Can you REALLY hear the difference between commercial and audiophile headphones?

"I've recently been getting into the world of audiophile headphones, but I've been buying and borrowing commercial headphones for 20+ years now. And that got me thinking - what are the real differences between headphones that most people buy, and the ones that are deemed 'audiophile'? And, if you're only used to using commercial cans - Bluetooth, ANC headphones - would it really be a massive step up?"

"Well, long story short, since I started using the Sennheiser HD 650 audiophile headphones, I've fallen in love with listening to music again. That's because these types of headphone offer an audio experience that most commercial cans do not (or simply can't). And yet, since trying out the Bose Quite Comfort Ultra commercial headphones, it's clear that they're popular for a reason, offering features that hi-fi headphones don't... The plot thickens."

Audiophile headphones emphasize refined, accurate sound reproduction, revealing detail, texture, and musical nuance often absent in mainstream Bluetooth or ANC headphones. The Sennheiser HD 650 exemplifies this by restoring emotional engagement and deep listening pleasure through open-back, high-fidelity performance. Commercial models like the Bose Quite Comfort Ultra prioritize wireless convenience, active noise cancellation, comfort, and extra features that hi-fi cans typically lack. The choice involves trade-offs: pursuing ultimate sonic realism usually sacrifices portability and modern conveniences, while consumer headphones offer usability and features at the cost of some resolution and neutrality. Many users experience a notable step up in sound quality when switching to audiophile headphones.

Read at Creative Bloq