Best Headphones for Music Quality (Plus our Top 10 Albums to Test Them)
TL;DR: Looking for the best headphones for music quality? This guide from Moon Audio breaks down what makes headphones sound exceptional, how to test them properly, and the top albums and songs that truly showcase their capabilities.
- What makes a headphone great for music (frequency response, soundstage, driver type, comfort, source pairing)
- Top Moon Audio headphone picks across categories (open-back, closed-back, IEMs, planar magnetic, wireless)
- How to test headphone quality with high-res audio, amps/DACs, and genre variety
- Drew Baird’s top 4 headphone test songs
- 10 best albums to test headphones across genres for dynamic range, detail, and imaging
The best headphones for music quality don’t just play sound. Audiophile-grade headphones can reveal the soul and essence of a song. From breathy vocals to powerful, heart-thumping basslines, the right pair of headphones can transform your entire listening experience.
At Moon Audio, we believe that great sound starts with great gear. This guide will walk you through achieving the best sound quality in the headphones in our lineup. We’ll cover everything from open-back to closed-back designs and IEMs. We’ll also explore how to test headphone quality so you can hear every note as the artist intended.
To help you experience what your headphones are truly capable of, we’ve also curated a list of must-hear test tracks. The list includes four top recommendations from Moon Audio founder Drew Baird, P.E. These tracks span genres and are carefully chosen to highlight detail, clarity, dynamics, and spatial awareness.
Continue reading to learn how to ensure you’re using the best headphones for music quality. Start enjoying your favorite tracks the way they’re meant to be heard.
What Makes a Headphone Great for Music?
This may come as a shock to music fans, but not every headphone manufacturer prioritizes musicality above all else. Some headphones place noise cancellation above the rest, while others prioritize comfort first.
That doesn’t mean those headphones aren’t great. You just don’t want to invest in broadcast headphones if your goal is to bathe in the rich complexity of layered instrumentation.
The point is that the best quality headphones for music tend to have a few discrete elements in common. It’s those factors that help audiophiles achieve pure and immersive sound. We’ll break those down below.
Frequency Response
When listening to a great album, you want to hear every single element of a track. When selecting headphones, music lovers should look for models with a balanced and wide frequency response. This refers to the ability of your headphones to produce sound across the entire range of human hearing. That range typically spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz for most individuals.
More importantly, the audio and volume should be even and consistent across that range. This allows audiophiles to experience the deepest bass and the most majestic, sparkling highs without a hitch.
This is why, when we recommend testing audio gear, we feature albums that span the full frequency spectrum. That helps you ensure your headphones neither exaggerate nor muddy any particular frequencies while listening. And that’s ultimately how you can be confident you have your hands on the best headphones for music quality.
Note, however, that there may be exceptions to this rule. Some headphones may intentionally amplify or attenuate specific frequencies. This can bring out the detail in specific genres by adding color to certain tracks. You may want another pair of headphones with a more balanced frequency response for general listening.
Soundstage and Imaging
The best headphones for sound quality offer a three-dimensional audio experience. Rather than flat tracks, these headphones offer a sense of depth and dimension. This is due to two factors: strong soundstage and precise audio imaging.
When audiophiles listen to music, they like to be able to place instruments and voices in an imagined space in their minds. Soundstage is your headphones’ ability to conjure that imaginary space, giving it a sense of dimensionality. You’ll feel like you’re sitting beside your favorite artist in the studio or standing in the orchestra pit at a concert.
Imaging adds even more precision to a listening experience. Great headphones help the listener place vocalists and musicians precisely in the imaginary studio or concert hall.
What level of specificity are we talking about? With high-quality imaging, listeners should also be able to mentally understand that the lead singer is three feet to the right of the guitarist. In orchestral music, you can mentally place every player in the orchestra at their individual music stand. It’s that level of perceived specificity that really makes music come alive.
Open-back headphones tend to offer audiophiles the best soundstage and imaging quality overall. In general, musical audiophiles should prioritize cans that allow their favorite tracks to breathe.
Driver Type and Tuning
Different headphones use different driver types. Examples include:
- Dynamic
- Planar magnetic
- Electrostatic
- Ribbon
- Balanced armature
Each driver type comes with its own unique sonic characteristics. However, what matters most when listening to music is how well that driver is implemented.
High-quality headphones also utilize premium materials in every aspect, from the drivers to the housing and cables. Why? The materials and build quality of your headphones also directly affect acoustic performance.
Many audiophiles upgrade cables (like Moon Audio’s Dragon Cables) to further enhance transparency and tonal balance.
Comfort and Fit
Long listening sessions (like enjoying your favorite album from beginning to end) demand comfort. The best sound quality headphones won’t do you much good if you’re constantly adjusting them or dealing with pain or ear fatigue.
Believe it or not, headphone comfort has a direct impact on your ability to enjoy and appreciate music. Opt for plush ear pads, adjustable headbands, and lightweight, high-quality materials. If you prefer IEMs, aim for a secure (but not too tight) fit.
Source Pairing
Even the best headphones won’t reach their full potential without a proper audio source. Pairing your headphones with a high-quality DAC or amplifier can unlock details and dynamics you might otherwise miss.
Moon Audio offers a range of portable and desktop amps and DACs. They can help you hear the music exactly as the artist intended.
You can further enhance your experience with lossless audio formats like FLAC or DSD. Plus, if you're testing speakers, Moon Audio's front-end components can elevate your speaker-based setup, too.
Best Headphones for Music Quality: Moon Audio's Picks
Below, we’ve selected the best headphones for music quality across categories. Each pick on our list delivers outstanding audio performance. Plus, all of our choices offer a little something unique for the way you listen.
The Best Open-Back Headphones (Natural Soundstage)
Our Pick: Focal Utopia 2022
The Focal Utopia 2022 is widely regarded as one of the best sound quality headphones on the market. With full-range, pure Beryllium speaker drivers and unrivaled transparency, the Utopia creates an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage. These headphones are ideal for classical, jazz, or acoustic recordings. This top-of-the-line model reveals every nuance in your favorite tracks, offering a truly immersive listening experience.
The Best Closed-Back Headphones (Isolated Precision)
Our Pick: Focal Stellia
The Focal Stellia is a standout choice for those who need isolation without sacrificing detail. Featuring full-range Beryllium drivers, the Stellia delivers a rich, precise sound with exceptional bass control and stunning resolution. This model is perfect for rock, pop, and vocal-heavy genres. It’s one of the best headphones for music quality, offering uncompromising performance in any environment.
The Best IEMs (In-Ear Monitors for Portability and Precision)
Our Pick: Campfire Audio Trifecta
The Campfire Trifecta IEMs boast three full-range 10mm dynamic drivers per earbud for exceptional depth, clarity, and punch. With an airy, holographic presentation and warm yet articulate tuning, the Trifecta excels across genres. We consider it one of the best quality headphones for music on the go.
The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones (Wide Dynamic Range)
Our Pick: Meze Empyrean II
The Meze Empyrean II blends cutting-edge planar magnetic technology with quality craftsmanship. This model is known for its lush midrange, expansive dynamics, and fatigue-free tuning. The Empyrean II is ideal for long listening sessions across various genres, including progressive rock, ambient, and film scores. If you're looking for the best headphones for sound quality with a wide frequency response, this is the pair for you.
The Best Wireless Audiophile Headphones
Our Pick: Focal Bathys MG
The Focal Bathys MG proves that wireless doesn’t mean low-quality sound. This audiophile-grade Bluetooth headphone features a magnesium driver update for added transparency and control. This model is a great entry point for those seeking the convenience of wireless connectivity.
How to Test Headphone Quality Properly
Once you've got the right headphones in hand, it's time to put them to the test. Testing with intention helps you hear what your gear is truly capable of.
Here's how to test headphone quality effectively:
- Use High-Resolution Audio Files: Opt for FLAC, ALAC, or DSD files to avoid compression and preserve detail.
- Pair with a Quality DAC or Amp: Even the best headphones for music quality can underperform when paired with a weak source. Use a headphone amp or DAC for optimal performance.
- Listen for Frequency Range: Test tracks that cover deep bass, smooth mids, and sparkling highs. You want a headphone that handles all three with balance.
- Evaluate Soundstage & Imaging: Use tracks with spatial effects and layered instrumentation. This helps you hear how well your headphone position sounds in space.
- Focus on Detail Retrieval: Listen for background vocals, reverb trails, or subtle textures. These often go unnoticed with lower-quality gear.
- Test Across Genres: Different music styles bring out different characteristics, and your headphones should adapt effortlessly.
- Prioritize Comfort: Long-term listening depends on physical fit. If the headphones hurt after 30 minutes, you won’t get very far into your favorite album.
The Best Songs to Test Headphones: Moon Audio’s Top Picks
These tracks were handpicked by Drew Baird, P.E., founder of Moon Audio. They are his go-to test songs for evaluating dynamic range, imaging, vocal clarity, and spatial depth. You can hear Drew discuss his picks in the video below.
“Company” – Patricia Barber
This track features intimate vocals, natural ambiance, and complex layering of instruments. It's excellent for testing soundstage and imaging. Use it to determine how well your headphones reproduce the subtle nuances of a live jazz performance.
To test headphone quality, listen for the space between instruments, the clarity of the piano, and Barber’s vocal inflections.
“You Lost Me” – Christina Aguilera
Aguilera’s soaring, emotional vocal delivery is the star of this track. It’s a benchmark for testing vocal reproduction and dynamic range. This track will show you just how well your headphones convey emotional detail without harshness.
To test headphone quality, listen to how the vocals sit in the mix. Take note of the breathiness in Aguilera’s voice and the dynamic transitions in the instrumentation.
“Knock Me Out” – Linda Perry (feat. Grace Slick)
This moody, atmospheric track has a haunting energy, driven by layered guitars and textured vocals. It’s ideal for testing instrument separation, low-end presence, and midrange clarity.
To test headphone quality, listen for how the headphones handle gritty guitar tones. Plus, take in the emotion in the vocal delivery and how the bass subtly supports the mood.
“Paranoid Eyes” – Pink Floyd
Classic Pink Floyd sound design features rich textures, soft transitions, and cinematic space. This track is perfect for testing micro-detail, background layers, and ambient sound reproduction.
To test headphone quality, listen for the placement of effects, subtle ambient sounds, and the clarity of low-volume elements.
The 10 Best Albums to Test Headphones (Across Genres)
The albums below span genres, moods, and production styles. Each album offers something unique for evaluating detail, dynamics, imaging, and tonal balance.
1. Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon
From spacious effects to intricate transitions, this record tests soundstage, imaging, and how your headphones handle dynamic storytelling.
2. Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
This album is a go-to for testing rhythm accuracy, low-end control, and stereo separation.
3. Miles Davis – Kind of Blue
This album is perfect for testing acoustic realism and micro-detail retrieval. That’s thanks to the natural room reverb, breathy brass tones, and quiet interplay in the tracks.
4. Radiohead – In Rainbows
This is our pick for evaluating midrange clarity and ambient effects. Listen to how your headphones handle intricate mixing and genre-blending arrangements.
5. Steely Dan – Aja
This album is ideal for testing instrument separation and tonal balance. Audiophiles love its pristine instrument placement and silky production.
6. Hans Zimmer – Interstellar (OST)
This album offers a great test of dynamic range, sub-bass response, and emotional impact. Test your headphones by taking in its delicate piano and thunderous organ swells.
7. Beyoncé – Lemonade
This genre-crossing masterpiece is excellent for testing vocal presence and punchy bass. It will also teach you how well your headphones handle dense modern production.
8. Tool – Lateralus
Lateralus is a test of timing, transient response, and low-frequency control, ideal for testing your planar magnetic headphones.
9. Norah Jones – Come Away with Me
This simple, warm, and emotional album is perfect for testing vocal intimacy and midrange warmth in acoustic recordings.
10. Deadmau5 – For Lack of a Better Name
Tracks like “Strobe” let you evaluate bass precision, spatial effects, and how your headphones handle sustained energy.
Find the Best Headphones for Sound Quality at Moon Audio
Experience the purest sound with premium headphones at Moon Audio. Find your perfect pair of headphones today.
