On/over-ear headphones

Every model listed here has won a Sound+Image award – but consider also what functions you need, as well as the prices. Open-backed models can have a thrilling airy sound that closed models can’t match, while cables often beat Bluetooth for best sound. But for commuting or long distance, closed wireless noise-cancellers can bring an isolation worth paying for.

YAMAHA HPH-W300

W2019 / $249 / au.yamaha.com

Yamaha delivers some fine headphones, and these $249 over-ears deliver cabled sound and quality of build that far exceeds their price, and there’s wireless Bluetooth as well for convenience.

SENNHEISER HD 660S

W2019 / $799.95 / www.sennheiser.com.au WIRELESS NC MODELS

Open-backed home headphones which deliver tunes old and new as if piped fresh from the studio, with music flowing effortless and free. A joyous headphone with high comfort for long sessions.

JBL LIVE 650BTNC

W2020 / $279.95 / www.jbl.com.au

This trio of wireless noise-cancelling ’phones has to start with JBL’s bargain 650BTNC, which is loaded with tech via the app yet deliver sound beyond the price, and even better using the cable.

SENNHEISER HD 560S

W2021 / $320 / www.sennheiser.com.au

These open-backed home headphones demonstrate what Sennheiser does best — natural and highvalue shining sound, a reminder of the performance headstart granted by cable rather than Bluetooth.

STAX SRS-3100 SYSTEM

W2020 / $1400 / www.audiomarketing.com.au

Electrostatic ‘earspeakers’ paired with the required driver unit to deliver that Stax sound so detailed, so revealing, that it results in an entrancing and relaxing listening experience.

SENNHEISER MOMENTUM WIRELESS

W2020 / $599.95 / www.sennheiser.com.au

Sennheiser’s leading wireless noisecancellers, the mk3 Momentums are smart in many ways, with excellent customisation, sound quality in spades, and market-leading noise cancellation.

BEYERDYNAMIC AMIRON HOME

W2020 / $799 / www.beyerdynamic.com.au

Open headphones which deliver endless clarity and delight when used at home driven by a good headphone amplifier (such as beyerdynamic’s own!) able to drive their 250-ohm load.

STAX SR-009S/SRM-700S

W2021 / $13,650 / www.audiomarketing.com.au

Taking electrostatic Stax performance to the heights of beguiling and scintillating sound from this combo of $7750 ‘earspeakers’ and $5900 driver — full and rich, fluid and airily magnificent.

DALI iO-6

W2021 / $699 / www.ambertech.com.au

DALI nails the wireless noise-cancelling category with its very first headphone. Built using the principles of speaker design, the iO-6 delivers thrillingly rich and musical sound in a luxurious and tactile design.