So what about studio monitors then? How do audio pros decide what makes a good studio monitor headphone or speaker and that it has a sufficiently accurate sound reproduction?
Pros decide everything based on what other Pros are doing or using.
Everything "gear" wise, is basically a rebranded copy of what is already working good and this is why there is never really anything that is radically different being invented, unless its for the purpose of trying to sell it to you based on it being radical.
See, within "sound" there is the tried and true and then there are slight adjustments to the tried and true branded as "new and improved" to keep Capitalism alive, and to make it slightly better which is designed by teams of Marketing pros who know how to snag your money.
Thats the game, and you are their player.
This is the way everything distills down to the 'best" in life, or regarding headphones, > the best sounding @anygiventime.
See, regarding the consumer's mantra, the name of the game is getting the best end result no matter what it is in life., headphones, education, surgery, pizza, ...whatever. @etc.
Its all about what gets you the straight wire thrill and satisfaction experience in life, no matter the experience.
Thats why you breath, thats why you exist.
So, for $350 - $1000, get the ATH-R70x as your best and unequalled straight wire ear hole experience
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here is another review, from a Mag, and you'll note the person sounds as if im talking, and that is because everyone who understands good sound, good headphones, and hears the R70x, has the same epiphany...
It'll sound as if he is describing the perfect headphone.
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I'm hearing a neutral sound signature with a natural tonality and a very accurate retrieval of details, a great extension at both ends of the spectrum, and very non-fatigue sound (no sibilance or harsh analytical brightness). I know it's a mouthful, but I just never heard anything that sounded so crystal clear, accurate, and natural, and at the same time enjoyable for extended listening period. There are no cuts or boosts, no extra warmth of low end or extra sizzle at top end, just accuracy and quality.
Starting with a low end, there is no lack in bass response though it's more about quality than quantity. The bass does extends down to sub-bass level which is nicely balanced with mid-bass and both of which have a high level of accuracy with quantity approaching neutral level where you hear the bass rather than feel it, yet still it's tight and well controlled. Nothing is exaggerated, nothing spills into mids, and it's surgically separated from the rest of the frequency spectrum.
Mids are crystal clear, surprisingly not as thin as I expected with just a touch of warmth in lower mids to give them some body and high level of detail retrieval without too much of analytical brightness. Vocal delivery, both male and female, is crisp and organic.
Treble extends high up with a very crisp and clear delivery of sound that is not too harsh or sibilant. Any instrument that falls within treble range sounds natural and transparent, absolutely no harsh peaks.
With a help of open-back design, soundstage is open and airy, with a great width and depth. Sound separation is phenomenal with layering/separation of each individual instrument and vocals that could be easily singled out in a mix. Also, the imaging is very accurate with a precise position of every sound in the open 3D space. For studio mixing and mastering - this is a valuable tool that can substitute (though not replace) monitor speakers. """