What are some of the most comfortable headphones for extended listening?
- Thread starter caesar
- Start date
AQ NightHawk, B&O H4, Beyer DT770/T1/T90, Bose QC35, Sennheiser HD800, Sonus Faber Pryma. I selected these from a list of around 150, and I didn't include headphones that are OK for me, but a very snug fit that could be a problem for a lot of users. Examples of those are the v-moda M100 and Wireless-2, the B&W P7, Beyer DT1770 pro, Sennheiser HD380/Momentum etc. The Focal Elear is a possibility, but I don't remember if the earpads were generously roomy or snug.
I have used the Focal Utopias for long listening sessions without issues, despite them being heavier than average.
The Sennheiser HD598 is the most comfortable headphone I've worn. While it isn't the last word in detail, the sound is engaging and the fatigue is literally nonexistant. They are light, sit comfortably on the head, provide just enough pressure to stay secure but not vice your head, and are open back giving you air flow. I also have a pair of the Sennheiser HD6XX from Massdrop and while they are better headphones, I still prefer the fatigue-less experience of the 598.
When I went shopping for the 598, I was looking specifically for a balance leaning towards comfort over performance. After wearing around 100 headphones, the 598 were in a league all their own for me. YMMV
PS - I have semi-large ears.
When I went shopping for the 598, I was looking specifically for a balance leaning towards comfort over performance. After wearing around 100 headphones, the 598 were in a league all their own for me. YMMV
PS - I have semi-large ears.
Wow! 100 headphones! That is some auditioning! I own the Sennheiser 650s and sometimes will wear them for several hours while working. Extremely comfortable indeed.
My Stax are pretty comfortable, but so far, the most comfortable headphones and beautifully built are the Sony Z7 and Z1R. Sonically, they are both wonderful as well, with the Z1R having the extra high cost for extra refinement. The Z7 is a stone bargain these days for 3 to 4 hundred, and used with a high current amp, they sing and become almost stat-like.
Both headphones are light and have great earcups for long term comfort and are closed rather than open. They still have great sound staging even though closed.
Both headphones are light and have great earcups for long term comfort and are closed rather than open. They still have great sound staging even though closed.
If open-back is OK (I assume Stax is), then the new Grado wireless at 160 gm with very soft earpads and minimal clamp are as comfy as the Bose QC35 that I also own, with the added advantage that the Grado gets its quality sound without the internal equalization.
The Pryma by Sonus Faber is a beautiful and nicely-made headphone with good sound - highly recommended. It's still no. 6 all-time on my youtube channel after 3 years adding other items.
Interesting -- I thought the Pryma sounded good, but I know nothing about headphones, so I reported only that I think they are extremely comfortable.
I decided to buy the Carbon Marsala version, which is lovely, but after I purchased some white Gucci walking shoes, I wish I also had the white version of the headphone. It would have been a great match.
Similar threads
 | Steve Williams Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator |  | Ron Resnick Site Co-Owner | Administrator |  | Julian (The Fixer) Website Build | Marketing Managersing |