What's been your favorite headphone or IEM of the year and why?

I'll jump in with a simple, cheap one.
Earlier this year I made the mistake of reading up on something portable gear. After years of using Klipsch and Vsonic IEMs I thought it was time to try "proper" headphones again. For physical limitation reasons I have only be using in-ears.
So I snagged a pair of Noontec Zoro HDs for $25. They look pretty good in silver, definitely the best colour. Yup, just 25 dollars and wow! They are very good, irrespective of price. Powerful, clear, richer than neutral but not boosted in any frequency to an unnatural degree. So good that I have fallen deeper and just bought Sony Mdr1a..which will almost certainly not be the last thing that I buy. Yup, I am apologizing to my wallet as I type this.
So yeah, Noontec Zoro HD - gateway drug for the impecunious audiophile.
(Edit: I know that wasn't quite the purpose of the question, but it's the years favorite for me anyway )

For ctitical listening, Stax SR-009
For sheer melifluosity, Stax SR-007 Mk.1
For sheer addictive sonics, Sennheiser HE60.
For ease of use when on the computer, Sennheiser RS220
For retro goodness, Sennheiser HD600:HD650

Just like those good days of the week, stuff works out at times. It is serendipity really, luck whatever you call it.......SOME years are worth writing about. I do have a winner or two so maybe later I'll put it all down on pixel paper?

wink said:

For ctitical listening, Stax SR-009
For sheer melifluosity, Stax SR-007 Mk.1
For sheer addictive sonics, Sennheiser HE60.
For ease of use when on the computer, Sennheiser RS220
For retro goodness, Sennheiser HD600:HD650

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Oooh ahhhh.

redcarmoose said:

Oooh ahhhh.

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Favorite personal headphone?

wuwhere said:

Favorite personal headphone?

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The two blondes on the far end are the HD 600 and HD 650. First one is the SR -009. Still by the look his favorite is going to be the Ms MK 1, you can just read the confidence in her eyes.

The HE60 looks like the first one to get traded off, she is just around cuz she has to be. Though the rest look really into it, that lucky guy!

The two blonds on the end (HD600 and HD650)......those are the loyal performers. They are not always in the limelight, but do their jobs well, and are the consummate professionals.

Plus they have been around a long time and have put up with a lot of flash in the pan headphones.

redcarmoose said:

The HE60 looks like the first one to get traded off, she is just around cuz she has to be. Though the rest look really into it, that lucky guy!

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Nope, the HE60 is not going anywhere....    nope, not at all.....