People are classified into two types, there are audiophile enthusiasts and other people. Audio enthusiasts that use headphones either for pure joy or for professional matters usually chose high impedance. On the other hand, casual users prefer low impedance.
Not because the prices are higher and the sound quality is more detailed, but also because low impedance headphones don’t require an additional headphone amplifier. On contrary, high impedance headphones most of the time need an amplifier.
For those who aren’t familiar with an amplifier, they simply are small devices that are sold separately in order to increase the amplitude of the electronic signals and the main objective is to boost the sound production. Take a look at some amplifiers for turntable article, I’m you’ll find something that suits you.
However, impedance isn’t the factor that stands out, there are features to consider, and then decide which one is better.
So in case you don’t prefer lower impedance and don’t want to hurt your pocket, there are great options, click to check these low impedance headphones.
Since we got it out the way, let’s get into the business and take a look at the best high impedance headphones.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best For Gaming  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Overall  | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Runner Up  | 9.1 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Budget  | 8.8 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Hi-Res Audio  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price |
Bringing in the Best High Impedance Headphones
1. Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X- Best For Gaming
Sennheiser attempts to get into the gaming world, but sadly the design part lacks to pass through that gaming vibe. Covered fully in matte black color, it has a lightweight body and velour earpads. For better comfort, the headband is soft and adjustable.
Since Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X dynamic driver headphones are built for gaming, let the battle station begin with noticing an enemy’s footsteps and knowing which directions they are coming from in a very detailed way. The must-have built-in mic is canceling the noise in the background, so you can enjoy your gaming times in peace. The microphone’s frequency response is 50–16,000 Hz. PC37X features the angled audio drivers, so you get that realistic surround sound feel.
As for music listening, it doesn’t give that HiFi vibe, but to be honest, it gets really close to it. The bass production is greater in intensity, and it doesn’t boost too high. No visible sound coloration even at higher tones, so EDM, and pop music specifically sound amazing. The song “Starboy” by The Weeknd is so far a masterpiece here.
To make the life longer, the braided cable is used but a 10 feet cable is really long, so if you are thinking to use the headphone outdoors, it’s not very convenient.
Keys specs:
- Form factor: Over ear
- Frequency response: 15–28,000 Hz
- Headphone Impedance: 50 Ω
- Sound pressure level: 116 dB
- Frequency Response: 50–16,000 Hz
- Microphone Pickup Pattern: Noise-cancelling
- Microphone Sensitivity: -38 dBV/PA
- Cable Length: 10 feet
Why Should You Buy It?
Velour earpad and a headset is very comfortable
Lightweight and minimalist black matte Design
Exceptional detailed audio quality
Excellent bass
Great Noise Isolation
2. Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation – Best Overall
The high-end look of the headphones smells from a few feet away. The nice silver color body has super comfy soft velour earpads and an adjustable headband. You can keep in for long hours in the ears and you still won’t feel warmth and moisture.
Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation sounds amazing in almost every genre of music. The rhythm is so smooth that sometimes can prevent extremely detailed treble from concentrating. The warm tones are equipped by highly effective Tesla Technology drivers. The main target of this system is to bring into life delightful clarity and to stand out with bass quality.
Speaking of bass quality, it isn’t as punchy as it is claimed by the company but still has the ability to move quickly and be precise. However, you will spend quality moments no matter what kind of music you listen to.
T1 2nd Generation voice coil has one of the highest impedance at 600 ohms, so the details in a precision follow throughout versatile use.
Sadly, there isn’t a built-in mic, so in this scenario, avoid gaming and work-related use. The long cable which is approximately 10 feet is a copper-covered in textile on double sides.
Overall, these headphones have better sound quality than most of its competitors in its price range.
Keys specs:
- Form factor: Semi-open
- Frequency response: 5, 50000 Hz
- Headphone Impedance: 600 Ω
- Sound pressure level: 126 dB
- Power Handling Capacity: 300 mW
- Microphone Pickup Pattern: No Mic
- Cable Length: 9.8 feet
Why Should You Buy It?
Fancy High-End Design
Exceptional detailed Music Production
Warm and Extremely Smooth Sound Flow
Wide Frequency Range
Quite Comfy
3. Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro- Best Runner Up
The same brand Beyerdynamic strikes again but this time with DT 880 Pro. The matte chrome on the back, metal ear forks, and band look “stunning” if I simply put it in words. The durability is on point since you don’t toss it a huge engine, I feel like the metal cannot be broken.
Rugged construction for comfy hours to your ears is provided. The velour, circum-aural earpads, and headband ensure the same comfort level.
Well, since the topic is about Beyerdynamic, there is no chance that it can fail in the audio quality department. No trouble perceiving tricky and difficult beats and snares. An electronic machine like a synthesizer, claps, and cymbals are flowing very smoothly and detailed. If you think this isn’t enough, rock music, punk, and pop deserve real praise.
In general, neither does it overemphasizes the tones, nor is underemphasizes. On the other side, the frequency response is flat which is again ideal for making visible the instrumental hiccups and the pieces where editing is needed.
Just as the previous Beyerdynamic, this version DT 880 Pro doesn’t include the microphone, and the cable is again 9.8 feet long.
Keys specs:
- Form factor: Semi-Open
- Frequency response: 5 – 35,000Hz
- Headphone Impedance: 250 Ω
- Sound pressure level: 96 dB
- Microphone Pickup Pattern: No Mic
- Cable Length: 9.8 feet
Why Should You Buy It?
Premium Design
Exceptional Details
Every Instrument Sounds Amazing
Wide Frequency Range
Top Comfort
4. Bopmen Y71 Headphones – Best Budget
Who said you have to spend a lot of money to get a high impedance headphone? In this case, Bopmen Over-Ear Headphones kick the doors with an affordable price range. The sleek look is all around the body with high material leather-cushioned earpads. The comfort continues with a foldable design for easy portability.
Be very careful, the durability isn’t the best, so it cannot withstand too many drops, as the elders say if you take care of things, they last. Apply this quote to headphones.
The versatile use of Bopmen headphones is surprising, you can use them for DJing, monitoring, recording keyboard guitar, audio interference, tablets, and smartphones. This is proof that
With the 40mm driver’s average, the sound profile is fairly good quality. The middles and highs in distinct frequencies are noticeable. However, the bass reproduction is rich and punchy, perfect for casual users who cannot compromise bass quality. The details and overall texture seem great.
Bopmen Y71 Headphones have built-in microphones to make and receive clear calls hands-free.
Keys specs:
- Form factor: Closed-Back
- Headphone Type: Over-Ear, Closed-Back
- Connectivity: Wired With Mic
- Dimensions: 6.29 x 6.69 x 2.75 inches
- Built-In Mic For Hands-Free Call.
- Comfort : 90 Degree Rotatable Ear Cups
Why Should You Buy It?
Maximum Comfort
Reduced Background Noises
Built-in Mic for Hands-free Call
Great Bass
Inexpensive Price Range
5. Sennheiser HD 660 S – Best Hi-Res Audio
HD 660 S audiophile headphones have a similar design that you are used to seeing from Sennheiser. The black matte finish and microfiber material look and feel premium. It is designed to be breathable and won’t warm your ears for a long time of use.
The sound of the Sennheiser HD 660 S audiophile headphones is the heritage of previous gens which is unquestionable. The spectacular mid ranges are so realistic, and high frequencies have warmer tones. You cannot sense any sound coloration in the maximum volume levels.
The details in Sennheiser HD 660 S audiophile headphones are represented in emphasized form, especially the trebles. When it comes to bass quality, the lack can be noticeable. So the bass enthusiasts may want to pass these audiophile headphones, but casual users, feel free because it stands somewhere in the middle of a performance part.
They have a solid left, right, and center image, but there appears to be a little hole at the front-left and front-right. I think they’re totally fine for music, but there are definitely more immersive stages on other audiophile headphones for other activities like watching TV or playing video games. The Sennheiser HD 660S does not have a mic.
Definitely some of the best high impedance headphones out there.
Keys specs:
- Form factor: Open Back
- Frequency response: 10 to 41,000 Hz
- Headphone Impedance: 150 Ω
- Sound pressure level: 104 dB
- Microphone Sensitivity: No Mic
- Cable Length: 9.8 feet
Why Should You Buy It?
High Resolution Audio
Super sensitive
Exceptional Mid-range Frequencies
Premium Built Materials
A Brief Record of Points Regarding High Impedance?
What is Headphone Impedance?
It’s most likely that you have seen the sign Ω which refers to ohms, this is the measurement system of impedance. Let’s break it down what is it in brief.
Impedance touches on the resistance of an electronic circuit or a device to AC. The AC stands for Alternating Current which is a digital audio coding system that constantly changes the direction and voltage power from maximum point to minimum point and vice versa.
All audio devices operate with AC. The power is secured by an amplifier.
Low, Mid or High Impedance?
Low Impedance
Low impedance is considered when a smart device like phones, laptops, and tablets voltage use. They are quite loud and aren’t the low quality by any means. You have seen how good they sound for example Audeze LCD-1 has 16 ohms and Philips SHP9600 has 32 ohms.
In fact, not only do casual earbuds or headphones have low impedance, the professional studio headphones can have low impedance too as you can see. You have to look for other features to find out whether it’s good or not.
| Low-Impedance Headphones are usually up to 32 Ω. |
Mid Impedance
For most things, mid levels are far more preferable because you cannot go wrong by choosing a mid impedance. Thankfully, they work with the wide range of amps, Dj mixing and other equipment like smartphones, or tablets.
Just a quick tip if you want your headphones to show the greatest performance while is in battery-powered mode. check for sensitivity that is rated minimum at 100dB SPL.
| Mid-Impedance Headphones start from 32 Ω and 100 Ω. |
High Impedance
Back in a time before smart devices weren’t famous enough, the conventional studios used high voltage gears and impedance served as a protection against ear-damaging.
Let’s take an example the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro and Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation. The brand uses thin cords and moving-coil drivers which results in a lightweight and drops the distortion.
High impedance headphones sound way better than low impedance, however, the difference isn’t that noticeable if you are a casual music listener. The audiophile freaks and professionals can tell the difference.
| High-Impedance Headphones start from 100 Ω and higher. |
Final Thought
We have reached the end of the article. To sum up the impedance shortly, it is mostly used in a professional matters. Impedance is basically an electronic resistance to Alternating Current which is a digital coding system.
The measurement system in impedance is ohm and the sign is Ω. The higher impedance, the better the sound, the details are precisely emphasized, and use a wider frequency range. However, keep in mind that the quality of headphones doesn’t necessarily mean the best sound quality. There are other factors and features that determine the overall sound quality.
Our pick is Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation because the 600 Ω impedance and extremely wide frequency range produce beyond perfect soundstage and details in the beat and vocals.
As for budget price, Bopmen Y71 Headphones seem nice and if gaming is your main purpose Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X is ideal.
Further Reading
For additional preference, Electrostatic Headphones are a good option to consider. For a little swap, feel free to check these types of headphones such as AKG Headphones, Headphones For Snowboarding, and Headphones For Jumping Rope.
If you can’t compromise bass, then subwoofers are your thing to look for. The Audioengine S8 is a nice option. Plus, budget prices like Subwoofers Under $500 are available. Still expensive, then check for Subwoofers Under $300, they are definitely worth it.
Composer & Audio Engineer
I’m a composer and audio engineer crafting sonic magic. Combining my skills in rhythm, harmony, and sound synthesis to create the ultimate auditory experience.
