The iBasso DX50 is a well-regarded digital audio player (DAP) known for its superior sound quality and robust build. To truly appreciate the capabilities of this DAP, pairing it with the right headphones is essential. This comprehensive review will explore the best headphones for the iBasso DX50, considering various factors such as sound quality, comfort, design, and price. By the end of this review, you should have a clear understanding of which headphones will best complement your iBasso DX50 and enhance your listening experience.
Table of Contents
Criteria for Selection
Before diving into the specific headphone models, let’s establish the criteria used for selecting the best headphones for the iBasso DX50:
- Sound Quality: The primary factor is how well the headphones can reproduce the high-fidelity audio output of the DX50.
- Comfort: Since listening sessions can be lengthy, comfort is crucial to ensure a pleasant experience.
- Design and Build Quality: The durability and aesthetics of the headphones contribute to their overall value.
- Price: A range of price points will be considered to cater to different budgets.
- Compatibility: The headphones must pair well with the DX50 in terms of impedance and sensitivity.
Best Over-Ear Headphones
1. Sennheiser HD 650
Sound Quality: The Sennheiser HD 650 is renowned for its balanced sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the midrange, making it ideal for vocals and detailed instrumental music. The wide soundstage and excellent imaging bring out the best in high-resolution audio files, a perfect match for the iBasso DX50.
Comfort: The HD 650 features plush earpads and a padded headband, making it comfortable for long listening sessions. The open-back design also helps reduce pressure on the ears.
Design and Build Quality: With a robust construction and a classic design, the HD 650 is built to last. The open-back design, while enhancing sound quality, does mean it is not suitable for noisy environments.
Price: Around $400, the HD 650 offers excellent value for its performance, though it is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 300 ohms, the HD 650 may require a headphone amplifier to get the best performance, although the DX50’s output power is sufficient for casual listening.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Sound Quality: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is praised for its clear and detailed sound with a slight emphasis on bass. It provides a good balance that complements the neutral output of the iBasso DX50.
Comfort: The ATH-M50x has soft earpads and an adjustable headband, ensuring comfort during extended use. The closed-back design also helps isolate external noise.
Design and Build Quality: Known for its durability, the ATH-M50x has a foldable design, making it portable and easy to carry. The headphones are available in various colors, allowing for some personalization.
Price: Priced around $150, the ATH-M50x is a more affordable option without compromising on sound quality.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 38 ohms, the ATH-M50x pairs well with the DX50, delivering excellent performance without the need for an additional amplifier.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Sound Quality: The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro offers a detailed and dynamic sound signature, with a notable emphasis on bass. Its clarity and precision make it a great match for the high-resolution output of the DX50.
Comfort: These headphones feature soft velour earpads and a padded headband, ensuring long-term comfort. The closed-back design provides good isolation from external noise.
Design and Build Quality: The DT 770 Pro is known for its sturdy build quality and professional design, making it a durable choice for everyday use.
Price: At around $180, the DT 770 Pro offers excellent value for its performance.
Compatibility: Available in different impedance versions (32 ohms, 80 ohms, and 250 ohms), users can choose the one that best suits their needs. The 32-ohm version is particularly suitable for the DX50.
Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)
1. Shure SE846
Sound Quality: The Shure SE846 is one of the best IEMs available, known for its exceptional clarity and detail. It features a quad-driver setup that provides a balanced and immersive sound experience, perfect for the detailed output of the iBasso DX50.
Comfort: The SE846 comes with a variety of ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Its design also ensures good noise isolation, making it ideal for use in noisy environments.
Design and Build Quality: These IEMs are built to last, with a durable design and detachable cables for easy replacement. The clear housings also give them a unique and stylish look.
Price: At around $1000, the SE846 is a premium option, but its performance justifies the price for serious audiophiles.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 9 ohms, the SE846 is easy to drive and pairs well with the DX50, delivering superb audio quality.
2. Westone W40
Sound Quality: The Westone W40 features a balanced armature quad-driver system that delivers a detailed and rich sound. Its warm sound signature complements the neutral output of the iBasso DX50, providing a pleasant listening experience.
Comfort: The W40 is designed for comfort, with a lightweight and ergonomic design that fits securely in the ears. It also comes with multiple ear tips to ensure the best fit.
Design and Build Quality: These IEMs have a robust build quality and come with detachable cables, enhancing their durability. The sleek design also makes them visually appealing.
Price: Priced around $500, the W40 offers excellent value for its sound quality and comfort.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 31 ohms, the W40 pairs well with the DX50, providing high-quality audio without the need for an external amplifier.
3. 1MORE Quad Driver
Sound Quality: The 1MORE Quad Driver IEMs are praised for their balanced sound signature, with clear mids and highs and a tight bass response. Their sound quality makes them a good match for the iBasso DX50.
Comfort: The Quad Driver IEMs come with a variety of ear tips, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for most users. Their lightweight design also contributes to their comfort during long listening sessions.
Design and Build Quality: With a stylish design and durable build, these IEMs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The inclusion of a Kevlar-reinforced cable enhances their longevity.
Price: At around $170, the 1MORE Quad Driver offers excellent performance at a relatively affordable price.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 32 ohms, the Quad Driver IEMs pair well with the DX50, providing excellent sound quality without requiring additional amplification.
Best On-Ear Headphones
1. Grado SR80e
Sound Quality: The Grado SR80e offers a lively and engaging sound signature, with clear mids and highs. Its open-back design provides a wide soundstage, enhancing the listening experience with the iBasso DX50.
Comfort: The SR80e features foam earpads that are comfortable, though they may not be suitable for long listening sessions for everyone. The lightweight design helps reduce fatigue.
Design and Build Quality: Grado headphones are known for their retro design and sturdy build. The SR80e is no exception, offering a unique look and solid construction.
Price: Priced around $100, the SR80e offers excellent value for its sound quality.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 32 ohms, the SR80e pairs well with the DX50, delivering great performance without the need for an amplifier.
2. Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2
Sound Quality: The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 offers a warm and rich sound signature, with a good balance across the frequency range. Its sound quality pairs well with the iBasso DX50, providing an enjoyable listening experience.
Comfort: The P5 Series 2 features soft leather earpads and an adjustable headband, ensuring comfort during extended use. The on-ear design is compact and portable.
Design and Build Quality: With a premium build quality and stylish design, the P5 Series 2 is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The use of high-quality materials adds to its appeal.
Price: At around $200, the P5 Series 2 offers good value for its performance and build quality.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 22 ohms, the P5 Series 2 is easy to drive and pairs well with the DX50, providing excellent sound quality.
3. AKG Y50
Sound Quality: The AKG Y50 offers a clear and detailed sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass. Its sound quality is well-suited for the iBasso DX50, providing a balanced listening experience.
Comfort: The Y50 features soft earpads and an adjustable headband, ensuring comfort during long listening sessions. Its lightweight design also makes it portable and easy to carry.
Design and Build Quality: With a stylish and robust build, the Y50 is both durable and visually appealing. The foldable design adds to its portability.
Price: Priced at around $100, the AKG Y50 offers excellent value for its sound quality and build.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 32 ohms, the Y50 pairs well with the DX50, delivering great audio performance without the need for additional amplification.
Best Wireless Headphones
While the iBasso DX50 does not feature built-in Bluetooth, many users prefer wireless headphones for convenience. You can use a Bluetooth transmitter with the DX50 to enjoy wireless audio.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound Quality: The Sony WH-1000XM4 is widely regarded for its excellent sound quality, with a balanced and detailed sound signature. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is among the best in the industry, enhancing the listening experience even in noisy environments.
Comfort: The WH-1000XM4 features plush earpads and a lightweight design, ensuring comfort during long listening sessions. The adjustable headband provides a secure fit for different head sizes.
Design and Build Quality: With a sleek and modern design, the WH-1000XM4 is both stylish and durable. The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials used throughout.
Price: At around $350, the WH-1000XM4 is on the higher end of the price spectrum but offers a lot of value with its features and performance.
Compatibility: Using a Bluetooth transmitter, the WH-1000XM4 pairs well with the DX50, providing a seamless and high-quality wireless audio experience.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Sound Quality: The Bose QuietComfort 35 II offers a smooth and balanced sound signature, with a slight emphasis on bass. The ANC is highly effective, making it ideal for use in noisy environments.
Comfort: Known for their comfort, the QuietComfort 35 II features soft earpads and a lightweight design. The headphones are designed for extended use without causing fatigue.
Design and Build Quality: The QC35 II has a durable build quality and a sleek design. The foldable design adds to its portability, making it easy to carry.
Price: Priced around $300, the QC35 II offers good value for its sound quality and ANC capabilities.
Compatibility: With a Bluetooth transmitter, the QC35 II pairs well with the DX50, providing an excellent wireless audio experience.
3. Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3
Sound Quality: The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3 offers a rich and detailed sound signature, with a balanced frequency response. The ANC is effective, though not as strong as the Sony or Bose models.
Comfort: The Momentum Wireless 3 features soft leather earpads and an adjustable headband, ensuring comfort during extended listening sessions. The over-ear design provides good noise isolation.
Design and Build Quality: With a premium build quality and stylish design, the Momentum Wireless 3 is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The use of high-quality materials adds to its premium feel.
Price: At around $400, the Momentum Wireless 3 is a premium option but offers excellent performance and build quality.
Compatibility: Using a Bluetooth transmitter, the Momentum Wireless 3 pairs well with the DX50, providing a high-quality wireless audio experience.
Best Budget Headphones
For those looking for budget-friendly options, there are several headphones that offer good performance without breaking the bank.
1. Koss Porta Pro
Sound Quality: The Koss Porta Pro is known for its warm and engaging sound signature, with a good balance of bass, mids, and highs. It offers surprisingly good sound quality for its price.
Comfort: The Porta Pro features foam earpads and an adjustable headband, providing a comfortable fit. Its lightweight design makes it easy to wear for long periods.
Design and Build Quality: With a retro design and durable build, the Porta Pro is both stylish and sturdy. The foldable design adds to its portability.
Price: Priced around $50, the Porta Pro offers excellent value for its sound quality and comfort.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 60 ohms, the Porta Pro pairs well with the DX50, providing good performance without the need for an amplifier.
2. Superlux HD668B
Sound Quality: The Superlux HD668B offers a detailed and balanced sound signature, with a wide soundstage and good imaging. It is an excellent budget option for those looking to enjoy high-quality audio.
Comfort: The HD668B features soft earpads and an adjustable headband, ensuring comfort during extended use. The semi-open design provides a good balance of isolation and natural sound.
Design and Build Quality: With a robust build quality and simple design, the HD668B is durable and functional. The detachable cable adds to its convenience.
Price: Priced around $40, the HD668B offers outstanding value for its sound quality and build.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 56 ohms, the HD668B pairs well with the DX50, delivering good performance without the need for additional amplification.
3. Monoprice Modern Retro
Sound Quality: The Monoprice Modern Retro offers a warm and smooth sound signature, with a good balance of bass, mids, and highs. It provides impressive sound quality for its price.
Comfort: The Modern Retro features soft earpads and a lightweight design, ensuring comfort during long listening sessions. The over-ear design provides good noise isolation.
Design and Build Quality: With a retro design and durable build, the Modern Retro is both stylish and sturdy. The foldable design adds to its portability.
Price: Priced around $30, the Modern Retro offers excellent value for its sound quality and comfort.
Compatibility: With an impedance of 32 ohms, the Modern Retro pairs well with the DX50, providing good performance without the need for an amplifier.
Conclusion
Choosing the best headphones for the iBasso DX50 depends on various factors, including your budget, listening preferences, and desired features. Whether you prefer over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, or wireless headphones, there are excellent options available to suit your needs.
For those seeking premium sound quality and comfort, the Sennheiser HD 650, Shure SE846, and Sony WH-1000XM4 are top choices. If you are looking for budget-friendly options without compromising on performance, the Koss Porta Pro, Superlux HD668B, and Monoprice Modern Retro are excellent candidates.
Ultimately, the best headphones for the iBasso DX50 are the ones that provide the most enjoyable listening experience for you. By considering the sound quality, comfort, design, and compatibility with the DX50, you can find the perfect headphones to enhance your music enjoyment.