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The Iridium from Strymon is one of the best amp sim pedals available today and if you’re anything like me, you use it to get amazing amp-like guitar tones while playing silently in your apartment.
Need to buy a Strymon Iridium?
Pairing the Strymon Iridium with a good pair of headphones is an absolute game-changer in your experience with the pedal. If you’re using an Iridium with a set of earbuds that came with your iPhone, you’re missing out. Having a high-quality set of headphones makes the Iridium sound nearly indistinguishable from an actual amp in your room.
But before we talk about the best headphones to use with the Iridium, let’s first talk about the Strymon Iridium headphone compatibility because this will be good to know when shopping for what headphones to pick.
Strymon Iridium Headphone Compatibility
Strymon recommends using headphones with an impedance between 25 and 75 ohms with sensitivity as close to 100dB/mW as possible. This will ensure you are getting the best possible sound from the Iridium’s headphone output. You can use headphones with higher impedance, but the higher the impedance of your headphones, the quieter the output volume will be – so it is best to stick within that 25-75 ohm range.
So what are the best headphones to use with the Strymon Iridium? Let’s dive in.
The Best Headphones for the Strymon Iridium
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones
One of the better choices for both quality and price is the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones. They come in a variety of impedance options, but they offer a 32 Ohm model that is perfect for the Strymon Iridium’s headphone impedance range.
The DT 770 Pro Headphones are designed specifically with music and recording in mind, and the closed-back, over-ear design is nicely padded and quite comfortable.
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AKG Pro Audio K702 Reference Studio Headphones
If you are looking for an open-back headphone option, the K702 Reference Headphones from AKG are a great choice. They are rated at 62 ohms, so they will pair well with the Iridium, and their open-back, over-ear construction can make for a less-fatiguing experience on your ears if you’re playing for a long time.
These headphones are designed with mixing and mastering in mind so they are extremely high quality when it comes to their overall sound and performance.
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Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Headphones
Next up are the ATH-M40x headphones from Audio-Technica. Audio-Technica has a wide range of amazing headphones, but the ATH-M40X headphones’ 35-ohm impedance makes them perfect headphones for the Iridium.
The ATH-M40Xs rugged, yet comfortable design makes them a great choice for extended playing and they will last a long time.
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Sennheiser Professional HD 25 PLUS Headphones
Next up are Sennheiser’s HD 25 Plus headphones. These studio-grade headphones’ 70-ohm rating makes them a fantastic choice to pair with the Strymon Iridium. While these headphones are designed for DJs and sound designers, they are more than capable of handling the frequencies coming from your guitar.
The HD 25 Plus’s closed-back design makes them great for playing in loud environments and blocking out external noise.
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AKG Pro Audio K92 Headphones
If you are looking for a nice set of budget-friendly headphones that are compatible with the Strymon Iridium, check out the Pro Audio K92s from AKG. The K92s are rated for 32 ohms and feature a closed-back design for maximum sound isolation.
Despite their low price, the K92s are still a solid headphone choice for the Strymon Iridium and will certainly sound better than a pair of cheap earbuds.
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