1. AKG Q460

A man with 27 Grammys and a producing credit on the best-selling album ever knows a thing or two about sound. Plugging in these headphones from AKG's Quincy Jones line proves it. Despite being the only on-ear model here, the 460s were the most versatile. Listening to Thriller —what else?—was as thrilling as ever thanks to the tight, punchy bass and meaty mids. But there's enough dynamic range and nuance to make everything from Dizzy Gillespie to Daft Punk spring to life.

WIRED Detachable cable. Lightest headphones tested. Clever fold-up design and handsome hard-shell carrying case. Outstanding value.

TIRED Slightly flimsy build. Lacks the noise isolation of over-ear units. Instrument separation could be better. $169, AKG

Rating: 8 out of 10