8 best reinforcing headphones

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

High-quality, 'meaty' sound is perhaps one of the main criteria presented by the vast majority of consumers to closed headphones. And, if we are talking about reinforcement models, then the assessment criteria move to a radically different level. What models of plugs deserve attention in the premium category? We figured out the variety of models offered by global brands and settled on the top eight. They will be discussed further.

Rating of the best reinforcing headphones

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best reinforcing headphones	1	Westone W60	RUB 68,750
	2	Onkyo E900M	RUB 19,250
	3	Westone UM PRO30	RUB 29 490
	4	Grado GR8	RUB 12 600
	5	Shure SE535	RUB 15 700
	6	1MORE Quad Driver In-Ear E1010	RUB 7 530
	7	Sony XBA-A1AP	RUB 4,900
	8	Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD	RUB 1,450

Westone W60

Rating: 4.9

The top line of headphones from the notorious (albeit, rather, in narrow circles), American company Westone Labs. The model in question was rated not from the category of 'bad' or 'good', since the manufacturer is a master of his craft. Special attention should be paid to the special 'chips' Westone W60. The first is a six-driver (2 for each band) with a three-way crossover. The sound stage is built just perfectly: on the first notes there is a feeling of the close proximity of musical instruments to the one who listens to the music.

The second – 10 pairs of interchangeable earpieces (and for each genre of music, one ear cushions are more suitable than others), which come with interchangeable patch panels and a braided Epic cable. The headset function for iPhone is a pleasure. The third is the behind-the-ear fit. Those who are new to earbud placement may have to suffer at first, but it's worth it: the fit is incredibly comfortable, even when worn under a hat, bandana and other headgear.

Even lying in these headphones is comfortable, with your ear buried in the pillow. It is worth noting that the sound is transmitted with crystal clearness, so the 'crooked' hands of the directors who mixed the sound in some compositions will be immediately caught by the Westone W60 headphones.

Advantages

• 6 armature drivers with 3-way crossover;
• comfortable, ergonomic shape – behind-the-ear fit;
• acoustic symmetry between channels;
• reinforced (removable) Epic cable;
• additional 3-button headset for products Apple;
• replaceable panels (metal).

disadvantages

• average quality of replacement linings;
• long 'warm-up'.

Onkyo E900M

Rating: 4.8

These headphones have deservedly got into our rating as one of the best and most stylish in the world. The presence of unique balanced drivers-hybrids – dynamic (6 mm) and reinforced – allows you to achieve clear and crisp sound not only from high quality audio formats. And the addition of a hybrid acoustic architecture balances frequencies, adding depth to bass without affecting accuracy.

HRA (High Resolution) audio playback is one of the features of the Onkyo E900M. Using a proprietary app, download service and acoustic design, the headphones reproduce complex HRA files with incredible fidelity. Dynamic drivers deliver crisp bass while oxygen-free twisted cables enhance sound clarity. Durable aluminum housing combined with reinforced plastic provides not only a stylish look, but also a long service life of audio equipment.

Advantages

• support high resolution files;
• luxurious, explosive sound;
• carefully designed design;
• closed acoustic architecture + hybrid drivers;
• durable yet lightweight hybrid body;
• 3 sets of ergonomic silicone ear pads.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Westone UM PRO30

Rating: 4.8

Incredible sound quality and hand-crafted design are just some of the strengths of the powerful armature headphones from Westone Lab. The professional product line is designed for musicians. Built-in microdrivers for different frequencies are perfectly matched to the 3-way crossover. The result is a perfectly flat, well-balanced, detailed transmission of the entire frequency range (20-18000 Hz).

Separately, it is worth mentioning the excellent noise isolation of the headphones, thanks to which you can not only enjoy the perfect sound of your favorite songs in noisy transport, but also work with pleasure on the music scene. The special shape of the product provides for wearing it behind the ear – it is comfortable and ergonomic. In addition, this fit of the earbuds prevents microphonic effects, making the product perfectly fit to your ears. The set comes with a removable Epic cable of a reinforced type, a set of ear pads of various sizes (made of silicone, foam).

Advantages

• signature deep, detailed sound;
• manual assembly;
• comfortable behind-the-ear fit;
• 3-driver design + passive crossover;
• passive noise reduction (up to 25 dB);
• detachable reinforced cable.

disadvantages

• complaints about the build quality (the crossover may 'fly' due to temperature changes, the case may break).

Grado GR8

Rating: 4.7

These headphones are a worthy representative of their price category in the portable audio market. “Japanese”, assembled in the USA, is compact, excellent noise isolation and good bass reproducibility. The cable used in the headphones is quite thin, but at the same time it is highly durable (oxygen-free copper) and allows you to conveniently fix the plugs. The set includes 2 interchangeable pairs of ear pads of different sizes – you can choose the appropriate option for comfortable listening to your favorite music.

One feature is that when seated shallowly, the headphones produce a harsh sound, the low-frequency range disappears. Users recommend trying the behind-the-ear fit: when the wire is thrown behind the ear, the tube enters the ear canal at an ideal angle (excellent fixation is achieved). The lack of accessories is not particularly pleasing: for example, a case for carrying the product, given that the cable in the headphones is thin and soft, or the ear-hook.

The armature transducer (movable armature) provides a rich and airy sound of the high frequencies, while the low ones do not go into the hum: the bass remains clear and even. The frequency range of the product is 20-20000 Hz.

Advantages

• compact, stylish design;
• deep, clear sound;
• replaceable silicone ear pads.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Shure SE535

Rating: 4.7

A compact in-ear model with a balanced anchor, embodied in a stylish design. Our experts could not miss this original and technically sophisticated product. The headphones have built-in 3 micro-emitters per channel at once: a separate channel is responsible for high frequencies, and dual woofers are responsible for bass. The built-in passive crossover distributes frequencies precisely, making audio files sound perfectly crisp and clear ('mastery' range – 18-19000 Hz). Although the headphones are compact, they perfectly convey the full sound of music, even if it is rich in bass.

The set includes a built-in microphone (as a headset) with buttons for switching, stopping songs and a function key for answering a call. The earbuds have a wide range of compatibility: mobile devices, mp3, products Apple, etc. Also included is a detachable Kevlar-reinforced cable Bluetooth with earhook area. One charge is enough for 8 hours of comfortable listening to music.

Advantages

• 3 armature drivers;
• Comfortable behind-the-ear fit;
• Reinforced detachable cable;
• rich bass;
• the presence of a built-in microphone with the ability to control the volume of music and its playback.

disadvantages

• lack of bass (individual consumer reviews).

1MORE Quad Driver In-Ear E1010

Rating: 4.7

Multi-driver model with classic ear fit. The headphones successfully combine stylish design, ergonomics and powerful sound. Each earphone has 4 built-in radiators, including 3 reinforcing tweeters, which are responsible for the purity and depth of sounding mid and high frequencies, and a dynamic radiator, which gives a clear, clean low-frequency sound at the output (range – 20-40,000 Hz). The headphones, as you would expect, have a soft, warm sound. Quad Driver In-Ear E1010 is perfect for smartphone.

It is worth considering that the attachment of the cord to the bowls is not removable – the probability of spontaneous disconnection is zero. Users particularly appreciate the incredibly comfortable anatomical shape of the capsule, which provides a comfortable fit in the ear canal. The headset of the product is made of aluminum, which gives it additional strength. Oxygen-free copper wire is reinforced with Kevlar.

In addition to the main elements, the product has an impressive set of additional accessories: a hard mini-case for storage / transportation, a clip for fixing on clothes, 8 pairs of additional different-sized ear pads, an adapter (from 3.5 to 6.3 mm).

Advantages

• high detail sound + clear lows;
• a variety of replaceable ear pads;
• stylish design;
• metal case;
• high quality headset.
• Disadvantage:
• excessive rise in midbass.

disadvantages

• excessive rise in midbass.

Sony XBA-A1AP

Rating: 4.6

The hybrid in-ear model is the first in the updated line. Each channel has two sounders – the armature-type driver ensures crystal clear vocals, and the 6mm dynamic-type driver ensures powerful, crisp bass. Sony has made a small but useful driver upgrade to improve vibration control and armature linearity. Now the mids / highs are reproduced much more clearly (capturing range – 5-25000 Hz).

It is worth noting the very comfortable fit of the audio product and an impressive set of various ear pads of two types – foam and silicone. Reinforced with silver-plated OFC litcentrate, the cable is made of oxygen-free copper. Micro-serration on the cover prevents the cord from tangling. The headphones are equipped with a microphone and a compact 3-button remote, allowing you to use them as a headset for your smartphone.

Advantages

• excellent detailing of treble / midrange + detailed bass;
• transmit sound well even on budget audio devices;
• 7 pairs of different-sized ear pads;
• clip for fixing on clothes;
• cord length regulator;
• cover;
• comfortable fit.

disadvantages

• not driving enough;
• ear pads with poor noise isolation (separate reviews).

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD

Rating: 4.5

Another hybrid in our collection of the best. closing, but not inferior in quality. This is an unusual model from a Chinese brand that stands out from others not only for its stylish appearance, but also for its purity of sound. Built-in drivers (dynamic and armature type) provide perfectly balanced, clear sound at high frequencies – the headphones are characterized by high sensitivity and low sound distortion, while maintaining the clarity, depth of low frequencies. A built-in capacitive divider 'helps' the armature to harmoniously combine sounds at different frequencies (20-40,000 Hz).

The earbuds have a built-in microphone, providing good noise reduction and clear speech. The set includes 3 types of silicone ear pads of different sizes. Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro are ergonomic and lightweight. So, the part of the earplugs in contact with the ear is made of rubber and plastic, so in the cold season there will be no discomfort from the cold. In addition to interchangeable ear tips, a compact case is also included.

Advantages

• high quality for a relatively low price;
• 3 pairs of interchangeable ear pads;
• balanced sound.

disadvantages

• require a long 'warm-up';
• short-lived microphone.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.