Spotify’s long-awaited Lossless streaming tier is now available, offering true CD-quality audio to millions of listeners. For the first time, Spotify users can experience music without compression, preserving all the subtle dynamics and textures artists intended. To fully utilize this high-resolution audio, a high-quality pair of wired headphones and a portable DAC are essential. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best wired headphones for Spotify Lossless in 2025, alongside a few portable DACs that elevate your listening experience even further.
Why You Need Wired Headphones for Spotify Lossless
While Bluetooth headphones have improved greatly, most wireless codecs still compress data to some degree. Wired headphones eliminate this limitation, allowing for bit-perfect audio playback that preserves the full fidelity of Spotify Lossless streams.
When paired with a dedicated DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) like the iFi Go Link or Fiio Snowsky Retro Nano, wired headphones deliver cleaner detail, deeper bass, and wider soundstage compared to most Bluetooth models.
Sennheiser HD 599
Price Range: $189
Type: Open-back, Over-ear
Impedance: 50Ω
The Sennheiser HD 599 remains a gold standard for listeners transitioning into high-fidelity audio. Its open-back design creates an airy, natural soundstage, perfect for acoustic, classical, and live recordings on Spotify Lossless.
The HD 599 delivers a smooth midrange and crisp treble, making vocals and strings shimmer without harshness. Its low impedance means it can be easily driven by portable DACs like the iFi Go Link, ensuring an accessible path to true lossless playback.
HiFiMAN Edition XS
Price Range: $239
Type: Open-back, Planar magnetic
Impedance: 18Ω
If you want to unlock the full dynamic range of Spotify Lossless, the HiFiMAN Edition XS is one of the most compelling options under $500. Featuring planar magnetic drivers, it delivers exceptional clarity and resolution across the frequency spectrum.
From ambient tracks by Brian Eno to cinematic scores or electronic music, the Edition XS provides incredible detail retrieval, deep sub-bass extension, and an expansive soundstage that feels immersive yet balanced.
Meze 105 Silva
Price Range: $499
Type: Open-back, Over-ear
Impedance: 42Ω
The Meze 105 Silva is a recent addition to Meze’s portfolio, designed for everyday high-fidelity enjoyment. Crafted with Meze’s signature wood accents and ergonomic design, it combines luxurious comfort with a rich, musical tuning.
Its balanced warmth and smooth treble make it ideal for long Spotify Lossless sessions, especially for jazz, pop, or classic rock. The closed-back design isolates outside noise effectively while maintaining an organic sense of space.
Focal Azurys
Price Range: $599
Type: Closed-back, Over-ear
Impedance: 26Ω
For those who demand studio-grade precision, the Focal Azurys offers one of the most articulate and dynamic sound signatures in its class. Built with Focal’s proprietary aluminum-magnesium drivers, the Azurys delivers razor-sharp imaging and a refined tonal balance that reveals every layer of Spotify’s lossless catalog.
The bass is punchy yet controlled, the mids are forward and lifelike, and the highs extend beautifully without sibilance.
Recommended Portable DACs for Spotify Lossless
iFi Go Link / Go Link Max
Compact, powerful, and versatile, the iFi Go Link (and its upgraded sibling, the Go Link Max) provide an easy plug-and-play solution for mobile or laptop users. Both DACs use high-quality Burr-Brown converters that deliver warm, detailed, and distortion-free sound.
They also include multiple output modes for various headphone types, making them a great match for all four headphones on this list.
Fiio Snowsky Retro Nano
The Fiio Snowsky Retro Nano combines modern digital performance with vintage-inspired design. It supports up to PCM 384kHz / DSD256, ensuring Spotify Lossless playback is rendered with pristine detail and low noise.
Its built-in amplifier provides extra headroom for demanding headphones like the HiFiMAN Edition XS, while maintaining a clean and neutral tonal profile.
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