Audiophile headphones are designed to offer a rich listening environment, often enhancing or filtering the response to provide a certain “color” to the sound.

Studio monitor headphones are used primarily for mixing and mastering recorded material. They are designed to give a flat and uncolored response across the entire frequency spectrum. If you are a music lover who just wants to listen, studio monitor style phones might not be right for you.

Here are five highly rated studio headphones for your consideration:

1) Audio-Technica ATH-M50S Studio Monitor Headphones

These studio headphones deliver exceptional audio quality and are comfortable to wear for long mixing sessions.

“The dimension and clarity these are capable of is mind blowing. I spend a lot of time mixing my songs expanding their dimension as much as I can and these are perfect for that as well as easily spotting bad edits, pops, and bad compression. They are very good references for EQ’ing as well.” – A.Y.

“Every genre I’ve listened to sounds amazing, whether it be hip-hop, rock, classical, country, pop, or heavy metal. Songs that I’ve heard a hundred times are now giving me goosebumps, because the sound quality is so much clearer on these headphones. I’m literally hearing things that I never knew were there in my songs.” – millerla

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2) Audio Technica Pro Studio Monitor Headphones

Designed especially for professional monitoring and mixing, these studio headphones deliver exceptionally accurate response and listening comfort.

“Really clean and clear and balanced. All my mixes that I have done on these translated really well on bigger systems. I was able to mix for 4+ hours on these without any noticeable ear fatigue. They are well worth the price and are a must have for anyone serious about audio.” – Studioratmaarts

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3) Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Earphones

These headphones are designed to deliver rich bass, clear mid-range and extended highs needed for critical listening and studio monitoring. They have an ergonomic fit and collapsible design for total comfort and portability.

“These are incredible for mixing. Best gear I’ve ever had the honor of using. (While I have not BOUGHT many pieces of gear, I’ve used a lot, as I’ve traveled a bit) I had been struggling with a mix of a particular song for days using a backup pair of Phillips, and after the 5 hour burn-in period with my new SRH840′s, I played it and it was like magic – within 30 minutes I had the thing completely mixed. Not even kidding – literally a half hour.” – Parker F.

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4) Beyerdynamic DT 770-PRO Headphones

These closed dynamic headphones provide comfort and accurate performance for recording studios, post-production or broadcasting situations.

“For a small studio, getting a great mix is one of the hardest challenges. These headphones practically solve that problem. The quality, range and comfort make these THE SOLUTION for my audio mixing. Saved me from going through all the construction issues and investments in bass traps, diffusion grids, baffles and BS.” – Bill W

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5) Sony MDR-V900HD Studio Monitor Type Headphones HD Driver

These headphones feature High Definition drivers to reproduce clean, clear sound quality.

“These headphones are great in every sense of the word. Exceptional sound quality (without making your music sound ‘overly colorful’), extremely comfortable, and really low impedance for PMPs and un-amped equipment.” – Alan W.

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These phones deliver rich sound reproduction and good bass. The headset is lightweight and features soft earpads, which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

The transmitter for the Sennheiser Rs110 926 Mhz Wireless Rf Headphones doesn’t have an on or off switch. Instead, it senses audio input and activates itself. When the source of audio is shut off or goes quiet, the base transmitter stops transmitting after a few minutes.

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The auto-off feature is not as useful as it may seem. The problem is this: when the base turns off, you immediately get a blast of static in the headphones. Unpleasant, to say the least. As long as the transmitter has input, you’ll be fine, but don’t let your playlist run out or forget to remove the headphones when you’ve finished listening.

It’s too bad about the Sennheiser Rs110 926 Mhz Wireless Rf Headphones. What would otherwise be a reasonable entry-level wireless headphone system is somewhat marred by a “feature” that could detract from your enjoyable use of the product. Just be aware of this point before you buy.

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Here are some of the features of Sennheiser Rs110 926 Mhz Wireless Rf Headphones:

• Add-on transmitter
• Detailed, analytical sound reproduction with strong bass response
• Perfectly suitable for all types of modern music and TV applications
• Receives reception through walls, ceilings and outdoors

Here is what current owners have to say about Sennheiser Rs110 926 Mhz Wireless Rf Headphones:

DK: “Extremely easy to use and set up. Just plug the RCA plugs into a headphone adapter (included) and plug the adapter into your headphone output jack. It’s an analog transmission, so there is some static and interference, but it’s not too bad. Worse, of course, if near an electric motor or microwave. Good price, worth it for my purpose…listening to music/talk radio programs online without disturbing my family. If you’re a sound snob, you’ll probably be unhappy.”

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Speech is extremely clear and easy to understand through these headphones. The balance control lets you adjust the output level for right and left sides separately, so you can get the volume just as you want it. The phones do a good job of sealing off noise from the outside, allowing you to enjoy the full benefit of the sound clarity.

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These features make the Sennheiser RS 140 headphones ideal for watching TV and movies without bothering others with loud volume. In fact, this product is particularly suitable for persons with hearing loss in one or both ears.

Music reproduction is not quite up to audiophile standard, but it’s plenty good enough for many people. The wireless headphones are recharged on the transmitter base, and the charge lasts for a respectable 23 hours.

Some buyers find the headphones a little heavy to wear. Others complain about needing to fiddle with them to get them to work properly. In addition, there can be some interference when you are in another room or outdoors.

This is a very practical headphone system that fills a specific need at a reasonable price. Sennheiser RS 140 Wireless Balanced Headphones may not be the music lover’s first choice, but they are more than satisfactory for general use.

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Here are some of the features of Sennheiser RS 140 Wireless Balanced Headphones:

• Wireless, rechargeable hi-fi headphones with switchable dynamic compression system
• Maximizes clarity of spoken voices to enhance TV sound or assist people with moderate hearing loss
• Intelligent auto tuning and automatic signal control ensure high-quality reception
• Transmission range of up to 150 meters; 18 Hz to 21 kHz frequency response
• Includes NiMH battery pack, charging stand, transmitter, and 1/4-inch plug adapter

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Here is what current owners have to say about Sennheiser RS 140 Wireless Balanced Headphones:

Mary Frank: “The headphone worked exactly as advertised. The setup was easy and the voice clarity is excellent. The left and right balance is a plus because my hearing is worse in my left ear. I can even go to another room and still hear as good as sitting in front of the tv. I just recommended these to a friend and he’s ordering a set for himself.”

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Unlike other types of in-ear phones, the ear-pieces of the DTX 50 are placed deep in the auditory canal. The replaceable silicone sleeves of the converters close the ear canal tightly, shutting out audio disturbance from the outside. There is very little static and distortion. Instead, you get crystal clear sound that reproduces every little nuance of the music.

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The closed design of the Beyerdynamic DTX 50 headphones also keeps sound from reaching the outside. This lets you enjoy your music without bothering others. The ear-pieces remain securely in position even when you are jogging, biking, or engaging in other active pursuits.

Some people find the ear pieces uncomfortable when inserted deep into the auditory canal. Another drawback is that the earphones stick out noticeably from the ears. A few buyers complain about the build quality of the phones, saying that the wires seem flimsy and poorly connected.

The Beyerdynamic DTX 50 in-ear headphones get mixed reviews from buyers. The sound of the phones is great, but wearing them may be uncomfortable. If you’re interested in this product, try to find it when it’s on sale.

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Here are some of the features of Beyerdynamic DTX 50 SW Trendline In-Ear Headphones:

• 10 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
• Portable black in-ear headphones built exclusively for mobile audio applications
• Designed to sit deep in the auditory canal for maximum, ultra-deep bass efficiency
• Noise-isolating design minimizes outside audio for better dynamic performance and clarity
• Includes 3 pairs of silicone ear pads in different sizes

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Here is what current owners have to say about Beyerdynamic DTX 50 SW Trendline In-Ear Headphones:

Clive Samplemon: “These are the most incredible headphones I have owned (two pairs of Shures, Phillips, Sony, Skullcandy). Incredible sound at low volumes – classical and punk alike sounded awesome. The only drawback – very hard to fit. The “speaker” is quite large and the rubber earpieces are very thin – makes for a hard and somewhat uncomfortable fit, BUT these headphones ROCK.”

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The open construction offers three-dimensional acoustics. As far as the sonic character of the headphones goes, the high frequencies are clear and distinctive, maybe even a bit bright. But the bass is everything you could desire. The headphone delivers the deep frequencies with powerful resonance. Rock and electronica sound just great.

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Overall, the sound is excellent though not as balanced as some people might like. As with most headphones, the sound improves after a period of burn-in. Even though these are open headphones, there is a pleasant degree of isolation from the outside world.

The technology faithfully reproduces the dynamism and excitement of an audio signal. A headphone amp is suggested when using these headphones with a portable music player, although some users don’t find it necessary.

These cans were designed for humans. They have a padded headband and soft, removable ear pads that allow you to wear the headphones for hours without discomfort.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 headphones are getting good reviews from buyers. If you’re looking for a fine all-round headphone with particular excellence in the lower end of the audio spectrum, this product is worth a look.

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Here are some of the features of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones:

• Open headphones with true sound definition and phenomenal bass response
• Reproduces immersive three-dimensional acoustics with 5 Hz to 35 kHz frequency response
• Padded headband and soft ear pads
• Modular construction makes it easy to replace all serviceable parts; includes carrying case
• Gold-vaporized 1/8-inch mini stereo jack plug; weighs 10.22 ounces; 2-year warranty

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Here is what current owners have to say about Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones:

Jason Parrish: “The DT-990 Pro is an excellent headphone. Sound is fairly aggressive and forward, which to me equals involving and fun. The highs are crisp and clear, but not fatiguing as some have found with phones such as the Grado line. The Grados are often mentioned as THE phones for rock, but the DT-990s are also excellent for rock music with the fatigue as well as being much more comfortable. The 990s have large ear cups with cushy velour pads, And the headband seems quite comfortable to me. Do note that it is a difficult phone to drive, requiring a source with a powerful headphone out or the addition of a headphone amp. Not something you would just hook up to your iPod. All and all a great headphone.”

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The audio quality is excellent across the spectrum, with strong, full bass, smooth midrange, and precise highs. However, buyers agree that these headphones are best with extra amplification – even a cheap portable headphone amp is enough to bring the sound to life. The audio isn’t that great out of a laptop or a portable player without an amp.

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As you would expect from Beyerdynamic, the workmanship is excellent, with firmly attached cable and strong yet flexible headband. The soft ear pads make the headphones very comfortable to wear. Pressure on the head is minimal, but the phones will stay securely in place when you move around. You might even forget you’re wearing them.

With consistently good reviews from buyers, the Beyerdynamc DT 770 Stereo Headphones are a good choice for both listening pleasure and home studio work.

Here are some of the features of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Stereo Headphones:

• - High-end closed headphones with true sound definition and phenomenal bass response
• - Reproduces immersive three-dimensional acoustics with 5 Hz to 35 kHz frequency response
• - Special closed design excludes sound pollution and ensures minimum audio leakage
• - Rugged spring-steel headband and soft ear pads
• - Includes high-quality carrying case

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Here is what current owners have to say about Beyerdynamic DT 770 Stereo Headphones:

J. Stokes: “The Beyerdynamic DT 770s are by far the most impressive closed cans I have ever listened to. On the surface they are incredibly light and comfortable and under the hood they’re even more impressive. They are delicate and expressive when they need and crisp and powerful when they need. An absolute joy. My prior closed cans were Sennheiser HD-280 pros and the 770s blew them out of the water. Warning: Like many higher echelon cans these require a lot of power! If you’re looking to use these with a portable device they make an alternate low power version ( I would suggest a portable amp for them though). If you are not going to use these with a system capable of powering them do not expect to hear their full potential.”

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These mid-priced, all-purpose headphones are a real contender against other mid-priced headphones. They offer great sound, comfort, and workmanship. Music lovers will appreciate these headphones for home or studio listening.

The DT 880 headphones offer a pleasing balance between the high frequencies, mid tones, and bass, without favoring any of them or drowning out any other element. All types of music are faithfully reproduced in a very clear, honest, wide-ranging and detailed sound picture. If you’re unfamiliar with headphones of this caliber, you will discover new things in music that you had never heard before.

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Instead of the music being right in your ear, you experience the reproduced sound is if it’s a few feet away, within a naturally wide and open soundstage. The feeling of being right there is especially enjoyable with opera recordings and movies.

With most headphones, the sound improves noticeably after a substantial burn-in. According to some people, these headphones start to sound their best after about 200 hours of use.

Most buyers agree that although the headphones don’t absolutely require a headphone amp, they do their best work when properly amplified.

Of particular note is the wearability of these headphones. They are very comfortable for extended listening sessions, with a padded headband and replaceable soft ear pads. The headphones don’t clamp on your head like many tend to do. Bear in mind that these are open-backed phones that won’t seal out ambient noise or keep others from hearing your music.

These headphones get thumbs up for quality, comfort, and price. They sound great and deliver excellent value for the money. If you’re looking for just one good set of high-end headphones that will serve all your needs, you may want to make this your choice.

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Here are some of the features of Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium Headphones:

• - High-end semi-open headphones with true sound definition and phenomenal bass response
• - Reproduces immersive three-dimensional acoustics with 5 Hz to 35 kHz frequency response
• - Combines best of open and closed technologies to reproduce complete sound spectrum
• - Single-sided cable, replaceable soft ear pads, and padded headband for comfort
• - 1/8-inch gold-plated stereo mini jack and 1/4-inch adapter

Here is what current owners have to say about Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium Headphones:

Cooper Griggs: “The Beyerdynamic DT 880 headphones are awesome. They are sturdy, VERY comfortable and have exceptional sound quality. I was a bit hesitant to lay down the money for these headphones but I had tried a friend’s pair of 770′s and knew these had to be at least that good. I listen to music and sound almost all day at work through these headphones and the 880′s allow the best comfort in ANY headphones I have tried, and I have tried many.”

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