headphones: high-end / audiophile-alpha

May TMA Sale! Save 15% on TMA-1 Studio Headphones. Sale ends May 31st.

LAB POINTS

• TMA-1 Studio Headphones are specially designed for studio work, music production, DJing, and everyday listening
• based on the TMA-1 DJ headphones, our most popular DJ headphone
• now with 3 button in-line remote for music control and calls / facetime
• designed for comfort with large, over-the-ear earpads and extra-padding in the headband
• sound output is tuned for a neutral / flat response, which is optimal for studio work and sound mixing
• flexible yet very durable design
• includes both foam (isolating) and synthetic leather ear pads (for DJing)
• includes detachable coiled headphone cord
• includes zippered carrying pouch
• rubberized, matte black finish
• compatible with iPod, iPad, and iPhone
• check the Labheads that use the TMA-1

TMA-1 Studio vs. TMA-1 DJ Headphones

• over-ear design vs. on-ear design
• newly-designed, larger ear pads
• more padding in headband for more comfort during extended sessions
• neutral / flat response sound output

LAB REVIEW

Now with in-line remote and mic! The TMA-1 Studio Headphones are based on our most popular and bestselling DJ headphone, the TMA-1 DJ Headphones. The Studio model takes all the proven strengths of the TMA-1 and adds the studio monitor functionality. The two main features of a quality studio monitor are comfort (for long critical listening sessions) and a neutral / flat sound output (we'll explain this later in review). In terms of comfort, the Studios feature enlarged, over-the-ear ear cups that come in both foam and synthetic leather. The foam ear cups are better for sound isolation, while the synthetic leather ones give you a bit more comfort. In terms of sound response, the Studios deliver a quality flat output, meaning the sound is equally balanced between low, mid, and high frequencies. When you create music, you want to make sure your sound is flat to ensure it sounds good on all systems. Think of it as the baseline, so when someone plays your song on a boombox or a high end stereo system, your sound will be balanced (the user can always up the bass or treble).

What does a flat response actually sound like? In terms of the TMA-1 Studios, for everyday usage you probably won't notice the difference. In fact, the Studios will sound crisp and clear, much better than most standard headphones out there. For DJing, you will not notice much of a difference except a bit less bass (but still plenty enough to DJ with). The label "studio montiors" should not dissuade you from purchasing these for any application. The bottom line is that they sound great and they would be awesome to have on your desk or in the airport. Please Note that studio monitors like these are "big" headphones, they may not be the best for everyday commuters.

KEY FEATURES

• 40mm dynamic titanium drivers
• 20 - 20K Frequency Response
• 32 +/-15% Ohm Impeadance
• 3 button in-line remote for music control and calls / facetime
• weighs approximately .5 lbs (220 g) without cable
• angled 3.5mm plug with 1/4" adaptor
• 5.25" (1.6m) detachable coiled cord
• compatible with iPod, iPad, and iPhone

COMES WITH

• 1/4" adaptor
• zippered carrying pouch
• (1) pair foam earpads (pre-mounted)
• (1) pair synthetic leather earpads

LAB POINTS

• supra-aural, lightweight and robust design
• high end sound suitable for musicans, sound engineers, DJs, and other critical listening situations
• tesla technology with highest efficiency and perfectly balanced sound even at high levels
• excellent ambient noise attenuation
• flexible split headband
• 90 degree swivel earcups
• single-sided cable
• soft-skin earpads and headband for extra comfort

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

In a marked departure from traditional beyerdynamic headphone design, the striking aesthetics of the new DT 1350 make it stand out from the crowd, delivering a professional, timeless quality that is both attractive and rugged. A combination of highly efficient ambient noise reduction and an impressive maximum sound pressure level (129 dB) make the DT 1350 an ideal compact over-ear headphone for audio engineers, musicians and DJ's. Regardless of whether you are a sound engineer monitoring PA systems, a live musician or a DJ, the DT 1350 delivers every time. The Tesla drivers offer an enormous degree of efficiency with extremely low levels of distortion, allowing the DT 1350 to produce a perfectly balanced, analytical sound even at the highest volumes. The removable ear cushions, combined with a flexible split headband design ensure the headphones sit securely and remain comfortable even during prolonged periods of use. The swivelling ear cups (90 degree) also allow "single-ear" monitoring.

KEY FEATURES

• Closed headsphone design
• Headphone impedance: 80 ohms
• Headphone frequency response: 5 - 30.000 Hz
• Nominal sound pressure level: 109 dB
• Construction: Supraaural (on-ear)
• weight: 225 g

COMES WITH

• carrying bag

LAB POINTS

• closed dynamic headphone
• excellent sound for critical music and sound monitoring
• bass reflex technology
• ultra-padded headband and velour, circumaural ear pads for extended comfort

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

The DT 770 PRO is a closed dynamic headphone and has been designed for critical music and sound monitoring. The single sided cable makes the handling of the headphone easy. The cushion system allows the DT 770 PRO to be used comfortably for long periods of time.

KEY FEATURES

• Closed, diffuse-field studio headphone
• "Bass reflex" technology for improved bass response
• Comfortable fit due to rugged, adjustable, soft padded headband construction
• Robust, easy serviceable construction as all parts are replaceable
• Single-sided cable
• Velour, circumaural ear pads
• Impedance 250 ohms
• Frequency response 5
• 35.000 Hz
• Sound pressure level 96 dB

COMES WITH

• carrying case

LAB POINTS

• limited 32 Ohms edition suitable for mobile devices
• closed dynamic construction
• excellent sound for critical music and sound monitoring
• bass-reflex-system for excellent bass reproduction
• replaceable, extra comfortable softskin head band and ear pads
• all black design
• one-sided cable
• special aluminum "limited edition" label

REVIEW

Limited edition 32 Ohms version of Beyerdynamic's popular DT-770 Pro Headphones to celebrate their 88th Anniversary. These DT-770's features the same premium studio quality sound reproduction and bass-reflex system as the standard 50 Ohms model, but at 32 Ohms to make these headphones compatible with mobile devices and portable music players. In addition to changing the Ohms, they've also made subtle changes to the look of the DT-770's. The 88th Anniversary model comes in all black with special aluminum "limited edition" markings and embossed "88" on the sides. They also features replaceable softskin head band and earpads for extended comfort during critical listening sessions. Comes packaged in exclusive retro-style box.

TECH SPECS

• closed, diffuse-field design
• impedance: 32 ohms
• frequency response: 5 - 35,000Hz
• nominal sound pressure level: 96dB
• circumaural construction
• all replaceable parts
• straight cable with 3.5mm connection and 1/4" adapter

• 120612

LAB POINTS

• semi-open reference headphone
• excellent sound for critical music and sound monitoring
• soft ear pads and adjustable sliding earpieces ensure comfort during extended listening
• single-sided cable

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

The DT 880 PRO is a reference-class, semi-open studio headphone which combines all strengths of open, transparent headphones with those of more powerful, closed headphones. Specially designed housings and an improved system equalisation turn this remake of the studio classic DT 880 PRO into an ideal studio monitoring headphone, with analytical qualities. Soft ear pads and adjustable, sliding, earpieces together with a single sided connecting cable ensure listening comfort during extended periods of use.

KEY FEATURES

• Semi-open, diffuse-field studio headphone
• Analytical sound
• Comfortable fit due to rugged, adjustable, soft padded headband construction
• Robust, easy serviceable construction as all parts are replaceable
• Single-sided cable
• Velour, circumaural ear pads
• Impedance 250 ohms
• Frequency response 5 - 35.000 Hz
• Sound pressure level 96 dB

COMES WITH

• carrying case

LAB POINTS

• pro quality open dynamic headphones
• top notch sound reproduction for critical studio monitoring
• super soft headband and ear cushioning systems
• extremely comfortable fit for extended listening sessions

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

The DT 990 PRO is an open dynamic headphone for studio applications. Due to a weight reduction of the diaphragm an excellent sound reproduction quality is achieved. Its rugged design with a spring steel headband ensures a secure fit and withstands all demands. Soft headband and ear cushioning systems ensure a high comfort over long periods of time.

KEY FEATURES

• Open dynamic studio headphone
• Professional version of the many times awarded DT 990
• Extremely lightweight diaphragm for superb impulse performance
• Excellent sound reproduction
• Comfortable fit due to rugged, adjustable, soft padded headband construction
• Robust, easy serviceable construction as all parts are replaceable
• Single-sided cable
• Velour, circumaural ear pads
• Headphone impedance: 250 ohms
• Headphone frequency response: 5
• 35.000 Hz
• Nominal sound pressure level: 96 dB
• Circumaural (around the ear) construction
• Coiled connecting cable with mini-jack plug
• Weight: 270 g

LAB POINTS

• legendary headphones from Brooklyn company
• Hi-Fi Choice's best headphone over 200
• ridiculous frequency response
• handcrafted Mahogany earpieces made using an intricate curing process for optimal tonal quality
• improved control and stability of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum with both better supporting the GS1000i's new world renowned midrange
• cushion design actually creates a "room" for the ears to sit, creating a larger soundstage and greater spatial experience for the listener - rich full-bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and an ultra smooth top end

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

What does the i stand for in the new GS1000i from Grado? Improved, that's what! Featuring a new species of handcrafted Mahogany earpieces made using an intricate curing process; Grado has been able to optimize the tonal quality. The GS1000i uses new upgraded dynamic transducers and the new 8 conductor cable design. All this, new wood, driver and cable designs result in improved control and stability of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum with both better supporting the GS1000i's new world renowned midrange. Grado's GS1000i cushion design actually creates a "room" for the ears to sit, creating a larger soundstage and greater spatial experience for the listener. It was most important to design the correct balance between the driver and our wooden driver housing to give us the resulting sound that we desired. This has been accomplished. By creating this "room" for the ears to sit, positioning of the cushions with regards to the ears (i.e., forward or back) is somewhat critical in finding the absolute sweet spot. With this cushion design, we believe the GS1000i to be one of the most comfortable headphones on the market today. The GS1000i retains a sound that is pure Grado, rich full-bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and an ultra smooth top end. The presentation is very detailed, the bass is deep and the music is very tight and non-fatiguing. All with a soundstage that is huge allowing for unbelievable separation and layering of the music which is simply stunning.

KEY FEATURES

• Vented diaphragm
• Wooden air chamber
• UHPLC copper voice coil wire
• UHPLC copper connecting cord
• Tranducer type: dynamic
• Operating principle: open air
• Frequency response: 8-35k
• SPL 1mV: 98
• Normal impedance: 32ohms
• Driver matched db: .05

LAB POINTS

• legendary headphones from Brooklyn company
• Grado's self-proclaimed "finest headphone ever", multiple award winner
• ridiculous frequency response
• hybrid construction of hand-crafted mahogany and hard alloy metal results in the purest sound
• designed for maximum comfort

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

From Grado - "The PS1000's are the very best Grado headphone ever made." That is quite a statement, especially from Grado, a company renowned for their top notch headphones. Obviously the PS1000's are for serious audiophiles that demand the best in every aspect of sonic detailing. The thing that makes these headphones so special is the hybrid metal/wooden construction that incorporates the tone and timbre of the RS1's, while maintaining the superior Grado mid-range and a resonance reduced decay. The PS1000's also feature large cushions as providing a very comfortable fit on the head, great for very long listening sessions, and also create large sound and headstage. If you are serious about sound and want the best, this is it. Recommended.

KEY FEATURES

• Vented diaphragm
• Hybrid air chamber
• UHPLC copper voice coil wire
• UHPLC copper connecting cord
• Tranducer type: dynamic
• Operating principle: open air
• Frequency response: 5-50k
• SPL 1mV: 98
• Normal impedance: 32ohms
• Driver matched db: .05

LAB POINTS

• legendary headphones from Brooklyn company
• top notch audiophile sound
• highest marks in critical reviews
• smooth, controlled and coherent sound with detailed dynamics
• vented diaphragm, open air design
• excellent sonic range
• beautiful wooden air chamber

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

What does the i stand for in the new RS1i from Grado? Improved, that's what! Featuring a new species of handcrafted Mahogany earpieces made using an intricate curing process; Grado has been able to optimize the tonal quality. The RS1i uses new upgraded dynamic transducers and the new 8 conductor cable design all in an open-air configuration, the cups being open-backed. The result is a smooth, controlled and coherent sound with detailed dynamics. Frequency response ranges from 12-30 kHz and the drivers are matched to 0.05dB. Weighing 9oz, the headphones are an example of the wonder of Mother Nature with a gorgeous, dark-colored Mahogany look.

KEY FEATURES

• Tranducer type: dynamic
• Operating principle: open air
• Frequency response: 12-30
• SPL 1mV: 98
• Normal impedance: 32ohms
• Driver matched db: .05
• Vented diaphragm
• wooden air chamber
• UHPLC copper voice coil wire
• UHPLC copper connecting cord

LAB POINTS

• legendary headphones from Brooklyn company
• true audiophile sound
• high marks in critical reviews
• vented diaphragm, open air design
• excellent sonic range
• wooden air chamber

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

What does the i stand for in the new RS2i from Grado? Improved, that's what! The RS2i is the little brother of the RS1i. The RS2i has an upgraded driver and the new 8 conductor cable design. The characteristics of the RS2i remain the same as its distinguished big brother, with the new species of hand crafted mahogany, but with a smaller wooden air chamber. Although a miniature version of the RS1i, the RS2i still maintains an overall sound that is pure Grado, warm harmonic color, full bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and ultra smooth top end. These truly are audiophiles dream.

KEY FEATURES

• Tranducer type: dynamic
• Operating principle: open air
• Frequency response: 14-28
• SPL 1mV: 98
• Normal impedance: 32ohms
• Driver matched db: .05
• Vented diaphragm
• wooden air chamber
• UHPLC copper voice coil wire
• UHPLC copper connecting cord

LAB POINTS

• legendary headphones from Brooklyn company
• awarded Best Buy by Hi-Fi Choice magazine
• vented diaphragm, open air design
• great midrange
• how the SR225i differs from the SR125i: the SR225i has an increased rear air flow, utilizes Grado's larger ear cushion and has closer matched drivers. Air flow is increased by 50% which is achieved through an improved rear metal screen. The use of closer matched drivers and the larger cushions results in an enlarged soundstage, while the improved rear screen frees the headphone from colorations.

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

What does the i stand for in the new SR225i from Grado? Improved, that's what! Features are the same as the SR125i, new driver, cable and housing designs, but this headphone has an increased rear air flow, utilizes Grado's larger ear cushion and has closer matched drivers. Air flow is increased by 50% which is achieved through an improved rear metal screen. The use of closer matched drivers and the larger cushions results in an enlarged soundstage, while the improved rear screen frees the headphone from colorations.

KEY FEATURES

• Tranducer type: dynamic
• Operating principle: open air
• Frequency response: 20-22
• SPL 1mV: 98
• Normal impedance: 32ohms
• Driver matched db: .05
• Vented diaphragm
• Non Resonant air chamber
• UHPLC copper voice coil wire
• Standard copper connecting cord

INCLUDES

• mini plug with 1/4" adaptor

LAB POINTS

• legendary headphones from Brooklyn company
• top of the line in Grado's Prestige Series
• highest marks in critical reviews
  
• vented diaphragm, open air design
• great midrange
  
• how the SR325is differs from the SR225i: the SR325is features an aluminum air chamber, wider frequency range, and upgraded UHPLC copper connecting cord. The SR325is also features the best Grado drivers available, selected by the Grado assembly team

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

What does the i stand for in the new SR325is from Grado? Improved, that's what! Yes, Grado has taken one of the world's most acclaimed headphones and taken it a few steps further. The new SR325is has an upgraded driver and cable design. The way the SR325is' driver, cable and metal housing move air and react to sound vibrations are now less affected by transient distortions. With the new 8 conductor cable design you will notice improved control and stability of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum with both better supporting Grado's world renowned midrange. The SR325is will produce a sound that is pure Grado, warm harmonic color, rich full bodied vocals, excellent dynamics and an ultra smooth top end. Listen and Enjoy!

KEY FEATURES

• Tranducer type: dynamic
• Operating principle: open air
• Frequency response: 18-24
• SPL 1mV: 98
• Normal impedance: 32ohms
  
• Driver matched db: .05
  
• Vented diaphragm
  
• Aluminum air chamber
  
• UHPLC copper voice coil wire
  
• UHPLC copper connecting cord

INCLUDES

• mini plug with 1/4" adaptor

LAB POINTS

• accurate frequency response delivers smooth high-end extension with tight bass for critical monitoring
• closed back, circumaural design goes over ears and reduces background noise
• lightweight, ergonomic fit with padded headband for comfort
• 90 degree swivel earcups
• 2 detachable cords included (straight & coiled)
• replaceable earpads

OUR OPINION

Designed for professional audio engineers and in-studio talent, SRH940 Headphones from Shure deliver accurate response across the entire audio spectrum for smooth high-end extension with tight bass. Superior transient response provides minimal distortion. The collapsible, lightweight design with premium padded headband offers superior comfort and portability. Two included detachable cables (straight and coiled) and a replacement set of velour ear pads ensure a long product life. Also includes a hard zippered travel case and a threaded 1/4" (6.3) mm gold-plated adapter.

KEY FEATURES

• Transducer Type: Dynamic neodymium magnet
• Driver Size: 40 mm
• Sensitivity (1kHz): 100 dB/mW
• Impedance (1kHz): 42 Ohms
• Max. Input Power: 1000 mW
• Frequency Range: 5 Hz - 30 kHz

COMES WITH

• 2 detachable cables (straight and coiled)
• replacement set of earpads
• hard zippered travel case
• 1/4" adapter