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.
@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. |
@wharfy What sound characteristics are most important to you, and what’s your budget? |
@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 |
Prior to retirement, I traveled a lot, so it was necessary to have noise cancelling headphones on the plane. As soon as I get seated I put them on and tune out the surrounding noise and tune in music. I started with the original Bose headphones and used them for many years. Later I wanted something better. Tried the B&O headphones, they were better. After a couple of years bought the Focal Bathys headphones. Oh my, the sound quality is very good, even via bluetooth. At home I sometimes use them via the direct connect on my computer. These approach wired sound quality. |
@bipestuff sounds like we had similar experiences with headphones for travel. I don’t travel much now but I still have my Bose and Bathys but I only use when flying. The Bathys are the ones I travel with now because they sound the best. |
