[EC09]

Hi,
 
I don't know much about headphones and I'd just like to get a general idea of which headphones head-fiers consider top. I know sound is subjective, but I would really just like a list of what you consider the top headphone with no regards to price. No, I am not going to purchase these high-end headphones..yet. I think I would really cherish them more if I go start this journey with lower-end headphones. So a list of what you consider the top 3 headphones would be much appreciated.
 

 

[wesleysneijder]

IMHO
 
1) Grado HP2i
2) Grado HP2
3) Grado HP1
 

 
M.

 

[crinacle]

1) Stax SR-009
2) Sennheiser Orpheus
3) AKG K1000
 
Cheers.

 

[EC09]

Quote:

IMHO
 
1) Grado HP2i
2) Grado HP2
3) Grado HP1
 

 
M.

You must be a fan of the Grado sound, can you inform me on exactly what the "Grado sound" is like?

 
Quote:

1) Stax SR-009
2) Sennheiser Orpheus
3) AKG K1000
 
Cheers.

I've heard of the Orpheus. $$$.   It'd be quite amazing if I could see/hear them somehow someday. 
 

 

[MorbidToaster]

No bass, piercing highs. 

 PS: I'm not a Grado fan. lol
 
Quote:

You must be a fan of the Grado sound, can you inform me on exactly what the "Grado sound" is like?

When it comes to available headphones I'd say...
 
SR-009 (Most people that have heard it agree it's the best)
LCD 3 (The newcomer. Most are describing it as a steal for 2 grand)
T50RP (I mention this headphone in the top 3 because of its versatility. If you mod it right it's world class for $80)
 
Now for me personally from the headphones I've actually heard...
 
LCD 2 Rev 2
HE 500
D7000
 
(My experience with the high end is not as broad as I'd like obviously)

 

[Ra97oR]

Best overall I have heard is the STAX SR-009. No point denying it, but lack of sound signature makes it not as fun as some coloured phones.

Best dynamic I have heard is the Audio Technica A2000X. Balanced, detailed, and have a great soundstage.

My favourite phones are the AD1000PRM and the SR-404LE, they aren't the best phones I have ever heard but they are simply so fun to my ears, it is addictive. Even then, I do wish to buy back the A2000X and get a pair of SR-009 one day.

 

[NinjaSquirt]

STAX SR-009

 

[bbophead]

Quote:

No bass, piercing highs. 

 PS: I'm not a Grado fan. lol

Oh ye of little faith and hearing.
 
If you're reeely, reeely nice, not to mention, lucky, I "may" let you try my PS500's at the next meet.

 
 

 

[MorbidToaster]

The HF 2 is the only Grado I've heard that I might even consider owning. Maybe the PS500 will be number 2. 
 
But I don't really have any faith. 

 
Quote:

Oh ye of little faith and hearing.
 
If you're reeely, reeely nice, not to mention, lucky, I "may" let you try my PS500's at the next meet.

 
 

 
 

 

[leylandi]

SONY R10 ?

 

[HelloHell]

Legendary and no longer in production:
1. Sennheiser Orpheus
2. Sony R10
3. Sony Qualia 010
4. STAX SR-Omega
5. AKG K1000
6. Audio-Technica L3000
7. Grado PS-1
 
Current world-class 1st tier:
1. STAX SR-009
2. Audez'e LCD-3 & LCD-2 rev.2
3. Sennheiser HD800
4. Hifiman HE6
5. STAX SR-007 MK2
6. Beyerdynamic T1
7. Grado PS1000
 
Current world-class 2nd tier:
1. LA7000 & D7000
2. Sony SA5000
3. Audio-Technica W5000
4. JVC DX1000
5. Sennheiser HD650
6. Ultrasone ED8
7. Hifiman HE500
8. AKG Q701

 

[Ham Sandwich]

Quote:

No bass, piercing highs. 

 PS: I'm not a Grado fan. lol
 

 
The Grados mentioned by wesleysneijder are all Joe Grado models, not John Grado models.  Joe had good ears.  Very different than any of the John Grado models.