High end headphones?

[audiokid]

Hi all, im looking to treat myself to some high end headphones for those late night listening sessions.

I currently use my B&W P5 commuter headphones and my Naim Supernait from a mac source, via the Naim DAC.

I have read the recent headphone review in What HI Fi, and seen a couple of others too. I need to start the demos but wondered if any readers have any first hand experience with the models below?

The Beyer T5p have great reviews but some say they are bass light. I can also buy the headphone amp if needed, or even better if I can use the Supernait mini jack. My guess is that it will not be high quality enough, more of a convenience feature?

Anyway, my list is:

-Grado reference, professional or statement series (only concern here is that they leak so much sound apparently, which isnt ideal for the other half!)

-Beyerdynamic T5P

-Stax Omega 007

-Stax ear speaker range

-Anything else?

Thanks guys

 

[audiokid]

Forgot to add Sennheiser HD800

 

[Inter_Voice]

I used to have AKG K702, Q701 and Senn HD650. Finally I settle with Senn HD800 which is a differnet league from the others. But you need to have a good headphone amp to make it sing.

The sonic signature of AKG Q701 is very similar to HD800 but lacks clarity and soundstanging as well as all the very minor details. Some people say HD800 lacks bass but the latest headphones with serial number over 10000 has better bass and less peak at 6kHz frequencies which caused HD800 to be bright. Mine has a S/N of 16xxx and the bass is sufficient and no brightnesss at all. For a new headphone you can request Senn. to provide you with a FR curve for your dedicated headphone. You then have a good idea of the FR of your own headphone.

If you consider HD800 is a bit too costly I would then recommend AKG Q701.

The choose of headphones also very much depend on the type to music you listen. HD800 or Q701 are both good for most types of music but NOT ROCK.

 

[eggontoast]

From the list of headphones (with the very variable price range) you have given there is no contest really, STAX all the way and are by far the best. The problem with most of the STAX models is leakage though, being electrostatic exactly the same sound comes from both sides of the driver so everyone in the room will know what you are listening to. I find my lambda signatures fast, detailed and well extended, obviously the Omegas are the ones to have with a suitable energiser if you have a few grand to spend though.

Others to consider are models from Audeze and HifiMan and don't discount your headphone jack too swiftly either, try it first as there is a ton of BS surrounding dedicated headphone amplifiers.