If you are a guitar buff, I don’t even have to tell you what it feels like connecting the guitar to a huge Marshall amp, cranking up the speakers and letting your power chords roar. But let’s face it; we all have that lousy neighbour who wastes no time in calling the cops on you, restraining that rebellious guitar rage that has pent up inside you.
We don’t want the police to hassle you and to avoid any potential ruckus, the best solution is to get yourself a set of high quality practice headphones for your guitar amp. There are a myriad of factors to consider when making this important decision, mainly because the process is significantly different compared to purchasing headphones for listening to run-of-the-mill MP3 music.
For audiophiles headphones are as important as a pair of pretty shoes to most women, may be more important. However, to others they seem pretty similar.
But like shoes there are thousands of varieties of headphones, and each pair is equipped and designed to deal with different conditions.
This is the reason why we have compiled a list of the best headphones for guitar amp practice, but before we dive into that list we have to get a few things out of the way, so just be patient.
Why do you require a specialized pair of headphones for your guitar amp in the first place?
My answer is plain and simple: to shred your guitar and do it loudly, which is a dream for most guitar players.My answer is plain and simple: to shred your guitar and do it loudly, which is a dream for most guitar players.
When you have the best pair of guitar amp headphones, you can jam until the daylight appears, without pissing off a single soul (remember that lousy neighbor).
Although there are a huge number of headphones out there, we know as a guitar player you have unique needs. You preferably want to have marathon practice sessions in a quiet environment.
Over the last couple of months our team has listened through more pair of headphones than we can count; so you can trust us. But to be honest, only a few have left their mark on us.
As music is an integral part of your life and you will be spending countless hours using and practicing with your headphones, it is crucial you get expert advice. We will first discuss the criteria for choosing the best headphones for guitar amp practice and then reveal our top 5 picks. So hang tight!
Best Guitar Amp Practice Headphones Criteria
There are a couple of key things that are important to keep in mind when purchasing a good pair of guitar amp headphones. We know that selecting the best headphones is a highly subjective process, but it is advisable to consider the following criteria:
Does Comfort Really Matter?
Ever had the terrible experience of sitting on a hard or uncomfortable surface for such a long time your backside practically went numb? I have been a victim too. An uncomfortable headphone can do something very similar to your ears.
Comfort must never be overlooked, especially for guitar amp headphones as practice sessions can be tediously long. You may end up getting a pair of headphones having nearly all the qualities of an ideal headphone, but if it is not comfortable it is as good as useless.
On the other hand, a comfortable guitar amp headphone will fit your ears well and have plenty of cushioning which will enable you to easily wear them for hours on end without any discomfort or fatigu.
What Should the Impedance be?
Impedance is the power required for the headphones to work, it is measured in ohms.
A pair of headphone with low impedance level (lower than 25 ohms) will usually work well when paired with devices that do not have strong amplification like MP3 players, smartphones and similar portable devices.
These headphones typically run the risk of blowouts when paired with more powerful amps.
On the other hand, high impedance headphones (25 ohms and above) deliver a high audio level but use more power. These headphones are insulated from blowouts and are better at resisting sonic abuse.
Determine your amp’s ohm output first, but anything in the range of 25 to 80 ohms is compatible with a majority of amps and can still be used with portable audio devices.
Headphones with higher ohms are good at reducing white noise and offer a richer and more vibrant listening experience.
What should be the Actual of the Jack?
Headphone jacks come in 2 sizes, one is eighth inch and the other is quarter inch. The former is 3 mm, which is a jack size that will be compatible with your MP3 player, PC or laptop and smartphones. A quarter inch jack which is 6.35 mm is typically reserved for instruments such as guitar cables.
The good news is that a majority of headphones for guitar amp practice have an eighth-inch jack that has an adapter that converts it into a quarter inch jack, giving you the luxury of using the headphone on a wide range of devices.
What is the Frequency and Balance?
Signals emitted by a guitar are very different compared to signals coming from an MP3 device. If your guitar amp is blaring at maximum volume, an inappropriate type of headphone can crackle terribly and cause noise distortion.
To avoid this embarrassing situation go for a durable, well-constructed headphone made by a reputable brand with a frequency ranging from 20 Hz to 20 KHz.
Be rest assured that this frequency range will cover all of the human listening spectra and a higher frequency response will not necessarily lead to better sound quality.
This is because bass level of less than 20 Hz is more likely to be felt than heard, while treble in excess of 20 KHz is barely audible.
Best Headphones for Guitar Amp Practice Reviews
1. Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones Review
Sony MDRV6 is a very popular headphone and it is made by Sony, a company, which is well-known for its headphone making capability. This pair of headphones has been around for a very long time which seems like eternity and you may think that factor works against it, but these headphones do very little wrong despite their age. The pair is well -constructed and rugged which makes it very durable. It has very soft cushions and will feel very comfortable on your ears, even if your guitar sessions last for hours. The headphone is also good at isolating external noise which is important for a guitar player.
The pair is a tad less portable compared to ATH-M50x but it comes with a 10 feet cord which is handier than you may initially think. These headphones have a unique sound signature along with great sound quality which never fails to impress. The best part is that these headphones sound very accurate without appearing too sterile or cold. Experts think that they are a very good match to use with guitar sonic because their treble response is incredible. The brand is also quite cheap and is an excellent budget friendly choice.
Sony MDRV6 Features
- Has 40 mm drivers and neodymium magnets for powerful and detailed sound
- Has an over-ear design that gives superior comfort and reduction of outside noises
- Has a 10 feet oxygen free copper cord along with 3.5 mm plug
- Has a copper-clad aluminum coil wire for enhanced power handling
- Incredible frequency range of 5 Hz to 30 KHz
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2. Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Review
Beyerdynamic DT770 is an excellent pair of closed-back and rugged headphones that have the uncanny knack of enduring lots of physical and sonic punishment. They are German-made, so you can expect that they are made from durable materials, and more importantly all the parts are replaceable so you won’t have to buy a new pair any time soon. They are great at noise cancellation, leak less sound and provide a richer listening experience because they let in less external noise.
Beyerdynamic DT770 is also immensely comfortable. Their ear cups are well cushioned and it has a nicely-padded headband which distributes weight evenly and alleviates pain and discomfort that accompanies when they are worn for long practice hours. However, their best feature is the generation of realistic and clear sound. You know that realistic sound is the first priority when purchasing headphones for guitar practice.
Beyerdynamic DT770 Features
- They have a closed, diffuse-field systems bass reflex technology that enhances your bass response
- They are excellent at reproducing mid-range and clinically high frequencies
- They have a rugged and robust headband design
- Soft and smooth ear cushions and single-sided cable
- Have a gold-plated 3.5 mm jack plug and also a 6.35 mm adapter
- Come with a 2 year warranty when bought from a Beyerdynamic dealer
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3. AKG K44 Headphones Review
If you are looking for an affordable option for your guitar amp practice sessions, AKG K44 is one of the most affordable pair of headphones you can purchase and still listen to top-quality sound. The pair can be bought for under low price and delivers an astonishingly rich sonic specter and very good durability.
Although there are minor issues with overloaded bass frequencies, these headphones do offer a very meaty middle section along with a strong and incredible treble range. We think that this is more than good enough for practice headphones especially given their low price tag. With respect to volume handling, there are good at delivering sonic spikes when you crank them up.
Overall, this product gets the job done and would not disappoint you. You will hear amazing sound quality that will render a realistic and accurate image of your guitar performance, which is crucial, as lousy sound can severely mess up your approach and cripple you once you decide to switch to live gigs or band rehearsals.
AKG K44 Features
- They have a circumaural and semi-closed design
- They have a self-adjusting headband which fill fit snugly over your head
- Equipped with Patented Varimotion speakers
- They have Leatherette ear pads which provide great comfort
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4. Sennheiser HD 598 Review
In terms of comfort, Sennheiser HD 598 is one of the best headphones on our list. They are probably amongst the best looking headphones in their price range. They have a leatherette headband and velour enclosed ear cups and are cushioned in all the right places for long usage.
They render a very realistic in-room experience along with an open soundstage, which makes this pair a match made in heaven for guitar players. Sennheiser HD 598 boasts a wide and dynamic frequency ranging from 12 Hz to 38.5 KHz, which will enable you to pick every sound your guitar produces.
Sennheiser HD 598 Features
- Audiophile-grade over-ear, premium and sleek, open-back headphones
- Have an impedance of 50 Ohms
- 2 cable options along with 3.5mm adapter
- 2 year warranty when bought from a Sennheiser dealer
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5. Philips X2/27 Fidelio Premium Headphones Review
Philips X2/27 Fidelio is an excellent pair of headphones which are just right for your guitar practice sessions. You would be blown away by their ridiculously wide ranging frequency of 5 Hz to 40 KHz and you will still listen to crisp and precise sound which is natural and true. You can immerse yourself in the pristine details of your guitar sound with this pair.
They have an open-backed design which is extremely comfortable to wear, and have an excellent and dynamic sound quality. This pair of headphones also comes with a tangle-free cord.
Philips X2/27 Features
- They are equipped with powerful 50 mm neodymium drivers which offer wide yet precise range
- They have an acoustic open-back design for pristine audio fidelity
- They feature double-layered ear shells which are designed for sound precision
- They have a dedicated cable which offers ease
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