AUDEZE LCD-1

£399, audeze.com

Planar magnetic headphones like the Audeze LCD-1 are far less prone to distortion and offer very responsive sound. While these don’t have quite the prodigious soundstage you’ll find on the Grado S325e or Focal Stellia, they’re still seriously expressive. Where they really shine, however, is in how well-rounded their sound is. Their bass and mids are warm and resonant without being remotely turgid, while trebles are clear without being excessively bright or grating. Finally, they feel and look every bit as smooth as they sound.