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Hear me out: here are the best ways to save valuable time deciding where to spend your valuable money. I looked at all the deals during Amazon’s October sale (aka Prime Big Deal Days) and picked out the best of the best buys for personal audio enthusiasts. But act quickly; these deals will be done when the day comes. (Prices are correct at time of posting but may change, and deals may sell out, so add to cart quickly.)
Sennheiser 660S2 audiophile dynamic headphones with high resolution and open back $381 (was $599)
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Looking for an extended listening experience with an expressive midrange? You need wired headphones, and you need them this headphones. Sennheiser is one of the first names that comes to mind when you talk about reference-level headphones with low harmonic distortion. Introduced in early 2023, the Sennheiser HD 660S2 is an updated, bass-boosted revision of the German audiophile brand’s long-running headphone series for exploring the silky parts of the sonic spectrum. The soundstage is wide but precise, but now extends to even more dramatic depths, with sub-bass range down to 70 Hz. While the open back means there’s no isolation, it also contributes to a sleek sense of image, making these excellent headphones an excellent set for fans of musicality and muscle alike: the kind of comfortable, masterful set that’s just as good for heated gaming as it is hot songs. (If you’re looking for a darker, richer response or a closed-back option, Sennheiser has several other top models on offer.)
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 wireless over-ear noise canceling headphones $426 (was $699)
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Perfect for audiophiles on the go, Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship Px8 wireless headphones feature custom 40mm carbon cones (derived from the B&W 700 Series speaker domes) paired with an optimized basket/ engine system. This tilts the sound signature from body punches to button landing. Separation and control are increased and tightened, tempering unruly transients that may come across as excitement but threaten to undermine accuracy. These lightweight yet stiff carbon cones are angled to achieve uniform alignment between every point of the ear and the driver surface and are intended for low distortion (THD+N <0.1%) and high engagement listening. Most impressively, this precision-engineered spatial audio is available when and where you need it, using Bluetooth 5.2 for a rock-solid connection with support for the SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive (with aptX HD) codecs for maximum iOS /Android compatibility. (Want black and white sound for less money? The Px7 S2e is still expressive and more affordable.)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless Bluetooth headphones with spatial audio $329 (was $429)
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Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones have the best active noise cancellation of any over-ear model we tested, and these headphones have the lowest price ever. Whether you’re trying to drown out the noise of overzealous friends and family members at a gathering or focusing on tranquility during a plane or train ride, these headphones will be your constant, beloved companion during the hectic holiday season. The QuietComfort Ultra is the latest in a long line of Bose headphones that push the boundaries of ANC performance. In our experience, these headphones can eliminate the noise of the New York City subway when listening to music and should do an equally impressive job for aircraft engines and sidewalk structures. The headphones’ noise cancellation is complemented by 24 hours of playtime per charge, Immersive Audio support, a multi-microphone array for calls, energetic audio quality, and ample cushioning on the earcups and headband. These comfortable, comforting headphones are worth their usual price, but Amazon’s current discount makes them even better. (Prefer the same trusted Bose ANC algorithms, but in earbuds? Those are also on sale.)
Denon PerL Pro true wireless earbuds with adaptive noise cancellation and personalized sound $195 (was $299)
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Okay, so these aren’t headphones. But some people think cucumbers taste better when they are pickled. Anyway… The Denon PerL Pro True Wireless earbuds use something called Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology to generate an EQ based on the user’s inner ear activity. That’s why it’s called the PerL Personalized Llisten. And after testing it out, I can confirm that it really works to add some raw power and bring back memories to songs and ears that have been somewhat dulled by time. This is delivered by distinctive 8.6g disc-shaped enclosures with 10mm triple-layer titanium diaphragm dynamic drivers and a 20Hz – 40kHz frequency response and ultra-low distortion reproduction. Eartips and “wings” in multiple sizes ensure a secure fit. Touch panels on the circular exterior surfaces provide access to assignable tap commands. Bluetooth 5.3 includes aptX Lossless, which delivers 16-bit 44.1 kHz quality when paired with an Android device with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen. 1 chipset or newer, but there’s still SBC and AAC, so every device can connect reliably and every listener can enjoy a tailor-made listening session. And there’s also ANC, so you can concentrate more on the music.
Linsoul Kiwi Ears Quintet Quadbrid in-ear monitor with 1DD + 2BA + 1 Planar + 1 PZT driver $175 (was $219)
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Okay, so these aren’t headphones either. However, some call them in-ear monitors IEMs, while others call them in-ear headphones. Maybe let’s split the difference between the earphones. But we can all agree that brands like Kiwi Ears are using trickle-down technology in sets that deliver headphone-level detail in a pocketable format. And who doesn’t want to hear more, but not pay more? A quad-driver setup used to be serious enthusiast territory, but is now within entry-level range. Packaged in a form-fitting 3D-printed resin shell, behind logo-embossed anodized metal faceplates, this five-driver-per-ear configuration delivers bass that’s warm without being woolly, mostly controlled while hitting discernible sub-bass when called upon. The low end drives the lower mids slightly, but not so much that the texture is obscured. There’s still plenty of airy energy, with isolated and impactful instruments within the adequate soundstage. Yet the Quintet produces captivating technical details and an authentic timbre through the treble. The Kiwi Ears Quintet is a clear whole, both in appearance and while listening. There is plenty of depth and detail, with powerful and well-positioned instruments. You could spend more, but the Kiwi Quintet confidently supports a balanced sound and budget.