Image via Complex Original
Most audiophiles compare the purchase of $1,000 headphones to that of a luxury car. As you should. Like an high-end automobile, you’re dropping stacks on the gorgeous styling, powerful performance, and advanced technology. Sure, the market offers some powerful bass blasters courtesy of Beats By Dre and Bowers & Wilkins, but to experience the authentic audio reproduction of an original recording, a series investment should be made in high-end sound cans. They don't come cheap, but as the saying goes: You get what you pay for. So if you seek that studio-like presentation, keep your ears tuned into 10 Best Headphones Over $1,000.
Beyerdynamic Tesla T5p
Price: $1,400
Billed as one of the premier high-res headphones on the market, the Tesla T5p offers the essentials to deliver pure music reproduction. Thanks to its stylish full-metal construction, listeners are sure to experience minimal distortion and improved audio accuracy. Beyerdynamic has also enhanced driver efficiency, helping produce the same audio results on low-powered devices such as iPods, laptops, and any other multimedia device. Nice.
Denon AH-D7100
Price: $1,200
The Japanese electronics giant spent three years working on its latest sound blasters, unleashing a luxury headphone that combines opulent comfort with high-end audio. Aesthetics-wise, Denon laced the D7100’s premium leather earcups that feel like pillows on your ears, plus a lightweight headband that takes the weight off your head when in headbanger mode. But it’s the redesigned driver nestled within the hand-carved mahogany that should get most of the accolades. Generating rich, accurate acoustics and bass even at lower listening levels. If you like your music to sound as good as it looks, look no further.
Sennheiser HD 800
Price: $1,500
Sennheiser's built a legacy with its world-class engineering and aerodynamic designs. The HD 800 headphones are no exception. With the integration of its "ring radiator" drive, listeners can take notice of distinct audio enhancements including better imaging and tighter bass levels. The unique design lets the 800s sit comfortably on your head and are lighter to carry than most high-end over-ears. Take into account its 300Hz square wave and impulse response and realize you have one of the deepest sound stages—the recreation of the recording of a musical event in the x,y, and z axis—featured on a pair of headphones.
AUDEZE LCD3
Price: $1,950
After stunning audiophiles with the LCD-2, Audeze upped the ante with its updated model improving on the design and audio performance. The new leather headband and ear cushions make for a relaxing listening experience. Treble response is smoother, acoustics sound sharper, and bass levels are more detailed here. A clearer sounding step up from its predecessor.
Audio-Technica ATH-W3000ANV Anniversary Series
Price: $1,030
In celebration of 50 years in the game, Audio-Technica has released a limited edition pair of its flagship model which are highlighted by incredible craftsmanship a Hokkaido Asada Cherry hardwood finish. Considering the company’s reputation for producing warm-sounding cans, the newest ATH-W3000ANV model lives up to its brass-tackling 53-mm aperture drivers that bump solid bass extension and clarity. The mids are also incredibly detailed, offering listeners smoother acoustic and vocal output. Grab’em while you can because only 2,000 exist worldwide.
Ultrasone Signature Pro
Price: $1,300
A great fit for long listening sessions, Ultrasone’s headphones are suited for both on-the-go and in-home audiophiles. The closed-back design removes all environmental noises, while limiting sound “leakage” and protecting user’s ears from magnetic field radiation via ULE-technology. In addition, Ultrasone’s S-Logic Plus technology produces incredible audio transparency. Throw in a five-year warranty and the Pro’s practically pay for itself.
Stax SR-009
Price: $5,200
Stax’s premium headphones come stacked with enough superlatives to justify its insane five-grand price tag. The SR-009’s deliver amazing clarity, along with phenomenal bass and midrange levels that can only be described as completely authentic. Frequency responses of 5 - 42,000Hz and a max sound pressure level of 118dB / 400Hz will get you that. Genuine leather earpads and the aluminum finish make for the affluent audio package.
HiFiMAN HE-6
Price: $1,300
With balanced midrange and booming bass, HE-6s offer the audio kick your eardrums crave. HiFiMan packed its headphones with 83.5 dB receiver sensitivity and 8-65,000 Hz frequency responses to ensure world-class sound dynamics.
Grado PS1000
Price: $1,700
The Brooklyn-based company has made some serious headway over the years with its sound cans. Favored mostly for rock music, the PS 1000s are the first in the series to feature a better dynamic soundstage that produces standout transparency, which makes for life-like harmonics. Instruments such as drums, violins, and pianos are pronounced more accurately in comparison to previous Grado models. The full-alloy construction and mahogany earcups only add to its mass appeal.
Fostex TH900 Dynamic
Price: $2,300
Fostex has gained notoriety since launching its first pair of high-end headphones. Under the Japanese Cherry Birch wood housing is all-new 50mm dynamic driver units with a 1.5 tesla (15,000 gauss) magnetic circuit, which is said to boost wider dynamic range. The company has also included its “Biodyna" diaphragm to help generate “transparent” reproduction and "reduce internal vibrations.” What does all that mean? It'll sound so good, you'll forget you dropped over two stacks.
