Getting new headphones (redux) Researching,,,,$400-$1600

[ScottVT]

I'm going to try this again.  
 
After I move this spring, I am going to buy some audiophile headphones.  I have been looking in the range of $400-$1600.
 
I formerly owned Grado RS-1 and amp many years ago.  They didn't seem as exciting as the equivalent SENN.
 
I am not looking for laid back, polite or anything with lower frequencies mitigated.  I want something balanced, but able to deliver scale.  They should be adept at techno, metal, classical and not limited to delicate acoustic material.
 
I am not asking for a physics dissertation or lessons in acoustics.
 
I am simply asking for dynamic and exciting headphones that are also revealing and have scale.  "Polite and romantic"  may sound nice, but I need for drums to sound like drums, not some gentle version.  
 
Previously recommended to me:  Focal, Senn HD800, Grado GS-1000.  
 
Headphones have proven to be very subjective.  For everyone that LOVES a brand, I'll read counterpoints of equal and opposite reaction.
 
i WISH I could audition them in person.  The best I can do over the next 90 days is research, and glean opinions from pragmatic individuals.
 
I am not spending 2 grand or more on esoteric headphones.  
 
Note that MANY reviews of $1200+  headphones conclude that they have MININIMAL advantage over $699 headphones. 

 

[Monsterzero]

Heres what I would recommend...not polite,nice bass,doesnt sound bad with any genre....

HE-6~ Needs a monster amp tho
HE-500~Not as amp demanding as an HE-6,but still needs juice.
ZMF Atticus~ New headphone I heard at CanJam NYC,insane bass slam+forward mids...my next headphone purchase.


You can read about the first two I mentioned in this legendary write up

 

[Monsterzero]

   
Note that MANY reviews of $1200+  headphones conclude that they have MININIMAL advantage over $699 headphones. 

The law of diminishing returns is a very real thing in headphones.

 

[ScottVT]

  Heres what I would recommend...not polite,nice bass,doesnt sound bad with any genre....

ZMF Atticus~ New headphone I heard at CanJam NYC,insane bass slam+forward mids...my next headphone purchase.


You can read about the first two I mentioned in this legendary write up

Those ZMF atticus look like a *SERIOUS*  possibility, and run hundreds less than the HD800!  Beauties too!

 

[Monsterzero]

  Those ZMF atticus look like a *SERIOUS*  possibility, and run hundreds less than the HD800!  Beauties too!

Theyre stunning,and Zach,the owner of ZMF is a great guy who takes care of his customers too!

I will say that the HD800 and Atticus are two very different sounding headphones...IMO Atticus is not an audiophile headphone,rather its a very fun headphone.I use term "audiophile" to describe a headphone that is as revealing and neutral as possible. The thunderous bass slam and forward mids on The Atticus disquality it from "audiophile" for those reasons,not because it sounds bad.

If you want a more neutral-ish headphone check out his Eikon.

 

[ScottVT]

 
If you want a more neutral-ish headphone check out his Eikon.

My Grado Rs-1 aimed at neutral.  Unfortunately, they were not involving for me.  They didn't slam when called for.  
 
The "audiophile"  term has been usurped and often carries a negative stigma.
 
What I like is something that can deliver the impact and passion of music.  Unfortunately, speakers can be aimed at being so neutral, that they sound lifeless.  Almost like an analysis vs romance.
 
What i want to avoid, is bloated and undefined bass.  I also don't like Audiophile headphones that sound really thin.  They omit robust bass for fear of offending those that really think bass is vulgar.
 
I'm for exciting, as long as it's not artificial or super bloated.  (Some $299 headphones make Rudy Vallee sound like Barry White)  

Polite isn't fun, because yet another audiophile sect loves rolling off the treble.  Cymbals need crisp attack and overtones.  Brass should shimmer.  I have NEVER heard that coming from systems that either use cables or design to roll off somewhere over 13khz. 

Those ZMF have some of the most stunning wood cups ever seen. 

 

[Monsterzero]

I think the Atticus have slightly rolled off highs,but dont quote me on that...I only heard them briefly at CanJam,but loved them!

If you want to look into something that is tried and true with tons of info to read about,look into the HE-500.

Perhaps @zach915m can chime in here?

 

[ScottVT]

 
If you want to look into something that is tried and true with tons of info to read about,look into the HE-500.

Perhaps @zach915m can chime in here?

I will look into the HE-500, and Oppo, which also got some great reviews.
 
I know there are trade offs between dynamic and planar.  I like planar definition and speed.  
 
I tried nakamichi, and other planars in the past, and STAX, which were both nice, but didn't do "loud".  

 

[Monsterzero]

I think you'd love The Atticus tbh.

 

[ScottVT]

A friend of mine was in the audio industry for 30 years.  His friend is a professional reviewer.  I am awaiting feed back from him concerning 3 different models.
 
He's a stand-up guy.  He will NOT recommend a $999 headphone if a $699  is equal or better.  He's very objective. 

 

[ScottVT]

Here is what I have decided so far.
 
1. I'm leaning on closed.  I'm not sure that I  want an open back setup, I prefer isolation. (I consider ZMF closed for this purpose)

2.  I'm starting at the $1600 mark and working down.  That is, if I can find $999  cans that will do the same job, no need to spend more.

The HD800 seem to be a holy grail...  or a $1600 reference point.