Which headphones are kings of "WOW" factor?

[gevorg]

Leaving all accuracy and other audiophile standards aside, which headphone/amp combination would you consider to give the most wow factor for a non-audiophile music lover? Dynamic, electrostats, tubes, etc? I guess 3D effect of soundstage and overall clarity will be key features. This is fun HiFi, so no price limit

, but no rare discontinued models also.

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gevorg but no rare discontinued models also.

I'm going to ignore that rule.

Sony MDR-R10 and RSA Stealth.

 

[creyc]

Wow psycho!

Go ahead and add "price" to the wow factor list, gevorg.

Personally I get a kick out of showing unsuspecting consumers that yes, that ancient looking Koss Porta-pro which looks like it came with a CD player actually sounds GOOD! They'd never believe...

 

[Tachikoma]

Quote:

Sony MDR-R10 and RSA Stealth

Expect a "where's the bass" comment or two if you are planning to present them to non-audiophiles I sure hope it will WOW me though

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tachikoma Expect a "where's the bass" comment or two if you are planning to present them to non-audiophiles I sure hope it will WOW me though

Well if it is a later production model R10 then it will have no shortage of bass with the stealth.

 

[kramer5150]

For me it was the HF1 amped with a millet.. WOW all this for $200?... and it gets even better with the RS1

I usually wow non-audiophile people with my mint amp and sportapro. The bass slam and smooth highs are very groovy.

Garrett

 

[Graphicism]

Sony MDR-SA5000 is what most headphone articles and sites like headphonereviews.org put at the top of the list... unless you have $2,000+ at your disposal.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graphicism Sony MDR-SA5000 is what most headphone articles and sites like headphonereviews.org put at the top of the list... unless you have $2,000+ at your disposal.

It certainly has that certain something. Getting the synergy right can be a pain in the prosterior, though.

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graphicism Sony MDR-SA5000 is what most headphone articles and sites like headphonereviews.org put at the top of the list... unless you have $2,000+ at your disposal.

Keep in mind though that is only based on 2 reviews.

 

[PeeeMeS]

AKG K1000

It's discontinued... but just recently and you can easily get a pair

 

[Spyro]

Considering the cost...the Koss Porta Pro/KSC series.

 

[Comfy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 For me it was the HF1 amped with a millet.. WOW all this for $200?...

I must agree with kramer...

But my first WOW was when I listened to my Alessandro MS-1s after a 50h burn-in. IMO all Grados produce a major wow effect.

Price-tag wise both the Sennheiser Orpheus system and the Koss KSC-35 make me go wow.

 

[Patu]

To me it has been Omega II + 007t setup (including all components, the whole setup retailed for something like 13,000 - 15,000EUR). It sure made me feel like WOW when I heard it.

 

[cheechoz]

I haven't heard any exotic setups, but so far if I have to pick my best combination, it would be the MDR-CD3000, and my PPX3-Slam!

The power generated with this combo is breathtaking! It just demands music that's going to bang your head against the wall!

 

[skudmunky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by creyc Wow psycho! Go ahead and add "price" to the wow factor list, gevorg. Personally I get a kick out of showing unsuspecting consumers that yes, that ancient looking Koss Porta-pro which looks like it came with a CD player actually sounds GOOD! They'd never believe...

It's so true. Everyone thinks the pPs are cheap untill they try them out.