Best Headphones To Plug Into Guitar Amp (Jan 2023 Update)

I recently a BOSS Katana Artist MkII amplifier (which I have reviewed elsewhere) and love it. However, it is somewhat of a pain to connect my phone and studio headphones to it to do a little nighttime jamming – both of those require cables, which makes setup and teardown enough pain that I don't want to do it. When I heard of the WAZA-AIR, I found it is almost exactly a Katana in convenient headphone shape. To be clear, I love this thing. It sounds good enough that I will play it and it is a snap to get started. I traded a Fender Mustang Micro for the WAZA-AIR, and the two are not even in the same ballpark. To be fair, the Mustang is about a third the price, so I'm not surprised, but if you are struggling to get a good sound from a Mustang – and if you have the cash – the WAZA-AIR is likely to do what you need. The software and firmware are…finicky at times. There are a few oddities that I can't explain that differ from the Katana software. For instance, it appears that I cannot use both a Booster and the Modulation at the same time. I don't get that. I can still connect a wireless MIDI controller to the WAZA-AIR, and that might open up more possibilities. It's also another investment, and I'm still trying to determine if being able to hit a pedal is worth it. Overall, I do recommend the WAZA-AIR. It sounds great, the convenience can't be beaten, and it is just very solid and feels right. There are a couple of strange parts that – so far – do not detract enough from the experience for me to try to change them. If you are reading this now, I recommend you give it a try. You'll probably be impressed.Robert

I am not sure, but I don't think anyone has ever invented this. It's just headphones that connect to your electric guitar wirelessly, right? In fact, I was just thinking of this, before I discovered these on Sam Ash – because i was sitting there, tangled in headphone wires, guitar cables, and I wondered – can't somebody do this wirelessly? So I did a search, and voi la! Here's the other thing – inside the phones, it sounds like outside the phones. In other words, these are not JUST wireless guitar headphones – they are wireless amplifier headphones. The one thing I don't like – and maybe someone knows the answer – but, the controls, through the app, are pretty limited. Or at least, it's not like a amp modeler, like Spark. But then, Spark is not like Amplitube – actually models hundreds of real amplifier setups – from the real world. If the WAZA could pair up with something like Amplitube, it would be over the top.kronikole

This is my first pair of AKG headphones. I was going to purchase a modern pair when I read a review about the K240 Sextett which was so impressive, that I decided to see if I could locate a pair. Having found a used pair on E-bay for a very reasonable price ($79 shipped), decided to purchase them, since I was interested in seeing how well these cans would match up with some of my headphone amplifiers; including a Schiit Magni 3 and Little Dot MK2. First off, the physical condition of these roughly forty year headphones is quite good. And they are well constructed. Moreover, the leather ear pads appear to be original, yet, are in very good shape as are the headphones themselves; the only thing needing replacement here being the tiny rubber bands that allow for the adjustment of the AKGs. A nominal expense. As for the sound, this is a headphone that concentrates on the midrange, and whose clarity here is remarkable. There were three versions of the K240S designated EP, MP and LP for early production, middle production and late production. The earlier K240S has 6 orange colored passive radiators per speaker, and the MP and LP models are said to have white colored passive radiators. The EP version is said to be the most desirable of the three because of its ability to produce strong bass, while the latter two versions are said to be a bit shy in bass. The other attributes of the K240S are said to be similar in all three versions. I am not certain how to distinguish between the latter two models, however, the K240S that I purchased does have white colored passive radiators so it would have to be either the MP or LP version of the K240S. As for my K240S I have noticed the following: The midrange is glorious. The bass of this particular K240S is, surprisingly, *not particularly subtle, while the treble, while good, can become a bit shrill with a solid state headphone amplifier like the Schiit Magni 3 (the Magni 3 has been called a giant slayer and for good reason, since it offers Hi-End audio performance and excellent construction for a pittance -$99). *Some reviewers have claimed that the EP version has excellent bass, while the MP and LP version were lacking in this area. I have used the Magni 3 with several newer headphones from Sony, Grado, Koss, and Sharkk, and found it to work quite well with them. In fact, the Magni 3 is so popular that Schiit is constantly trying to meet the demand for this little gem – which often results in a waiting time of as much three weeks from the time it's ordered on their Website to the time it's shipped.While the Magni 3 did not match up quite to my expectations with the K240S, I've found that the Little Dot MK2 – a singled ended triode design – and the K240S are the proverbial match made in heaven; there is a synergy between these two components which results in a wonderful outcome. The warmth of instruments and voices through this pairing is not only palpable, but it also allows for hours of listening without listener fatigue. Moreover, in spite of its 600 ohm impedance, the AKG K240S is easily driven to very loud levels by the Little Dot, which bespeaks how well these components complement one another. *Of course with headphones one must be very careful not to damage one's hearing, so it is easier to start off with the headphones at a lower volume, and then gradually increase to a volume which is comfortable for you. I could continue to wax poetic about these AKGs, however, that would take away time from my listening sessions and enjoyment of them. So in closing I can say this much: If you can find a pair of Sextetts that are in good shape and being sold at a reasonable price, you might want to consider purchasing them before someone else does. Check E-bay's listing of sold items by typing AKG K240 Sextett into the search area, in order to get an idea of what these headphones are selling for. This way you can get an idea of what they are worth based on their condition, before you decide to bid on or purchase a pair. Keep in mind that relative to other versions of the K240, the Sextett is fairly rare and really is a special piece of Hi-Fi gear that has stood the test of time.camerasrfun

I’m an up and coming audiophile so I’ve been exploring some options for professional work, and I love these! They sound clear, and yeah, they don’t have heaps of base, but the base that is there isn’t crushed together, you can hear the really deep sub-bass, and the top end is awesome! The semi-open back design gives it such a wide sound its simply awesome! The cable is a little long, but it is removable so its not THAT big of a deal, plus the cable is really thick and durable. TLDR; Durable, sounds amazing, good for new audiophiles!Ezra

For decades I have used MDR 7506, 7509, 7510, and 7520 headphones from Sony. Sony discontinued all but the 7506, and it's too bad because the 7520s were spectacularly accurate, detailed, and reliable in all ways. (I have been a location sound guy for film, a producer, director, and editor for same, and now I record audiobooks. I have spent much time with headphones.) 7506 are a bit of a professional default in broadcasting and film; good price point, dependably rugged to a point, and a sound that you know. (A little like Yamaha NS-10 near field speakers…in other words, nothing stellar, but you know what you are getting.) Having recently been on a hunt for cans to replace my 7520s, (and currently using Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro), and I picked up a set of 7506s after years of not having them, and I have to say they are fine-ish but do not excel in any way. They are good for location sound, they are even good for general music listening and TV viewing, but they are in no way mastering headphones, nor are they good for hours-long voiceover work. I find them reasonably balanced, if a little bass-heavy (good for location work because you can year your problems better), but the upper mids, where your speech is, is super harsh. Like a knife in your ears harsh. There is a really peculiar resonance that just makes it impossible to not be distracted, and to really depend on what you are hearing. While they are, again, a defacto standard in the pro world, they leave a ton to be desired in terms of true accuracy and long term use. I recently tried a series of cans from AKG, Austrian Audio, Sonys I imported from Japan, and 7506s, and they all performed way below the DT770 Pro in accuracy, balance, comfort, and all around performance. Also, over the years, the 7506 ear pads have gotten lower in comfort, so I replaced them right away with other, deeper pads. This does affect the sound, if you choose to go this route. Doesn't make it better or worse, but does make it different and you have to recalibrate your ears and brain to get used to it. So if you buy these knowing what you are getting into, they are a good value, but that is about it.Stephen

Not for listening to music, but for accurately monitoring recordings. The frequency response is as flat as possible, ensuring you are hearing what you recorded with no added low end. However, I still listen to music with them and they suit the purpose perfectly. Overall a solid, classic design. Does exactly what it claims. The only flaw is one that can be avoided – don't rip them off your head and clap the cans together or the foam from the earpieces will wear out and become disconnected from the glue holding them to the cans, and you'll have to reglue them after trying to precisely fit it back. Just be responsible and they will take care of you for many years. I swear by them to the point that I've bought them 3 times, and keep the boxes in my mic cabinet.rgdood12345

I've been using the MDR-7506 Headphones for the last 25+ years, I really love the way they sound. I use them for studio and live applications and they always deliver a clear sound with great definition. I never get tired of their sound. During the last 4 months, I bought the 3 sets of headphones from another brand, the first time it was their 250 ohms version, then I tried the 80, and last the 32 ohms version. I returned all of them within a day of purchase, I guess I really wanted to have those headphones because they look cool and I think I gave them a fair chance (maybe because of their tight isolation of external noise/sound and great soft feel on my ears), but I ended up buying more MDR-7506 instead, maybe I'm an addict to their sound as I used to be to my old Yamaha NS-10 (I had 3 pairs of those). But, since this is a review for the Sony 7506, all I can say is that I will stick to them. I've produced at least 15 albums and 2000+ jingles using them, maybe that's the reason why I love them so much.Hedras Roderico

I recently a BOSS Katana Artist MkII amplifier (which I have reviewed elsewhere) and love it. However, it is somewhat of a pain to connect my phone and studio headphones to it to do a little nighttime jamming – both of those require cables, which makes setup and teardown enough pain that I don't want to do it. When I heard of the WAZA-AIR, I found it is almost exactly a Katana in convenient headphone shape. To be clear, I love this thing. It sounds good enough that I will play it and it is a snap to get started. I traded a Fender Mustang Micro for the WAZA-AIR, and the two are not even in the same ballpark. To be fair, the Mustang is about a third the price, so I'm not surprised, but if you are struggling to get a good sound from a Mustang – and if you have the cash – the WAZA-AIR is likely to do what you need. The software and firmware are…finicky at times. There are a few oddities that I can't explain that differ from the Katana software. For instance, it appears that I cannot use both a Booster and the Modulation at the same time. I don't get that. I can still connect a wireless MIDI controller to the WAZA-AIR, and that might open up more possibilities. It's also another investment, and I'm still trying to determine if being able to hit a pedal is worth it. Overall, I do recommend the WAZA-AIR. It sounds great, the convenience can't be beaten, and it is just very solid and feels right. There are a couple of strange parts that – so far – do not detract enough from the experience for me to try to change them. If you are reading this now, I recommend you give it a try. You'll probably be impressed.Robert

I am not sure, but I don't think anyone has ever invented this. It's just headphones that connect to your electric guitar wirelessly, right? In fact, I was just thinking of this, before I discovered these on Sam Ash – because i was sitting there, tangled in headphone wires, guitar cables, and I wondered – can't somebody do this wirelessly? So I did a search, and voi la! Here's the other thing – inside the phones, it sounds like outside the phones. In other words, these are not JUST wireless guitar headphones – they are wireless amplifier headphones. The one thing I don't like – and maybe someone knows the answer – but, the controls, through the app, are pretty limited. Or at least, it's not like a amp modeler, like Spark. But then, Spark is not like Amplitube – actually models hundreds of real amplifier setups – from the real world. If the WAZA could pair up with something like Amplitube, it would be over the top.kronikole

Very Comfortable like pillows on your head the Sound Quality is Outstanding Destroys any BOSE or Apple Product. they are a little demanding as far as Power is concerned. but the Sound Quality is so good. They are Really good at Blocking out the outside Noise so NO need for noise canceling which i feel hurts sound quality. i give them a solid 9 out of 10. My other Headphones i use to compare to are Meze Audio Classic 99, Grado 325i, and Sennheiser HD600's the only reason for a 9 out of 10 is due to the Power Demands these need to really Sing, and the fact they don't have changeable Cables. While testing i Ran a Creek audio headphone Amp with a Rega Planet CD player. For the Price you CAN'T get a better sounding Headphone. They will work good with any Media player source or as I prefer to use a Fiio BTR5 and make them wireless.zeberia

Build quality is excellent, but points shaved off for the dangling wires that link the cans, and for a permanently linked cable, meaning it will not be a simple job to replace, should it become damaged. The sound is a little flat overall, but still better than the lower end headphones (compared against £40 – £80 Sony, Sennheiser, and AKG’s). This is not an issue with what I wanted, as it’s mainly to edit Voice (Narrating and Voiceovers), and listening to music is still very good, picking up all the range with clarity and depth. Could be better, but not by much. They work well on both my laptop and my studio mixer, which is why I chose the 80Ω version. They block out external sounds, and keep the internal sounds contained, even with the volume is high. Rumour has it that the sound is much better on the 32 and 250Ω versions, and may look at a future purchase of these. The comfort is excellent, and the velour pads are perfect, even when worn for 2 hours at a time. Studiospares provided an excellent price and service, and have other high quality products that range from competitive to excellent value for money.George K.

Newegg shipped quickly and it was packaged well. I burned the headphones in for about 30 hours before using them as I always notice a big difference in warmth, mids and lows. I bought these cans as a complement to my Sennheiser HD598, which are in the same price range, since the 598s are slightly lacking in deep bass, even though I use an amp. The Beyers sound good, but not as good as I was hoping. The Beyers definitely have more bass, being closed back, while the Senns are open backed. However, I found them lacking in mids and highs compared to the Senns. And even though they are known to have a large soundstage for closed backed phones, they can't compare to the Sennheiser's soundstage. But what made the final choice for me was the comfort level. Even though both sets weigh about the same, the Beyers felt far heavier for some reason. They also made my ears sweat. So I sent them back. Newegg was great about returning them. No issues there at all.Anonymous

For decades I have used MDR 7506, 7509, 7510, and 7520 headphones from Sony. Sony discontinued all but the 7506, and it's too bad because the 7520s were spectacularly accurate, detailed, and reliable in all ways. (I have been a location sound guy for film, a producer, director, and editor for same, and now I record audiobooks. I have spent much time with headphones.) 7506 are a bit of a professional default in broadcasting and film; good price point, dependably rugged to a point, and a sound that you know. (A little like Yamaha NS-10 near field speakers…in other words, nothing stellar, but you know what you are getting.) Having recently been on a hunt for cans to replace my 7520s, (and currently using Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro), and I picked up a set of 7506s after years of not having them, and I have to say they are fine-ish but do not excel in any way. They are good for location sound, they are even good for general music listening and TV viewing, but they are in no way mastering headphones, nor are they good for hours-long voiceover work. I find them reasonably balanced, if a little bass-heavy (good for location work because you can year your problems better), but the upper mids, where your speech is, is super harsh. Like a knife in your ears harsh. There is a really peculiar resonance that just makes it impossible to not be distracted, and to really depend on what you are hearing. While they are, again, a defacto standard in the pro world, they leave a ton to be desired in terms of true accuracy and long term use. I recently tried a series of cans from AKG, Austrian Audio, Sonys I imported from Japan, and 7506s, and they all performed way below the DT770 Pro in accuracy, balance, comfort, and all around performance. Also, over the years, the 7506 ear pads have gotten lower in comfort, so I replaced them right away with other, deeper pads. This does affect the sound, if you choose to go this route. Doesn't make it better or worse, but does make it different and you have to recalibrate your ears and brain to get used to it. So if you buy these knowing what you are getting into, they are a good value, but that is about it.Stephen

Not for listening to music, but for accurately monitoring recordings. The frequency response is as flat as possible, ensuring you are hearing what you recorded with no added low end. However, I still listen to music with them and they suit the purpose perfectly. Overall a solid, classic design. Does exactly what it claims. The only flaw is one that can be avoided – don't rip them off your head and clap the cans together or the foam from the earpieces will wear out and become disconnected from the glue holding them to the cans, and you'll have to reglue them after trying to precisely fit it back. Just be responsible and they will take care of you for many years. I swear by them to the point that I've bought them 3 times, and keep the boxes in my mic cabinet.rgdood12345

I've been using the MDR-7506 Headphones for the last 25+ years, I really love the way they sound. I use them for studio and live applications and they always deliver a clear sound with great definition. I never get tired of their sound. During the last 4 months, I bought the 3 sets of headphones from another brand, the first time it was their 250 ohms version, then I tried the 80, and last the 32 ohms version. I returned all of them within a day of purchase, I guess I really wanted to have those headphones because they look cool and I think I gave them a fair chance (maybe because of their tight isolation of external noise/sound and great soft feel on my ears), but I ended up buying more MDR-7506 instead, maybe I'm an addict to their sound as I used to be to my old Yamaha NS-10 (I had 3 pairs of those). But, since this is a review for the Sony 7506, all I can say is that I will stick to them. I've produced at least 15 albums and 2000+ jingles using them, maybe that's the reason why I love them so much.Hedras Roderico

Very Comfortable like pillows on your head the Sound Quality is Outstanding Destroys any BOSE or Apple Product. they are a little demanding as far as Power is concerned. but the Sound Quality is so good. They are Really good at Blocking out the outside Noise so NO need for noise canceling which i feel hurts sound quality. i give them a solid 9 out of 10. My other Headphones i use to compare to are Meze Audio Classic 99, Grado 325i, and Sennheiser HD600's the only reason for a 9 out of 10 is due to the Power Demands these need to really Sing, and the fact they don't have changeable Cables. While testing i Ran a Creek audio headphone Amp with a Rega Planet CD player. For the Price you CAN'T get a better sounding Headphone. They will work good with any Media player source or as I prefer to use a Fiio BTR5 and make them wireless.zeberia

Build quality is excellent, but points shaved off for the dangling wires that link the cans, and for a permanently linked cable, meaning it will not be a simple job to replace, should it become damaged. The sound is a little flat overall, but still better than the lower end headphones (compared against £40 – £80 Sony, Sennheiser, and AKG’s). This is not an issue with what I wanted, as it’s mainly to edit Voice (Narrating and Voiceovers), and listening to music is still very good, picking up all the range with clarity and depth. Could be better, but not by much. They work well on both my laptop and my studio mixer, which is why I chose the 80Ω version. They block out external sounds, and keep the internal sounds contained, even with the volume is high. Rumour has it that the sound is much better on the 32 and 250Ω versions, and may look at a future purchase of these. The comfort is excellent, and the velour pads are perfect, even when worn for 2 hours at a time. Studiospares provided an excellent price and service, and have other high quality products that range from competitive to excellent value for money.George K.

Newegg shipped quickly and it was packaged well. I burned the headphones in for about 30 hours before using them as I always notice a big difference in warmth, mids and lows. I bought these cans as a complement to my Sennheiser HD598, which are in the same price range, since the 598s are slightly lacking in deep bass, even though I use an amp. The Beyers sound good, but not as good as I was hoping. The Beyers definitely have more bass, being closed back, while the Senns are open backed. However, I found them lacking in mids and highs compared to the Senns. And even though they are known to have a large soundstage for closed backed phones, they can't compare to the Sennheiser's soundstage. But what made the final choice for me was the comfort level. Even though both sets weigh about the same, the Beyers felt far heavier for some reason. They also made my ears sweat. So I sent them back. Newegg was great about returning them. No issues there at all.Anonymous

Very Comfortable like pillows on your head the Sound Quality is Outstanding Destroys any BOSE or Apple Product. they are a little demanding as far as Power is concerned. but the Sound Quality is so good. They are Really good at Blocking out the outside Noise so NO need for noise canceling which i feel hurts sound quality. i give them a solid 9 out of 10. My other Headphones i use to compare to are Meze Audio Classic 99, Grado 325i, and Sennheiser HD600's the only reason for a 9 out of 10 is due to the Power Demands these need to really Sing, and the fact they don't have changeable Cables. While testing i Ran a Creek audio headphone Amp with a Rega Planet CD player. For the Price you CAN'T get a better sounding Headphone. They will work good with any Media player source or as I prefer to use a Fiio BTR5 and make them wireless.zeberia

Build quality is excellent, but points shaved off for the dangling wires that link the cans, and for a permanently linked cable, meaning it will not be a simple job to replace, should it become damaged. The sound is a little flat overall, but still better than the lower end headphones (compared against £40 – £80 Sony, Sennheiser, and AKG’s). This is not an issue with what I wanted, as it’s mainly to edit Voice (Narrating and Voiceovers), and listening to music is still very good, picking up all the range with clarity and depth. Could be better, but not by much. They work well on both my laptop and my studio mixer, which is why I chose the 80Ω version. They block out external sounds, and keep the internal sounds contained, even with the volume is high. Rumour has it that the sound is much better on the 32 and 250Ω versions, and may look at a future purchase of these. The comfort is excellent, and the velour pads are perfect, even when worn for 2 hours at a time. Studiospares provided an excellent price and service, and have other high quality products that range from competitive to excellent value for money.George K.

Newegg shipped quickly and it was packaged well. I burned the headphones in for about 30 hours before using them as I always notice a big difference in warmth, mids and lows. I bought these cans as a complement to my Sennheiser HD598, which are in the same price range, since the 598s are slightly lacking in deep bass, even though I use an amp. The Beyers sound good, but not as good as I was hoping. The Beyers definitely have more bass, being closed back, while the Senns are open backed. However, I found them lacking in mids and highs compared to the Senns. And even though they are known to have a large soundstage for closed backed phones, they can't compare to the Sennheiser's soundstage. But what made the final choice for me was the comfort level. Even though both sets weigh about the same, the Beyers felt far heavier for some reason. They also made my ears sweat. So I sent them back. Newegg was great about returning them. No issues there at all.Anonymous

The sound quality isn`t the best, but really good considering no amp is required. It`s great being able to play tracks through the headphones. It has been very useful, as I often work away from home and can practice silently in the hotel room, without having to take my practice amp.Dave T.

Bought a set about 8 years ago and finally wore them out. Ordering a new set. Best music investment I have made. You can rehearse 24/7 and never disturb anyone!Jerry

After spending some time (and a lot of money) in this hobby, i have currently settled on the HD650 and Audeze LCD-X open-back headphones. While HD-650 doesn't have the bass reproduction (one note-ish), speed, clarity, or sound-stage of the LCD-X, what it does right even the LCD-X or Sennheiser HD-800s can't match. And that is a neutral tuning with very good timbre – basically a headphone that sounds "right/natural" (in-spite of it's limitations). It pairs well with the budget IFI Zen DAC (Single ended, truebass and powermatch disabled) and scales up to a high end Violectric V590 AMP. From what i have read they sound even better with high-end tube amps. This is a classic worth owning. (Note: every once in a while these go for sale at half price.)GR

The variety of options to choose from is overwhelming for the headphone shopper. I have been listening to open-back design headphones for several years, I’ve tried many different models with selected reference tracks with the goal of finding an upgrade to my current headphones that I use for both music listening and sound editing. Ideally I want something that is reasonably accurate with a smooth frequency response, but comfort and affordability are also factors that come into the equation of what’s the best headphone for my application. Enter the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones. After four months of listening to these I can say they are smoother and warmer than other open-back headphones without any exaggeration of the high end and the bass is tight without any boominess. Musically they are like equisitely smooth silk. It’s no surprise that these headphones have been in the Sennheiser high-end line up for a very long time. I enjoy listening to music on these far more than I do compared to the Sony MDR-7506 headphones that live in my sound recording kit or the Audio-Technica TH-M50xBT headphones that live in my backpack for listening to music on my commute or while traveling. You will find many headphones that cost more, and you'll find many headphones that cost less. The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are in a sweet spot of balance between audio performance and value for the money. Spend more and you hit the realm of diminishing returns targeted at audiophile fools who part easily with their hard earned money. Spend less and you’re not quite in the realm of their smooth, accurate, warm sound, but there are many worthy contenders, but you don’t have to spend this much on headphones if you’re happier with high-end sparkle and/or Beatsesque bass. The only downside? Some portable devices may not drive them as loud as you might like given their 300-ohm impedance, so a headphone amp might be needed, however, I found that my MacBook Pro and iPad did fine with them. I even compared direct output from the MacBook and iPad to a headphone amp, and quality-wise there was no difference, though the headphone amp did allow for higher-volume playback.David

Sound quality is top notch, after testing loads of other headphones between 100 to 1000 euro price range these stand out from the rest to me. No real weaknesses, the sound is little bit warm and dark, but not overly so. The slightly elevated mid bass gives the sound more body, while the dark treble makes sure they never get fatiguing to listen to, never harsh. While the treble is tuned down, its still very detailed. You'll just notice in a busy mix treble tends to take back seat as mids and mid bass rule the show. Sub bass doesn't really exist on these, but its the case with open headphones in general. Overall, its a balanced and natural sound that's very nice and easy to listen to. The detail is there, but it isn't overwhelming or 'fake' like with many Beyerdynamics that emphasize treble too much. Vocals sound exceedingly good on these. Wearing comfort is otherwise great, but they may have bit too much clamping force. They're very light and if looks are important to you, you won't need to feel embarrassed wearing these on video calls or web conferences, unlike many other audiophile headphones that can look awkward. As for build quality, its excellent as well. While mostly plastic, this makes it very light. And this plastic is very high quality. I used to obsess on getting headphones with mostly metal build for best durability, but I've learned that it comes with a lot of drawbacks, mainly the weight. Not to mention a lot of headphones that are mostly metal build still have some plastic weakspots that break down over time due to bad design. These seem like they are built to last and will outlast most other headphones in terms of wear and tear. They have also removable cable and all the parts are also replaceable. All in all recommend to anyone whose looking for a well balanced headphone. Surely, sound won't get much better from here no matter how much more money you spend. These are end game material for even the most demanding users.Varangian

So far so good. A little hot with active pickups, def functionally. Appreciate the aux in to feed music or backing track while practicing and very portable. Worth the price.matta2z76

Had my reservations about buying this, a cheap headphone amp, as I have had others in the past and the o/d or distortion always sound awful. Don't get me wrong it isn't replacing my Marshall amp, but for a really portable and handy headphone amp it is great. I can use this, and move, whilst the kids are in bed, no more having to be 2 mtrs from my big amp….. As a practice and experimenting tool I love this!gastall1978

It's better than expected, though the design might not compatible with some guitar models. It requires an AAA battery. Works pretty well with any headphone. It also has an AUX port so that you can plug and play any songs you like and jam along. Thumbs up from me!wamin0

What a great sounding mini amp. I've had to use headphone mini amps for the last 15 years due to time constraints and location of practice area. I didn't want to use the precious practice time I had just to set up full size amp for only an hour or so and then return everything back to storage area. It was so much simpler and convenient just to plug a mini amp into my guitar, put on head set and play. Down side was always the quality of the mini amps I was using. I was getting them for around half of what a vox cost.. I always wanted a vox but they were expensive. After joining mf rewards club and making several purchases I bought my vox for about half price by applying my points to the purchase. I should have never waited. This vox is 10 times better than the cheaper brands. As soon as I opened the packaging and held it in my hand I could feel the quality. When I first plugged it in and started playing I got really upset. Not at the mini amp but at myself for waiting so long. I highly recommend buying this mini amp. Trust me. It's really worth it and you'll be glad you did.Horn

Cannot praise this device highly enough. It sounds great, and is ridiculously versatile for such a small device, comprising not only Gain, Tone and Volume controls, together with three levels each of effects options Chorus, Delay and Reverb, but also Clean, Crunch and Lead. Two AAA batteries are required (included), and give hours of usage. Just plug it into your guitar, attach headphones (decent pair of over-ear type are best, but don't need to be expensive) and, if wishing to practice over a track by your favourite band, simply attach an appropriate device such as a tablet or 'phone. If you require to free your amPlug2 sound from the confines of headphones, Vox also offer a mini, 2 watt, amPlug2 amp/speaker to which you attach your amPlug2 and play out loud (but not loud enough to annoy the neighbours. The wonderful Vox 50 watt amp/cab stack Mini Superbeetle Audio blue tooth speaker also doubles as a guitar amp, complete with amPlug2 compatibility, but at full volume, this would definitely annoy the next door neighbours, and possibly those further afield. The amPlug has given me new found freedom to play and practice without needing to wait for opportunities where it can be done without audibly intruding on the personal space of others in the household. I have subsequently invested in the equally good Classic Rock amPlug2 (and which, on balance, I prefer), together with both the aforementioned Vox Mini amPlug2 cab/speaker and Superbeetle Audio blue tooth amp/speaker stack. Basically, the freedom afforded by the amPlug2 headphone amp has reinvigorated my love of guitar playing, and I try to squeeze in some practice time on a daily basis. I even felt enthused enough to unnecessarily treat myself to a new guitar. This amPlug2 is real value for money, but it has inadvertently cost me a small fortune.johnclark1954

What a great sounding mini amp. I've had to use headphone mini amps for the last 15 years due to time constraints and location of practice area. I didn't want to use the precious practice time I had just to set up full size amp for only an hour or so and then return everything back to storage area. It was so much simpler and convenient just to plug a mini amp into my guitar, put on head set and play. Down side was always the quality of the mini amps I was using. I was getting them for around half of what a vox cost.. I always wanted a vox but they were expensive. After joining mf rewards club and making several purchases I bought my vox for about half price by applying my points to the purchase. I should have never waited. This vox is 10 times better than the cheaper brands. As soon as I opened the packaging and held it in my hand I could feel the quality. When I first plugged it in and started playing I got really upset. Not at the mini amp but at myself for waiting so long. I highly recommend buying this mini amp. Trust me. It's really worth it and you'll be glad you did.Horn

Cannot praise this device highly enough. It sounds great, and is ridiculously versatile for such a small device, comprising not only Gain, Tone and Volume controls, together with three levels each of effects options Chorus, Delay and Reverb, but also Clean, Crunch and Lead. Two AAA batteries are required (included), and give hours of usage. Just plug it into your guitar, attach headphones (decent pair of over-ear type are best, but don't need to be expensive) and, if wishing to practice over a track by your favourite band, simply attach an appropriate device such as a tablet or 'phone. If you require to free your amPlug2 sound from the confines of headphones, Vox also offer a mini, 2 watt, amPlug2 amp/speaker to which you attach your amPlug2 and play out loud (but not loud enough to annoy the neighbours. The wonderful Vox 50 watt amp/cab stack Mini Superbeetle Audio blue tooth speaker also doubles as a guitar amp, complete with amPlug2 compatibility, but at full volume, this would definitely annoy the next door neighbours, and possibly those further afield. The amPlug has given me new found freedom to play and practice without needing to wait for opportunities where it can be done without audibly intruding on the personal space of others in the household. I have subsequently invested in the equally good Classic Rock amPlug2 (and which, on balance, I prefer), together with both the aforementioned Vox Mini amPlug2 cab/speaker and Superbeetle Audio blue tooth amp/speaker stack. Basically, the freedom afforded by the amPlug2 headphone amp has reinvigorated my love of guitar playing, and I try to squeeze in some practice time on a daily basis. I even felt enthused enough to unnecessarily treat myself to a new guitar. This amPlug2 is real value for money, but it has inadvertently cost me a small fortune.johnclark1954

I do reccomend these as they are ideal for DJ work and suited well to DJ controller outputs with a decent output range, they are not overly bass heavy but just right, the parts are easy to replace if needed, and they are better qaulity than other DJ headphones. These are nice and light and feel and fit well. I use them for general listening and reference at times also which is always ideal. Very good qaulity pair of headphones.william m.

It was a sad day when one of the earpieces in my PX-100s went dead and I discovered that there was no practical fix for this discontinued model. I was happy to discover the HD 25, heavier but more rugged and reasonably comfortable, providing the accurate sound I was looking for. These do double-duty for me, both listing to music while I work and editing video and building soundtracks at home. They do exactly what I need. I think the HD 25s and I will have a great future together thanks, in part, to the fact that the cables on these are designed to be easily replaced.Richard

Headphones are comfortable and the sound is excellent. I bought my wife the "lite" version and liked them so much I ordered a pair myself. They were on endless backorder, so I "upgraded" to the HD 25s. The sound exactly the same as the "Lite" version, but these are a little more sturdy. I consider these headphones a good value because although they aren't "cheap", you aren't "paying for the name" like if you bought a pair of Beats or Bose.Tony

My dad is a preacher and I found cds of recordings of his sermons. Along with his speeches, I also listen to different recordings and use these headphones for precise listening. I find they're comfortable but I really purchases these because I know how great Shure's warranty is for customers. I was a huge audiophile growing up and used their in ear buds for years, whenever they needed support or help, shures warranty came through for me. So I purchased these headphones for quality but also because the warranty will ensure, they would last. #sweepstakesJosé A.

I got the new 840's last night, overnight shipping was sweet. The new design is great, and while they felt more "consumery" out of the box – this is not so. The new headphones are lighter in weight, clearer sounding, overall more comfortable, and the swivel mechanism for the ear-cups is much more robust in design where the previous version was bit less stable. I'm still breaking them in, but so far they sound great! Sonic image is nice and wide, spatially detailed, very smooth overall and not as dark as the previous model, the low end is very forward still but tighter sounding, and the midrange is right where it needs to be, vocals are clean and present with exceptional realism. Not to mention the isolation the closed back design offers is a beautiful thing! Highly recommend the latest version, it even comes with a straight cable.Aaron K.

It's hard to find anything negative about this headphone. Excellent sound all around at every frequency. Excellent American engineering for fit, weight, and clamp pressure. Some people with huge heads or really big hair may have an issue but my large head has room to spare. The only thing I would strongly request is for Shure to offer a shorter straight cable ( 4-5 foot ) for casual music listeners which I am. A spool of 10' of cable is a bit much. You can cover both, professional and personal use with two different lengths of cable. Thank you very much Shure for your efforts ( employees ) in developing a great headphone.John L

The Vox AC30 G2 headphone amp is a fun piece of equipment. It is quite versatile in the sense that it has a line out, so you can record though your software, analog equipment or whatever you are using to record guitar. There are half a dozen built in guitar effects, which can be activated by pressing the FX button. The LED will light up a different color based on which effect is activated. This amp is powered by 2 AAA batteries. This amp sounds like the classic Vox AC30; it has a classic 60's and 70's British rock sound. So it's not gonna sound like an overdriven Marshall stack with that heavy mid guitar sound. It will get kind of a Brian May type of sound. This is a fun amp, and it is perfect for practicing quietly . The durability seems weak, it's lightweight plastic, so it will take time to evaluate the longevity of this headphone amp. But so far so good.tom

First off, I'm a dabbler and not a professional. I bought this so I could practice on my electric guitar without disturbing everyone else. For that purpose it is excellent. The package comes with a small instruction pamphlet which is tucked into the folded cardboard backing. It's easy to miss it. You need the instructions because it's not obvious how to operate the device without them. But the instructions are easy to download as a PDF from the manufacturer's website. You're not going to replace all your pedals with this inexpensive device but it does include an impressive array of built-in features such as tremolo, reverb, distortion, tone and (I haven't tried it) Rhythm. It does a great job of mixing the AUX input with the input from the instrument. I use it with my laptop and Band in a Box. Adjust the AUX level at its source (the laptop or player) to an acceptable level and then use the controls on the amPlug to adjust the volume of the instrument to your taste. Listening to the resultant sound through headphones is impressive.gixxernaut

If you want the straight up Brit Grit of the VOX AC30 this little device delivers great sounding tones.It sounds very good clean, and GREAT with gain added. The distortion from the gain is tight, very bluesy, and provides the crunch for classic rock. I have played an Epiphone 335, a Gibson SG, and Fender Strat through the device and each instruments sounded good. But, the amp really brings out the blues tomes on the Gibson and Fender. The amp gets LOUD, maybe too loud if you care about damaging your hearing. I like my music loud enough to hear it, feel it, and be inspired by it, and I can accomplish this with a minimal volume adjustment. There are three effect settings; tremolo, reverb, and delay, but they are basically useless to me because i don't use effects, and the effects cannot be adjusted to serve any useful, or musically desirable purpose. For example, a little bit of delay can be cool, but the delay on this device is enough to make you dizzy, and the same can be said for the tremolo function. Reverb too… who uses reverb anymore? I am a hard core blues and classic rock guy and I think reverb is dated… I am spoiled though, I play through Fender tube amps and bells and whistles are not really my thing. All i need is myself, my guitar and red hot tube amp and I am good to go. And the from this standpoint the VOX AC30 gets the job done very well. (It) is fragile and one must be careful handling (it) and the guitar while (it) is attached to avoid breaking (it), but if you are careful (it) is just fine. By the way, (it) connected to the guitars I mentioned earlier without any problems. If you want to jam like a mad man without bothering anyone, this is the device to get. It is good for clean guitar playing style, and for those who want to rock out. Not for heavy metal or thrash nonsense, but very good for solid blues and classic rock. Get one!Jim in the Box

Seems as well built as the other options I've seen. Better tonal range than Vox and better than having to buy 2 or three devices. First impressions were not that good but as I've used it a bit more I can see me getting more used to it. I probably expected to much and was basing my hopes on the FLY amps. I think the effects are too limited to be worthwhile and would prefer Blackstar to focus on better amp tone. Still, I'm happy with it and for the type of device this is I know of nothing that sounds better. If I lost it I would probably look at the latest options but as it stands this is still the one I would buy. I think all of this type of device are over priced when you consider what a small amp costs but for portable practice in a small space it can't be beaten. This Blackstar amplug is in my opinion the best VFM option available.Paul S.

Amazing bit of kit for the price! Clean, over drive and distortion channels in a small box the amps to headphones perfectly! Can’t really comment on the effects as not really tried them out! But if you need a tiny portable amp that connects to your headphone for practice i would throughly recommend! Just noticed it even has aux in so I can listen to my Fender tutors without having to have 2 different sets of headphones on the go!!! Total novice managed to get it working in 3 minutes without reading the instructions!Mike

What a great sounding mini amp. I've had to use headphone mini amps for the last 15 years due to time constraints and location of practice area. I didn't want to use the precious practice time I had just to set up full size amp for only an hour or so and then return everything back to storage area. It was so much simpler and convenient just to plug a mini amp into my guitar, put on head set and play. Down side was always the quality of the mini amps I was using. I was getting them for around half of what a vox cost.. I always wanted a vox but they were expensive. After joining mf rewards club and making several purchases I bought my vox for about half price by applying my points to the purchase. I should have never waited. This vox is 10 times better than the cheaper brands. As soon as I opened the packaging and held it in my hand I could feel the quality. When I first plugged it in and started playing I got really upset. Not at the mini amp but at myself for waiting so long. I highly recommend buying this mini amp. Trust me. It's really worth it and you'll be glad you did.Horn

Cannot praise this device highly enough. It sounds great, and is ridiculously versatile for such a small device, comprising not only Gain, Tone and Volume controls, together with three levels each of effects options Chorus, Delay and Reverb, but also Clean, Crunch and Lead. Two AAA batteries are required (included), and give hours of usage. Just plug it into your guitar, attach headphones (decent pair of over-ear type are best, but don't need to be expensive) and, if wishing to practice over a track by your favourite band, simply attach an appropriate device such as a tablet or 'phone. If you require to free your amPlug2 sound from the confines of headphones, Vox also offer a mini, 2 watt, amPlug2 amp/speaker to which you attach your amPlug2 and play out loud (but not loud enough to annoy the neighbours. The wonderful Vox 50 watt amp/cab stack Mini Superbeetle Audio blue tooth speaker also doubles as a guitar amp, complete with amPlug2 compatibility, but at full volume, this would definitely annoy the next door neighbours, and possibly those further afield. The amPlug has given me new found freedom to play and practice without needing to wait for opportunities where it can be done without audibly intruding on the personal space of others in the household. I have subsequently invested in the equally good Classic Rock amPlug2 (and which, on balance, I prefer), together with both the aforementioned Vox Mini amPlug2 cab/speaker and Superbeetle Audio blue tooth amp/speaker stack. Basically, the freedom afforded by the amPlug2 headphone amp has reinvigorated my love of guitar playing, and I try to squeeze in some practice time on a daily basis. I even felt enthused enough to unnecessarily treat myself to a new guitar. This amPlug2 is real value for money, but it has inadvertently cost me a small fortune.johnclark1954

I was looking to purchase a pair of high quality wired headphones for my mixer/gaming station, but I was skeptical about spending several hundred for the super hi-fi headphones like Sony or Senheiser makes. I came across these entry level headphones on sale, and decided to give them a try. I was initially a little disappointed that they felt a little cheap – with plastic parts and felt ear cups. However, once I started listening to music or playing games with these, I was immediately impressed. The sound feels like it comes from all around you, and there is a nice balance of bass (maybe not the most for some people who like it really heavy) that blends really well with the rest of the music. They were also great for gaming and let me hear footsteps and sounds that I didn't hear with even my other Bose headphones. After gaming and listening for several hours, I was surprised at how I almost forgot I was wearing them. The cheap feel that I initially thought, turned into extreme comfort over extended periods. The felt-like ear cups also didn't get hot and the headband did not dig into my head like some other headphones. It's obvious that the plastic material was a decision based on weight and comfort, and is in fact quite durable. They are not built to be sound cancelling, nor do they block all outside sound, but this adds to the comfort and longevity for use – I find that noise cancelling makes me sick and I don't like walking away from listening to headphones with my ears ringing from headphones that don't have a balance between outside/inside sounds. Overall, I Highly recommend these based on the overall sound quality and comfort. My only drawback is that there is not a replaceable/detachable cord.Rick

Like many people, I’ve ended up with a lot of headphones. For pure listening in a quiet environment, music or videos, the HD 560S is easily my go-to set. First, the build. Yes, they’re made of plastic and, no, they don’t fold for storage or travel. Still the plastic makes them lightweight and, while not luxurious, they do not feel cheap in any way. They come with a long cable. Like, really long. Like, long enough to trip over when you move. I pulled out just what I needed and left the rest wrapped up, but someday I’ll probably have to get a shorter replacement. And that takes us to the sound. This is the reason the 560S was made. The sound is simply remarkable, every sound, every note, is heard with clarity and precision. This includes the music you were supposed to hear as well as the sound of a bow hitting a muted string or someone in the studio covering a cough. The open air design gives them a very wide soundstage. It doesn’t sound so much like you’re listening to a recording as it does like you’re surrounded by instruments. The effect when watching movies can be startling, as that car that pass3 doesn’t just move from left to right, it seems headed right out of the room. This would be the place to mention that if you like headphones that color the sound, like Bose or Beats or most any consumer model, then you’ll probably hate these. They’re not designed to give you a specific listening experience, but to bring out what was recorded with complete and uncompromising accuracy.Notbobmontgomery

I have never purchased a pair of "audiophile" headphones before; I've only had Beats, Bose, various "high-end" gaming headsets, but all of those pale in comparison to these. I've never experienced music like I am with the HD560s, especially now that I have paired these with the Audio-Quest Dragon-Fly Red USB DAC. I subscribed to Tidal music and am listening to music in lossless format which has made me appreciate songs that I never thought twice about listening to. These headphones will allow you to pry into the world of music creation and determine whether or not songs were actually mixed and mastered well. Songs I once loved I can no longer listen to with these because I can actually hear how badly they were made. The opposite of that is also true, where there are tracks that I never really cared for but these headphones have given me an appreciation for just how well they were done. I can't believe how amazing music sounds now. I can finally understand why people would consider themselves to be audiophiles. I haven't listened to music this frequently since I was in college, and that was nearly a decade ago. It is like seeing for the first time, a breathtaking experience that I am so happy to be able to have. Buy a headphone amp, buy these headphones, and listen to music in a lossless quality format. It will change your appreciation for music – I guarantee it. Headphones this inexpensive shouldn't sound this good. They are crystal clear. They are comfortable. They are INCREDIBLE.Jonj91

Headphones that I use with my smart phone and iPod. I had an old pair of this model and needed to update when the wires on the old pair frayed, I like the head phones but some updates to the design I am not crazy about, For instance the ear pieces are smaller, the cord is my longer, and the plug piece is thicker, making it more difficult to use when I am charging the phone. overall I am happy with the headphones and will consider buy Shure products in the future #sweepstakesJim G

Got this for daughter. Current one was small for her when she was younger. But want one over her ears vs the pods. The look and sound are key and it delivers for my 9yr old taste.H T Du

The SRH240As are great for studio use as well as practice and general listening. They give on the whole a very transparent and clear representation of the mix, with a very slight "warming" of the signal compared to a set of dedicated studio monitors. I think you'd be very, very hard pushed to find a better pair of headphones at this price-point.Michael S.