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Let's talk about headphones. Top 3?

I’ve owned a lot of headphones in the past. Looking to downsize/sell some in my collection. I’ve narrowed it down to a top-10 or so collection in my office. And these ten + headphones are the best I’ve ever heard/owned. After receiving some responses here, I’ll start listing some of the great ones. These headphones were ranked against over more than 100 others plus; and are extraordinary performers.

The best headphones (for me) start with being able to experience neutrality and a sense of realism. Next up is how well it can handle snares, transients, and complex tracks. Headphones that are truly accurate on systems that also play at the same level can sound microphonic/holographic in the midrange-treble, have tremendous detail, imaging, or even sound like speakers being played in a room. And, irrespective of when a headphone was produced, the level of technology and its design ambitions are very important considerations. 

Let us also not forget headphone measurements - Which can tell us about trouble areas like bass distortion, overblown/forward treble/midrange, etc. 

Please use descriptive language to help us your listening impressions with your favorite headphones. This helps because we can match your experience with others online; to see if it’s a universal opinion or a unique vantage point.

thesummit
wharfy's avatar
wharfy
564 posts
 

Thanks to thesummit for starting this thread!

I have just gotten into headphones in the last six months. And FWIW, I listen to jazz, some folk, early music, and guitar oriented rock.

I started with a pair of Beyerdynamic T5 v3, running them through the headphone output of a Marantz 30N streamer/CD player. The presentation is musical with good bass, balanced mids and highs, that aren’t sibilant. And the closed-back headphones are terrific because I don’t hear what’s happening around me, much to my wife’s chagrin when she’s shouting to get my attention. 

Then I’d started reading about different types of headphone and I got a pair of Sennheiser hd 800s. The presentation, soundstage, separation and musicality of these resembled my full-range speakers. My one nit-pic is they are bass-shy. But I love them. 

A few weeks ago I got a pair of JMAudio XTC 2.5. These are great. When you order them John Massaria, the owner (JM) works with you to tune the sound of your headphones. The soundstage, musicality and separation of instruments are fantastic. 

One other detail-in between purchases, I brought the hd800s to a friends house, because he said they would sound amazing through his Quicksilver headphone amp. He is correct. I now run the headphones through this.

I’d like to purchase a pair of planar headphones and am looking at Meze. Anyone have any insights they care to share?

David

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,462 posts
 

Beyerdynamic T series are exceptionally natural sounding. But used to be exceptionally difficult to drive. I hear the new ones are easier, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re still difficult. 

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
564 posts
 

@ghdprentice -Happily, I haven't had difficulty driving the T5, either through the Marantz 30N or the Quicksilver HP amp. 

WRT natural sounding-I have found headphones I own have different sound signatures. Based on your comment I did a comparison and was questioning what "natural sounding" is. 

soix
11,238 posts
 

I’d like to purchase a pair of planar headphones and am looking at Meze. Anyone have any insights they care to share?

@wharfy  What sound characteristics are most important to you, and what’s your budget?

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
564 posts
 

@soix -Thanks for your questions. Budget is $2000+/- Sound characteristics-Planars have the reputation of being fast, with liquid presentation, which I'm attracted to. I value good mids, a not overly hot high end, and defined bass.

David

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