Headphones of the Year $500-$1000

From the sister brand of NAD and Bluesound come these Bluetooth-equipped versions of a previous award-winner (the noise-cancelling M4U 2). Brilliant in every way is the $599 M4U 8 — the big and powerful active sound, their ability to deliver in-the-room as well as in-your-head delivery, and the most sensible set of controls for wireless NC we’ve ever had the pleasure of using (no tricky touchpads here). Some may think them a little large, even a little firm to the head; it matters little once under their spell. Even via Bluetooth the sound quality is good; vocals are crisp, music big and energetic without trangressing any frequency band. Back on cable, they’re rich and full, almost entirely free of bloat in the bass, and wonderfully musical. Our new reference for wireless NC.

More info: psbspeakers.com.au HEADPHONES Wireless Noise-Cancellers of the Year

“Our new reference for wireless noise-cancelling headphones, a delight from ease-of-use to sound quality, both cabled and via Bluetooth, and with excellent noise-cancelling.”