Welcome back, my audio enthusiasts. You have reached the right destination for the best 250-ohm headphones. Impedance is one of the key ingredients that have the power to change the sound quality. If you demand superior power handling, you have to go for high impedance.
If you get the headphones, I’m about to break down in detail the most important parts, and I can guarantee you won’t hear a tiny distortion. It will be all about pure sound clarity.
A Quick Look at My Favorite 250 OHM Headphones
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
The best of the best  | battery | 10 | Check Latest Price |
The studio legends  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price | |
The Tesla technology  | 9.1 | Check Latest Price | |
The cult object  | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
Noise Cancelling  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price |
Key Takeaways
- High impedance is responsible for sound quality, not for high volume sounds.
- Most high impedance headphones require additional use of an amplifier because computers have no such power-handling capacity.
- If you are not an audiophile or a music producer in a professional way, then you don’t need high impedance like 250 ohms. For casual use, always go for a lower impedance rate.
- For the best sound quality, pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro. It ticks all the boxes related to sound frequencies.
- For versatile use at a budget price, without a second thought, go for Sony MDR-ZX110NC.
Top 5 Best 250 OHM Headphones
5. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO – Best Overall
Beyerdynamic offers the Hercules power headphones; no matter how many decades have passed, the throne still belongs to them. Beyerdynamic is suited to anyone who creates music and loves to listen to music casually.
The simplified black design reminds me of the vintage style. The super comfortable headphones are built from a metal band with a thick layer of ear cushions. The ear pads are replaceable because all the Beyerdynamic series come in similar shapes and sizes.
As for the sound quality, they shine in studio use. The precision in details is absolutely stunning, specifically in vinyl records. Unlike many headphones that struggle with bass, the DT 770 Pro performs better in bass production. The vocals and instruments are well served, and you will hear no harsh distortion at high volumes.
The sound isolation evokes admiration because it is a velour earpad that struggles with that a little bit. The only downside is the noticeable sound leakage at higher volume levels. It would be best if you upgraded the headphones to full volume by using an additional amplifier.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you aim to get the full-featured packed headphones that will fulfill everything you can ask for, then pick DT 770 Pro. The sound precision is impressive and produces punchy bass. Besides, it’s ideal for vinyl records. Plus, if you wear glasses, the headphones don’t tighten your head.
| Headphone Type | Closed-back |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 5 – 35,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 250 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB |
4.Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO- Best for Mixing and Mastering
Here comes another Beyerdynamic headphone, but this time a newer version DT 880 Pro. Older players know how to do it well. I totally agree with “The Studio Legends” motto.
This time, the brand offers a black color option besides gray. It’s handcrafted, so you can replace the parts when it’s necessary. As always, comfort is not missing. The highly appreciated velour pads provide full comfort all day long. However, due to the headphone type, it leaks the sound massively. I can go as far as saying that you can’t get the best performance until you add an additional amplifier.
Moving on with the sound quality as I categorized the DT 880 Pro as the best for mixing and recording. The songs appear the same without a change, just like the original voices. The highs and mids are overly emphasized but still keep the accuracy. There is a slight sound coloration in the lows, and sound leakage is visibly present because of the semi-open design. If you want to get the most performance out of the DT 880 Pro, you need an additional amplifier.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you want a robust, comfortable, excellent sound quality for mixing and mastering, DT 880 Pro is your go-to thing. The spacious impulse response is outstanding, resulting in no change in audio tracks
| Headphone Type | Semi-open |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 5 – 35,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 250 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB |
3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition- Most Durable
Don’t hate on me; I’m relying on the saying “Old but gold .” They have nailed it so bad that even a decade’s passage, it’s hard to beat. In this premium version, the improvements are so visible, starting from the comfort and high studio sound quality. Besides 250 ohms, you have 32 and a maximum of 600 ohms.
So, if you’re a casual user, pick lower ohms and vice versa. For productivity, pick higher impedance. Note that smartphones and tablets work only with 32 ohms, not 250 ohms or above.
The upgraded sound quality is impressive; it will leave your mouth open with the results. It won my heart with the bass reflex increasing effectively at low frequencies. Besides, the sound signature is vibrant and natural. In high-tempo songs like Jack White’s Lazaretto, the texture is stepping forward.
If I have to comment on comfort, I will give a ten to the lightweight construction and silky-smooth ear cushions. The cushions are replaceable as well because the lifetime lifespan will require a change. The open design gives you the impression like you are listening on a loudspeaker. Just like all open-back models, DT 990, too, creates some sound leaks.
Why Should You Buy It?
The vibrant and natural sound signature is very precise, especially in rock and hip-hop songs. Besides, its lightweight and silky smooth body construction are made to last a lifetime.
| Headphone Type | Open-ear |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 15 – 24,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 250 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB |
2. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro- Best Sound Quality
I know; the list started as the best 250-ohm headphones and turned out to be the best of Beyerdynamics. What can I say? Germans live up to that. DT 1990 Pro’s body is made thoroughly from metal with small hints of plastic, proving to be top-notch durability.
The headphone’s primary focus is to create a balanced and analytical sound signature. The mid-range and bass reproduction seemed neutral in Frank Oceans’ song called Moon River. The bass is more emphasized than the vocals and instruments. The overpowering open-back design results in the absolute perfection of high frequencies. It’s so pleasurable to hear the rise of good treble response.
You better have a spare budget because the price range is hard to swallow. Premium quality for a premium price, it’s a good deal. As for the sound isolation capability, DT 1990 uses an open-back style. That means you will encounter sound leakage very well. Hey, don’t let that fool you because the “soundstage” is flawless. The 3D sound effect is represented in the high fidelity of the stereo sound system.
The headphone features the latest Tesla driver technology, which is related to the intensity of the magnetic field and air space in the circuit. This feature makes you feel like you are in the middle of a live concert.
Why Should You Buy It?
If your only intention is to get perfect sound quality, then only DT1990 Pro can guarantee that. It shows a massive improvement in the soundstage. The price may be higher, but not higher than the offered quality. Plus, it’s a rare occasion for a headphone’s body to be almost entire metal, which impacts the price. It’s comfortable and durable at the same time.
| Headphone Type | Open-back |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 5-40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 250 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB |
1. Sony MDR-ZX110NC – Best Noise Cancelling
The final product comes from Sony, so no more Beyerdynamic products. Sony is my first choice when I look for audio equipment in general, not only headphones. Sony has proven a thousand times their worth, but this time is emphasizing compactness. The ultimate lightweight body construction allows you to use it either wired or wirelessly.
The MDR series isn’t known for studio use only. The wireless option makes Sony stand out because of its versatile use and portability. The foldable design can swivel to fit in the dedicated bag.
The sound quality is unquestionable because, come on; the topic is Sony. The bass production is so booming that at high levels ends up being extremely heavy. The mids are flat and even, which produces nice balanced sounds by thickening the vocals. However, the trebles seem slightly below average and quite noticeable on cymbals.
The diamond shines in the Noise cancellation feature. It manages to block the entire environment noise to leave you peaceful listening times, especially at low frequencies. The ambient noise reduction to 95% lets only music infiltrate.
The battery life, on the other hand, is 80 hours. The days of not caring about how much battery life has left are long gone. Speaking in general, I love how Sony compensates for the downside with strength.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you plan to use a pair of headphones outside the studio and look for something portable, then pick MDR-ZX110NC. You get to use it in a wireless form with 80 hours of battery life. Despite the affordable price range, it brings a good value to the table.
| Headphone Type | Closed-back |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 10–22,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 220 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 115 dB |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Ohm Mean in Headphones?
Legend has it the impedance impacts the loudness of the audio, but that’s not entirely true. Impedance only improves the sound quality to a satisfactory level. It helps you deliver superpower audios to compensate the devices with low output voltage. As a result, impedance has nothing to do with loudness.
Is High Impedance or Low Impedance better?
They both have a specific place of use. Because high impedance is considered the master for mixing and remastering, low impedance is preferable in scenarios such as everyday music listening. The reason behind it is the high impedance isn’t compatible with devices like smartphones and tablets.
What is Considered a Good Impedance in Headphones?
The measurement system for impedance is ohms with the sign Ω. The number varies between 8-600 ohms. The standardized number is 32 ohms in rating, and most of the headphones on the market follow that rule for casual use. Since you are not here for simple use, the higher impedance will fulfill that studio quality usage.
Are 80 ohms better than 250 ohms?
As I said before, the lower impedance for everyday listening and gaming sessions is better. In this case, 80 ohms is better than 250 ohms. Whether you’re a producer, DJ, or audiophile, 250 ohms is better than 80 ohms.
Do You Need an Additional AMP (Amplifier) for 250-ohm Headphones?
Most probably, you do. In case you try to avoid the amplifier, the sound quality will drastically change. The chances of suffering from muddy sounds or distortion, especially in lower frequencies, are very high. This happens because not a single computer device can cover that increased power output.
A Brief Summary
As an audiophile and a music producer, I tried to explain impedance’s significance in audio production. To sum up, in a few words, I would say professionals will be encouraged by the quality of my offered headphones.
My favorite one is Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO model, but in the end, your budget will determine which one suits you the best. Please keep in mind that using an amplifier is a must. Any headphone at or over 250 ohms requires an additional amplifier. It’s important to know what to expect. High impedance affects the sound quality only. It is not responsible for the loudness of the volume.
Further Reading
If you happen to be a fan of rock music, I have written not one but two articles just for you. 5 Best Speakers For Rock Music (Top 5 Picks) and Best Headphones For Rock Music (Top 5 Picks) are two articles that you don’t want to miss.
And since I mentioned Beyerdynamic 990 in this article, you can read about the best audio interfaces for Beyerdynamic 990.
Sound Technician
I’m a sound technician, ensuring that your events and shows are heard loud and clear. Crafting audio broadcasts, studio recordings, and live mixes with finesse to provide the best quality sound experience.
