Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 headphones have made significant improvements over the original version, addressing the issue of middling noise cancellation. The 2nd-gen version boasts much-improved noise canceling, doubled battery life of around 45 hours, a quick-charge feature, and a slightly smaller carry case. These upgrades make the Aonic 50 Gen 2 a top noise-canceling headphone. Despite being heavy at 334 grams, they are sturdy, comfortable to wear, and feature excellent sound quality with clarity and well-defined bass. The sound profile is fairly neutral, but bass can be added through EQ settings in Shure’s companion app for iOS and Android.
Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay HX headphones, the successor to the H9 series, offer a premium experience at a price point of $599. They compete directly with Apple’s AirPods Max in terms of sound quality. Weighing 285 grams, the HX headphones are comparable in comfort to the heavier AirPods Max, featuring swanky B&O lambskin-covered memory foam earpads. The sound is well-balanced with deep bass, natural-sounding mids, and detailed treble. Overall, they offer a compelling alternative to the AirPods Max for those seeking premium sound quality and comfort.
V-Moda’s M-200 wired headphones offer a clean and detailed sound with excellent bass response and comfortable wear. These over-ear headphones are Hi-Res Audio-certified and come with a microphone for making calls. While other V-Moda headphones tend to push the bass, the M-200 offers a more neutral profile suitable for studio monitoring. A wireless version, the M-200 ANC, includes active noise canceling but falls short in comparison to the AirPods Max in terms of features and overall performance. It would be advantageous if V-Moda offered Lightning or USB-C cables for phones without headphone jacks.
Mark Levinson No. 5909 headphones mark the premium audio brand’s entry into the headphone market with a hefty price tag of $999. Despite the high cost, these headphones offer sturdy design, comfort, and impressive sound quality, making them a worthwhile investment for audiophiles. The headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods due to padded leather earcups and headband. While currently on backorder, the Mark Levinson No. 5909 headphones are well-regarded for their premium build and audio performance.
OneOdio A10 headphones offer surprising value for their relatively modest price, boasting sturdy construction and decent comfort. These headphones are suitable for workouts and feature good noise canceling with a transparency mode. While they may feel slightly heavy compared to premium models, they provide a decent sound quality and impressive battery life. Despite lacking the clarity and depth of more expensive headphones, the OneOdio A10 headphones surpass expectations and come with a practical carrying case.
Technics EAH-A800 headphones offer a blend of old-school design and modern performance, with a big, energetic sound featuring powerful bass and good detail. These comfortable headphones fold up and fold flat for easy storage or transport. While they require a day or two to break in, the Technics EAH-A800 headphones deliver an enjoyable listening experience with their robust sound profile. A part of the resurrected Technics brand under Panasonic, these headphones provide a unique blend of style and performance for audio enthusiasts.
