Best Headphones Over $1000

Specs:

• Type: Over-Ear Open-Back
• Impedance: 15Ω
• Sensitivity: 98dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 10-50,000Hz
• Drivers: 106mm Planar Magnetic

Featured in our list of the best planar magnetic headphones, the Audeze LDC-4z is an absolute unit (both literally and figuratively). The oversized ear cups stand out and do not make it easy for listeners to carry them around or wear these around their necks. Also, the ear cups do not swivel easily, and the entire assembly does not fold, rotate, or lie flat.

The yoke and headband are not as “high-profile” and tend to be lighter than the earcups. However, they have metal reinforcements (especially the adjustable headband ratchet mechanism) which keep everything solid and durable.

Thankfully the metal headband extender has enough notches to expand or contract to fit most adult head sizes.

These open-back studio headphones are very comfortable; most professionals swear by them. Despite weighing over 1.32lbs, the headband spreads its weight around more evenly, reducing strain on your ears and your head.

The headphones are very easy to drive, and although they don’t present the most natural frequency response, the overall sound quality is admirable, as everything sounds accurate.

The bass and the mids can feel underpowered and lacking detail (especially at the lower ranges), but it’s nothing too major. The treble is good but seems to follow the same pattern of coming off a bit insufficient.

Specs:

• Type: Over-Ear Open-Back
• Impedance: 20Ω
• Sensitivity: 103dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 12-50,000Hz
• Drivers: 105mm Neodymium N50

If you’re looking for better sound quality and an all-day comfortable fit, the Audeze LCD-X is what you need. Despite being a little bulky (and heavy), anybody can wear these audiophile headphones for long hours in the studio without causing earwax buildup or aggravating your ears.

Like other headphones in the Audeze LCD lineup, these feature a semi-elastic headband with an adjustable metallic headband stem. The headband looks a little thin and flimsy, but it’s made of high-quality leather and doesn’t seem to be all that affected by dust and sweat.

Also, the earcups are sufficiently padded and include a semi-breathable leather lining. Thankfully, due to the open-back nature of these expensive headphones, you won’t have any issues with your ears sweating.

Regarding the sound quality, the Audeze LCD-X (especially the 2021 version) has a slightly underemphasized sub-bass and sub-treble response. (Compared to the Harman Target). Regardless, the mids are crisp and manage to remain flat and stable.

Specs:

• Type: Over-Ear Open-Back
• Impedance: 55Ω
• Sensitivity: 104dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 5-28,000Hz
• Drivers: 40mm Aluminum/Magnesium M-Shaped (Dynamic)

The Focal Clear audiophile headphones offer great value for money. They look stylish, sound great, and are a dream to wear.

At a glance, you can tell these are premium headphones. They have thick padding on the headband and earcups, with a shiny metallic frame holding them together. The headband and earcups are well-padded with a velour-like material, and the earcups can slightly rotate and swivel, making it easier to find a good seal around your ears.

Also, the yoke has a spring-loaded mechanism, which creates the perfect middle ground for latching onto the sides of your head without hurting your ears or ever loosening its grip.

As I said, these are some of the best-sounding headphones out there. They have a very neutral sound profile with clean bass and mids. It’s got some issues in the treble range and might affect your experience of listening to an original recording or working with other audio equipment (recording music, mixing, or mastering).

Nonetheless, the imaging capabilities of these audiophile headphones are off the charts, along with their passive soundstage. It is a worthwhile option for anybody looking for open-backed over-ears just above the $1000 price mark.

Specs:

• Type: Open-back headphones
• Impedance: 80Ω
• Sensitivity: 104dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 5-50,000Hz
• Drivers: 40mm Pure Beryllium M-Shaped

Let me start by saying this: this pair of headphones look modern with a surprisingly durable yet premium look and feel. The frame is mostly metal, and despite having a plastic enclosure for the ear cups, the carbon fiber yoke and original leather liners put them one step above the competition.

Although there’s not a lot I want to complain about (such as the bulky ear cups and polka dot pattern on the cushions), the LEMO connectors grind my gears. LEMO connectors are robust, but finding an extra cable for when I lose the originals, can be a disaster.

Nonetheless, these high-end headphones are viable for studio work, as the “unique” M-shaped beryllium drivers manage to create sound with a higher degree of accuracy.

These headphones spit incredible sound, which is ideal for studio work, but not so great for enjoying specific “low-frequency” genres. Therefore, the bass response is noticeably weaker and doesn’t produce that booming bass effect desired in many EDM, rock, and pop songs. Thankfully, the mids and highs are neutral and well-detailed.

Also, the passive soundstage is not very open.

Specs:

• Type: Over-ear semi-closed backs
• Impedance: 25Ω
• Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 5-45,000Hz
• Drivers: Dynamic

Apart from the red-colored ear cups, the Fostex TH900s look like a regular pair of closed-back headphones. It’s got a plastic frame, with a thin yoke and ratcheted headband.

The underside of the headband and ear cups have enough padding, and the headphones are comfortable enough for long-term listening sessions. Thankfully, these are not complete closed-backs since there’s a small gap where the wooden exterior meets the rest of the ear cup. These allow for air to get through and help create an expansive soundstage.

The bass response is surprisingly impressive. The bass is clean and powerful; hence, it doesn’t feel bloated.

The mids can be its weak point, where the sound is a bit drawback, but it’s not very noticeable during listening. The treble response, from the curve, can seem like it’s all over the place but in reality, sounds clear and natural.

Imaging and soundstage are also top-notch, and these are comparable to many of the other premium planars on the market.

Specs:

• Type: Over-Ear Open Backs
• Impedance: 35Ω
• Sensitivity: 91dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 8-65,000Hz
• Drivers: Planar Magnetic

The HIFIMAN Arya planar magnetic headphones are well-designed and well-equipped to deal with long-term listening sessions for music and entertainment of any genre.

So despite the plasticky build, with thin yokes, headband, and ear cup chassis, the headphones are relatively sturdy and provide premium materials with ample padding (on the ear cups and headband strap).

The ear cups can look a bit out of place, especially with the egg-shaped cups and overextended design (which reaches onto the sides of your jaw). Thankfully, they accomplish what they set out to do: envelop your ears and build the proper atmosphere for a wider soundstage.

These headphones create an immersive and expansive soundstage that, despite its semi-forward presentation, allows you to enjoy the music and pick apart the different “nuances” of the content.

The sound profile is relatively neutral, with decent mids and good treble. Unfortunately, the bass range, although crisp and clear, is not demanding, especially for bass lovers like myself. On top of that, the dynamics of these headphones are not up to par compared to the competition.

That said, the HIFIMAN Arya can replace many other entry-level headphones out there thanks to its lower impedance and 3.5mm connectors, making these audiophile headphones a viable solution for gaming, casual music listening on mobile devices, etc.

Specs:

• Type: Over-Ear Open-Backs
• Impedance:60Ω
• Sensitivity: 83dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 20-20,000Hz
• Drivers: Planar Magnetics

At a glance, you can tell that these headphones came from a high-quality source. The frame and yoke are mostly brushed metal, while the ear cups are fitted with wood and lined with leather cushions.

Similar to other planar magnetics, these feature a thin headband with a ratchet mechanism and a fabric headband. Although the yoke and the rest of the frame lack thickness, the entire assembly is sturdy.

The earcups can tilt, swivel, tilt and rotate, but there’s not a lot of freedom of movement, and you can’t let the earcups lie flat on a table. Unfortunately, these lack the internal spring mechanism (existing in many other premium headphones) that keeps the ear cups firmly in place; hence they tend to flop around a lot.

Regardless, these headphones are durable, and the ear cups are very comfortable for long-term wear.

These are some of the better-sounding headphones on this list, and I don’t have a lot of complaints in the sound department. The frequency response is surprisingly flat in the bass-mid range, which gives these planar headphones, the perfect opportunity to spit out clear audio with lots of detail.

The treble is also well-refined, although some users will notice some sibilants where the peaks are.

Dynamics, soundstage, and imaging capabilities are top-notch, and you’ll rarely find planars that do such an exceptional job.

Specs:

• Type: IEMs
• Impedance: 16Ω
• Sensitivity: 94dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 5-48,000Hz
• Drivers: 7mm

Compared to the lower-end Sennheiser IEM300, these In-ear monitors have come a long way. So instead of the plasticky composite enclosure for the drivers, we now have a perfectly machined metal chassis that makes everything look premium and stylish.

With the metal enclosure, it is easy to assume that the IE900s sacrifice comfort over aesthetics. Although there is a noticeable difference in comfort, it’s nothing too major, and compared to over-ears and on-ears, you’ll have a much better time enduring those long listening periods.

I have a lot of great things to say about the sound quality, and I wasn’t lying when I said that these IEMs manage to do a better job than other audiophile headphones. For starters, the bass response on these in-ears is off the charts: the bass is strong, heavy, and dense but is also clean and precise; hence, you’ll have no problem enjoying EDM, pop, and rock songs.

The mids and highs are also well-defined, but they aren’t as superior as the bass, and you’ll always notice the mid-high frequency ranges underperforming.

Overall, these in-ear monitors are not ideal for studio work. You’ll often find yourself resorting to “studio headphones” when it comes to professional work such as recording, mixing, and mastering.

Nonetheless, these are top-notch when it comes to music.

Specs:

• Type: Over-Ear Closed Backs
• Impedance: 64Ω
• Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 4-120,000Hz
• Drivers: 70mm Dynamic

These dynamic driver headphones may look a bit bulky and rigid but they are surprisingly lightweight (0.84lbs) and very comfortable to wear — especially if you can overlook the fact that your ears might get hot because of the closed earcups.

The build is mostly plastic with unique-looking and sufficiently-padded ear cups and a plastic yoke. The ratcheted headband might not make this look more “premium” compared to the other alternatives on this list, but the headband is durable and sturdy.

Considering the sound quality: these headphones rock it when it comes to the bass response. Bass is tight and powerful and stays clean even at higher volumes; bass lovers will enjoy these.

On the other hand, the mids and highs are clean but not as forward or “present” as the bass. Still, these are neutral enough for studio work and enjoyable for gaming and listening to music.

Specs:

• Type: Over-Ear Open Backs
• Impedance: 145kΩ
• Sensitivity:101dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 5-42,000Hz
• Drivers: Electrostatic

From an aesthetic standpoint, the headphones are average-looking. The ear cups are encased in a circular metal enclosure and held together by a metal yoke, which feels sturdy but allows a small amount of freedom of movement.

Therefore, the ear cups can swivel and tilt, allowing users to find a more stable fit that accommodates their ears.

The headband includes an outer ring made of plastic and consists of a ratchet mechanism for adjusting the size. Under it, we’ve got a leather headband that moves with the headband size adjustment mechanism.

Something that feels a bit weird is the ratchet mechanism which is set up on the inside of the headband. It’s a novel feature, but unfortunately, with this setup, you won’t be able to adjust your headband while wearing it.

Another design feature that I found absurd was the fixed cables. These headphones have a flat ribbon cable permanently attached to the earcups. Thankfully, this cable is almost 6-7ft long, and you’ll only have a problem with it being too long and not too short, especially in desktop setups.

Now, regarding the sound signature: it’s mostly flat, with the upper range of the treble having more emphasis. Also, the headphones have impressive imaging capabilities where you can listen to extra details more organically.

Specs:

• Type: Over-ear open backs
• Impedance: 300Ω
• Sensitivity:103dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 4-51,000Hz
• Drivers: 56mm Dynamic

Despite the plasticky exterior, these audiophile headphones are surprisingly sturdy and very comfortable to wear. The all-plastic enclosure may appear brittle, but it’s strong, durable, and lightweight.

The headband and ear cups may not have the best amount of padding or the best material to prevent sound leaks, but the headband has a lot of freedom of movement, and the clamping force is well-balanced — not too tight or too loose. Many adult users will have the chance to enjoy these headphones for long hours as soon as they find a comfortable fit.

These Sennheiser HD800s high-end headphones consist of a pretty stable frequency response which does incredibly well in the mid and treble ranges but fails to balance things out because of the weaker bass response.

Therefore, bass heads will miss that extra thump and separation when listening to bass-heavy genres (such as hip-hop, EDM, and rock).

With all that said, these are still the best headphones for anybody hoping to spend a little extra for their high-end audio needs.