The invention of headphones revolutionized audio entertainment, although it was first created for the purposes of telephony and radio in its early days. A device that allows people to listen to their favorite songs almost anytime and anywhere without worrying about disturbing others. Headphones have certainly changed the way we experience music.
But not all headphones are created equal. While all modern headphones are designed for the sole purpose of bringing music to our ears without compromising comfort, portability or intruding into other people's earshot, some are much better than others.
Super bass, noise canceling, Bluetooth connectivity, clear sound. These are just some of the premium options that many people want from their headphones. But premium options are features you won't find in cheaper options.
And if money is no object, and you want the best headphones, then we present to you the 10 most expensive headphones in the world: gaming and designer models with cool technical characteristics, decorated with gold and diamonds.
10. Astell&Kern Layla II, $3,000
Jerry Harvey Audio is proud to manufacture the Layla II using old school craftsmanship using the most advanced technology.
Layla, the second in the Siren Series, deserves to be named after one of the most famous love songs in rock history. "Layla" was recorded by Eric Clapton and his band Derek and the Dominos and released in 1970; Clapton was inspired by his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend George Harrison.
“Layla has the most complex crossover network ever created in an IEM. All crossover filters are 4th order in shape. This circuitry, combined with the Freqphase waveguide and new proprietary Quad drivers, delivers audio quality that will truly transport you into the mix position in the recording studio.” - Jerry Harvey.
The best wired models
Sennheiser HD 559
A model with high quality materials and sound . Ergonomics ensured
soft ear pads and headband.
Do not cause discomfort even with prolonged use. Externally, the headphones resemble the HD 599 model in a different color scheme.
Functionality is somewhat limited compared to other models of the generation.
The sound focuses on low frequencies, while high frequencies may be characterized by the presence of noise and “sand”.
Specifications:
- Weight: 276 g;
- Impedance: 50 Ohm;
- Range: 14-26000 Hz;
- Sensitivity: 108 dB;
- Fastening: headband;
- Membrane: 38 mm.
pros
- high-quality assembly;
- detachable cable;
- Nice material of ear pads and headband.
Minuses
- tight bow;
- high price;
- specific sound of high frequencies.
Sennheiser HD 206
Closed dynamic headphones with high quality sound transmission . Light weight
soft ear pads and headband ensure comfort when using them, and high-quality plastic ensures long service life.
Passive isolation due to close-fitting ear pads works in both directions.
The sound quality is ensured by good impedance and sensitivity, and the standard range will allow you to enjoy the sound both during games and while listening to music.
The emphasis in sound is on low frequencies.
Specifications:
- Weight: 165 g;
- Impedance: 24 Ohm;
- Range: 21-18000 Hz;
- Sensitivity: 108 dB;
- Mount: headband
- Membrane: 44 mm.
pros
- high-quality assembly;
- low price;
- good sound insulation;
- long cable.
Minuses
- long cable;
- wire too thin;
- If used for a long time in hot weather, the ear pads and headband may become wet from sweat.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Reliable wired over-ear headphones with comfortable soft ear pads and a padded headband.
This option is better suited for professionals who care about sound quality and lack of distortion.
For ordinary users, the model may be too expensive.
Noise insulation is performed at a height in both directions . The disadvantage is a small hum from low frequencies.
Specifications:
- Weight: 220 g;
- Impedance: 64 Ohm;
- Range: 8-25000 Hz;
- Sensitivity: 102 dB;
- Fastening: headband;
- Membrane: 40 mm;
- Water protection: yes.
pros
- tightness;
- high-quality noise reduction;
- purity of sound.
Minuses
- high price;
- background at low frequencies.
Sennheiser IE 4
One of the most ergonomic and durable models . Quality material ensures
tight fit without discomfort.
The model can be used as a sports model due to its tight fit and durability.
Range and sensitivity create smooth sound with rich lows and mids.
The only downside users note is the lack of a cover included.
Specifications:
- Weight: 5 g;
- Impedance: 16 Ohm;
- Range: 10-18000 Hz;
- Sensitivity: 106 dB;
- Mount: no;
- Membrane: 9 mm.
pros
- high-quality assembly;
- strength;
- duration of service;
- smooth sound.
Minuses
- modest equipment;
- high price.
Sennheiser CX 300S
Classic wired vacuum headphones . Elongated shape fits most
people, which ensures their popularity, despite the high price.
The emphasis in sound is on high frequencies, but in general they are suitable for listening to music of any style, although users note a lack of mid frequencies.
The headphones are equipped with a microphone, which allows you to use them as a headset . The model is available in different colors.
Specifications:
- Weight: 12 g;
- Impedance: 18 Ohm;
- Range: 17-21000 Hz;
- Sensitivity: 118 dB;
- Mount: no;
- Membrane: 9 mm.
pros
- high-quality assembly;
- good microphone quality;
- sufficient volume;
- universal form.
Minuses
- high price.
Sennheiser HD 599
The model is unique in its line due to its finishing and the ability to detach the cable.
The design of the headphones differs from most standard models - ivory-colored plastic with brown eco-leather inserts.
The quality of the plastic is excellent, the soft headband and ear pads reduce the level of pressure and discomfort.
The sound is detailed, with well-developed bass.
The model is demanding when it comes to connected equipment and may conflict when connected to equipment that has a weak sound system.
The wire length of 308 cm can be both a plus and a minus when used.
Specifications:
- Weight: 255 g;
- Impedance: 50 Ohm;
- Range: 12-38500 Hz;
- Sensitivity: 106 dB;
- Fastening: headband;
- Membrane: 38 mm.
pros
- quality materials;
- ability to connect to a TV;
- long cable;
- soft headband and ear pads;
- high sound quality.
Minuses
- long cable;
- conflicts when connecting to budget smartphones and equipment with a weak sound system;
- high price.
Sennheiser HD 569
The model continues the line of the HD5 generation . The plastic case is reliable, made of
quality materials.
The earcups rotate slightly for maximum fit to your ears. Characteristic features of the line’s models are a soft headband and ear pads.
The headphones easily connect to most devices using an adapter or a standard plug.
The sound is detailed, spacious, with excellent resonance.
Priority is given to the mid frequencies, the bass is reproduced in full, but the high range suffers.
Specifications:
- Weight: 755 g;
- Impedance: 23 Ohm;
- Range: 10-28000 Hz;
- Sensitivity: 115 dB;
- Fastening: headband;
- Membrane: 38 mm.
pros
- high-quality assembly;
- design;
- strength;
- ergonomics;
- sound quality.
Minuses
- tight headband;
- high price;
- heavy;
- The sound at high frequencies suffers.
Sennheiser HD 600
Open headphones with metal mesh and plastic headband . Soft ear pads and
The headband provides comfort during prolonged use.
The downside is that open ear cups easily allow external sound to pass through, making the headphones almost impossible to use in places with high noise levels.
The sound is of good quality, but users note a specific “growl” in the lower range.
High and mid frequencies sound extremely impressive and natural.
Specifications:
- Weight: 260 g;
- Impedance: 300 Ohm;
- Range: 12-40500 Hz;
- Sensitivity: 97 dB;
- Fastening: headband;
- Membrane: 38 mm.
pros
- high-quality assembly;
- design;
- ergonomics;
- wide range;
- availability of replaceable cable.
Minuses
- high price;
- quality drops at high frequencies;
- poor sound insulation.
STAX SR-009, $5,000
While the Stax SR-009 doesn't feature the most visually appealing design, it is nonetheless one of the best high-quality headphones ever made.
Remember the old saying about books and their covers? This proverb applies well to this particular model. If you want to go beyond what you see, you'll know that the SR-009 from Stax is a great performer.
Inside, you'll find that the SR-009 uses electrostatic drivers. Although they function similarly to planar magnetic drivers, the design of the SR-009 is much more complex since the diaphragm is suspended in an electrostatic field rather than embedded in a thin film. This structure allows the SR-009 to produce sounds that experts call “deep,” “clean,” and “beautiful.”
Warwick Acoustics Sonoma Model One - £4,995
If you're willing to shell out five thousand on headphones, that suggests a serious (and potentially alarming) obsession with personal listening.
While we can't offer a cure for this particular ailment, we can prescribe a good long listen to Warwick Acoustics' Sonoma One package - easily one of the best options we've heard. .
Pay that hefty sum and you'll not only get a pair of open-back electrostatic headphones, but also a special driver amplifier (electrostatic drivers require high voltage, so these headphones won't work with regular amplification).
The headphones don't feel particularly expensive—the headband (made from durable Nylon 12 polymer) on our set squeaked a little when twisted, and the clamping pressure was too strong—but this headphone system sounds so stunningly clear and informative that we can't help but get caught up in the music.
- Warwick Acoustics Sonoma Model One Review
IDiamond ear, $7,000
" IDiamond Ear " uniquely and most innovatively combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology into an exclusive high-end jewelry piece with extensive earphone functionality.
Each carefully crafted pair consists of 204 diamonds, totaling 1.65 carats. The "IDiamond Ear" was released in a limited edition of 1,000 numbered pairs for exclusivity.
Arca Edition Tormenta Cage Headphone Head
Cost $6,450.
What do BDSM and headphones have in common? After the success of 50 Shades of Gray, interest in BDSM paraphernalia increased, and luxury goods store Ssense did not stand aside. He offered users a batch of headphones with leather straps. Those who wear them will be able to feel submissive and locked inside this strict leather audio helmet.
This headgear has one leather strap that goes around the head from ear to ear, and two more that partially cover the face but leave an opening for the mouth to allow a safe word. The brand does not offer a warranty on BDSM headphones. They are positioned as an art object and are released in a limited edition. So, if you want these, hurry up before they're gone.
oBravo Audio Ra C-Cu, $11,000
Of course, expensive headphones don't have to be headphones. These headphones from oBravo will set you back $11,000. Why? This is all due to the AMT Hybrid Dynamic Driver.
This is a coaxial design that combines two types of driver into one device. It is capable of reaching lows of 15 Hz and highs of 45 kHz. They also look great thanks to the handcrafted Precision-Ceramic body.
Audeze LCD-4z - $3,995 (approx £3,263)
Audeze doesn't make disposable, high-quality entertainment headphones; the company has the track record (and loyal customer base) to back it up. So why upgrade from the LCD-3 and LCD-4 headphones to the latest flagship set, the LCD-4z (pictured)?
How about a ridiculously thin nano-diaphragm, dual Fluxor magnetic arrays that offer superior efficiency, and a die-cast magnesium body that allows for a lighter design than the "standard" LCD-4 ($3,995)? ? Plus, the LCD-4z doesn't need an amplifier, so it can be controlled directly through the auxiliary port of your favorite listening device. Certainly worth over £3k of anyone's money...
6. V-Moda Crossfade M-100, $40,000
Crossfade M-100
headphones themselves that cost the world, but rather the decorative "shields" that can be added to the headphones. They are 3D printed and come in a variety of materials including silver, solid gold or platinum. Less expensive materials such as bronze and stainless steel are also available, but where's the fun in that?
If you go for the more expensive stuff, you'd better make sure your music meets those requirements - no 128kbps MP3s, please.
Final Audio Design Sonorous X - £3,499
Final Audio is another brand that offers a variety of high-quality headphones. Here, the combination of machined aluminum and stainless steel makes these headphones eye-catching. We thought the sound lacked drive and nuance and they were a little heavy, but you can't deny they have the wow factor. They even come in a fur-lined wooden box that you might want to keep away from your cat.
- Final Audio Design Sonorous X Review
5. Sennheiser HE1060/HEV1060 Orpheus, $55,000
Formerly called Orpheus , Sennheiser's flagship HE-1 come with their own valve amplification.
The chassis is made of Carrara marble, the same type that Michelangelo used for his sculptures. So to say that this is a work of art is not too much of a hyperbole. But not only does marble look amazing, it's also great for dampening. Win-win.
The electrostatic headphones themselves are made from beautifully sculpted aluminum, leather, and fine microfiber fabric. Thanks to Sennheiser know-how, they perform as well as they look.
Grado PS1000e - £1,595
“The best headphones Grado has ever made” are some of the claims, given the impressive reviews and awards that Grado has collected over the years. The PS1000e is part of the Grado Professional series, which the company has updated (along with many other models) as part of the e series, paying attention to detail to a whole new level. Every component was chosen with the utmost care, right down to the glue. The stained wood and metal alloy finish gives them a distinctive design and helps reduce ringing and distortion. How many other headphones are made from handcrafted mahogany?
- Grado PS1000e review
HIFIMAN Shangri-La, $78,000
HIFIMAN has become best known for its flat magnetic headphone designs. Planar magnets are completely different from the usual cone-shaped speaker design, instead using a large flat surface excited by the movement of an electromagnetic force created by conductors woven across its surface.
They move as their electrical signal changes within a fixed magnetic field created by magnets on each side, thereby moving the membrane across its entire surface, unlike the piston-like motion of conventional dynamic headphones.
This technology is different in that it can display finer signal details and reproduce much faster transients. Hence, flat magnetic headphones are famous for their detail and speed.
HiFiMan HE1000 V2 - £2,599
Planar magnetic headphones are always an eye-catcher, and these headphones feature a 0.001mm thick driver, which is certainly an impressive feat of engineering. Elsewhere, there's an advanced asymmetrical magnetic circuit, three-core cable, polyester earphones, and an ergonomic design that should mean, that they are comfortable enough to wear for hours. Which if you spend over £2,500 on them, you definitely will.
Onkyo H900M, $88,000
Focals weren't the only luxury headphones to light up the show floor at CES 2022— Onkyo took its H900M and added 20-carat diamonds to the your headphones.
But that's not all. These diamonds were embedded in aluminum plates surrounded by a ring of polished stainless steel.
Chanel Headphones
Price – $7,200.
These expensive and beautiful headphones were created by Karl Lagerfeld, designer of Chanel, in collaboration with Monster Audio. And since Monster is known as a manufacturer of premium hi-fi audio, you don’t have to worry about the sound quality in Chanel headphones.
They have a padded black quilted leather headband, are stored in a leather case with the famous Chanel logo and look like a fashion accessory that can be worn around the neck. Since the headphones cost $7,200, you can wear the case like a clutch and no one will even notice.
2. Focal Utopia by Tournaire, $120,000
Unveiled at CES 2022, Tournaire's Focal Utopia has a price tag of $120,000. Crafted by master jewelers, they are set in 18-karat gold with six-carat diamonds and are handcrafted in the Tournaire workshops.
A portion of the sales goes to eight-year-old Louis Bischini, who suffers from the degenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy type 1, so there is a charitable side to this celebration of life.
Dolce & Gabbana Headphones
Cost: $9,000.
The two stylish and controversial Italian designers knew how to attract attention and drive sales for their luxury brand. In the fall 2015 collection, they presented a pair of headphones decorated with Swarovski crystals and a crown to go with them.
Initially, they were intended only for a fashion show, but they caused such a stir that the fashion house, in collaboration with headphone manufacturer FREND, released a designer collection.
A year later, when Rihanna teased her fans about her upcoming album, she posted a photo on her Instagram wearing expensive Dolce & Gabbana headphones with a simple message: “listening to ANTI.” And sales of the glamorous gadget immediately soared.
Who will buy these headphones? And for what?
Let's imagine who can afford headphones for 4,000,000 rubles, and even with a normal acoustic system, otherwise there is little point in headphones alone. The same media center LUMIN L1 for 300,000 rubles.
There are several options here, but both of them personally seem not very plausible to me:
1. A rich music lover who can afford to pay 4,300,000 rubles. for perfect sound. But you need to understand that when purchasing such an audio system, you need to get tracks somewhere in an uncompressed format. And for this you need to understand the formats. It is unlikely that a person who earns money has a lot of free time for such a hobby.
2. A rich person who can simply afford such an audio system to emphasize his status. This is a more plausible potential Sennheiser HE1 buyer who would simply place a block of marble on some backlit pedestal to the surprise and delight of guests.
In any case, I sincerely envy the future owner of these headphones, because they are unique in everything, from design and technical innovations to sound.
The best headphones 2021-2022 for any budget - from 500 to 25,000 rubles:
- In-ear headphones fit easier in the ear, provide universal comfort, usually with replaceable bands
- In-ear headphones can be designed to fit a specific ear shape and can be considered very comfortable
- Isolation from the environment, i.e. passive noise reduction, very good when administered intrathecally
- The ANC noise canceling feature, by definition, works much better in the intrathecal model
- In-ear headphones sound like semi-open, intrathecal ones sound like closed
JBL T110 - excellent headphones with a microphone from 500 rubles
The JBL T110 has been one of the most popular inexpensive telephone headsets for many years. They are small and very convenient, and at the same time combine good sound with an extremely attractive price. Another advantage is the durable cable in the form of a flat tape, which does not tangle as much as a classic round cable. The sound is so good, clear, lively and dynamic that headphones 2-3 times more expensive would not be ashamed. The meaty, bouncy low-end tones that are clearly emphasized in these headphones are commendable. High frequencies are also good and clear. Silicone seals fit well into the ear canal, providing effective isolation.
You might like the TOP 7 Best Wireless Microphones of 2022 Rating
The most important features:
- Sound pressure 96 dB
- Wired connection (3.5 mm mini-jack)
- Microphone yes
- Impedance 16 Ohm
- Frequency response (max.) 20 Hz
- Frequency response (min.) 20000 Hz
- Bass is excellent
- Thick cord
- Nozzles of different sizes
- Clear sound
- Good sound insulation
- Great button for switching tracks/answering calls
- Great price
- The cable, although flat, is unreliable
- Fragility
Impressions from professionals. And my humble “WOW”
So, we connected our iPhone and turned on Apple Music to evaluate the quality of these unique headphones.
Just a joke, of course.
The source was a system called LUMIN L1, which itself is estimated at 300,000 rubles. The test tracks were the most uncompressed audio files in Wav format, recommended by Sennheiser engineers to get the most out of the Sennheiser HE1 headphones.
Each musician from Bel Suono approached the headphones with slight disbelief, and at the first chords of the music, a real expression of surprise appeared on the faces of the artists, which was replaced by delight and then peace.
The tracks we listened to were very different, from classic jazz to Wonderwall by Oasis. Maxim, Kirill and Vasily treated the process with full responsibility, playing different compositions, listening to musical nuances and simply enjoying the sound.
Based on the results of the listening, the opinions of all members of the Bel Suono musical group agreed on one thing: the sound is perfect. Although, there were some comments from everyone.
Kirill Gushchin noted that the sound is as natural and soft as possible . As soon as you put on these headphones and turn on any track, all thoughts go away and you just listen to the music. It’s so natural, as if you’re sitting in a room with perfect acoustics right in front of the musicians who are playing just for you.
Maxim Tarasov admitted that he was literally shocked by the space and depth of the stage . According to him, the Sennheiser HE1 convey sound so vividly that you literally feel the tonal color of each instrument individually, regardless of the genre of music being played.
Unusual sensations arise because, despite the bright presentation and separation of each instrument, the music is perceived as a whole. Perhaps even better than other performances of classical orchestras in specially prepared and created chamber halls with world renown. This is simply amazing.
Vasily Opalev noted the lack of an equalizer . This is understandable: each headphone undergoes serious tuning and the absence of an equalizer prevents the user from interfering with the perfectly tuned frequency characteristics.
The only thing you can control is the volume. Well, you can also tweak the signal distribution between left and right channels if you want to check out a mono rip from a vinyl record and its power.
As for me, I simply could not tear myself away from the music when it was my turn. Classic passages by Vivaldi, melancholy rock from Oasis, jazz compositions by Chick Corea - everything sounded as perfect as the human ear can hear.
Yes, Sennheiser engineers have created a real audio miracle. And you can buy it.
What trio? What is Bel Suono?
Maxim Tarasov, Vasily Opalev and Kirill Gushchin are charismatic guys who put on a unique “show of 3 grand pianos”. These musicians masterfully play keyboards with 6 hands simultaneously, performing their own works and many classical compositions with a modern twist.
Well, check out their new remix of Vivaldi:
The guys actively tour here and abroad, release albums, and I recommend listening to their work: I personally saw the live performance of these modern pianists, very powerful.
The nearest Here are the current dates of concerts of the trio Bel Suono. I highly recommend going to their show. It will not be boring.
Despite the classic image, the guys listen to different music, from dance to classic rock. We met with them right at the Moscow office of Sennheiser so that the musicians gave their assessment of the unique headphones for 4 million rubles.
But first, the facts.
