Wired Headphones

Wired headphones for listening and studio work

Closed-back and open-back wired headphones compared on comfort, sound, isolation, repairability, and amplification needs.

2 products

  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50xAudio-Technica

    A closed-back wired studio headphone with no battery, app, Bluetooth, or active noise cancellation. Its 38-ohm impedance makes it easier to drive from everyday equipment than many specialist headphones, while the closed cups provide some physical isolation. Pad durability and comfort over long sessions are the owner-evidence questions. Not tested here yet.

  • Stylized illustration of open-back wired headphones
    Sennheiser HD 600Sennheiser

    A long-running open-back wired headphone intended for quiet rooms rather than commuting or shared offices. The open design leaks sound and blocks little outside noise, while the 300-ohm impedance can make a dedicated headphone amplifier useful. Its replaceable cable and modular parts give long-term ownership evidence unusual importance. Not tested here yet.