A buyer’s guide to headphones for 2024

Headphones for three different price points.

The headphone market in 2024 is more advanced than ever, boasting features like Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), and AI-driven sound customisation. While these technological perks dominate marketing campaigns, vinyl lovers understand that sound quality remains the cornerstone of the listening experience.

Open-back headphones, celebrated for their spacious and natural soundstage, continue to shine as the ideal choice for home use, where controlled environments allow their detailed and nuanced reproduction to flourish. On the other hand, closed-back designs offer versatility, excelling at isolating sound for immersive sessions whether at home or on the move. For purists, the immersive qualities of open-back systems often edge out their closed-back counterparts.

With these trends in mind, we explore the three headphones at three different price points for vinyl listening, each promising a superior journey into analogue sound.

ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless Headphones

Price: £154
Pros: Excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, customisable design, long battery life and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons: Limited edition, higher price for a wireless model

Verdict: With unbeatable sound, a fresh design, and wireless freedom, these headphones are a top pick for audiophiles and creatives alike—at a surprisingly accessible price.

These wireless headphones offer exceptional sound clarity, making them perfect for vinyl lovers. The rich, detailed audio reproduction brings out the warmth and depth of your records. With Bluetooth convenience and a custom design, they provide both style and performance, while the comfortable fit ensures long listening sessions are a breeze. Ideal for audiophiles who appreciate high-quality sound with the freedom to move.

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Focal Azurys

Price: £499
Pros: Impressive sound clarity, lightweight, comfortable fit, stylish design and premium materials
Cons: Requires a break-in period, premium price tag

Verdict: Azurys headphones offer stunning sound clarity, comfort, and style, making them a perfect blend of luxury and performance for music lovers on the go.

The Azurys headphones from Focal deliver an immersive audio experience, combining sleek design with high-performance sound. Equipped with aluminium/magnesium “M” dome speakers, these headphones provide exceptional sound clarity and precision.

Their lightweight build, featuring a genuine leather headband and breathable earpads, ensures comfort even during long listening sessions. The stylish blue colour, inspired by azurite, adds a touch of sophistication. While they require a running-in period to achieve peak performance, the wait is worth it. Whether you’re at home or on the move, Azurys delivers hi-fi sound that’s both portable and luxurious, making them an audiophile’s dream.

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HiFiMAN Susvara Unveiled

Price: £7499
Pros: Exceptional clarity and resolution, incredibly wide soundstage and easy to drive, innovative technology (Stealth Magnets, window shade design)
Cons: Extremely high price, requires specific amp compatibility, large and bulky

Verdict: With unparalleled sound clarity, a massive soundstage, and innovative design, these headphones redefine audio excellence—perfect for audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience.

These headphones bring a whole new level of immersion with their fully open-back design, offering an expansive soundstage and pristine detail that’s almost unreal. HiFiMAN’s new diaphragm and Stealth Magnet technology work in harmony to deliver smooth, clear sound with minimal distortion.

The ergonomic ear pads and lightweight design ensure comfort even during extended listening sessions. The addition of Magnetic Veils for protection and a more efficient, easier-to-drive system makes these headphones not only top-tier in performance but also user-friendly. At £7499, they’re an investment, but for audiophiles seeking perfection, they’re the gold standard in planar-magnetic sound.