[buencamino]

Hi i'm looking to upgrade from my HE-400 and into $1000 price range, any recommendations? and what dac/amp would be nice paired with it? Thanks in advance.

 

[AudioThief]

This question is way too open ended. There are hundreds of headphones out there, and which one you choose depends on a myriad of factors - open/closed, favorite genres, do you prefer a lot of bass or a more lean bass, bright or dark sounding and so on..

As a blanket recommendation for all purpose listening, I think the Audeze LCD 2.2 is the best non estat phone you can get in that price range, used. I've only heard the non fazored one. But something that is a lot cheaper and will save you money is a pair of used HD600 or HD650 (depending on if you like allround listening or lean more towards acoustic/classical, where hd600 > hd650). Or if you're a big fan of bass and a more dynamic listening experience, the Fostex TH-X00 or 610 will be more suitable.

 

[buencamino]

Ok thanks, open backs are ok. I listen to all sorts of genre bass would be good too..

 

[housekrl]

Since your coming from the HE400, i would say go for the Ananda for $700. You will be blown away at the difference. But still Hifiman sound signature.
And you will have $300 towards an amp.
I listen to my Ananda on the WA6 tube amp. Tubes are great with the Ananda.

 

[bildar]

Used zmf

 

[Barone Birra]

Ok thanks, open backs are ok. I listen to all sorts of genre bass would be good too..

I'll say a good deal on a ZMF Aeolus or a Focal Clear

 

[koven]

LCD X would be my pick under $1K... Clear and Arya are good choices too.

 

[TYATYA]

The one as my avatar.
$500 not incl shipping.
Kadas sr1

 

[ThanatosVI]

In that price range I recommend the LCD2C.
In some countries you can get the LCD-X as well below 1k.
If it has to be closed the LCD 2 closed back is also in that Region.

If you can get your hands on a used hifiman Edition Xv2 those would also be nice in that price range.
I personally don't like the Ananda, the soundtuning is too bright for my taste.
A budget upgrade would also be the Sundara already if you want to use more on the amp.(you didnt specify if 1k for headphones alone or headphones +amp)

All those planars scale weil with amplification, so something like Schiit Magni, Asgard, Jotunheim or drop THX 789 would be great on the Bang for buck scale.

On a Last thought Beyerdynamic T1.2 is also already available at 700€ Instead of the 1k it used to have. Just to Name a non planar alternative

 

[Brubaker]

You're basically going to be recommended every headphone in this price range unless you are more specific about what you are looking for.

 

[probert10]

Ya, quite a few great options at $1000, I just received Klipsch HP-3 and I'd definitely put those on the radar as well.

 

[bildar]

You're basically going to be recommended every headphone in this price range unless you are more specific about what you are looking for.

this is true.

also just because I love my zmf headphones almost like they are my children or a beloved pet doesn't necessarily mean you will like them.