You may not know it, but if you are looking for a higher quality and longer-lasting pair of DJ headphones, then you might want to take a look at Pioneer's headphones.
They can have some of the best specs, sound quality, and comfortability, and we found some of the best Pioneer headphones that you can get today. We also put together a simple buying guide that you can use to find what you are looking for quickly and easily.
They can have some of the best specs, sound quality, and comfortability, and we found some of the best Pioneer headphones that you can get today. We also put together a simple buying guide that you can use to find what you are looking for quickly and easily.
Buying Guide
How to choose the best Pioneer headphones
Wireless vs wired
Pioneer makes both wireless and wired models, but in terms of quality, wired models tend to be more reliable since they can hold a connection better without altering the quality of the music. They are also usually much easier to find, and it can be difficult finding a DJing controller that is compatible with wireless models.
Frequency range
If you have shopped for headphones before, then you probably already know that most have a frequency of around 20 Hertz to 30000 Hertz. Some of Pioneer's headphones can support even lower frequencies, around 5 Hertz, and others can go up to 40000 Hertz.
Open vs closed
Open-back headphones can be great for small DJing events like parties where you may need to listen for requests, or you would like to listen more to the sound. Although, closed-back headphones are more popular and easier to find since they can protect your hearing better and lower the background noise more.
Cable type and sizes
For wired models, they usually connect with controllers and/or other DJing equipment through an AUX cable, which is usually 3.5mm when it comes to the size of the port. However, the headphones themselves usually have a larger port and/or cable size, usually 6.3mm. In order to connect to your laptop and/or controller, you will need to get an adapter, but some headphones come with one.
There are a few different types of cables (the material they are made of), but Pioneer headphones usually come with coiled cables, straight tables, and sometimes even both.
Driver size
Drivers, like AUX cables, are measured in millimeters, and for Pioneer headphones, they are usually between 40mm and 50mm. Generally, smaller-sized drivers tend to handle a larger bass more, but they are usually not as loud. On the other hand, larger drivers are usually louder, but their sound quality can vary.
Max volume
If you did not know, sounds are measured in decibels (Db) and the sound of a regular headphone set is between 80 dB and 120 dB; for reference, a hairdryer is around 80db to 90db and car horns are around 110db to 120db.
Most Pioneer headphones have a max volume of between 100 dB and 110 dB, which can be more worth it if you are looking for something better than a regular set of headphones.
Extras
Some headphones by Pioneer come with a fabric or even a hardcover carrying case for protection against dust and other aging elements. If you travel a lot to play at events, then you may want to get a set with a hardcover case since many can be pretty durable against falls and sliding around in the back or trunk of a car.
What are the advantages of a pair of headphones from Pioneer?
Pioneer headphones are possibly one of the more comfortable and durable choices out there for DJs. Their foam is soft enough to not strain the ears after a few hours, but they are also firm enough to help with noise rejection, too.
The plastic and metal parts are also pretty resistant to falls, too. Some of the models are easier to scratch than the others, but even the fabric case can be enough to prevent minor scratches.
What is the best way to use them?
Before and after you use them, you should give them a light cleaning with a cleaning cloth (microfiber and/or a glasses cleaning cloth) and possibly some cleaning solution (only ones that are specially for headphones). This can help to prevent oils from your hair and skin to build up on the headphones.
If your headphones did not come with a hardcover case and you travel often with them, you may want to highly consider getting a hardcover case for them since they can protect them extremely well, depending on the case.
When it comes to the cables, try to avoid pulling them out from the wire itself. This can weaken the wire and cause the audio quality to drop either gradually or suddenly depending on how hard you are yanking it and how often you do it.
Prerequisites for using this type of product.
You should try to make sure that whatever headphones you decide on either come with cables that can be used with your devices (laptop, controller, etc.) or they come with adapters. Otherwise, you will have to get an adapter separately from the headphones, and if you need them right away, it can put a damper on your plans.
Top 5 Pioneer headphones
#1
The first on the list, these headphones are all black with a few silver accents, and they have the Pioneer logo on the top of the headband part of the headphones, too.
They are also one of the few DJ headphones that are foldable; they fold in so that the earmuff parts go into the headband. The earmuffs can also be twisted so that they are facing different angles.
In terms of the specs, these are a closed-back model with a 50mm driver, and they can support frequencies between 5 and 30,000 Hz. They are slightly quieter than some of the others on this list since they have a max volume of 102 dB, but they do come with 2 different cables: a straight one and a coiled one.
When it comes to how well they work, they have one of the clearest sounds, even with the strong bass, but they are pretty equal when it comes to the high and low pitches. The earmuffs are one of the more padded models, making them pretty comfortable for long-term use, but those with larger ears/heads may find it a bit tighter than normal.
4.5 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#2
These headphones are very similar to the last pair because they are an older version of the last pair. That is why they have nearly the exact same appearance and design; they are black with silver accents, are foldable, and have thick padding on the earmuffs and headband.
The specs are a little different since these have a 40mm driver, but these also support frequencies between 5 and 30,000 Hz. Like the last set, these also come with a fabric carrying pouch and have a max volume of around 102 dB. These only come with a coiled cable, though.
The sound quality is very similar if not identical to the last pair, but these do seem to do a better job at quieting and silencing background noise, which can be pretty necessary for larger events. Since the size is about the same, these can also feel a little tight if you have larger ears or a wider than average head.
Still, they are one of the most affordable choices out of the others on this list.
4.3 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#3
Between these headphones and the last two sets, this is the newest version of this model (the HDJ-X-K). The design is a little more unique when compared with the other models; the earmuff backs are rounded instead of flat. However, these are also foldable and black with silver accents.
They are closed-back with a 50mm driver and can support frequencies between 5 and 40,000 Hz. They are also one of the louder options on this list, the max volume of around 106 dB, and they come with a coiled and a straight cable, too.
These are one of the most expensive models on this list, but they are also one of the best when it comes to the sound quality and durability of the headphones themselves. They still can feel a little tight for some users, but these do come with a flat hard case instead of a pouch.
4.8 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#4
This is another popular model from Pioneer, but unlike the last ones, the frames of these are more silver/grey with the headband and earmuffs being black. Like the last model, they are closed-back with a 50mm driver, and they come with a coiled and a straight cable.
However, because this is one of the older models, it only supports frequencies between 5 and 30,000 Hz and has a max volume of around 102 dB. It also only comes with a fabric carrying pouch, not a hard case.
Still, this model's bass is one of the best sounding ones, and the noise cancellation works well enough even for larger and louder events. The biggest downside would be that the padding is not as supportive as some of the other models, making it a little less comfortable for long-term performances (usually ones over 1 to 2 hours).
4.4 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#5
#5
Like the third on the list, this model is nearly exactly the same as the previous one but is a newer version with a more rounded design, and they look to be open-back but are actually closed-back. They also seem a little more silvery and less gray than the HDJ-X7-S (the last model).
When it comes to the specs, they are a little more improved, having a 50mm driver, supporting frequencies between 5 and 40,000 Hz, and having a max volume of around 106 dB. They also come with a coiled cable, a straight cable, and a hardcover case, too.
The performance is about the same as the previous model, but the bass seems to be less powerful. However, this does seem to make the sound seem more equal. It is a little more durable and seems to last longer, too.
4.4 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
When comparing all of the features between every headphone, the best Pioneer headphones would probably be the last ones: the HDJ-X10-S.
Between their specs, sound quality, comfortability, and the equipment that they come with, they are already hard to beat. Mix that in with the fact that they are one of the most durable and long-lasting choices, and it is clear that they are possibly the best.
However, they are one of the most expensive choices, and because of that, the second-best choice would probably be the second product: the HDJ-X5-K model. They are a little quieter, and the bass is a little less powerful. Regardless, the noise cancellation is just as good, and the sound quality is pretty decent for the price.
