The best headphones for 2019
By Yamaha HPH-MT8
The best for the studio
Why should you buy them: Simple style, solid construction, and excellent sound for the money.
Who they’re for: Music purists, studio regulars, or podcast pros who want quality cans that take a licking.
How much they cost: $165 to $250
Why we picked the Yamaha HPH-MT8:
If you’re a music or media creator in need of a solid pair of headphones that will provide an honest glimpse at your creations — and withstand countless hours of use in demanding settings — look no further than Yamaha’s excellent HPH-MT8 over-ears.
Designed by audio professionals for audio professionals, these studio monitor headphones feature two detachable cables (a 1.5-meter coiled cable, and a 3-meter straight cable), and include a screw-on quarter-inch connector for use with audio interfaces. Plush leather pads and a padded band join solid metal earcup brackets to create a nice seal and comfortable long-term fit, making them feel great during extended work sessions while keeping sound from bleeding into your microphone during overdubs.
Even if you don’t work the audio hustle, the MT8 are a killer pair of cans for price-conscious music fans. Punchy bass and detailed treble are the most prominent sound features, allowing you to hear and adjust every individual element of the sound with astonishing clarity, especially considering their $200 price point.
In many ways, you can think of the Yamaha HP8-MT8 as a trusty pair of audio workboots. They may not be the flashiest-looking accessory, but they get the job done every time. If you’re looking for some excellent studio headphones, or just seriously accurate sound, these are among the best you’ll find.
