Headbangers' ball

For the best sound on a portable, we recommend headphones with low impedance and a sensitivity rating of 96dB or greater. The best models for portable players are actually not the high-end sets, but ones with fairly high power sensitivity. This is because headphones with low sensitivity require more power than what low-powered audio portables can deliver.

You also have to make a clear distinction between phones that feature a closed-back design and those that are open back. Closed-back headsets offer virtual isolation from external sources and are great for noisy scenarios. However, this design generally lends itself to heavier bass response and slight coloration in the midrange. In contrast, open back 'phones boast a far more spacious and ethereal sensation, but leak out more sound than their sealed counterparts. This is generally fine if most of your headbanging and swaggering are done at home, but watch out if you decide to take them outdoors; it might annoy the average Joe sitting next to you.

For mobile users, these four reasonably priced cans come highly recommended.

Est. price: S$125 (US$70)

1. Beyerdynamic DT 231 Galactic   CNET Rating: 8 out of 10 The good:  Lightweight and comfy; sealed design offers some isolation; sweet midrange. The bad:  Tends to distort slightly at high volumes; non-collapsible headband. The bottom line: Comfortable, lightweight phones with a detailed and open sound but lacks bass depth on heavier tracks. Best suited for mellow rock and jazz. Read review

Est. price: S$120 (US$68)

2. Grado SR 60  CNET Rating: 8 out of 10 The good:  Warm, energetic sound; excellent soundstage and stereo separation; solid build quality. The bad:  Clunky ear-piece design; uncomfortable for long periods of use. The bottom line: Exciting, in-your-face sonics, the entry-level SR 60 is ultimately let down by an idiosyncratic ear-piece design. Read review

Est. price: S$120 (US$68)

3. Sennheiser HD 497 CNET Rating: 7 out of 10 The good:  Lightweight over-the-ear design; solid high-frequency detail; taut, powerful bass; two-year warranty. The bad:  Non-collapsible headband. The bottom line: This affordable pro-style model sounds great at home and on the go. Read review

Est. price: S$210 (US$120)

4. Ultrasone HFI-650 DVD Edition  CNET Rating: 8 out of 10 The good:  Stellar sound quality; rich dynamic bass and sparkling midrange; sealed design offers decent isolation; rugged cable design. The bad:  Pricey; a bit on the heavy side. The bottom line: The most expensive set in this roundup but if you need to get the best sound from your portable, there are few other cans that can do better. Read review