WIRED IN-EAR HEADPHONES

FLARE AUDIO FLARE PRO 2HD

$644, flareaudio.com

These are both wired and wireless – the in-ear bit has a cable to a DAC box, which you can then play music through over Bluetooth or by plugging in. The sound is fantastic – huge and nuanced.

KLIPSCH R6I II $99, klipsch.com

A more comfortable alternative to in-ear monitors, the R6i

IIs deliver lots of bass and a lively, engaging sound.

It’s maybe a little bass-heavy for older music, but it’s great for modern stuff.

FLARE AUDIO FLARES JET 3

$164, flareaudio.com

Maintaining the quality of the Flares Pro (see Bluetooth headphones), removing the DAC element and thereby slashing the price, these audiophile inear headphones are a tremendous option.

SOUNDMAGIC E11C

$99, soundmagicheadphones.com

Can we really be recommending a pair of headphones for under $100? Yes we can! The grown-up sound quality and exemplary comfort of the 11c make them the sonic bargain of the year.