At the end of every year, the editorial team at Son-Vidéo.com shares its favorite products with you. Today, I’d like to present you with a selection of the headphones and earbuds that made the biggest impression on me and that the editorial team loved testing and using this year. Hi-fi equipment that makes an excellent gift idea for Christmas!
FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones
The FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones particularly impressed me by their ability to deliver an accomplished hi-fi listening experience at a very affordable price. These closed-back headphones feature large, 60mm dynamic transducers capable of delivering a rich, balanced and natural sound, with full-bodied bass, detailed mids and controlled highs. The soundstage is ample and well-structured for a closed model, making them equally enjoyable for music and versatile sedentary use.
Their meticulous design with walnut wood shells adds a real touch of elegance, while the earpads and adjustable headband ensure excellent comfort, even during long listening sessions. Supplied with two detachable cables, including a symmetrical model, the FiiO FT1 adapt easily to different sources. A great success in this price range, priced at €149.
Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen hi-fi headphones
The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen hi-fi headphones successfully revisit an iconic model from the Romanian manufacturer, refining its sonic signature while retaining its musical character. These closed-back headphones feature 40mm dynamic transducers capable of delivering a warm, balanced and detailed sound, with controlled bass, natural mids and precise highs. Their low impedance makes them easy to use with a wide range of sources, from smartphones to hi-fi amplifiers.
Personally, I think they’re beautiful, with their superb walnut wood shells combined with a structure that’s both light and robust. The earpads have been redesigned to offer excellent comfort and effective passive isolation, making listening enjoyable even over long sessions. Highly versatile, the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen are equally well suited to music and gaming, thanks to their coherent soundstage and precisely positioned sound elements. A sure bet for music lovers looking for elegant, comfortable, musical headphones, priced at €349.
Focal Bathys MG Bluetooth headphones
With the Bathys MG Bluetooth headphones, Focal takes its expertise in the world of wireless noise-canceling headphones a step further. This Bluetooth model features 40mm pure magnesium “M” dome transducers that are made in France and are capable of delivering a highly accurate sound reproduction that’s balanced, dynamic and detailed. Bass is deep and controlled, mids natural and highs particularly well defined.
Designed for discerning users on the go, the Bathys MG benefit from effective active noise canceling, complemented by a practical transparency mode for everyday use. Their extensive connectivity enables both Bluetooth and wired listening, with a USB-DAC mode offering high-resolution audio quality. Genuine leather ear pads and an aluminum headband ensure comfort for long, fatigue-free listening sessions.
With their meticulous design, high-level sound performance and great versatility, the Focal Bathys MG are a benchmark among premium nomad headphones, priced at €1,190.
Nothing Headphone (1) Bluetooth headphones
The Nothing Headphone (1) Bluetooth headphones immediately stand out for their original design, both modern and bold, in clear contrast to most other models on the market. Behind this assertive visual identity, these Bluetooth headphones feature 40mm dynamic transducers capable of delivering a balanced sound reproduction, with well-presented bass, clear mids and detailed highs. As a result, they are equally suitable for music and video content.
Active noise canceling ensures effective immersion in noisy environments, while the Transparency mode remains practical for everyday use. The editors also appreciated its excellent comfort, with wrap-around earpads and a padded headband, making listening pleasant over long sessions. Versatile and well-equipped, the Nothing Headphone (1) can be used both wireless and wired, and boast generous battery life for everyday use. Original, balanced headphones at €299.
Technics EAH-AZ100 Bluetooth earbuds
The Technics EAH-AZ100 Bluetooth earbuds immediately won me over with their minimalist design and, above all, their sound quality. Equipped with magnetic fluid transducers, they deliver a precise, balanced and detailed reproduction, with well-controlled bass, a natural midrange and clear highs. The soundstage is wide for True Wireless earbuds, making listening particularly immersive.
I also appreciated their excellent comfort, which means they can be worn for a long time, as well as the effectiveness of the active noise canceling, which is very useful on the move or in noisy environments. Modern connectivity and a generous battery life make them reliable everyday companions. These are particularly accomplished earbuds, which easily find their place in the editor’s favorites, priced at €290.
Nothing Ear (3) Bluetooth Earbuds
With the Ear (3), Nothing continues the evolution of its wireless earbuds range, refining both design and audio performance. The brand’s iconic transparent aesthetics are combined with a more precise and controlled sound reproduction, with pronounced bass, clear mids and detailed highs.
ANC adapts effectively to the environment, while their comfort enables long, fatigue-free listening sessions. Versatile and pleasant to live with on a daily basis, the Nothing Ear (3) true wireless earbuds are perfectly in tune with the brand’s DNA, offering a modern, accessible and well-rounded product, priced at €179.
These top picks reflect the products that made the biggest impact on the editorial team this year, both in terms of performance and the pleasure of everyday use. All the equipment reviews are available on the blog.
Short of ideas for Christmas? Explore our varied selection of gifts to suit every style and budget. Delight music, movie or video game fans with unique suggestions. And for a risk-free choice, opt for the Son-Vidéo.com gift card.
