Most headphones with astronomical prices are not worth the money. These are the so-called exclusive models. Nowadays they do something exclusive - they buy any headphones, cover them with diamonds, coat them with gold plating, profit! A “brilliant bait” is ready for fish with tight wallets and without any special complaints about sound quality. The “filling” of such headphones is not worked out, so they still sound at an average level.
We did not include such models in our top 7 most expensive headphones. Our goal is to offer a selection of premium models that will put even the most fastidious audiophile into a state of pleasant languor.
Campfire Audio Atlas
- Mounting type: in-channel
- Frequency range: 5-20000 Hz
- Impedance: 19 ohms
- Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW
- Membrane diameter: 10 mm
Price : from 80,260 rubles
When developing the Atlas, Campfire Audio engineers were guided by the goal of creating headphones with the same power as full-size headphones, but less bulky and more comfortable. Judging by the reviews of experts, they succeeded. And the technical characteristics hint at this: sensitivity of 105 dB / mW for earbuds is an indicator of the “space” level. How did Campfire Audio cope with such a non-trivial task?
The key to the excellent sound of the Atlas is the ADLC diaphragm made of a diamond-like film of a fairly large size (10 mm). This film combines rigidity and light weight. These are very important qualities for a diaphragm: lightness ensures accurate sound transmission, and rigidity allows it to transmit a wide range of frequencies. As a result, Atlas headphones are distinguished by a range that in the low region goes far beyond the frequencies accessible to the human ear.
Advantages:
- The case is made of stainless steel, processed on a CNC machine to a mirror finish.
- Driver with ADLC diaphragm, transmitting sound without distortion in all areas of the frequency range.
- Attractive futuristic design.
- MMSH made of beryllium copper are very durable.
- Rich set - 9 pairs of ear pads plus a cleaning brush.
- Pure silver braided cable.
- Each model is tested by an expert.
Flaws:
- Lack of sweat protection - the headphones are unsuitable for sports.
Ultrasone Edition 15 Limited
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency range: 5-46000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW
- Membrane diameter: 40 mm
Price : from 210,000 rubles
Edition 15 Limited from the German company Ultrasone made history as the first headphones using S-LogicEX technology. It provides surround sound no worse than that of full-fledged premium speaker systems. The images are arranged in width and depth. That is, when listening, you feel not only which of the musicians is on the right and which is on the left, but also the distance of each of the musicians from the listener. It’s worth adding about S-Logic that the technology reduces acoustic pressure, so no matter how much you listen to the headphones, your ears won’t become overtired.
The key to the attractiveness of Ultrasone Edition 15 Limited is the uniqueness of each model, because the patterns on the wooden cups are unique. The headphones were released in a limited edition of 999 pieces in 2021, and no one knows how many are left for the summer of 2020. Perhaps if you don't buy them today, tomorrow it will be too late.
Advantages:
- Made from high-quality and rare materials - American cherry wood and Merino leather.
- High sound detail across the entire frequency range.
- Extended warranty from the manufacturer - 5 years.
- Rich set (2 four-wire cables, genuine leather case).
- Supports ULE technology, which reduces low-frequency radiation by 98%.
- Unique design of each model.
Flaws:
- Limited number of items.
HiFiMan Susvara
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency range: 6-75000 Hz
- Impedance: 60 ohms
- Sensitivity: 83 dB/mW
Price : from 349,990 rubles
The price of HiFiMan Susvara would not surprise you if you knew with what surgical precision everything is arranged inside them. Susvara are magnetic planar audiophile headphones with a weightless diaphragm that is also thinner than a human hair. The manufacturer also uses special magnets. They have a rounded profile, due to which they do not form interference and have almost no effect on the sound. The thin diaphragm and rounded magnets work harmoniously together to provide tonal clarity throughout the entire frequency range. You will feel the technical features of the musicians' sound production as if they were playing in front of your nose.
However, the music lover’s expenses most likely will not end with the purchase of HiFiMan Susvara. Since the sensitivity of the headphones is only 83 dB/mW, not every amplifier is suitable for them. You need top-level equipment, which is a surprise! – can be bought in addition to Susvara at the HiFiMan store.
Advantages:
- Using stealth magnets that provide extremely clear sound.
- Fantastically wide frequency range.
- Unusual design - and the rear curtain not only adds sophistication to the appearance, but also protects against resonances.
- Comfortable headband, thanks to which you can listen to the headphones for a long time and without discomfort.
Flaws:
- Heavy weight - 450 grams.
- Only an expensive amplifier can reveal the potential of Susvara.
- Sensitivity is low for such a sky-high price.
STAX
Headphones from Stax cannot be confused with any others. Their unique rectangular design immediately attracts attention. The most popular model costs $1,600. If this price seems high to you, then these are far from the most expensive headphones. The championship belongs to the flagship model SR-009S, the cost of which reaches $4,325.
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What does the manufacturer offer for this money? The flagship uses thin lecturers to reduce the resistance of air passing through the openings. In addition, their surface is plated with gold to reduce vibration. The manufacturer also took care of the nuances of sound. If you are a true fan of good music and can distinguish the slightest falsehood, then you will certainly like this model.
Grado PS2000e
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency range: 5-50000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 99.8 dB/mW
Price : from 169,000 rubles
On the official Grado website, representatives of the Brooklyn company, throwing away all modesty, call the PS2000e model the best headphones in the world. Three generations of the legendary Grado family, legendary in the audio industry, worked on them for two years. What happened?
The result is headphones that convey the most naturalistic sound imaginable. Listening to the Grado PS2000e feels like you're standing right in front of the stage during a concert. The “magic” lies in the special geometry of the diaphragm and the design of the cups, which are made of maple and chromed metal. It is the metal that is responsible for eliminating various types of distortion and ringing. Maple provides a special vibration of sound inside the cup.
Grado PS2000e will be a godsend not only for the audiophile, but also for the sound engineer. After all, it is the “sound specialists” who need to hear the sound as it is, without impurities.
Advantages:
- Premium materials - maple and chromed metal.
- Wide headband, comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Naturalistic sound.
- Each model is made by hand.
Flaws:
- The design is discreet - the Grado PS2000e looks like an expensive computer headset.
Sony MDR-ZX330BT
High-quality, comfortable and lightweight closed-type wireless headphones.
Opens the TOP of the best headphones from Sony Sony MDR-ZX330BT ($50). With a low price, long battery life, and light weight, these headphones do a lot of what they need to do.
Main characteristics
- Type: overhead
- Technology: dynamic
- Weight: 150 g
- Bluetooth
- NFC
- Work profile support: Headset
- Range: 10 m
- Talk time: 30 hours
Equipment
- Headphones
- Charging cable
- Protective case
- Documentation
Video review
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Beautiful design.
- Price quality.
- Reliability.
- Noise insulation.
Sennheiser Orpheus HE-1
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency range: 8-100000 Hz
Price : from 4,100,000 rubles
What do Sennheiser Orpheus HE-1 headphones and Michelangelo sculptures have in common? These are works of art, for sure. But there's something else: the cabinet that hides the headphone amplifier is made of Carrara marble, a luxurious stone used by Michelangelo to create sculptures during the Renaissance. Sennheiser Orpheus HE-1 is not just headphones in the usual sense. This is a whole system with its own luxurious amplifier and eight vacuum tubes arranged in two rows.
Grado boasted that they worked on the PS2000e for two years? Nothing. Sennheiser engineers have been pursuing perfection for 10 years. They managed to create a sound that even the most fastidious audiophiles admiringly call reference and magical. The perfection of sound is ensured by a membrane that is coated with platinum and has a thickness of only 2.4 nm. Gold-plated electrodes move the entire membrane in the electromagnetic field, resulting in crystal clear sound and absolutely free of distortion.
The price of the Sennheiser Orpheus HE-1 is such that most music lovers can only lick their lips. But if you still have an extra hundred thousand dollars and want to get your hands on this “miracle”, remember that Orpheus is not available for retail sale. Sennheiser makes the best headphones in the world exclusively to order within 40 days.
Advantages:
- The ideal appearance of a music system.
- Low reactance oxygen-free copper cable.
- The purest live sound.
- Availability of S/PDIF and USB connectors.
- Low power consumption.
- Incredibly wide frequency range (up to 100,000 Hz).
Flaws:
- The price is like a sports car.
Official site
TOP 10 best SONY headphones of 2021
The best Sony headphones
| № | Name | Description | Price |
| 1. | Sony WH-1000XM4 | The best Sony headphones | 345$ |
| 2. | Sony WF-1000XM3 | The best wireless noise-canceling headphones from Sony | 180$ |
| 3. | Sony MDR-1AM2 | Great on-ear headphones | 170$ |
| 4. | Sony Platinum Wireless Headset | The best gaming headphones from Sony | 130$ |
| 5. | Sony MDR-1000X | Wireless over-ear noise-canceling headphones from Sony | 175$ |
| 6. | Sony SBH90C | Wireless earbuds from Sony | 100$ |
| 7. | Sony MDR-XB50AP | Best Budget Headphones 2021 | 25$ |
| 8. | Sony WF-1000X | Inexpensive high-quality TWS headphones | 55$ |
| 9. | Sony WI-1000X | High quality wireless in-ear headphones | 175$ |
| 10. | Sony MDR-ZX330BT | High-quality, comfortable and lightweight closed-back wireless headphones | 50$ |
Audeze Mobius
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency range: 10-50000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 120 dB/mW
Price : from 30,990 rubles
Audeze has established itself as a manufacturer of audiophile headphones, but now it is making noise primarily thanks to the Mobius gaming model. These are magnetic planar headphones in which the manufacturer has implemented a number of unique solutions.
The most interesting technology is Waves NX, developed by Waves, a cult company among sound engineers. The technology allows the headphones to track the position of the gambler’s head in space 1000 times per second and build a 3D sound picture in accordance with this information. That is, if the user, for example, turns to the computer with his right ear, then the sound on the left will be muted. Due to this, the illusion is created that the person is not wearing headphones, but in front of the speakers.
The Audeze Mobius sounds great, and not only in terms of music and scary audio effects - the speech of your playing partners is also clearly audible. The only problem is that Mobius costs like a middle-class laptop.
Advantages:
- The ability to track the position of the gamer's head.
- Live cinematic sound.
- The presence of a reverberator responsible for recreating the acoustics of the room.
- Microphone with built-in noise reduction.
- Bluetooth support.
- Capacious battery, designed for at least 10 hours of battery life.
Flaws:
- The control keys are on the left cup - right-handers will have to get used to it.
⇡#Functionality and sound quality
The key thing that the fourth version of the 1000X series has learned is to recognize more user actions on its own. Now the headphones rely even less than before on direct commands given by touching the touch surface, and more on their “intelligence”.
First of all, this applies to situations when you remove the headphones - there is no need to stop playback first, the headphones will do this themselves, having received a signal from the sensor. Very convenient, no doubt, but so far, with the current firmware version, this system does not always work stably - sometimes playback starts again when the headphones are still hanging on the neck or are completely put aside. There are also hiccups when resuming playback when you put them back on your head; from time to time you had to start it manually either on your smartphone or by touching the touchpad. Using it, by the way, you can both control playback (stop/start and switch tracks) and adjust the volume.
Also, Sony WH-1000XM4 have learned to respond to the user’s voice - when you start speaking, playback immediately stops, and the noise reduction mode is turned off (instead, the Ambient Sound mode is turned on, which even compensates for the passive noise isolation of on-ear headphones). This function works more stable - and is also very useful. The previous scenarios are also preserved - noise reduction is turned off if the headphones “hear” announcements at the station, a traffic light signal, and so on.
In general, the noise reduction system has not changed - it still works just as effectively, I did not notice any difference from the Sony WH-1000XM3. Four microphones on the earcups in combination with the QN1 processor work great - noise is cut off very well, with these headphones you can safely listen to even quiet podcasts on the subway or on an airplane not at maximum volume. I already wrote above about the use of Sony WH-1000XM4 as a kind of earplugs - this is a completely normal option for using these headphones. They can also optimize noise reduction depending on the shape of the ears and adjust to atmospheric pressure, providing greater comfort in flight.
There is one noticeable but: connecting a new version of headphones to a smartphone is not always possible without the special Sony Headphones Connect application - they are sometimes not displayed in the list of headphones available for connection in the Bluetooth profile; pairing is possible, but neither the sound on them nor the voice from them are transmitted. The application itself is quite good. In it, you can set up operating scenarios based on location, when the headphones themselves will determine whether you are on the road or have already arrived, and depending on this, adjust the noise reduction. It is also suggested to turn the headphones' response to ambient sound on or off, adjust the sound in the equalizer and adjust the degree of noise reduction. You can also enable the 360 Reality Audio surround sound system, but to do this you need to download an additional application, which you can use for free for only 3 months - purchasing a Sony WH-1000XM4 provides only temporary access to this system.
Perhaps the coolest feature of the new model is the ability to connect to two devices at once. The headphones themselves must determine which important signal is currently coming from and switch.
As for the sound, the acoustic characteristics of the Sony WH-1000XM4 have not changed, but the character of the sound itself has changed, albeit minimally. It’s difficult to say what influenced this - slightly different sound processing in the headphones or an updated Bluetooth module, but the headphones have become a little bassier, and the overall picture is now a little more detailed. I wouldn’t call the differences from the third version of the model significant, but they are there. In general, the Sony WH-1000XM4 sound good, both when transmitting data wirelessly and via cable - this is still not an audiophile model, but it maintains a strong high level. I would like to mention separately the DSEE Extreme system, which really does a good job of pumping up digital audio files with a low bitrate.
As a headset, the Sony WH-1000XM4 behaves normally - the built-in microphones are noise-canceling and work correctly.
Battery life remains the same - with active noise cancellation and all its smart functions, the headphones hold a charge for about 30 hours (my experience confirms the stated operating time). The Sony WH-1000XM4 is charged via the USB Type-C port; a full charging cycle takes about three hours.
Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT
- Mount type: headband
- Frequency range: 5-45000 Hz
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Sensitivity: 97 dB/mW
- Membrane diameter: 45 mm
Price : from 36,990 rubles
The Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT debunks the myth that Bluetooth headphones can't sound good. The key to high-quality sound is the patented Pure Digital Drive technology. It allows you to exclude a digital-to-analog converter from the design of the headphones, which takes away the liveliness and naturalness of the sound. In addition, this technology is highly efficient, thanks to which Bluetooth headphones work for quite a long time without recharging.
However, to fully enjoy the sound of the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT, you need a player that supports the aptX HD codec. The codec can transmit a digital stream at a resolution of 24 bits / 48 kHz and with an increased bitrate. Bluetooth headphones support this codec, but it must be present on both the transmitting and playback devices - otherwise you will listen to music in good, but quite ordinary sound.
Advantages:
- Ear pads filled with memory effect.
- Clear and vibrant sound delivered by 45mm True Motion drivers.
- LED indicator that shows the remaining charge and the active codec.
- Storage case included.
- High-quality materials - metal and leather.
Flaws:
- Quite a lot of weight – 310 grams.
Let's sum it up
Do the headphones we presented to you in the rating sound good? Undoubtedly. Is it worth buying expensive models? Big question. Think about it, after all, headphones are just one element of the musical path, and sound quality, as you know, is determined by the weakest element of the chain. You will have to buy an additional expensive amplifier, which means that the headphones will actually become non-transportable. However, even if you buy the best, you may still be disappointed. In certain genres of music, premium models do not demonstrate even 10% of their potential. Relatively speaking, the impression that the headphones will make on you will depend on whether you prefer Radiohead or Tim Belorusskikh.
So decide first whether you need expensive headphones for great sound or as a fashion item. This is important, because in the latter case you can choose cheaper headphones - the same Beats Audio.
Master & Dynamic
Luxury brand Master & Dynamic could easily be the most fashionable brand on this list. Each model is made with exceptional attention to detail and from high quality materials. The design is reminiscent of old aviation headphones, making them stylish and modern.
All Master & Dynamic models cost less than $1,000. They are time-tested and sound as good as they look. The model range includes both large in-ear headphones and small wireless ones. Using earbuds of different sizes, a comfortable fit in the ear is achieved. Sound quality is ensured by beryllium drivers.
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