Rank the Headphones that You Own.

[Erich]

I'm new to the game, but I do have some experience with the following:
Sennheiser HD380Pro
Sennheiser HD660s2

The latter have replaced the former as my daily drivers because the 380's sound so...harsh on the highs. But they're otherwise good headphones if one can't afford better. If one is "stuck" with a pair of HD380Pro's, I'd suggest using your favorite EQ on the high end.

 

[pataburd]

@yrstruly
Nothing really.
Just haven't listened to them in a while.
Truth be told, I usually prefer the HD650 [and they're not even settled in yet] to the HD8xx.
Might break them out tonight and revise the list.

 

[pataburd]

The HD650 are singing.
While lacking that nth degree of resolution which the HD8XX [so generously] offer, the HD650 sound more coherent and balanced with a much better integrated midrange: overall, the more musical and engaging of the two.

 

[OmgBatman]

1. Diana TC
2. Meze Empyrean II
3. Meze Liric
4. Meze Advar
5. FiiO FH9

If you see the trend... lol

 

[yrstruly]

The HD650 are singing.
While lacking that nth degree of resolution which the HD8XX [so generously] offer, the HD650 sound more coherent and balanced with a much better integrated midrange: overall, the more musical and engaging of the two.

100%. They have this weird quality where I don't notice their deficiencies or lack of resolution as much as I would some other cans.

 

[Lx3A]

1 Utopia
2 HD 600
3 Elegia

Love all 3. If I've had a few or playing sub-par recordings 600 bumps to #1. If family is awake/in room obviously the closed back. That's why I actually have multiples, for practicality. Some day it will be for flavor and this list may have 3 different models.

 

[sinarpro]

1. Stax SR-X9000, Hifiman Susvara
2. Stax SR-009, Focal Utopia 2022, Sennheiser HD800, Audio Technica ATH-W3000ANV
3. Hifiman HE1000 Stealth, Sennheiser HD600/650, Beyerdynamic T1
4. Beyerdynamic DT 880, Audio Technica ATH-W5000

 

[Skev]

1. Hifiman Arya Organic (beats everything else, everywhere)
2. Shure SRH1840 (not as engaging as Arya but works with most music)
3. Grado GS2000e (always a toss up between the Shure’s but selective with genre)
4. Koss Porta Pro (have good impact, great for jogging/garden)

Ordered the Beyerdynamic DT700 Pro X again for a closed back option but can’t remember where I’d place them on the list.

Then it’ll be the electrostatic route sometime down the road.

 

[WDitters]

Overall ranking:
​

Overall ranking takes into account all the headphones I've owned, as even if I enjoy a pair I do tend to sell/trade them to try something new (I don't like owning too many pairs at once). I obviously can't remember how they sound, but I do take notes while owning them to better compare later on.

​

1 - Focal Radiance: Best closed back stock tuning from Focal, I only EQed a small shelf in for my personal tastes, but I could easily see myself not needing it. Looked and felt amazing, it using the common Al-Mg driver means it will be easier to maintain later on, while still being "special" thanks to the unique housing and pads.

2 - Focal Stelliance: Radiance with Beryllium drivers. Better in every way sound wise, nearly the same tuning with slightly more treble presence (not to the extent of the Stellia), insane dynamics and detail retrieval. Won't be as easy to maintain thanks to the rarer drivers. Only placed lower due to how they're made (you need both a Radiance and a Stellia), which makes it very rare and very expensive.

Just received the Radiance and did the driver swap ... Which was ridiculously easy ... The only thing needed is a T6 screwdriver. But definitely worth the investment of a pre-loved pair of Radiance. As "Stelliance" the fusion of these two headphones beat the Stellia OG in almost every conceivable way, including the looks

 

[texx2818]

I have a curated collection, I adore all of my headphones that I have, and have gotten rid of anything I don't adore, so all of my 'phones have their place. Haven't done this in a while, so let's see...

1. Sennheiser HD800S: These were always aspirational for me when I was young in this hobby (the 800, specifically) and it could just be bias, but I absolutely think the soundstage and immersiveness of these is just absolutely unparalleled. They lack a bit of bass response, but like, they sound like my electrostatic speakers. Don't get the typical 'headphone' sound off of these. Amazing. Recommended Genres: Orchestral, Jazz, Shoegaze, Avant-Garde, Black Metal

2. Focal Utopia 2020: I think these are the best sounding headphones I own, but they are unmistakably headphones. They have a decent enough soundstage, but they sound a little bit claustrophobic...which is exactly what I want for certain genres. The bass impact, slam, and treble however...is something to behold. They sound PERFECT but are fun while being picture perfect sound in an engaging way that the HD600 is not. Recommended Genres: Vocal, Acoustic, Pop, Rock

3. Thieaudio Monarch MK3: As far as IEMs go, these are picture perfect. I had the Empire Ears Odin, but the Monarch MK3 that I picked up at CanJam run laps around the Odin. The bass impact, precision for an IEM and wide soundstage is unreal. They sound like IEMs, though, for better or worse. I pair them with a Eletech that helps them sing. Recommended Genres: Alternative Rock, Experimental Music, Metal, Vocal

4. Focal Bathys: While I think my ZMF Bokeh outpace them on the sound, the Bathys are a masterclass in 'understanding the assignment'. These headphones are about as close to an audiophile headphone as you're going to get in an ANC headphone. Comfort, build quality, aesthetic is all top notch. The sound is compact, fun, and not super analytical. They just sound great, top tier quality ANC headphones. I am bothered by the weird warbling when walking/exercising with these, which is combined with the inability to turn the ANC off or use these guys passively. It's a fairly minor complaint, though, since these are my office buddies. Recommended Genres: Rock, Hip-Hop, Instrumental, Country

5. ZMF Bokeh: I eventually sold off my Ash Limited Atrium Closed because the Bokeh are just simply that good. They are quite dark, but as far as closed backs go, they have an engaging soundstage and are surprisingly laid back. These are the ultimate rock/metal headphones. I tend to think these are the pinnacle of mid-fi closed backs. Recommended Genres: Heavy Metal, Punk, Hardcore, Technical, Rock, Metal

6. Sennheiser IE900: These are amazing, but the bass is borderline overpowering on low frequencies. Childish Gambino or Daft Punk's low bass frequencies will absolutely rattle your brains out. I think they lean a bit dark overall, and have a bit of the Sennheiser veil and a closed in soundstage. The fit is strange as they are so small, and the cable they come with is pretty awful. Saying that, these are my go-to IEM for hip hop and electronic. Recommended Genres: Electronic, Hip-Hop, Rap, Funk

7. Sennheiser HD600: Putting these so low doesn't mean that I don't love them...because I do. They are just so inoffensive and flat, that I don't go for them unless I want to listen to something as a reference level. I mean they are classics. They just won't grab you, they'll present the music as it was intended, always. Recommended Genres: Everything

8. Koss PortaPro: These are my workout headphones. Quite dark, but they are fun if quite veiled and missing some treble. For the price, performance, and aesthetic, they really can't be beat. They're comfortable as well. Recommended Genres: Rock

9. Kinera Celest Phoenixcall: I bought these because they're cute. They sound pretty great for the price, I think they really sound like a $200 or so IEM. There is nothing necessarily outstanding about them, they're a fun V shaped headphone that look cool and I throw in my bag. I don't have recommended genres for these because they sound good with most.

10. Kinera Celeste Plutus Beast: These are attached to my iFi Go Pods, which are aggravating in and of themselves so only get use when I want to just listen to something fun. The bone conducting driver makes a weird and annoying ping when I move too much with them on, but the amount of mid bass these give off is hilarious. They lack sub bass and the high end is a bit shrill, but for like, fun club music when I'm not listening to something for great sound quality? These are undefeated. They have a sharp V shape with intense mid bass, little mids, and sharp treble. But they're fun. So they do the job. Recommended Music: EDM

 

[jaifai]

1. Sennheiser HD598, and HD598SE with balanced cable (have trialed and returned two nice HD600s)
2. Sony MDR-7506
3. Anker Soundcore Life Q35 for wireless music (LDAC finally persuaded this formerly/otherwise wired-only snob to consider wireless listening for music)
4. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 for wireless "television" only
5. Cowin SE7 for bedside Microsoft Surface 3 wireless connection only (need Gold replacement earpads)

 

[batracom]

I have a curated collection, I adore all of my headphones that I have, and have gotten rid of anything I don't adore, so all of my 'phones have their place. Haven't done this in a while, so let's see...

1. Sennheiser HD800S: These were always aspirational for me when I was young in this hobby (the 800, specifically) and it could just be bias, but I absolutely think the soundstage and immersiveness of these is just absolutely unparalleled. They lack a bit of bass response, but like, they sound like my electrostatic speakers. Don't get the typical 'headphone' sound off of these. Amazing. Recommended Genres: Orchestral, Jazz, Shoegaze, Avant-Garde, Black Metal

2. Focal Utopia 2020: I think these are the best sounding headphones I own, but they are unmistakably headphones. They have a decent enough soundstage, but they sound a little bit claustrophobic...which is exactly what I want for certain genres. The bass impact, slam, and treble however...is something to behold. They sound PERFECT but are fun while being picture perfect sound in an engaging way that the HD600 is not. Recommended Genres: Vocal, Acoustic, Pop, Rock

3. Thieaudio Monarch MK3: As far as IEMs go, these are picture perfect. I had the Empire Ears Odin, but the Monarch MK3 that I picked up at CanJam run laps around the Odin. The bass impact, precision for an IEM and wide soundstage is unreal. They sound like IEMs, though, for better or worse. I pair them with a Eletech that helps them sing. Recommended Genres: Alternative Rock, Experimental Music, Metal, Vocal

4. Focal Bathys: While I think my ZMF Bokeh outpace them on the sound, the Bathys are a masterclass in 'understanding the assignment'. These headphones are about as close to an audiophile headphone as you're going to get in an ANC headphone. Comfort, build quality, aesthetic is all top notch. The sound is compact, fun, and not super analytical. They just sound great, top tier quality ANC headphones. I am bothered by the weird warbling when walking/exercising with these, which is combined with the inability to turn the ANC off or use these guys passively. It's a fairly minor complaint, though, since these are my office buddies. Recommended Genres: Rock, Hip-Hop, Instrumental, Country

5. ZMF Bokeh: I eventually sold off my Ash Limited Atrium Closed because the Bokeh are just simply that good. They are quite dark, but as far as closed backs go, they have an engaging soundstage and are surprisingly laid back. These are the ultimate rock/metal headphones. I tend to think these are the pinnacle of mid-fi closed backs. Recommended Genres: Heavy Metal, Punk, Hardcore, Technical, Rock, Metal

6. Sennheiser IE900: These are amazing, but the bass is borderline overpowering on low frequencies. Childish Gambino or Daft Punk's low bass frequencies will absolutely rattle your brains out. I think they lean a bit dark overall, and have a bit of the Sennheiser veil and a closed in soundstage. The fit is strange as they are so small, and the cable they come with is pretty awful. Saying that, these are my go-to IEM for hip hop and electronic. Recommended Genres: Electronic, Hip-Hop, Rap, Funk

7. Sennheiser HD600: Putting these so low doesn't mean that I don't love them...because I do. They are just so inoffensive and flat, that I don't go for them unless I want to listen to something as a reference level. I mean they are classics. They just won't grab you, they'll present the music as it was intended, always. Recommended Genres: Everything

8. Koss PortaPro: These are my workout headphones. Quite dark, but they are fun if quite veiled and missing some treble. For the price, performance, and aesthetic, they really can't be beat. They're comfortable as well. Recommended Genres: Rock

9. Kinera Celest Phoenixcall: I bought these because they're cute. They sound pretty great for the price, I think they really sound like a $200 or so IEM. There is nothing necessarily outstanding about them, they're a fun V shaped headphone that look cool and I throw in my bag. I don't have recommended genres for these because they sound good with most.

10. Kinera Celeste Plutus Beast: These are attached to my iFi Go Pods, which are aggravating in and of themselves so only get use when I want to just listen to something fun. The bone conducting driver makes a weird and annoying ping when I move too much with them on, but the amount of mid bass these give off is hilarious. They lack sub bass and the high end is a bit shrill, but for like, fun club music when I'm not listening to something for great sound quality? These are undefeated. They have a sharp V shape with intense mid bass, little mids, and sharp treble. But they're fun. So they do the job. Recommended Music: EDM

Thanks for this list. I have the HD800S too, and agree with you that they are really at the top of the game with regards to Orchestral. My question is whether you think the IE900, which I have been eyeing, can come close for classical to them, considering the IEM form factor of course. Or what else in your IEM list comes close to them for orchestral and classical specifically. Many thanks!

 

[texx2818]

Thanks for this list. I have the HD800S too, and agree with you that they are really at the top of the game with regards to Orchestral. My question is whether you think the IE900, which I have been eyeing, can come close for classical to them, considering the IEM form factor of course. Or what else in your IEM list comes close to them for orchestral and classical specifically. Many thanks!

Personally, I do not think the IE900 are necessarily a good fit for that. They are very in your face with a thick bass impact. Which, obviously, the bass impact is great for orchestral but they don't have much of a soundstage, in my honest opinion. My old EE Odin had the most wide soundstage I've heard out of an IEM, but obviously the cost is quite astronomical for those guys.

 

[batracom]

Personally, I do not think the IE900 are necessarily a good fit for that. They are very in your face with a thick bass impact. Which, obviously, the bass impact is great for orchestral but they don't have much of a soundstage, in my honest opinion. My old EE Odin had the most wide soundstage I've heard out of an IEM, but obviously the cost is quite astronomical for those guys.

Thanks. You often hear otherwise in the marketing. For example in the description page https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-UK/p/ie-900/ckyk13m140rwp0b41m071nzlc/ Sennheiser goes out of their way to single out classical, “Treble detail and soundstage well suited for classical music”. Some review, such as https://www.audioreviews.org/sennheiser-ie900-review-ap/ seem to agree.

Do you think these opinions are inaccurate?

 

[Drrizzt]

1.Utopia Og (Once brain burning occured for the small sounstage, it's absolute perfection).
2.He1000v1
3.Kennerton Odin
4. Audeze Lcd3
5. Ananda/Focal Clear
6. HD660s2
7. HD650
8. HD600
9. He500
10. Far far far behind: Fidelio X2 a real catastrophy.