One for all: TOP 5 quality universal headphones

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro

These headphones, undoubtedly, were positioned by the manufacturer in the street class, they are really capable, in addition to their direct purpose, to work as a bright accessory that emphasizes the individuality of the owner. For this purpose, interchangeable cup pads are provided — sixteen pieces (for the Pro Plus version) are included in the kit. In addition, you get a special screwdriver — you need it to replace the pads. The kit also includes two interchangeable cables — with a headset for a mobile phone, 1.3 m long and a simple, double-sided, 1.5 m long. This cable, designed mainly for stationary applications, has a threaded connection for a complete adapter from 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm "jack" used in stationary sources.

The one-on-one headband design is taken from the brand's professional models (used in studios): stamped steel forks holding the cups on two swivel nodes. The system is excellent — for listening, especially in stationary conditions, when the headphones do not accompany their owner on the road. But if you stop listening and want to move the headphones around your neck — they turn into an uncomfortable tall “collar” — you can’t turn your head! In a bag (we are not talking about pockets), the headphones take up a lot of space, a carrying case is not provided, its possible dimensions are too large due to the Beyerdynamic's “non-folding”. When buying this model, it is worth considering that in winter it sometimes replaces a hat, but in hot summer you will have to sweat.

And, let's agree: these roughnesses are a continuation of the style of the model and the brand itself, since beyerdynamic is a recognized expert in the field of headphones. The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro is attractive with the presence of the Variable Bass Reflex System — a four-stage acoustic (not to be confused with electronic tone blocks) low-frequency range adjustment. This "chip" works like a flutist's fingers, blocking holes of various sizes in the body of the cup. It is enough to shift to one of the four positions located at the bottom of each CUSTOM Sound Slider cup. Thus, the bottoms are regulated precisely, in a large (about 25 dB) range and without the slightest non-linear distortion inherent in electronics — an excellent implementation of a highly demanded function. The sound of the "buyers", as always, verified, with a flat frequency response in the second position of the switch, designated as "Linear". In general, a decent, although not the most ergonomic model.

Sony MDR-1A

Sony MDR-1A are a direct reincarnation of the MDR-1R model, and appeared after it in a very short time. The Sony MDR-1R are referred to as "Premium Studio Headphones", while the MDR-1A model is a line above and is described as "Headphones for High-Resolution Audio". There are many premium technologies used in the headphones. A balanced cable works here, consisting of four silver-plated copper wires with independent grounding for each of the two channels, although both cables, with and without hands free, are for some reason made the same length, and, naturally, a regular bundled cable is likely to be a little short if you use headphones in stationary conditions. It is strange that there is no adapter from a small to a large jack in the kit — a connector that most stationary devices are equipped with. However, this is easily overcome and the necessary components are easy to find on the market.

The headband of the model is very comfortable, it has a well-balanced combination of elasticity, clamping force and weight, the dimensions are adjustable in steps, with a large margin in size (for owners of large heads, unique hairstyles and hats). The cups are able to rotate 90 degrees, which allows you to get an extremely flat configuration, convenient for transportation. Good and complete black case made of durable artificial fabric.

The design of the entire product exactly matches the style of the "street", let's say, the highest category. The combination of black and dark grey (titanium coating) with a red metallic ring is quite neutral, on the one hand, but undoubtedly demonstrates individuality and good style. And all this is perfectly combined with the low weight of the model — these headphones can be worn without forgetting about them.

The geometry of the leather ear pads is interesting: the earpiece is “put on” on the ear with an elusive and natural back and forth movement and ... you get a perfect fit, without compromising comfort. The driver used here is a 40 mm driver with a lightweight but rigid aluminium construction with an LCD polymer film diaphragm. It provides a more accurate and homogeneous sound than a traditional speaker throughout the entire frequency range. In addition, the headphones "play" up to 100 kHz, so it's not for nothing that the manufacturer claims that the MDR-1A is ready to sound high-definition recordings.

In the sound of the headphones, everything is quite proportionate and accurate, in its place, the sound of the "bottom" is powerful, even somewhat booming — but just as much as bass lovers want. At the same time — a good punch (not typical of its predecessors), a good margin in amplitude, combined with an exemplary sound insulation. Headphones demonstrate good microdynamics and a wonderful, wide and accurate stage.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Price from 6 000 up to 9 698 ₴ →

To begin with, this is the largest model in the review, both in size and in weight (comparable only to the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro). This is not surprising — the headphones are equipped with the largest emitters in the test with 45mm diaphragms. The nearest standard size is 40 mm, so we have a clear author's exclusive. Accordingly, we get a sufficient size of the ear cushion — the ears are comfortable, although a bit hot, respectively — and the potential for reproducing the low-frequency range. Although, oddly enough, the ATH-MSR7 does not demonstrate the predilection for the "bottom" inherent in the class of "street" — "street" headphones. Rather, it is a smooth, well-balanced sound that corresponds to the understanding of Hi-Fi. However in the region of the upper percussion there is a "sweet" elevation of the amplitude-frequency characteristic, which, combined with the family's accurate display of the rest of the range, creates a somewhat festive effect. If we talk about the appearance, then the thought of a rather brutal, purely masculine style arises here.

It should be noted that in all respects, the model can be considered a transition between home and mobile options. On the one hand, the fundamentality of large aluminium cups with a “diamond edge” along the contour, on the other hand, a carrying bag, although it does not cause particularly positive emotions (it will protect only from dirt, but not from bumps). But in the kit — as many as three excellent cables — two 1.2 metres long, for mobile use, one — with a headset for smartphones, the other — without it, and the third, "stationary" — three metres long, with two straight connectors (in short options for connection to the source, an L-shaped plug is provided).

Landing Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 — very comfortable, here all the advantages of large cups went into action. When worn, the model can remain comfortable for as long as possible for a variety of sizes of ears and heads — a problem may arise, perhaps, with ventilation. At the same time, the turn of the cups covered with leatherette by ninety degrees is an additional convenience both in transportation and in wearing around the neck, once again emphasizing the mobility of the product. Except for the lack of a 6.5 mm adapter in the kit, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 meets the definition of high-quality universal headphones as much as possible. As for the resistance of 35 ohms, you should not worry — the headphones practically do not differ from 32 ohm counterparts in terms of the requirement for source power.

Sennheiser Momentum Price from 13 443 up to 14 849 ₴ →

In fact, the Sennheiser Momentum M2 is a whole family, which includes wireless and wired models with wrapping (round) and overhead (oval) ear cushions — the shape of the cups changes accordingly. Let's add MOMENTUM M2 IE to this enumeration — an in-ear model, and it will become clear that it is better to focus on one thing, namely, wired MOMENTUM M2 OE with overhead (oval) ear pads. The fact is that the first Sennheiser Momentum model looked exactly like this. But even at the time of purchasing MOMENTUM M2 OE, it is worth showing knowledge of the issue — the fact is that they are equipped with various types of headset cable — for Apple gadgets, the letter I is added to the marking at the end, and for Android devices — G. Moreover, with the existing variety of options, not the fact that the cable will fit — it's better to try it on the spot, and this applies not only to the Sennheiser Momentum M2. In this case, there is a choice — this is a serious advantage of this model.

Headphones are made, perhaps, in the style of "retro", using metal, and the headband and ear cushions of the headphones are covered with Alcantara — a quality material that is valued for its unique combination of softness, comfort and durability. Lightweight stainless steel sliders complete the trendy look by helping you position the headphones perfectly on your head. The listener will certainly appreciate the high degree of comfort achieved thanks to the soft ear cushions that reduce ambient noise to a minimum — in the Sennheiser Momentum M2 they have an ergonomic asymmetrical design.

The MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones are based on Sennheiser's own high-tech drivers, with an impedance of 18 ohms. They generate a bright and detailed sound image with a slight emphasis in the bass region. The choice of impedance is not accidental — as a result, the headphones are ideally combined with mobile gadgets.

The headphones come with a practical carrying case and an interchangeable audio cable with built-in remote control with microphone. Unfortunately, unlike some previous models, this version of the MOMENTUM does not fold. It is worth noting that in the oval version, the ear pads are quite comfortable for small average ears — otherwise, real discomfort arises, for example, the ear rubs against the protective mesh of the speaker — in this case, you should choose the round version of the cups.

B&W P5

Bowers & Wilkins P5 first of all attract with its design. In the “P” family, headphones occupy a middle position — there are also P7(larger) and P3(smaller). All these models are distinguished by an interesting and well-adjusted headband design, which makes them truly beautiful. It is worth noting that the design of the P5 was created by artist Morten Warren, Studio Native. In terms of gender, this is a complete unisex, the model is equally addressed to both lovers and lovers of music.

P5, according to the manufacturer (better known as the manufacturer of Hi-Fi acoustics), are equipped with optimized drivers with specially designed ultra-linear magnets and optimized membranes. According to unconfirmed insider information, specialists from AKG had a hand in the creation of the P5 emitters. The model sounds very “tasty”, with a minimum of non-linear distortions, while the P5 can be attributed to a more closed type — the ear cushions almost do not let in third-party sounds. Headphones are very emotional — the sound is interpreted somewhat differently, but always interesting and clean. It is advisable to listen to them before buying.

The model provides collaboration with Apple products. And it's not just about the right design. The spare complete cable is equipped with a standard 3.5 mm stereo jack, and there is also an adapter for “adult” 6.5 mm in the kit. For ease of transport and storage, the P5 cups rotate 90 degrees, making the device extremely flat. In this condition, they are perfectly worn around the neck. A soft case is provided for carrying.

The headband has, perhaps, perfect rigidity, landing is one of the most comfortable in the class. The product leaves a feeling of strength and reliability combined with lightness. Separately, the ear cushions are made with heat-sensitive memory foam that molds to the shape of your ears, making them more comfortable and improving sound quality over time. The softest natural leather of New Zealand sheep is used as the upholstery of the ear pads, there is no recess for the ear, or rather, it is tightened with leather, which in this place has a special perforation that makes it acoustically transparent. At the same time, the ear pads are made removable — they are interchangeable and fixed with magnets, and under the left there is a connector for a replaceable cable (an extraordinary solution). The possibility of disassembly has an additional positive — it makes it easy to keep the ear pads clean.