The 10 Most Expensive Headphones

Want to touch the world of expensive sound? We present the top of the most expensive mass-produced headphones available in 2017.

 

 

10 Astell&Kern PSF11 Layla - 200 thousand rubles

At an average cost of a couple of hundred thousand, the Astell&Kern PSF11 Layla are vacuum "plugs" with twenty-four (!) armature drivers. A dozen drivers in each headphone allow you to deliver quality sound with stunning balance and noise isolation.

In addition, there is a mechanical bass control on the cord. In the range of 10-23000 Hz "armatures" have low impedance of 20 ohms and high sensitivity, but despite this, to "swing" them requires Hi-Fi player.

Advantages:

• Carbon housing and spectacular appearance;
• 12 armature drivers in each driver;
• Bass control and detachable braided cable;
• L-shaped micro-jack and extra wire for balance connection;
• Branded carrying case, 5 pairs of ear cushions, frequency control and screwdriver included.

Disadvantages:

• "sticking out" from the ear due to the bulky housing.

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9 McIntosh MHP1000 - 227 thousand rubles

The McIntosh MHP1000's enclosed monitors come in a standard design with plenty of metal used. The lightweight, removable leather cushions provide excellent sound isolation and comfort for extended listening.

40-millimeter drivers with powerful neodymium magnets deliver stunning 300 mW power and quality sound with a high level of detail and good deep bass, but the nominal impedance of 200 ohms requires an expensive speaker and amplifier.

Advantages:

• Classic design and quality cabinet materials;
• Comfortable seating and excellent noise isolation;
• The maximum power of 122 dB (300 mW);
• Neodymium magnet system from Beyerdynamic;
• Two removable double-ended cables;
• carrying case and aluminum stand included.

Drawbacks:

• high impedance;
• exaggerated demands to the sound source.

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8 Shure KSE1500 - 255 thousand rubles

The Shure KSE1500 In-Canal is actually the first headphones of its kind with electrostatic transducers. The peculiarity of this design is the presence of a thin membrane inside the housing, which, under the influence of the electromagnetic field, forms an acoustic wave.

Thanks to this type of radiators it is possible to achieve ultra clear and high quality sound. But to work "electrostats" requires constant voltage, so the headphones are equipped with a special portable amplifier, powered by batteries and can work on a single charge for about 10 hours.

Advantages:

• The first in its class electrostatic in-channel headphones;
• The highest sound quality, comparable to full-size High-End headphones;
• Detachable cable with LEMO-connector and electrostatic radiators;
• Aluminum housing and quality construction;
• Excellent noise isolation over 37 dB;
• 24-bit/96 kHz portable USB DAC amplifier;
• Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones;
• rich package with a leather case for the amplifier, interchangeable ear cushions and a set of different cables.

Disadvantages:

• The need to carry an amplifier and recharge the batteries.

 

 

7 Focal Utopia - 269 thousand rubles

Focal Utopia headphones are the top product of the French manufacturer, which combines all the developments and innovations of the premium level. Thanks to the developments of the company full-size model of the open type produces dynamic clear sound with realistic details.

For the first time in the world the headphones are designed with M-cups made of beryllium. The premium feel of the "full-size" headphones is evident throughout - the elegant design, carbon fiber headband, Pittards® Leather-covered ear cushions.

Advantages:

• Quality construction and premium materials;
• elegant appearance;
• Wide frequency range between 5 and 50,000 Hz;
• Excellent clear sound with minimal sibilant distortion;
• removable cables with protection against electromagnetic interference.

Disadvantages:

• High demands on the audio source.

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6 Ultrasone Jubilee 25 Edition - 299,000 rubles

The lightweight, full-size Ultrasone Jubilee 25 Edition headphones with NdFeB magnets and S-Logic™ EX technology deliver superior three-dimensional sound and quality detail (VHF - 5-46000 Hz). This stereo phone model was released in a limited edition of 250 units in honor of the company's 25th anniversary.

Anniversary "Ultrasound" in addition to the excellent sound has a premium look, emphasized by the high level of handmade and used materials. In addition to the headphones themselves, the package includes a detachable three-meter cable, an elegant hard carrying case and a 6.3 mm adapter.

Advantages:

• high-quality spatial sound thanks to S-Logic™ EX technology;
• 40 mm drivers with titanium coating and powerful NdFeB magnets;
• The use of high quality, expensive materials (silver, ebony);
• Comfortable ear cushions and comfortable Ethiopian sheepskin headband;
• Premium case and detachable cable with LEMO connector.

Drawbacks:

• Limited edition of 250 copies.

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5 Final Audio Design LAB II - 300 thousand rubles

Final Audio Design LAB II - another representative of the premium audio manufacturer, which belongs to the class of in-canal models, in addition to the "amazing price" has no less spectacular design. In fact, these headphones are the world's most expensive mass-produced in-channel headphones.

The body of the headphone, which houses a 15mm driver with an ultra-thin planar diaphragm, is made of titanium by 3D printing. The mesh surface has a glossy finish and is not painful to listen to for long periods of time. Thanks to all these audio innovations, it was possible to achieve an excellent soundstage width for this type of headphones.

Advantages:

• masterpiece look;
• 3D-printed titanium powder mesh housing;
• Wideband 15 mm driver with neodymium magnet;
• built-in mechanical equalizer;
• wide soundstage and low impedance;
• Detachable silver-plated OFC-copper cable;
• Excellent build quality and durability.

Drawbacks:

• "weak" package for a model of this level (case, headphones and cable).

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4 Audeze LCD-4 - 316 thousand rubles

The flagship model Audeze LCD-4 is isodynamic open-ear headphones, which allow you to give super clear audio with focused sound 3D-scene, deep bass and excellent dynamics. Inside the huge 106mm drivers is an ultra-thin Uniforce diaphragm with a powerful Double Fluxor magnet system.

The appearance of the stereo speakers is made in a "retro design" with the use of precious wood and chrome elements. The headband is made of carbon fiber, and the beveled ear cushions covered with genuine leather provide a comfortable fit.

Advantages:

• retro design with modern technological "gizmos";
• Excellent sound with well-developed mid-range, detailed scene and quality bass;
• 106mm planar-magnetic drivers with Double Fluxor;
• High build quality and premium materials;
• Two-way Premium Cable with silver-plated copper strands.

Disadvantages:

• High demands on the sound source;
• weight of 600 grams.

 

 

3 STAX SR-009 - 340 thousand rubles

The top-of-the-line STAX SR-009 stereo phones offer high-quality sound with a high degree of detail thanks to electrostatic radiators. "Staxes produce natural and detailed sound with excellent localization in space.

The elegant appearance and quality cabinet materials emphasize the belonging of the model to the luxury segment. However, the presence of electrostatic drivers implies the operation of the headphones only with a special amplifier, which, alas, is not in the set.

Advantages:

• "electrostats" with high sound quality at all frequencies (5-42000 Hz);
• Elegant appearance without fussy elements;
• comfortable fit and comfort for long listening sessions;
• High quality materials used;
• Excellent build and lifetime warranty.

Disadvantages:

• Inability to work without an amplifier and the need for a "decent" speaker system.

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2 Abyss AB-1266 - 360 thousand rubles

The Abyss AB-1266 planar headphones are the company's flagship headphones that take advantage of the manufacturer's vast experience in psychoacoustics. The use of isodynamic radiators with powerful neodymium magnets and ultra-thin flat diaphragm allows for natural and high-quality sound at all frequency levels.

Because of this, these stereo phones are considered to be among the most versatile in terms of music genre. The assembly of the model is quite in line with the luxe segment, and anodized aluminum, genuine leather, and mild steel are used in the construction.

Advantages:

• Isodynamic drivers with neodymium magnets;
• natural sound and high detail at all frequencies;
• Multi-genre headphones with a high frequency range of 5-28000 Hz;
• High quality real leather ear cushions and comfortable fit;
• rich package with stand, leather case and interchangeable cables.

Disadvantages:

• 660 grams weight.

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1 Final Audio Design Sonorous X - 440 thousand rubles

Full-size stereo headphones Final Audio Design Sonorous X in addition to the high cost have not only a clear and realistic sound, but also excellent bass, which is provided by the proprietary Balancing Air Movement technology.

The 50mm drivers with titanium cones and powerful magnets are wrapped in aluminum cups. The design and the high quality of the headphones directly indicate premium and flagship models in the line. The soft headband and thick ear cushions ensure comfortable wearing even during long listening sessions.

Advantages:

• BAM technology to improve bass quality;
• Clear and dynamic sound with fast bass and the widest stereo panorama;
• Premium design, worthy of a flagship model;
• Comfortable listening thanks to genuine leather ear cushions and padded headband;
• titanium cone in the 50mm driver and aluminum cups;
• the highest quality of assembly;
• plugs with locking mechanisms and detachable cable;
• Additional three-meter cord and adapter to the 6.5 mm jack included.

Disadvantages:

• 630 grams weight.

 

 

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