Nuestras mejores selecciones de Audio46: Resumen de fin de año 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on all the new releases from this year. Bluetooth headphones and earbuds all got a massive upgrade from Sony, Bowers & Wilkins, and Sennheiser. New flagship headphones from Audio-Technica, Abyss, Meze, and more gave audiophiles something new to add to their collections. Even IEM lovers got to experience new sound with Noble Audio and Empire Ears. And don't forget all the accessories, like the DAC/Amps, that came along the way! All of these items gave audiophiles a LOT to talk about in 2025. But which ones ranked highest of them all?

In this list, we take a look back at 2025 and rank our favorite pieces of audiophile equipment. This list may not cover every item released, and it's not ranked in any particular order: don't worry if you don't see your favorite! There was a lot released in 2025, so let's see what ended up on top.

SONY WH-1000XM6

A definite standout in 2025 was the release of the Sony WH-1000XM6. This Bluetooth headset was a highly anticipated successor to the previous Sony model, featuring stronger noise cancellation and new features. The bass is strong for people who want that deep, low-end sound, as well as excellent clarity for vocals and guitars. The different listening modes enable you to listen in any environment with ease, whether you're aware of your surroundings or completely immersed in the music without distraction. The foldable design makes it easy to carry around, but it also comes with a handy carrying case for more protection in crowded bags.

You get a lot of the same accessories in the XM6 as you do in other Sony models: carrying case, cables for listening and charging, and an instruction manual. The real features come with the Sony Headphones Connect app, where you can really personalize your listening experience with sound modes, EQ, and more. Sony has outdone themselves in 2025, and we're excited to see how it builds from here.

SENNHEISER HDB 630

Sennheiser is another brand that impressed with a Bluetooth release. The MOMENTUM 4 was already extremely popular for its long battery life, adjustable EQ settings, and comfortable fit. Now, they've upgraded the quality with the HDB 630. Visually, very few things changed: a silver frame detail, slightly smaller and bulkier earcups, and an identical carrying case. Sonically, the HDB 630 impresses across the board. This headphone has a large soundstage that expands outwards and upwards, creating an immersive stereo field that places instruments accurately and precisely. You can use this as your go-to reference headphone when you want to edit on the go, or just as a casual listening headphone with impressive detail. While the noise cancellation isn't the strongest, much like its predecessor, sound quality is the main selling point of this headphone.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 came with a case and some cables for listening and charging, but the HDB 630 adds the BTD 700 adapter to ensure audiophile listening on any device. Additionally, the Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app allows you to customize your listening with ease, especially with the upgraded parametric EQ. This ultra-personalized listening experience has made Sennheiser headphones the one to grab this holiday season.

FOCAL BATHYS MG

Shortly after Can Jam NYC 2025, French company Focal gave us an upgrade from the already popular Bathys. The Focal Bathys MG is a big upgrade from the original model. Visually, they have the same design as the original Bathys with a different color. You have a deep brown case and a shiny finish of the magnesium to make the Bathys MG look like the high-quality headphone you'd expect. The sound of these headphones is similar to that of the original, except this time, you're given the additional depth and color of instruments to make the soundstage more immersive and entertaining. Instead of being up-front and intense in power, the Bathys MG takes a step back to let you feel the space in a mix while still maintaining that balanced sound that you expect out of Focal headphones.

Like the original Bathys, the Bathys MG has a few different ways to listen. You can listen via Bluetooth, or you can use a 3.5mm audio cable. You can also use the internal DAC and listen with a USB-C cable, so you have a stable connection for lossless listening. This upgrade was a hit and continues to impress as we end the year. It is a headphone that will definitely be a popular and sought-after flagship for years to come.

BOWERS & WILKINS PX8 S2

UK company Bowers & Wilkins has also given us some Bluetooth upgrades this past year. Previously, they had the Px7 S2e and the Px8. Both are incredible headphones that stood up against the likes of Sony and Sennheiser. In 2025, they upgraded both of these models to be audiophile favorites. The Px7 S3 was a great upgrade that was competitive with other commercial Bluetooth headphones, becoming sleeker in design and bold in color. The Px8 S2 was similar in style upgrade, and the sound impressed even more. With a new carbon cone driver, the Px8 S2 gives you very intense and forward sound that is highly detailed in every genre. It may cause some fatigue for those looking for gentler and more laid-back profiles, but analytical listeners will definitely be a fan.

The Bowers & Wilkins headphones come with a hardshell carrying case, cables for listening/charging, and an app you can download to customize the sound even more. One thing that stands out about Bowers & Wilkins is not just its audiophile sound, but the overall style of the headphones themselves. It is a sleek headphone that is less bulky than competitors, and it also has a strong clamping force, so you know it will stay on your head during use. That, plus a lot of color options, makes the Px7 & Px8 series a fashion accessory just as much as an audiophile listening experience.

NOBLE FOKUS PRESTIGE ENCORE

Moving onto true wireless, one item that was an immediate standout was the Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore. Noble Audio has always produced excellent IEMs, be it wired or wireless. Their previous flagship true wireless IEM was the FoKus Prestige, and now the Prestige Encore has come in to take the top spot. The Prestige Encore adds a planar magnetic driver to its configuration, which makes the sound signature all the more balanced from highs to lows. The shape of the earphone is smaller than that of the original Prestige, so it's more comfortable to be worn for long periods of time. The signature has a lot of detail, and the soundstage is very immersive, so you are thrown into your listening headfirst and without distraction. The Prestige Encore is loud and powerful in any genre. You won't be missing any details.

The original Prestige was known for its excellent sound quality, but did not have any active noise cancellation. This was a turn-off for most customers, and Noble heard this complaint. The Prestige Encore comes in with active noise cancellation, EQ filters, and Personalized Sound by Audiodo. These features allow you to fully customize your listening experience and fine-tune anything exactly how you like. Noble really outdid themselves on this new release, and it'll be a tough one to beat in years to come.

BEYERDYNAMIC AMIRON ZERO

Noise-cancelling earbuds are a popular choice, but many athletes are stepping into the realm of on-ear or clip-on earbuds instead. Bose made popular clip-on earbuds that were ideal for aware listening, and now Beyerdynamic has entered the ring to make what I believe is one of the top contenders of the holiday season. The Beyerdynamic AMIRON ZERO is a great earphone that is worn by being clipped to the outside of your ear. There is no invasive eartip or active noise cancellation; instead, the AMIRON ZERO makes sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times while still giving you high-quality sound. It is ideal for athletes and any person looking for a workout earbud: you can listen and move around without worrying that this will fall out of your ear.

The style of the AMIRON ZERO is the true selling point, but the sound quality cannot be overlooked. Beyerdynamic makes sure it doesn't compromise anything for the sake of style or comfort. This earphone has good bass and a wide soundstage, which blends seamlessly into your natural listening environment. You have sound reproduction that isn't quite natural or reference, but it is entertaining and dynamic. It's easy to get lost in the music and have it become a part of the environment around you.

ABYSS JOAL

A headphone that people have had their eyes on since its release is the Abyss JOAL open-back headphone. This headphone was released at the top of this year, just before Can Jam NYC, and ever since then, it's been a highly sought-after piece of equipment. This is Abyss's most affordable headphone to date, and it's meant to be more accessible to audiophile listeners. JOAL stands for "Jack of all Listening", and it's a fitting name. This headphone is great for any genre you throw at it, and can be paired with a lot of different equipment with ease. The JOAL only comes with one 4.4mm cable, but you can easily add on adapters to adjust to any listening setup.

In terms of sound profile, you can hear how the JOAL caters to any audiophile. If you like to listen loudly, these headphones can take quite a bit of power from a good amplifier without risking damage or distortion. Even those who like to listen softer can get a nice, relaxed profile from the JOAL and not lose any detail or clarity. The signature overall is balanced and natural, with a warm bass that becomes a great foundation for other frequencies. Imaging accuracy is fairly impressive and has an immersive soundstage that wraps around you completely. This headphone has hit the leaderboards throughout 2025, and I imagine it will continue to impress in 2026.

HEDD AUDIO HEDDPHONE D1

Another headphone that was debuted at a Can Jam comes from HEDD Audio. The HEDDphone D1 was released during Can Jam Dallas this year, and it was a hit right out of the gate. It has been a highly anticipated headphone that everyone has wanted to get their hands on, with a reputation for astonishing value under $1,000. The HEDDphone is open-back, over-ear, and has great natural sound reproduction. The bass is very present and can sometimes sound a bit overwhelming to more sensitive ears, but the balance that the overall signature has is truly memorable.

The HEDDphone D1 competes with the likes of Sennheiser and Meze in terms of excellent open-back headphones under $1000. The Sennheiser HD 600 has good sound reproduction, and has been regarded as a classic reference headphone for many years. The HEDDphone D1 comes in to challenge this and give a little more bass and dynamics to your mix. Also, this headphone often gets compared to the Meze 109 Pro for falling at the same price with the same style. The Meze 109 Pro is certainly a lot of fun and has dynamics to entertain in mind, but the HEDDphone D1 does present an equally entertaining signature that could compete with the likes of the 109 Pro.

MEZE 105 SILVA

In the more affordable price range, a very popular open-back release in 2025 came from the previously mentioned Meze Audio. The Meze 105 Silva is a great open-back headphone that retails for only $500. It's a great entry-level audiophile listening experience, perfect to pair with any device for easy listening. The mid-century modern design made from walnut wood makes this headphone look visually appealing as a first impression. On top of that, the fit is extremely comfortable: a suspended self-adjusting headband with plush earpads makes this headphone one of the most comfortable I've worn all year.

The Meze sound signature gives you a balance of warmth and detail. The bass is full and has a lot of color in the instruments, but still maintains clarity so you can hear every kick drum hit and bass note. The top end is spacious and allows frequencies to dissipate naturally. The soundstage is wide and immersive, so this becomes a great headphone for a host of different use cases. Gaming, mixing, casual listening, movies: the 105 Silva is a great companion across the board. This headphone is a similar style to that of the 109 Pro and the 105 AER, but offers some of the best value for a budding audiophile's growing collection.

YAMAHA YH-C3000

Looking at closed-back headphones, it is tough to compete with the Dan Clark Noire X that was released last year. However, there have been a few contenders that have made waves and caught some audiophiles' attention. One in particular that is on the higher end is the Yamaha YH-C3000. This closed-back headphone offers a rich, detailed, immersive listening experience for less than $2k. It's a lightweight headphone with an all-black aesthetic, and its included cable allows you to plug and play almost immediately.

The YH-C3000 is a great headphone for bass lovers. The bass response in these headphones is not exactly the most natural sound, which may deter listeners looking for a reference sound. However, the warped and punchy quality of the low end is definitely a lot of fun and makes any track have another layer of entertainment. The top end is spacious and lets frequencies wrap around your head, so the stereo image is precise and immersive. This headphone competes with headphones like the Dan Clark E3, and will definitely win over people who like to listen analytically as well as for enjoyment.

AUDEZE LCD-S20

If you're looking for your next recording headphone, look no further than this new closed-back from Audeze. This American company has long made reference headphones in all price ranges, including some higher-end closed-backs. Now, they've expanded to entry-level closed-backs with the Audeze LCD-S20. This headphone looks similar to the MM-100 and is built with studio use in mind. It has a single-sided cable that terminates in 6.35mm, which is perfect for studio integration. It's a heavier build to be stable on the head, which could prove uncomfortable for some heads.

The sound in the Audeze LCD-S20 is definitely geared towards reference listeners. The signature is rather flat and has a lot of good detail throughout the frequency ranges. You can hear how this is a headphone for analytical listening above all else. Some punchiness in the bass leans into the treble end more, and the top end expands upwards to avoid heaviness. The midrange is a bit recessed, so everything lies fairly evenly in the stereo field. This headphone may not be for listeners looking for entertainment and dynamics in their listening. Instead, I would strongly recommend this to the recording engineer who wants to use their headphones for every step in their music-making process. The LCD-S20 is a great analytical companion that will thrive in any studio.

MEZE 99 CLASSICS V2

After 10 years, Meze Audio revisits a well-known model from its lineup and gives it an upgrade. The Meze 99 Classics V2 was a great closed-back release of 2025, impressing us all over again with 10 key points of improvement. Included accessories are not just limited to the hardshell carrying case and 3.5mm cable; instead, you also get a USB-C adapter and acoustic absorber pads to use with the headphones. These features allow you to adjust the sound to your liking and use it with a host of devices right out of the box.

While the style stays essentially the same, the sonic qualities do get an upgrade. The bass is more refined and has a stronger presence, all while maintaining detail and clarity. The midrange comes forward to show off vocals and instrumental detail. I wouldn't recommend this as a mixing or reference headphone, but it certainly has some fun dynamics and coloration for people looking for entertainment in their listening. The acoustic absorbers can be implemented to reduce the bass response by a fraction, making it sound like the first version with its ultra-balanced signature and treble detail. Having both options makes the V2 a versatile headphone.

CAMPFIRE AUDIO ALIEN BRAIN

Now, we transition to the world of in-ear monitors. Campfire Audio has given the audiophile world a lot of great IEMs and accessories, and 2025 is no different. Campfire had a few releases this year, but one that stood out to us here at Audio46 was the Alien Brain. This IEM was a special edition release that still gets a lot of attention whenever it's back in stock. The design of this IEM is captivating, where it looks like a sci-fi special effect of an alien's brain. The blue and purple color palate with the silver cable keeps the IEM looking sleek and subtle, all while standing out in its own unique way. The fit is slightly smaller than some of Campfire's more classic picks like the Superman or Bonneville, which makes them a better choice for people who like universal IEMs.

The sound profile of the Alien Brain is also worth noting. With one dynamic driver and four balanced armature, you get a profile that is punchy in the bass but still has excellent top end detail that are well balanced. The color and musicality is exceptional and makes everything in your track a little more fun. The soundstage is considerably wide, especially in a pair of IEMs, and the placement of instruments in the sound field is fairly accurate. You get an immersive sound that expands upwards and outwards to separate out those different elements. Campfire did some great work in 2025, and we're excited to see what they bring to the table in 2026.

NOBLE AUDIO KRONOS

Noble Audio is another brand that catches people's attention every time there is a new release. Their latest flagship, the Noble Kronos, has gained significant popularity since its release. This IEM is similar in configuration to the Noble Chronicle, but the tuning exudes flagship and endgame quality. The Kronos' textured outer shell is a little worrisome at first, but it actually aids in the firm grip and stable wear in your ear. On top of that, aesthetics are a win with the multicolored faceplates and custom cable round off the premium quality of the IEM.

In terms of sound, the Kronos truly is one of a kind. It follows the Shogun, another 2025 release that is amazing and dynamic in signature. The Kronos is pristine in its clarity and attention to detail, and the separation between elements is the perfect mix of analytical and entertaining. In a model like the Shogun, the bass is a very prominent factor that adds to the punchy quality of the signature. The Kronos, on the other hand, has a much more balanced signature. It is more treble-forward for people who like to hear every minute element, and the spaciousness is second to none. This IEM retails for $4.5k, so it's definitely an investment. For audiophiles looking for the last stop on their journey, the Kronos is a fantastic option to look at.

EMPIRE EARS ODIN MKII

Empire Ears has made numerous flagship models over the years, with one most notable being the ODIN. Now, in 2025, they've released the Empire Ears ODIN MKII, which is a $4.3k masterpiece that looks as expensive as it sounds. The ODIN MKII takes on a whole new look, with bulky gold faceplates that are sculpted meticulously and intricately. It's almost the IEM equivalent of a Rolex watch. From the IEMs I've seen this year, this one is likely the #1 standout. Empire Ears made sure the look matched the flagship quality.

The sound of the ODIN MKII is for the bass lovers. The low end is punchy and has a lot of character to apply in any genre. You can feel the bass just as much as appreciate its detail, and the way it balances with the high end adds to the cohesiveness of the signature. There is good separation in the midrange to make vocals stand out and come to the front. You get incredible detail from each individual element, and the imaging accuracy is truly remarkable. The wide soundstage allows you to get immersed in your music with ease and without distraction. This new release from Empire Ears is often compared to the Noble Kronos, as both are incredible flagships that could definitely be any audiophile's endgame purchase.

ASTELL & KERN SP4000

If you're someone who loves to have a dedicated spot for all their music, chances are you've looked into digital audio players. Astell & Kern has been known for producing several flagships in this field, and in 2025, they've done just that. The A&K SP4000 is the latest and greatest DAP for audiophiles, boasting exceptional sound quality, a premium build, and a range of features. This DAP retails for over $4k, so it's made for the people who want the best of the best. You have 10 hours of playback time for all-day listening, and a smooth profile that is great for any genre of music you may listen to.

The SP4000 offers a variety of listening options. You can use this as an external DAC or amplifier, but it is mainly used as a source that can store music and stream it. You can download apps like Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, and more. If you prefer to download your music, you have the option of 256 GB of internal storage and a 1.5 TB SD card. The SP4000 isn't exactly the most compact device; it is quite heavy and can definitely weigh down your pocket. It comes with a leather case for protection, but I can definitely see this being used as a desktop piece as well as a transportable one.

IFI IDSD VALKYRIE

Transportable DACs also got a huge upgrade from iFi Audio. The iFi iDSD Valkyrie is a new transportable DAC/amp that is a great companion to any setup. The Valkyrie is advertised to be a portable DAC, but its large build makes it more transportable and a better desktop piece than something to use on the go. The Valkyrie has a great sound that pairs well with a lot of different headphones. Plus, its visual aesthetics exude the top-tier quality that this device provides.

The Valkyrie is perfect for listeners who want versatility and power. There are a lot of different ways to integrate this device, including Bluetooth, USB-C, RCA, Coaxial, and Optical. You can hook this up to a host of sources, going from as simple as your phone to more extensive desktop streamers. The different filters allow you to add some more color to your listening as opposed to just neutrality, and it plays well with a lot of headphones' signatures. The XBass, XPresence, and XSpace are all easy to activate and take off as you need. Overall, the Valkyrie has become a favorite in terms of adaptable devices and a staple in every audiophile's arsenal.

FIIO QX13

Going into portable setups, we take a look at FiiO. Every year, you get a wide selection of new products from FiiO that bring hi-fi listening to any setup. The BTR17 from last year still gets a lot of love and attention. Now, they've released the QX13 as a wired option. The FiiO QX13 is a great portable DAC/amp that gives you stellar sound in a tiny device. The QX13 was made to be thrown in your pocket, easily connected to an IEM or headphone, and giving you amazing sound the whole way through.

The sound of the QX13 is smooth, honest, and loud. The amplifier in the device works exactly as intended, and it really boosts the volume quite a bit in your headphones or earphones. With the FiiO companion app, you can go in and create customizable filters and EQ adjustments to really enhance your listening exactly how you like it. The QX13 has a desktop mode and a regular mode, so it draws only sufficient power from the appropriate device. For just over $200, the QX13 has become a popular upgrade choice for people looking to take hi-fi sound on the go. In 2026, we're interested to see how FiiO plans to upgrade from here.

As we look back at 2025, we see that there was truly something for everyone this year. Bluetooth users can enjoy hands-free listening with the Noble FoKus Prestige Encore or the new Sony WH-1000XM6. Wired users can enjoy open-back upgrades like the Abyss JOAL or the privacy that comes with a closed-back like the Yamaha YH-C3000. Even if you're an IEM lover, Campfire Audio's Alien Brain is a nice choice for when you want something unique from the rest.

There was a lot more in 2025 than what was mentioned in this short guide; there are plenty of new open-back, closed-back, Bluetooth, budget, and audiophile picks for you to peruse from. This list tackles most of our favorites at Audio46.

Be sure to check out our website to see what other new items have been released in 2025. And stay on the lookout in 2026: big things are sure to come in the new year!

Find all these items and more at Audio46.