Headphones & IEMs

For listening tests, localization checks, and blind ABX drills.

Headphones are the one component most tests assume you already own. A neutral, comfortable pair turns a rough channel check into a repeatable measurement — and makes blind-test scores mean something.

These picks cover the range from a $20 IEM to a long-standing studio reference. All of them are easy to drive, low in coloration, and comfortable enough for a 20-minute ABX run.

What to look for

Neutral, uncolored response — coloration is fine for enjoyment, misleading for testing.
Low distortion at normal levels so you hear the signal, not the driver.
Comfort and clamp force that hold up across several test passes.
Detachable cable (or a cheap, replaceable one) for long service life.
Moderate impedance and high sensitivity so a phone can drive them cleanly.
Avoid heavy DSP or noise-cancelling modes for measurement work.

Best value

Best value$90–120

Sony MDR-7506

A studio staple since 1991: closed-back isolation and a detailed top end that makes channel and noise checks obvious.

Used by:Headphone test · 8D audio test · Mic loopback

Reference

Reference$300–350

Sennheiser HD 600

The long-standing open-back reference for listening tests: even mids, low distortion, and comfort that survives long ABX sessions.

Used by:Headphone test · Stereo perception · Sound localization

Budget

Budget$30–45

Superlux HD 681

A budget stand-in for far pricier open-back references — good enough to hear channel balance and distortion differences in blind tests.

Used by:Headphone test · Stereo perception · Blind frequency test

Budget$20–25

Moondrop Chu II

An inexpensive IEM with near-neutral tuning — the easy way to run earbud and localization checks without over-ear isolation.

Used by:Earbud test · Sound localization · 8D audio test

Tests for this gear

Last reviewed: 2026-09-14