We’ve updated this Fathers day gift guide with the latest headphones. See details here.
Most of us love our dads. But even those who don’t still need to celebrate this damn holiday. If your dad is an audiophile, trust me when I say, he doesn’t want a drill set. He wants a toy that plays music. So, we at MajorHifi, have put together a list of Father’s Day gifts in every price range. Some of these models are new to 2020, and some are classics that have proven to be best sellers over the years. Let’s take a look at the Best Audiophile Gifts for Father’s Day.
Best Gifts for Audiophile Dads
Under $50
Strauss & Wagner SI201
For dads with iPhones, consider these earbuds. Strauss & Wagner has developed a name for itself when it comes to audiophile sound at a non-audiophile prices. The SI201 employs a lightning connector, specifically made for iPhones. Deep bass, full bodied profile and impressive clarity for the price. In terms of sound, the SI201 beats the Apple EarPods by a long stretch. And unlike the EarPods, the SI201 also isolates sound, as it uses silicones ear tips. A solid buy for under 50 bucks.
Under $100
FiiO BTR3 Bluetooth Headphone Amp
This thing is cute. It’s an amplifier and digital to analogue converter that supports high resolution Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, LDAC and aptX HD. Hook your headphones up to this little device, which connects wirelessly to your mobile device or computer. A great way to wirelessly amplify your sound and improve resolution.
Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Headphones
I love recommending these earphones. They are, by far, the best in-ears I’ve test for under 100 bucks. Rich and impactful bass with a well balanced midrange and ample detail in the highs makes the Momentum suitable for all types of music genres. Sennheiser also offers a 2 year international warranty. So, you won’t have to buy dad another pair next year.
Strauss & Wagner ANCBT501
I’m mentioning this company again because they also deliver a big bang for your buck when it comes to wireless headphones. New to 2020, the wireless ANCBT501 sports active noise cancellation and delivers a whopping 40 hours of battery life. The earpads are also super comfy and well padded. It makes for a fancy gift that’s also easy on your wallet.
Under $200
iFi Zen Blue
If you want dad to bring his sound to a new level, give him the Zen Blue, which is a wireless high resolution digital to analogue converter. It has a clean and smooth sound signature that can support any high res Bluetooth codec. The Zen Blue is perfect for wirelessly streaming music from your mobile phone or computer to your home stereo.
Beyerdynamic DT 770
This model is a prime example of audiophile sound under $200. We even put it on our Best Headphones of 2020 list: “Don’t expect a deep and fat bass. But do expect a well-balanced, accurate and super transparent sound signature that’s trusted by recording artist across the globe. I saw Paul McCartney wearing these cans in the studio. Enough said.”
Under $500
Shure Aonic 50 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
It’s time to get fancy. The Shure Aonic 50 is new to 2020 and is the brand’s first wireless headphone to date. Vast soundstage, clean, versatile balance, great ANC and fantastic call clarity. Furthermore, these cans just feel good to wear. Super luxurious, the Aonic 50 offers a fit that just says, I’ve made it. The Aonic 50 is a worthy gift for any dad who paid for college.
Final Audio Sonorous III
Another headphone we mentioned in the Best Headphones of 2020 list was the Final Audio Sonorous III. Robust build with a robust bass, full midrange and transparent highs. This is one of my favorite sound signatures in the Final Audio line-up. If your dad wants to venture into the audiophile world, but you don’t have 1000 bucks to spend, the Sonorous III is a great entry point.
Chord Mojo
Chord is the leading audiophile brand when it comes to digital to analogue converters. And the Chord Mojo is one of the most famous portable DAC/amps on the market. A warm and juicy sound signature with enough power to drive most headphones, this little thing packs a big punch. The Mojo also used to be a more expensive, but they’ve brought down the price over the last year.
Under $1500
Campfire Andromeda 2020
These IEMs have become a classic amongst audiophiles. And if your dad knows anything about in-ear monitors, he will surely be familiar with this model. An updated edition of the original, the Andromeda 2020 offers s sound that’s nothing short of orgasmic. A solid, full-bodied and super clean signature with tons of control. There’s not one genre that these buds can’t handle.
Under $1000
Dan Clarke Audio AEON 2 Closed
At $899, the AEON 2 Closed offers one of the best sounds we’ve ever heard for the price. And we strongly encourage any dad with kids who have enough padding in their bank account to give it a listen. Bottom line: the AEON 2 Closed sets a new record for just how good a closed-back headphone can sound.
Under $2000
Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT
Made from the Japanese ebony wood, Kokutan, these luxurious cans were just released this year. If your dad is into classical, jazz or folk, it doesn’t get any better than the ATH-AWKT for the price. Incredibly moving and musical, few cans can articulate acoustic instruments with such nuanced artistry. The balance may not be for everyone, especially those with a taste for bass. But although the AWKT may not be the most versatile choice, it’s hard to beat if you mainly listen to acoustic genres. In fact, we recently gave the ATH-AWKT our coveted MajorHifi Gold Award. (They’re also easy to drive, so your dad won’t need a huge amp).
MajorHifi may receive commission through retail offers.
Compare the ranking of various headphones, earbuds and in-ear monitors using our tools.
Discuss this, and much more, over on our forum.
---MAJORHIFI may receive commissions from retail offers.
