The 5 Best Headphones for Turntables: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to enjoying your vinyl collection, the right pair of headphones can make all the difference. Whether you’re spinning classic rock, heavy metal, or any other genre of music, the type of headphones you choose can elevate your listening experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best headphones for turntables, considering various factors such as sound quality, build quality, and price range.

Factors to consider when choosing the Best Headphones for Turntables:

Open-Back vs. Closed-Back Design

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is between open-back headphones and closed-back headphones. Open-back headphones are known for their more natural sound and wider soundstage, which is great for listening in the quiet of your living room. However, they do allow sound to leak in from the outside world, which might not be ideal for everyone. On the other hand, closed-back headphones offer a closed-back design that isolates you from external noise, providing a more immersive experience with your vinyl records.

Bluetooth Connectivity

For those who have Bluetooth turntables, Bluetooth headphones offer the convenience of wireless connectivity. While purists may prefer wired headphones for a potentially better sound quality, modern Bluetooth wireless headphones have come a long way and can provide good value without the hassle of cables. Look for models with aptX or LDAC support for high-quality audio over Bluetooth.

Headphone Amplifiers and Built-in Preamplifiers

A headphone amplifier is a must-have for any serious audiophile. It ensures that your headphones receive enough power to deliver detailed sound and a proper frequency response. Some turntables come with a built-in preamplifier and headphone output, which can be a great convenience. However, a dedicated headphone amp might offer better sound quality and more options for fine-tuning your audio.

Drivers and Sound Quality

The mm drivers in your headphones are responsible for the sound signature you hear. Larger drivers can often provide a great sound with more bass and a wider frequency range. Look for headphones with dynamic drivers for a rich and detailed sound that can do justice to your vinyl collection.

Comfort and Build Quality

Comfort is key when it comes to a good pair of headphones. Look for ear cups that fit well and don’t cause discomfort over long listening sessions. The build quality is also important, especially if you plan to use your headphones for different uses beyond just listening to your record collection.

Price Range and Value

Headphones come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to much more expensive models. It’s important to find a great headphone that offers good value for the money. Sometimes, spending a bit more can get you a great sound that’s worth the investment.

5 Best Headphones for Turntables

1. Sennheiser HD 650

The Sennheiser HD 650 is a beloved and highly regarded pair of open-back headphones that are particularly well-suited for turntable listening. Here are some pros and cons of the HD 650, along with an explanation of why they’re an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts.

Pros:

1. Natural and accurate sound reproduction: The HD 650 is known for its neutral and accurate sound signature, which allows the true character of vinyl recordings to shine through. The open-back design provides a wide and natural soundstage, making it feel like the music is coming from a pair of speakers rather than headphones.
2. Exceptional midrange and vocal clarity: One of the standout features of the HD 650 is its exceptional midrange performance. Vocals and instruments in this crucial range are rendered with superb clarity and detail, making them ideal for appreciating the nuances of acoustic music and vocal performances.
3. Comfortable for extended listening sessions: With their lightweight design and velour earpads, the HD 650 can be worn comfortably for hours on end, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your vinyl collection without discomfort.
4. Build quality and durability: Sennheiser is known for its excellent build quality, and the HD 650 is no exception. These headphones are built to last, with sturdy construction and high-quality materials.

Cons:

1. Open-back design leads to sound leakage: Because of the open-back design, the HD 650 does not isolate sound well. This means that others around you may be able to hear your music, and external noise can also bleed in, potentially disrupting your listening experience.
2. Requires a good amplifier: The HD 650 has a relatively high impedance of 300 ohms, which means that it require a decent amount of power to drive them properly. While they can be powered by many consumer devices, a dedicated headphone amplifier or a receiver with a robust headphone output is recommended to unlock their full potential.
3. Not the most portable option: With their large size and open-back design, the HD 650 is not the most convenient pair of headphones for portable use or listening on the go.

Why the HD 650 is great for turntables?

The Sennheiser HD 650 is an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts for several reasons. Firstly, their neutral and accurate sound reproduction allows the character of vinyl recordings to shine through without coloration. Additionally, their exceptional midrange performance is particularly well-suited for capturing the warmth and nuances of vinyl.

Furthermore, the open-back design of the HD 650 creates a spacious and natural soundstage, replicating the experience of listening to a pair of speakers in a room. This makes them ideal for fully appreciating the depth and dimensionality of vinyl recordings.

Finally, the HD 650’s comfort and durability make them a great long-term investment for dedicated vinyl listeners who want to fully immerse themselves in their record collections for extended listening sessions.

Overall, while the HD 650 may not be the most portable or isolating pair of headphones, their exceptional sound quality, comfort, and suitability for vinyl make them a top choice for turntable enthusiasts seeking an immersive and faithful listening experience.

2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a popular pair of closed-back, over-ear headphones that are widely regarded as an excellent choice for turntable listening. Here are some pros and cons of the ATH-M50x, along with an explanation of why they’re a great option for vinyl enthusiasts.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality: The ATH-M50x is renowned for its impressive audio performance, delivering a balanced and detailed sound signature that is well-suited for a wide range of music genres, including vinyl playback.
2. Robust and durable build quality: Audio-Technica is known for its sturdy construction, and the ATH-M50x is no exception. These headphones are built to last, with a solid, yet comfortable over-ear design and high-quality materials.
3. Effective sound isolation: The closed-back design of the ATH-M50x provides good noise isolation, blocking out external sounds and preventing sound leakage. This can be particularly beneficial when listening to vinyl in shared or noisy environments.
4. Versatile connectivity: The ATH-M50x comes with a detachable cable and includes a 1/4″ adapter, making it compatible with a wide range of audio sources, including turntables, amplifiers, and mobile devices.
5. Affordability: Compared to many other high-performance headphones, the ATH-M50x offers excellent value for money, making it an accessible option for vinyl enthusiasts on a budget.

Cons:

1. Slightly bass-heavy sound signature: While the ATH-M50x is generally well-balanced, some users may find the bass response to be slightly emphasized, which could color the sound of certain vinyl recordings.
2. Moderate clamping force: The ATH-M50x exerts a moderate amount of clamping force on the head, which can cause discomfort for some users during extended listening sessions.
3. Non-removable cable: While the cable is detachable, it is not user-replaceable, which means that if the cable becomes damaged, you’ll need to purchase a replacement from Audio-Technica.

Why the ATH-M50x is great for turntables?

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is an excellent choice for the best vinyl headphones for several reasons. Firstly, its balanced and detailed sound signature allows the nuances and character of vinyl recordings to shine through, while the closed-back design helps to minimize external noise interference.

Additionally, the ATH-M50x’s robust build quality and durable construction make it well-suited for the frequent handling and transportation that often comes with maintaining a vinyl collection.

Furthermore, the versatile connectivity options, including the detachable cable and 1/4″ adapter, make it easy to integrate the ATH-M50x into a wide range of turntable setups, whether you’re using a dedicated amplifier or plugging directly into your turntable’s headphone output.

Finally, the affordability of the ATH-M50x makes it an accessible option for vinyl enthusiasts who want to experience high-quality audio without breaking the bank.

Overall, while the ATH-M50x may not be the most neutral or precise headphone on the market, its combination of excellent sound quality, robust build, effective isolation, and versatility make it a compelling choice for those looking to fully immerse themselves in their vinyl collection.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a popular pair of wireless, noise-canceling over-ear headphones that are highly regarded for their impressive sound quality and feature set. While primarily designed for use with modern digital audio sources, they can also be an excellent choice for turntable enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons of the Sony WH-1000XM4, and why they might be a good option for vinyl playback.

Pros:

1. Outstanding sound quality: The WH-1000XM4 boasts exceptional audio performance, with a well-balanced sound signature, deep bass response, and clear highs. This makes them capable of rendering the warmth and nuances of vinyl recordings with fidelity.
2. Effective noise cancellation: Sony’s industry-leading noise-canceling technology helps to eliminate external noise, allowing you to focus on the music from your turntable without distractions.
3. Comfortable and lightweight design: The WH-1000XM4 features plush ear cups and lightweight construction, making them comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions, which is often desirable when enjoying vinyl records.
4. Long battery life: With up to 30 hours of battery life (with noise cancellation on), you can enjoy your vinyl collection without worrying about frequent recharging.
5. Versatile connectivity: While wireless, the WH-1000XM4 also includes a detachable audio cable, allowing you to connect them directly to your turntable or amplifier for a wired listening experience.

Cons:

1. Closed-back design: Unlike open-back headphones, the closed-back design of the WH-1000XM4 may not provide the same level of soundstage and natural sound reproduction that some vinyl enthusiasts prefer.
2. Noise-canceling circuitry can introduce artifacts: While the noise-canceling technology is impressive, some users may notice slight artifacts or coloration in the audio when the feature is enabled.
3. Wireless connectivity may not be ideal for turntables: Although the WH-1000XM4 can be used in wired mode, some purists may prefer a direct, analog connection to their turntable for the best possible sound quality.

Why the WH-1000XM4 is good for turntables?

Despite being primarily designed for modern digital audio sources, the Sony WH-1000XM4 can be an excellent choice for turntable enthusiasts for several reasons:

1. Outstanding sound quality: The WH-1000XM4’s impressive audio performance ensures that the warmth and nuances of vinyl recordings are faithfully reproduced, allowing you to appreciate the rich analog sound fully.
2. Noise isolation: The effective noise cancellation feature helps to create an immersive listening environment, blocking out external noise and allowing you to focus on the music from your turntable.
3. Versatile connectivity: The ability to use the WH-1000XM4 in both wireless and wired modes provides flexibility, allowing you to choose the connection method that best suits your turntable setup and preferences.
4. Comfort and battery life: The comfortable design and long battery life make the WH-1000XM4 well-suited for extended listening sessions, which are often desired when enjoying vinyl records.

While the closed-back design and wireless connectivity may not be ideal for some vinyl purists, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers an excellent balance of sound quality, noise isolation, comfort, and versatility, making them a compelling option for turntable enthusiasts who value convenience and modern features alongside exceptional audio performance.

4. Akg K72

The AKG K72 is a pair of closed-back, over-ear headphones that offer an affordable entry into the world of high-fidelity audio. While not specifically designed for turntables, the K72 can be a great option for vinyl enthusiasts, especially those on a budget. Here are some pros and cons of the AKG K72, along with an explanation of why they might be a good choice for turntable listening.

Pros:

1. Excellent value for money: One of the biggest advantages of the AKG K72 is its affordable price point, making it an accessible option for those looking to upgrade their audio experience without breaking the bank.
2. Balanced and detailed sound: Despite their budget-friendly nature, the K72 delivers a surprisingly balanced and detailed sound signature, with a good representation across the frequency range, making them well-suited for a variety of music genres, including vinyl playback.
3. Comfortable design: The K72 features plush, over-ear pads and a self-adjusting headband, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, which is often desirable when enjoying vinyl records.
4. Closed-back design: The closed-back design of the K72 provides effective isolation from external noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your vinyl collection without distractions.
5. Durable construction: While not as rugged as some premium models, the K72 is built with sturdy construction, ensuring longevity and making it a good investment for vinyl enthusiasts on a budget.

Cons:

1. Limited soundstage: Due to their closed-back design, the K72 may not provide the same level of soundstage and open, natural sound reproduction as open-back headphones, which some vinyl purists prefer.
2. Relatively high clamping force: The K72 can exert a noticeable clamping force on the head, which may cause discomfort for some users during extended listening sessions.
3. Lack of detachable cable: The K72’s cable is non-detachable, which means that if the cable becomes damaged, you’ll need to replace the entire headphone.

Why the AKG K72 is good for turntables?

The AKG K72 can be a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts, particularly those on a budget, for several reasons:

1. Balanced and detailed sound: The K72’s balanced sound signature and ability to reproduce details across the frequency range make it well-suited for accurately rendering the nuances and warmth of vinyl recordings.
2. Effective noise isolation: The closed-back design helps to minimize external noise interference, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your vinyl collection without distractions.
3. Affordable price point: The K72’s budget-friendly price tag makes it an accessible option for those looking to upgrade their turntable listening experience without breaking the bank.
4. Comfortable design: The plush ear pads and self-adjusting headband ensure a comfortable fit, which is essential for extended vinyl listening sessions.

While the AKG K72 may not possess the same level of sonic refinement as more expensive headphones, it offers an excellent balance of sound quality, comfort, and affordability, making it a compelling choice for vinyl enthusiasts on a budget who prioritize value and performance.

5. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a popular pair of closed-back, over-ear headphones that are widely used by audio professionals and music enthusiasts alike. While not specifically designed for turntables, the DT 770 PRO can be an excellent choice for vinyl playback. Here are some pros and cons of these headphones, along with an explanation of why they’re well-suited for turntable setups.

Pros:

1. Exceptional build quality: Beyerdynamic is renowned for its robust and durable construction, and the DT 770 PRO is no exception. These headphones are built to last, with a solid metal frame and high-quality materials.
2. Accurate and detailed sound reproduction: The DT 770 PRO is known for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it capable of faithfully rendering the nuances and warmth of vinyl recordings.
3. Effective sound isolation: The closed-back design of the DT 770 PRO provides excellent sound isolation, blocking out external noise and preventing sound leakage, which can be beneficial when listening to vinyl in shared or noisy environments.
4. Comfortable for extended listening sessions: With plush velour ear pads and an adjustable, cushioned headband, the DT 770 PRO is designed for long listening sessions, which is often desirable when enjoying vinyl records.
5. Versatile connectivity: The DT 770 PRO comes with a detachable cable and includes a 1/4″ adapter, making it compatible with a wide range of audio sources, including turntables, amplifiers, and mobile devices.

Cons:

1. Slightly emphasized bass response: While generally well-balanced, some users may find the bass response of the DT 770 PRO to be slightly emphasized, which could color the sound of certain vinyl recordings.
2. Moderate clamping force: The DT 770 PRO exerts a moderate amount of clamping force on the head, which can cause discomfort for some users during extended listening sessions.
3. Non-removable cable: While the cable is detachable, it is not user-replaceable, which means that if the cable becomes damaged, you’ll need to purchase a replacement from Beyerdynamic.

Why the DT 770 PRO is good for turntables?

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts for several reasons:

1. Accurate and detailed sound reproduction: The DT 770 PRO’s accurate sound reproduction ensures that the warmth and nuances of vinyl recordings are faithfully reproduced, allowing you to fully appreciate the rich analog sound.
2. Effective sound isolation: The closed-back design and excellent sound isolation capabilities help to create an immersive listening environment, blocking out external noise and allowing you to focus on the music from your turntable.
3. Comfortable for extended listening sessions: The comfortable design and durable construction make the DT 770 PRO well-suited for the frequent handling and extended listening sessions that often come with maintaining a vinyl collection.
4. Versatile connectivity: The detachable cable and included adapter make it easy to integrate the DT 770 PRO into a wide range of turntable setups, whether you’re using a dedicated amplifier or plugging directly into your turntable’s headphone output.

While the slightly emphasized bass response and moderate clamping force may not be ideal for some users, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO’s impressive build quality, accurate sound reproduction, and effective isolation make it a compelling choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking an immersive and faithful listening experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the best headphones for turntables can significantly enhance your vinyl listening experience. From open-back models that provide a spacious and natural soundstage to closed-back designs that offer effective noise isolation, the options available cater to various preferences and needs.

Ultimately, the best headphones for turntables will come down to personal preference, taking into account factors such as sound signature, comfort, and budget. Whether you opt for a classic pair like the Sennheiser HD 650 or a more modern option like the Sony WH-1000XM4, the right headphones can transport you to a world of rich, analog sound that truly captures the essence of vinyl.

It’s important to remember that while headphones are crucial, they are just one part of the equation. A well-designed turntable setup, complete with a quality phono preamp and amplifier, can further elevate the listening experience, ensuring that every nuance and detail of your cherished vinyl records are faithfully reproduced.

So, take the time to research and audition different headphone models, and don’t be afraid to invest in a pair that truly resonates with your musical tastes and preferences. With the right headphones, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the warmth and character of your vinyl collection, rediscovering the magic of music in its purest form.