Make your listening experience luxurious, buy these premium headphones

After smartphones, the most in-demand electronic devices are the headphones and wireless earbuds. The better the quality of these audio accessories, the greater the overall smartphone experience.

“I don’t want jewellery this birthday,” said 16-year-old Navika Mehta, a Delhi based Class XI student who takes her private coaching through virtual medium and is heavily dependent on headphones for her online classes. Instead, she requested her parents to invest the same amount of money in buying her Apple airpods worth Rs 60,000 which her friends use and they are ‘floored’ by its sound quality and noise-cancelling ability.

Today everyone is seen with a headphone or an earphone or air pods- from a long-distance runner putting headphones head-to-head to a student wearing earphones to take his online classes to a work-from-home professional taking Zoom calls. People can’t seem to have enough of their beloved audio devices which they say helps them focus better on the listener’s voice and content.

At Amazon.in, premium headphones are one of the fastest growing segments amongst the Audio business. According to the Amazon India spokesperson, “A surge of 2.5X YoY has been seen across brands such as Apple, Sony, Bose, Samsung, JBL. We are witnessing a wave of upgradation where an increasing number of customers are searching for premium features like active-noise-cancellation, spatial audio, multi-device connectivity and clear call quality. We define premium headphones with branded selection starting from Rs 5,000 all the way to Rs 70,000+. Brands such as Apple Airpods Max, Sony’s 1000XM series and Bose’s Ultra Series are preferred by customers looking for high-end premium headphones.” Furthermore, from a demographic view, the audience for these products are young and aspirational Indians aged between 18 to 28 years old who want to indulge in the best Audio products. Over 60% demand for these products come from Tier 2 and beyond cities.

As per India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) (a Trust established by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India) the number of smartphone users in India is projected to reach 887.4 million by 2030. The rapid growth of smartphones in India will further boost the user’s adoption of earphones and headphones. Today, sound, music, or voice have become more critical than ever, making smartphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, headphones – the most in-demand electronic devices. The performance of audio accessories impacts their overall smartphone experience.

According to research from Mordor Intelligence, a market research agency, “India is expected to exhibit noteworthy growth owing to some major players like Sennheiser, BoAt, Noise, and JBL who are making significant developments in their offerings by conducting research and development. For instance, in September 2023, Realme launched the Realme Narzo 60x, its latest affordable smartphone, along with the Realme Buds T300 TWS earbuds in the Indian market which has an impressive battery life of up to 40 hours and feature 30dB active noise cancellation. These earbuds have a 12.4mm dynamic bass driver and offer an immersive sound experience with their “360° 3D Spatial Audio Effect. Additionally, they support Bluetooth 5.3 and provide a low latency of 50ms in game mode. Such vendor innovations in introducing the products for consumer applications are expected to drive the market.”

The top trending brands in premium audio accessories include the likes of Bose, Sennheiser, Sony, Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen (B&O), Bowers & Wilkins, Apple, Audeze, Focal, Shure. Bang & Olufsen offers a range of luxury audio products such as Beoplay H95 and Beoplay E8 series in headphones that feature premium materials and craftsmanship. Known for their high-fidelity sound and luxurious designs, Bowers & Wilkins offers premium headphones like the PX7 S2 and in-ear options like the PI7, catering to audiophiles who want both style and substance. Audeze specializes in high-end headphones featuring planar magnetic drivers, which provide excellent sound quality. Models like the LCD-4 and LCD-X are popular among audiophiles who value clarity and detail. A French brand, Focal is known for its premium headphones like the Utopia and Stellia models, which offer exceptional sound quality and are built with high-quality materials for a luxurious feel. Master & Dynamic offers a range of luxury headphones and earphones, known for their premium materials such as leather and stainless steel, and their signature sound profile. The MW65 and MW08 are standout models. Shure, a brand traditionally known for its microphones, also produces high-quality in-ear monitors and headphones like the SE846 and AONIC 50, which are favoured by professionals and enthusiasts for their precise sound reproduction.

When selecting a headphone or earphone, particularly in the premium to luxury segment, it is important to prioritize sound quality, as it directly influences the listening experience. According to Mandeep Arora, MD and Co-founder, UBON, “Choose a product that delivers rich, balanced sound with clear bass, midrange, and treble. Comfort is another critical factor, especially for long periods of use; ergonomic designs that fit well and do not cause discomfort are ideal. Noise cancellation features, such as active noise cancellation (ANC) or noise reduction (ANR), are valuable for reducing background noise in various environments. Additionally, battery life should be considered, with longer playtime and quick charging options being preferable for those who are often on the move. Connectivity should be stable, particularly for wireless devices, and controls should be user-friendly. Build quality and durability are crucial, as a well-constructed device will withstand regular use. It’s also important to consider the brand and warranty, as premium products typically come with reliable after-sales service. Lastly, choose a design that complements your personal style while meeting your performance needs.”

But be careful about sound exposure and hearing damage. The importance of using headphones and earphones responsibly to prevent hearing loss cannot be overstated. Consider the story of Alka Yagnik as a stark reminder of why we must be cautious with our audio devices. It underscores the need for mindfulness in protecting our hearing. According to Dr. Shashidhar TB, Head – Surgery (ENT), Artemis Hospitals, “Safety guidelines consistently emphasize the need to minimize both the duration of headphone use and exposure to very loud noises. For example, exposure to sounds at 100 dB, even for just a minute, can lead to significant hearing loss. For casual listeners, it is advisable to keep sound levels below 80 dB. Newer technologies, such as bone conduction headphones, noise-canceling headphones, and hybrid headphones, tend to cause less damage compared to traditional in-ear models.”

Additionally, there are concerns about the potential damage from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radiation. Where possible, consider using old-fashioned corded headphones. The damage to hearing is directly proportional to both the loudness of the sound and the duration of exposure. The chart below provides a guide to safe hearing levels.

Dr. Shashidhar TB alerts- “Remember, in-ear headphones pose a greater risk due to their proximity to the eardrum. Poor practices, such as sleeping with earphones plugged in or listening to loud music while driving two-wheelers, can lead to severe hearing loss and accidents.”

If you spend significant time listening to music, regardless of volume, it is essential to have annual hearing tests to monitor any decline in hearing. Should you experience issues such as decreased hearing, ringing in the ears, ear pain, or vague headaches related to music, consult an ENT specialist. In summary, to protect your hearing, choose high-quality audio devices, maintain moderate volume levels, take regular breaks, and undergo annual hearing checks.

“Headphones aren’t just about sound; they’re about creating your own world, a sanctuary where music, podcasts, or even silence becomes your companion,” says Amit Duggar, a 27-year-old technology enthusiast who lives in Gurgaon.

Here are three premium headphones to know about.

Focal Clear MG headphone: Magnesium drivers provide precise, dynamic sound. Handcrafted in France, it uses premium materials like microfibre earpads and leather, ensuring comfort and durability. (Price Rs 270,000)

Audeze LCD-5: Incorporates planar magnetic drivers that deliver highly accurate and detailed sound. The ultra-light carbon fibre frame ensures comfort during extended listening sessions. This model offers an improved midrange response, providing richer, more immersive sound. (Rs 380,000)

Sennheiser HD 820: Closed-back design with glass transducers that minimise resonance and deliver a unique, natural sound for a closed system. It provides an audiophile-grade soundstage with great depth, typically found in open-back headphones. (Rs 1,65,000)

PRICE CHART

These are some of the premium headphones and earphones available in the Indian market: