’s audio. Connect a compatible TV’s optical audio output to the D1P and enjoy clear dialogue, detailed sound effects, and immersive stereo audio through your headphones.
Connection: TV (Optical) → D1P → Wired Headphones
Make Every Listen Count.
The right headphones make a difference. The right equipment behind them can take that experience even further.
Whether you’re buying someone’s first quality headphones, upgrading a favorite pair, or building a dedicated listening setup, a great DAC and headphone amplifier can help you make the most of the music and entertainment you love.
HXL
Portable, Pocket-Sized Design
32-Bit High-Resolution Audio
3.5mm & 4.4mm Balanced Outputs
USB-C Connectivity
No Batteries Required
D1P
Designed for Home & Desktop Listening
32-Bit High-Resolution Audio
USB-C & Optical Inputs
Headphone & RCA Outputs
Switch Between Headphones & Speakers
Give Them Something
Worth Listening To
The best music gifts aren’t always about discovering something new. Sometimes they’re about helping someone enjoy what they already love.
This holiday season, give them more of the music they love.
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