Experienced Audio Advice - Since 1981
Headphones
From wireless noise-cancelling headphones for the commute to open-back planar headphones for late nights at home, the right pair puts you inside the music. Shop headphones, earbuds, headphone amps, cables and stands, all hand-picked by the hi-fi specialists at Audio Advisor.
Everything for personal listening, at home and on the go.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Start with where and how you listen.
"I want to block out the world."
Choose wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They're built for flights, commutes and busy offices.
"I listen at home and want the best sound."
Look at open-back and planar headphones, and pair them with a headphone amp.
"My headphones sound quiet or flat."
Some headphones need more power than a phone or laptop can give. A headphone amplifier fixes that.
"I need something for the gym or commute."
Earbuds are small, light and easy to carry, so your music goes everywhere you do.
Headphones, Explained
Open-back vs. closed-back
Open-back headphones let air and sound pass through the cups for a wide, natural sound, but they leak sound and let noise in. Closed-back headphones seal you in, so they're better for shared spaces.
Dynamic vs. planar magnetic
Most headphones use dynamic drivers, a cone moved by a coil. Planar magnetic headphones use a thin, flat diaphragm between magnets. Many planar designs need more power to sound their best.
Do I need an amp?
Check impedance (ohms) and sensitivity. High-impedance or low-sensitivity headphones often sound quiet or thin from a phone or laptop, and come alive with a headphone amplifier.
How noise cancelling works
Active noise cancelling uses small microphones to hear the sound around you, then plays an opposite signal to cancel it. It works best on steady noise like engines and air conditioning.
Balanced connections
Some headphones and amps offer balanced outputs, often 4.4mm or 4-pin XLR. To use one, your amp, cable and headphones all need to support it.
Better sources, better sound
A dedicated DAC or music streamer can improve what reaches your headphone amp. Many headphone amps also have a DAC built in.
Why Shop Headphones at Audio Advisor
Real Expert Advice
Talk to a hi-fi specialist who can help you match headphones and an amp to the way you listen.
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Helping Listeners Since 1981
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Headphone FAQs
Do I need a headphone amp?
Do I need a headphone amp?
Not always. Wireless headphones and most earbuds have their own amplification built in. Wired headphones with high impedance or low sensitivity usually benefit from a headphone amp. Call us with your model and we'll tell you.
Open-back or closed-back?
Open-back or closed-back?
Choose open-back for the most natural sound in a quiet room. Choose closed-back if you listen around other people, or need to keep outside noise out.
Can I use wireless headphones with a cable?
Can I use wireless headphones with a cable?
Many wireless headphones also support a wired connection. Each product page lists the connections a model supports.
Will an aftermarket cable fit my headphones?
Will an aftermarket cable fit my headphones?
It depends on the connector your headphones use. Our headphone cables are sorted by brand to make matching easy, and our team can confirm the fit.