Top Shelf, Money No Object, Home Audio Headphones

[jumpnblues]

What would some of the best of the best open or closed home audio headphones be? Thanks.


Tom

 

[sholling]

I own Sennheiser HD600 headphones and love them but I read that the new top of the line HD800 is even better. Here's Headphone.com's take on the 10 best. Headphone is pretty honest and the the reviews well worth reading.

 

[ErnieM]

Here's Headphone.com's take on the 10 best. Headphone is pretty honest and the the reviews well worth reading.

Yes, this site is very good. Another is

http://www.headphoneinfo.com/

For really crazy expensive and exotic, see

http://stereomojo.com/REVIEWS%20HEADPHONES/REVIEWSHEADPHONES.htm

though their reviews on headphones are now a bit dated.

 

[ErnieM]

Opps, I never seem to remember how to insert links properly! Sorry

 

[MinusTheBear]

The Sony MDR-10 is ridiculously expensive and first comes to mind.

There is no need to spend a exorbitant amount though, the Beyerdynamic DT880 - 600hm version is an elite headphone for less than $500. Invest in a nice solid state amp to drive these cans and you are off to the races.

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/beyerdynamic-dt-880---600-ohm.php

 

[jamie2112]

If you want the best and money is no object I would buy these
http://www.stax.co.jp/Export/4070e.html
and this
http://www.stax.co.jp/Export/SRM727II.html

 

[Shike]

Are you looking for accurate or subjectively fun? Big differences on what to recommend.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Are you looking for accurate or subjectively fun? Big differences on what to recommend.

What subjectively fun headphones do you like?

 

[Shike]

What subjectively fun headphones do you like?

Hm, good question. For when I want to change it up probably my ATH-AD700, or possibly my Stax SR-5.

For reference listening I always go to my AKG K601.



The point I was making earlier though is that an expensive headphone can measure poorly for reproduction but someone somewhere is bound to love it. If you're going for best measurable performance for reproduction odds are you'll spend less and take yourself out of the upgrade horse race. My two cents though.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

If you want the best and money is no object I would buy these
http://www.stax.co.jp/Export/4070e.html
and this
http://www.stax.co.jp/Export/SRM727II.html

Never heard about Stax brand before and did a bit googling....

SR-007 Omega II Earspeakers: $4030 - ???
http://www.stereophile.com/headphones/895/
Is this is about right price ???? Holy crap... I guess it's one of these products if need to ask "how much" - you can't afford it

+1 for Sennheiser HD600/HD800 Rec - Both are very highly regarded and outstanding performers ( and I guess high value too compared to stax )

 

[its phillip]

stax is very well known for their electrostatic headphones (hence the name), but they are ridiculously expensive

 

[Shike]

stax is very well known for their electrostatic headphones (hence the name), but they are ridiculously expensive

They're also not that accurate.

 

[MinusTheBear]

The AD700's are an extremely clean/clear, open sounding headphone and non-fatiguing even at LOUD volumes. The biggest knock on their sound signature I find is their lean bass response. They also have a slight treble roll-off but overall I wouldn't consider them to be in the class of innacurate headphones.

They are really good headphones for orchestral/classical enthusiants because of their unbelievable wide and open soundstage. Not "boxy" or "forward" sounding like you get with a lot of headphones in their price class, especially the closed models.