The NEXT are an audiophile prophylactic to upgrade-itis. Cleer’s ambition to set a high bar for themselves and headphone audio is a success in my view and to my ears. The NEXT look and feel decadent and have won awards for design. Many "best" headphones are the only best at some single aspect. Instead, the NEXT holistically achieve something more important - the every day “reach for” factor that motivates owners to use them, even when other choices are available.

The Cleer Next over-ear headphones are aimed squarely at audiophiles, and they don't disappoint. With innovative drivers and a premium design, they look and sound the part, although they aren't the most dynamic headphones we've ever heard – or the cheapest for that matter.

If you have a nice SET setup, prefer a vocal or mid-centric tuning but want to remain lush-free in terms of timbre, then the NEXT is very much worth a demo.

Stated simply, the headphone’s clarity, expressiveness, and control are music gifts that keep on giving.

The Next are snappy and controlled yet they are also a little rolled off in the treble which means they sound a little soft and dull at times. They are not lacking detail, and true to the brands name they sound very clear. Overall they are enjoyable for the treble sensitive listeners but those looking for a bit more energy should look elsewhere.