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.
HIFIMAN
HIFIMAN occupies third position in our line, and for good reason. This is an electronic audio brand created by nanotechnology specialist Fant Bian. The headphones offer excellent sound, and the cheapest model can be purchased for $250. The best-selling pair is the $18,000 wireless HiFiMan Shangri-La.
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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.
Gaming
Gaming has long been equated with sports, and, as in any sport, equipment plays an important role. High-quality headphones are one of its components.
Focal Utopia
These are full-size dynamic headphones with an open design. To create this model, French engineers violated several laws of headphone construction - the law on mandatory damping of the rear of the headphone and a number of rules for designing the “correct” suspension. But the result was worth it.
Characteristics:
- connection type – wired;
- type of headphones – closed;
- frequency range – 5-50,000 Hz;
- sensitivity – 104 dB;
- black color.
Cost: 331,800 rubles or $5,281.
Audeze LCD MX4
Audeze LCD MX4 full-size isodynamic monitors from the LCD Collection series are an excellent choice for mixing, monitoring and other studio work.
Characteristics:
- connection type – wired;
- ear pad material – genuine leather;
- sensitivity – 105 dB;
- frequency range – 10-50,000 Hz;
- headphone type – headband;
- headband material – carbon/genuine leather.
Cost: 257,420 rubles or $4,098.
Sennheiser HD820
Every music lover knows that the best sound is produced by headphones with an open acoustic design. But with the advent of this model, this rule no longer applies, because innovative transducer covers reproduce the clearest and most natural sound possible.
To minimize losses along the signal delivery path, the headphones are equipped with a special symmetrical low-capacity matching cable.
Characteristics:
- connection type – wired;
- design features – removable cable;
- ear pad material – leatherette;
- frequency range – 12-43 800 Hz;
- sensitivity – 103 dB;
- black color;
- acoustic design - closed.
Cost: 205,630 rubles or $3,272.
STEELSERIES Arctis Pro Wireless
Excellent wireless gaming headphones that support wireless connection to up to 2 devices simultaneously.
The company's specialists have developed a special wireless base that allows you to transmit crystal clear sound. The kit includes a docking station that allows you to adjust the volume and set the ideal balance between game chat and sound.
Characteristics:
- purpose - gaming;
- type of headphones – closed;
- fastening type – headband;
- features – retractable microphone;
- frequency range – 10-40,000 Hz;
- sensitivity – 102 dB;
- black color.
Cost – 33,120 rubles or 527 dollars.
Beyerdynamic MMX 300 the 2nd generation
This is high-tech for your ears with extremely clear, spacious and powerful sound. Professional players are delighted with using this model.
Characteristics:
- connection type – wired;
- purpose - gaming;
- fastening type – headband;
- ear pad material – velor;
- Features – microphone noise reduction, detachable cable;
- frequency range – 5-35,000 Hz;
- sensitivity – 96 dB;
- black color.
Cost – 29,000 rubles or 461 dollars.
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.
SONY MDR-1AM2
The best on-ear headphones from Sony.
Bronze in the ranking of Sony's best headphones is occupied by the dynamic on-ear headphones MDR-1AM2 ($170), which Sony presented at CES 2021. This headset has excellent sound quality. These headphones are comfortable and fit comfortably, thanks to their light weight and very soft ear pads.
Main characteristics
- Frequency range: 3-100000 Hz.
- Impedance: 16 Ohm.
- Cable length: 1.2 m
Equipment
- Case/case
- Balanced cable (1.2 m)
Video review
- Sound. Very detailed and high quality sound.
- Weight.
- Convenience.
- Detachable cable.
- Landing. Fit greatly affects the sound (if you wear it lower, you will get more bass).
- Reliability. The ear design looks flimsy. All main components are made of plastic.
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.
Denon AH-D7200 – Music lovers' choice
Denon headphones are a monitor reference model equipped with 50 mm wideband drivers, the membranes of which are made of nanofiber and paper. It is a lightweight and rigid material that promotes positive display and responsiveness. The headphones provide high-quality and clear sound when listening to any tracks.
The table shows the characteristics of this device:
| Options | Description |
| Headphone type | full size, dynamic |
| Connection | wired |
| Frequency range | 5Hz-55kHz |
| Impedance | 25 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB |
| Cable type | straight |
| Length of cable | 3m |
| Headphone jack | 6.3 mm |
Users consider the aluminum frame of the headband, where the outer side is covered with natural sheep leather, to be a positive quality of this model. It is possible to adjust the headband.
The headphones are equipped with a removable double-sided cord that does not tangle, and its length ensures maximum comfortable use when listening to music. Many buyers prefer this model.
Denon AH-D7200 headphones are presented in the video review below:
The cost of Denon AH-D7200 headphones will average 65,000 rubles.
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
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.
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.
