USB digital playback is a real strength where supported, providing clean, low-latency wired audio and even preserving ANC in one test.
Pros: Overall satisfaction, Sound quality
Cons: Carry case quality, Transparency mode quality
Best 2025 Over-Ear Headphones for Built-in DAC and hi-res playback
Built-in DAC, USB-C, and hi-res playback support are repeatedly praised for improving clarity, solidity, or wired performance.
Pros: Sound quality, Active noise cancellation
Cons: Premium feel, Multipoint connectivity reliability
The bundled USB-C DAC/amp is a convenient way to use phones and laptops immediately. It is viewed as a useful starter or backup solution rather than a replacement for a...
Pros: Design and Aesthetics, Overall recommendation
Cons: Noise isolation (passive), Connectivity options
The built-in DAC and hi-res playback mode are among the most praised features, repeatedly described as excellent, useful and a major reason to consider the headphones.
Pros: Comfort during long use, Bass performance
Cons: Value for money, Equalizer customization
Hi-Res support is impressive for the price and works through the supported wired/wireless paths. Reviewers treated the certification as part of the unusually premium audio feature set.
Pros: Sound quality, Active noise cancellation
Cons: Treble clarity, Equalizer customization
The built-in DAC/USB-C hi-res path is repeatedly praised for clearer, more detailed, or higher-quality wired playback.
Pros: Active noise cancellation, Comfort during long use
Cons: Value for money, Equalizer customization
The built-in DAC and hi-res wired playback were praised for improving stability, detail, resolution, and flexibility with USB-C or wired use.
Pros: Sound quality, Dongle
Cons: Premium feel, Build quality
Wired USB-C lossless playback was valued for added clarity, depth and more critical listening, even when the difference was not night-and-day.
Pros: Active noise cancellation, Sound quality
Cons: Value for money, Carry case quality
The built-in DAC and hi-res USB playback are appreciated, though one reviewer hears little improvement over strong wireless codecs.
Pros: Sound quality, Active noise cancellation
Wired hi-res and USB-C digital playback were viewed as useful extras, with reviewers noting clearer or lossless wired listening.
Pros: Sound quality, Battery
Cons: Weight comfort, Soundstage width
Hi-res playback and LDAC were praised for capability, but one iPhone-focused reviewer found LDAC less useful.
Pros: Battery, Value for money
Hi-res playback settings had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer saying the Hi-Res Audio combination delivered the needed sound improvement.
Pros: Bass performance, Overall recommendation
Cons: Transparency mode quality, Immersive audio quality
Hi-res or wired playback evidence is split, from strong USB-C wired praise to one review saying wired playback made sound worse.
Pros: Battery, Equalizer customization
Cons: ANC background noise level, Active noise cancellation
Built-in DAC and hi-res wired playback were criticized because reviewers wanted a true digital lossless USB-C option.
Pros: Sound quality, Active noise cancellation
Cons: Touch control responsiveness, Spatial audio
Hi-res wireless playback and USB DAC-style audio modes are absent. Buyers seeking higher-resolution digital playback will need a different model.
Pros: Water/sweat resistance rating, Comfort during long use
Cons: Value for money, Workout heat and sweat buildup