We love our headphones, here at Audio Affair. So much so that – when our showroom was recently completely refurbished – a headphone bar was the top of our wishlisht. And sure enough – our wish came true! Headphones are our best selling ‘genre’ of hi-fi gear, and are our most tried and tested items in the showroom. People come from all over the country to try out the range themselves – and sometimes join us for a cup of tea in the process too! That’s when we find out what people really like the best – and particulalrly what they like to take on their travels with them!
There are a few (some surprising!) names that continue to crop up – so we thought we’d share this particular collection with you: open backed and over ear headphones that people like to take on the road!
Starting with…
Grado iGrados
Not a surprise to be starting with. Super contemporary, super stylish and great for the music lover who has spent all of their hard-earned pennies on their music! The iGrado are an absolute bargain, offering lightweight and comfortable headphones which don’t skimp on the sound for a fraction of the cost of its competitors. They feature a vented diaphragm – a common feature of a hi-end headphone as well as UHPLC copper voice coil wire and connecting cord, and at their current price of £49.99 they’re an absolute steal!
Sennheiser HD500A
Okay, confession time. I have a pair of these at home, so I’m a little biased! I originally purchased them as studio headphones, but have found them to be excellent travel companions too, due to their light frame and robust build. Plus – they sound AMAZING! The cable is detachable and swappable – so if it’s too long to take on the road, it’s very easy to change. Comfortable yet high-end, these are hidden gems that need to be shouted about again and again.
Grado SR325e
A pair of ‘phones that not only comes from the infallible Grado brand (we have yet to meet a head-fi person who doesn’t at least appreciate the art of Grado!), but managed to scoop a number of awards upon its release – including the “Best Home On Ears” 2014! But don’t let the ‘home’ element put you off, these guys are just as at home in the big, wide world. adopting the metal housing seen in the higher end models to minimise distortion and add a premium design and build quality, the SR325e builds on the successes of the award-winning SR325i, taking its design and improving the driver and cable design. The SR325e will produce a sound that is pure Grado, with warm harmonic colors, rich full bodied vocals, excellent dynamics, and an ultra-smooth top end.
Grado PS500e
Oh go on – one more Grado! The PS500e draw inspiration from Grado’s iconic flagship PS1000e headphones, using a similar powder-coated aluminium houding and borrowing technology from the PS1000e’s drivers. That Grado sound is all-too present, and the build quality will see you through no matter where you wear them
Oppo PM-2
Following the success of the wildly popular (but strictly indoor!) PM-1s. Oppo knew they were onto a good thing, and decided to make the most of it in a spectacular fashion! The Oppo PM-2s used several of the same technologies of the acclaimed PM-1s but were condensed into a much more affordable price. It cuts down by shaving off the accessories provided with the PM-1s and making some small changes, such as replacing the lamb skin ear pads with synthetic leather ones and the use of a plastic trim instead of a stainless steel one. However these alterations are fairly arbitrary, and the sound is almost identical, making the PM-2s some of the most cost effective high end headphones in the world – and thanks to some of the changes are suitable for taking for a little wander outdoors.
So… what do you think? Have you used any of these – or any like them – outside – and if do, what did you think? Sound off in the comments below!
… and give us a shout if you fancy trying any of these out!