The selections below have been listed in alphabetical order! I'd love to hear what you think about the brands listed below. Let me know what you think by commenting below.
Abyss AB-1266
Abyss offers just one model, AS-1266, and it's the best sounding most dynamic headphone in the world. Bass is shockingly deep and definition, is, again without peer. It's a heavy headphone, but it's comfortable because the ear pads are designed to barely make contact with your ears or head, and that makes a huge difference. The Abyss AB-1266 are the most expensive headphones on the list; wait for it...they sell for $5,495 in the US 4,254 Euros in the UK.
AKG K812
This headphone is capable of leashing a huge soundscape that extends wider and deeper than any other headphone. Originally sold in the pro market, the K812 is an unusually accurate device, buyers seeking boisterous bass or a sumptuous midrange will be disappointed, the AKG K812 tells it like is. It's now sold to audiophiles for $1,500 in the US and 1,149 Euros in the UK.
Audeze LCD-4
The Audeze LCD-4's sound borders om deliriously decadent-- it's lovely and uber detailed. Then there's that delicious midrange that's simply more lifelike than what I've heard from other 'phones in their product line, and that's saying a lot. Price: $3,995 US /3,299 EU
Audioquest NightHawk
The AudioQuest NightHawk is a standout for a number of reasons. It's richer and more fully balanced than the other headphones featured on the list, so it takes some of the edge off overly harsh recordings. I love its sweet tonal balance but some may find it lacking in crispness. The NightHawk is also the least expensive and most comfortable headphone featured on this this list. US: $599 EU: 499
Beyerdynamic T1 (2nd Generation)
The new Beyerdynamic T1 (2nd Generation) looks almost exactly like the original T1 that debuted in 2009 but the new one sounds very different. There's a lot more bass-- and it's really tight, fast, well defined bass-- and the new model's treble is sweeter and clearer. The New T1 was designed and made in Germany and sells for $1,099 in the US and 732 in the UK.
EnigmAcoustic Dharma D1000
The recently introduced EngimAcoustic Dharma D1000 is a "hybrid" design with two drivers in each ear cup-- one electrostatic, one dynamic-- so this headphone delivers high levels of transparency and lots of low bass slame. It runs $1,195 in the US and pricing for the UK is not yet available.
Hifiman HE1000
The Hifiman HE1000's extraordinary clarity is matched with harmonically rich tonal balance and breathtakingly wide stereo imaging. This large, but comfortable headphone looks like nothing else. When I played Miles Davis' "Kind of Bllue", the intimacy of the soundstage and the sense of hearing the music direct from the microphones raised the hairs on the back of my neck! The music sounded like it was live, like it was happening right now as I listened. The HE1000 sells for $2,999 in the US and 2,199 EU in the UK.
KingSound KS-H3
The KingSound KS-3 is a beautiful, comfortable electrostatic headphone and it's lovely to listen to. If you are craving the ultimate transparency, the KS-H3 will be a mindblowing experience. The KD-H3 is sold bundled with the matching solid state headphone amp for $1,250 in the US and UK pricing is not available.
MrSpeakers Ether
The MrSpeakers Ether headphone liberates the sound, opens it up, and allows the music to breathe. It's also lighter and more comfortable than most other world class contenders. Ether sells for $1,500 US or 1,150 UK.
Sony MDR Z7
The Sony MDR Z7 is the only fully closed back headphone on the list, so it offers superior isolation from external noise than do the others. The sound is pretty linear and transparent. You hear more of the recording- for good or bad- which is exactly what audiophiles want; you get the feeling the MDR Z7 isn't adding or taing anything from the sound of your music. It's $700 US or 550 EU.
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