[mitchb]

What are the best sub $1000 headphones out there? I realise the possibilities are endless funds not being an issue but I'm wondering what's out there. I have the HD 650's (I very much like these), I have the AKG K701's (getting better daily with 180 hours on them) and I have the Denon D5000(I love these headphones already with only a few days play) and I am getting the HD600's just for fun. I know there are tons of headphones out there so info on what's good would be appreciated. One last thing. What is considered to be the best of the best regardless of cost? I should note I'm using an HR-2 Ray Samuels amp connected to my main system and am using a JVC integrated amp with headphone jack with surprisingly good results. Thanks.

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchb /img/forum/go_quote.gif What are the best sub $1000 headphones out there?

In my opinion one of the Stax Lambda's.
In production -> SR-404
Out of production -> SR-Lambda Pro

Quote:

One last thing. What is considered to be the best of the best regardless of cost?

As with the previous questions there are no The Best headphone. But these are all considered to be top level:
In Production: SR-007, 4070, Edition 9, GS1000, ...
Out of production: SR-Omega, HE90, HE60, R10, K1000, L3000, ...

Check them out!

 

[Blackmore]

I would start like this:

AKG K340 fully modded
Grado RS2
Grado GS1000
AKG K1000

 

[catscratch]

Definitely the K340, modded or not. I like it a lot more than the SR-404, which was my previous <$1k choice. I'll throw the ES2 in there as well. It can more than keep up with any headphone <$1k, except maybe the K340

However, "best" is very much subjective, even in the <$1k category. The HD600, for instance, is unique (in my experience) in this category in its ability to portray tone and tembre correctly (though from what I've heard, the SR-X Mk III should be even better at this). It's not the best headphone overall IMO, it's far too slow and lacks the last bit of detail, but it does something that other headphones can't.

 

[Catwoman]

I f you are looking for nice bass its the JVC DX 1000.

or a ATH-W5000 for a more balanced sound.

claudia