Having been lucky enough to hear and own an enormous number of headphones, these are some of my absolute favourites under $1000.
Welcome
The headphone market has advanced at an incredible pace in recent years, with the kind of sound quality you'd previously had to have paid many thousands for now being available at very reasonable prices. This list is a collection of examples of headphones that punch hard above their pricepoint and deliver simply exceptional value for money.
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Products on this list
HIFIMAN
HE600
799
/
1
Reviews
HE600 is HiFiMAN’s reinvention of the classic HE6 headphone, incorporating advanced technologies while maintaining high performance. It is designed to offer the performance of the HE6 while being easier to drive with standard headphone amplifiers, lighter in weight, more comfortable over long sessions, and more reliable overall. It utilizes a second-generation NEO Supernano Diaphragm (about 60% the thickness of the original HE6) for improved responsiveness, enhanced magnet technology with rare-earth-free materials for strong sensitivity, and a new Gen 2 headband that is 20 g lighter with a softer strap and integrated rotation for better fit and comfort
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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What reviewers think
Video review
About the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
HE600
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Focal
Hadenys
754
/
13
Reviews
Open-back headphones for the home, Hadenys combines contemporary design with hi-fi quality. Fitted with exclusive Focal speaker drivers, they deliver warm sound with remarkable depth and precision. In addition to its acoustic performance, Hadenys stands out for its comfort and elegant aesthetics.
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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What reviewers think
Product Strengths
- Beautiful design and build quality with premium materials, like a magnesium yoke and genuine leather headband
- Good comfort with memory foam earpads and breathable cloth, though some find the pads shallow
- Well-rounded tonal balance with surprisingly strong bass for an open-back headphone
- Easy to drive and forgiving with different audio sources
- Clear and spacious sound presentation, with accurate imaging
Product Considerations
- The price point may be higher than some consumers want to pay
- The relatively small size might not fit all head shapes comfortably
- Stock cable is reported to have memory and be unwieldy
- Sound staging isn't the widest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Azurys: Some prefer the sound of the Azurys for some songs and use cases
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: Hadenys has improvements in the bass and treble response, and there's more oomph and weight in the bass
- Vs Focal Clear MG: Hadenys manages to provide a remarkable amount of Clear MG for a lower price
- Vs Focal Elex: dynamics are not on par with the Focal Elex
- Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: The Focal manages to feel as solid, while looking better, wearing better and sounding better
Takeaway: The Hadenys offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded sound, making it a versatile headphone for enjoying music at home. Its solid construction and easy-to-drive nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
About the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Hadenys
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Sennheiser
HD 650
579
/
10
Reviews
The HD 650 reproduces the subtle details in your music with the same confidence as the highlights.
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
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What reviewers think
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality with clear, detailed midrange and treble frequencies
- Balanced and natural overall sound signature suitable for various music genres
- Comfortable design with large, padded earcups covered in soft velour material
- Durable build quality with a sturdy plastic frame and replaceable cable and cushions for longevity
- Known for exceptional clarity and great comfort, making them a good value for audiophiles on a budget
Product Considerations
- Proper amplification is required to reach full potential due to its 300-ohm impedance
- It lacks low-bass presence and sub-bass extension, rolling off early at around 80Hz
- Open-back design provides poor noise isolation and leaks sound
- Soundstage is intimate, more closed-in than expected for an open-back headphone
- May sound a little dull due to under representation of sibilance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Moondrop Void: Similar bass qualities, but the HD 650 sounds more natural, the Void has better clarity in the mids
- Vs. beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro: The DT 990 Pro is more V-shaped, with more bass impact and treble energy, while the HD 650 offers a more accurate sound
- Vs. Sennheiser HD 600: The HD 650 has more bass presence while the HD 600 has a flatter bass response, the HD650 is also more comfortable
- Vs. Sennheiser HD 6XX: The HD 6XX have a more consistent audio delivery with better bass accuracy
- Vs. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: The HD 650 has a more spacious soundstage, but less bass
Takeaway: The HD 650 is a classic headphone with a balanced and natural sound, excellent for enjoying music and suitable for critical listening. Its comfortable design and durable build make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality audio experience.
Video review
About the brand
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
HD 650
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Thieaudio
Monarch MKIII
999
/
13
Reviews
At their times, the original Monarch and the Monarch MKII set new standards for best-in-class performance in the global IEM industry. Not only did it redefine the price-to-performance bracket, but it forever changed how IEM manufacturers engineer and tune IEM's. Keeping with the times, the Monarch has undergone another revision to revamp its technical and tonal performance.
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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What reviewers think
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
Video review
About the brand
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Monarch MKIII
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