Have MDR R10s. What other modern headphone equals or tops them?

[dolifant]

Right now I'm listening to a functioning pair of MDR R10s that I got many years ago for $4K. Sounds like a bargain now. I just saw a pair on eBay listed for $11.5K, with scratches on one cup! Mine sound great. I had an issue with the right channel, loose cable or something. I jiggled the attachment and it works. Gotta be a little careful with it. No tension on cable. But it works. A while ago I tried to get someone to fix or re-cable it but they demurred. There are no replacement drivers available. They did not want to ruin them. So I'm just gonna use them until they die (hopefully not before I die).

Wondering what modern headphones are of equal or better sound quality that the R10s. I have been out of the market for a while. My every day phones are Sennheiser HD 600. I use my Mytek Manhattan 2 to power them and the R 10s. I'm sure that is not the ultimate but seems good. I also have an EarMax Pro I bought with the R 10s. That is nice too. I listened to Focal Utopia 2022 version the other day at a local dealer. Nice sound but I was not totally convinced they are better than the R 10s. Susvara? Sennheiser 800s? I listen mainly to Jazz and Classical, and also vocal pop. Like clean bass but not a bass head. More of a detail guy.

I live in Houston, TX. I would travel a reasonable distance to listen to Susvara or other suggested sets. Have never heard planar magnetics. I guess you can tell I have been away for a while. Thanks in advance,

 

[Sebbai]

I haven't listened to the OG R10, but if you like more bass extension, planar headphones are a totally different experience than regular dynamic drivers. Susvara is still regarded by many as the top-of-the-line headphone even if it was released a while back.

With regards to servicing your R10 I would contact ESLAB in Hong Kong, he has serviced over 30 pairs of OG Sony MDR-R10. He even has made a close-to-1:1 replica which really sounds nice and different from most other headphones that I've listened to.

 

[pbui44]

You will probably have to get a couple of blackberry pies to hear their rig:

http://www.dianasgrill.com/menu.html

but @FiGuY1017 has a Susvara and Flux Volot, so PM them and see.

 

[AudiophileJargon]

Like clean bass but not a bass head. More of a detail guy.

Check out the Raal SR1a, Hifiman Shangri-La SR and Sennheiser HE1