# What headphones do you have in your collection and why? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Headphone Discussion\ **Created:** [December 17, 2019, 5:14pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501 "2019-12-17T17:14:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![TylersEclectic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tylerseclectic/32/8751_2.png) [@TylersEclectic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/TylersEclectic)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 6:50am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/141 "2020-01-12T06:50:28Z")
Check the thread =) > [@Focal Elex - Official Thread](https://forum.headphones.com/t/focal-elex-official-thread/1618): > > FOCAL ELEX Specs (Copy pasted from Massdrop website) Massdrop x Focal Open-back circumaural design 40mm full-range dynamic driver with aluminum-magnesium “M”-shaped dome 20mm-thick perforated microfiber memory foam ear pads Perforated microfiber headband with length adjustment and cup rotation Aluminum yoke Impedance: 80 ohms Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL / 1 mW at 1 kHz THD: \< 0.3% at 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL Frequency response: 5 Hz–23 kHz Cable length: 6 ft (1.8 m) Product weight: 15.9 oz (450 g) Stor… ---
**Author:** ![ValentineLuke](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/valentineluke/32/9729_2.png) [@ValentineLuke](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ValentineLuke)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:00am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/142 "2020-01-12T07:00:28Z")
Just shy of two years from that post and look at your collection now compared to then. Amazing what this forum does. ---
**Author:** ![TylersEclectic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tylerseclectic/32/8751_2.png) [@TylersEclectic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/TylersEclectic)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:09am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/143 "2020-01-12T07:09:23Z")
…and not having debt and disposable income…and a wife that is willfully ignorant of my ridiculous purchases… ---
**Author:** ![ValentineLuke](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/valentineluke/32/9729_2.png) [@ValentineLuke](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ValentineLuke)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:11am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/144 "2020-01-12T07:11:05Z")
Good on you, brother. Good on you. ---
**Author:** ![ProfFalkin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/proffalkin/32/1399_2.png) [@ProfFalkin](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ProfFalkin)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:27am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/145 "2020-01-12T07:27:50Z")
I need to get me one of those. … A disposable income. Not a wife. ---
**Author:** ![ValentineLuke](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/valentineluke/32/9729_2.png) [@ValentineLuke](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ValentineLuke)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:29am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/146 "2020-01-12T07:29:26Z")
Same! 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![TylersEclectic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tylerseclectic/32/8751_2.png) [@TylersEclectic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/TylersEclectic)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:41am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/147 "2020-01-12T07:41:11Z")
Well, to be fair…I’ve taken a break from work so, less disposable income at the moment lol…need to up my day trading game lol ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 3:24pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/149 "2020-01-12T15:24:53Z")
## Primary Cans: These are listed in order of how much listening time they get, on average, in any given month: **RAAL-requisite SR1a:** Single best all-around headphone I’ve heard, bar none - closer to listening on a good near-field speaker setup than any other headphone I’ve heard (which includes all of the current flagships I’m aware of). It’s the fastest, most detailed and resolving, linear, dynamic and transparent headphone I’ve come across. If not for the need of a proper speaker amplifier (or Jotunheim R), and early on a little EQ, this would be the only open headphone I would need (though there are a couple of others I’d still _want_ and keep). One of only two current headphones I know of that can do proper depth-wise imaging and spatialization. **[ZMF - Vérité](https://www.headphones.com/blogs/news/zmf-verite-flagship-artisan-open-back-dynamic-headphone-review):** My favorite headphone from CanJam @ RMAF 2018. So nice, I bought it thrice. Pre-ordered the Pheasantwood, then made an aesthetic choice to switch to the Ziricote version (sold the Pheasantwood) and then added a set in Cocobolo so I could have one set at home and one in the office. The extensive array of natively swappable pads allow me to tune their signature in various interesting and compelling ways, while retaining their impressive technical performance. These tend to be what I reach for whenever I’m simply listening for pleasure and/or not using the SR1a or MySphere at this point, and are the only open-backed headphone I use in the office anymore. **LB-Acoustics - MySphere 3.2:** Closest I can get to the SR1a with normal headphone outputs/amplifiers. An excellent headphone in its own right, with excellent resolution (matches, maybe exceeds, the Utopia), speed, tone and timbre, and the only other headphone after the SR1a that will do “proper” staging and imaging (though not as close to a near-field speaker setup as the SR1a can be). It is what I turn to first for critical listening when I can’t run the SR1a, such as when listening on the deck via a DAP, and I use them in a transportable manner as well. **Focal - Utopia:** Best all-around open-back dynamic-driver headphone I’ve experienced. Class-defining resolution, superlative macro and micro dynamics, excellent (if not perfect) tone and timbre, easy to drive well, extremely comfortable, gorgeous, and until the arrival of the SR1a and MySphere received 80% or more of my listening time. Today, I go here if I want something more incisive/less romantic than the ZMF Vérité but don’t want the unrelenting force-you-to-pay-attention presentation of the SR1a or MySphere. **Audeze LCD-4:** Despite needing EQ (ideally via the Audeze “Reveal” plug-in) to get to a properly natural tonality for me, these are the best _overall_ planar headphone I’ve heard to date. They give up a little bass impact, a little speed and present a narrower stage than the Abyss or the Susvara, but otherwise they’re easier to live with and enjoy for a broader number of genres, while delivering superior low-level detail, timbre and comfort and are usefully easier to drive. **Rosson Audio Design - RAD-0:** A gorgeous, unique, much easier to drive, alternative to the LCD-4, that trades a _little_ raw technical prowess against better native tonality. Far more usable in broader circumstances, with the benefit that it was much less expensive than adding a second pair of LCD-4. **[Focal Stellia](https://www.headphones.com/blogs/news/focal-stellia-flagship-closed-back-headphone-review):** Superseded the HD820 as my favorite closed-back can. Most of the best traits of the Utopia, but with more low-end presence, distinctive style, and a more expansive stage rendering. Only viable alternative I know of is the Vérité Closed, which with the right pads I have a slight overall preference for, though the Stellia does win out in some technical matters that are advantageous with certain musical genres. **Sennheiser HD800S:** Originally bought for classical listening, prior to having the Utopia, as my planar cans at the time did not fair so well in that genre (and in fact, even the best of them today have issues with big, complex, orchestral works that I don’t find with dynamic headphones), it remains in my collection as a well-known reference headphone. It’s supremely comfortable, light, and is more tonally pleasant than its predecessor while retaining solid technical performance. **ZMF Eikon (Padauk):** A fun, punchy, warm, liquid and extremely engaging closed-back headphone that is what I reach for when I want to chill, add some excitement to already dynamic/fast/fun music. A bit of a guilty pleasure vs. some of the other cans here in technical terms (though it is certainly no slouch), but also something that works amazing well in undoing the fatigue of the day, without generating any listening fatigue while doing so. **[Sennheiser HD820](https://www.headphones.com/blogs/news/sennheiser-hd820-closed-back-headphone-review):** Having not found closed-back satisfaction with the Sony MDR-Z1R or Fostex TH-900 Mk2, I tried the HD820. Despite very polarized opinions on it, it worked very well for me. It was the best overall closed-back I’d heard to that point, even if it wasn’t tonally as pure as the open-backed HD800S or other similarly priced cans. It remains in my collection because it looks awesome and I’ve been too lazy to sell it, and there are some functions/genres where I feel it performs slightly better than the Stellia. **ZMF Aeolus (Blackwood):** This is too new to evaluate properly, beyond saying it is a lovely, rich, but still technically rewarding, listen. I’ve only had them for four weeks now, and was away for two and half of those, so beyond saying they are keepers, I don’t know where they ultimate fall in the line-up. ### Incoming/Ordered Models: **[ZMF Vérité Closed](https://www.headphones.com/blogs/news/zmf-verite-closed-flagship-artisan-closed-back-dynamic-headphone-review) (Custom):** To date, the most enjoyable closed back headphone I’ve heard. Just pips the Stellia in that regard for me, though they trade blows in different technical areas. Most open-sounding closed-back I’ve heard. This is likely to be my sole “world-tour” closed back and, quite possibly, the only headphone I will use for the parts of that where I can only have one headphone with me. **HEDDphone:** Very interested in this one, but haven’t heard it at all yet. Hoping it has not been damagingly overhyped by those that have only heard a prototype in show conditions or that haven’t heard it _at all_ but are loudly pinning their hopes on it dethroning other, much more expensive, flagships (true “giant killers” are ridiculously rare in my experience). ### Notable Models on Hiatus: **Abyss AB-1266 Phi CC:** I’d have bought the TC version, since I’ve had every version since launch, but that necessitated buying a whole new set (at $4,995) and taking a surprisingly large loss on the ones I had. Given how late I was in the TC’s lifecycle, I decided just to sell my Phi CC set and then wait and see what the next iteration/upgrade is. Though for the most part, the SR1a with a suitable amp and bass-EQ, had resulted in my not listening to these very much anymore anyway. ---
**Author:** ![pennstac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pennstac/32/381_2.png) [@pennstac](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pennstac)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 3:45pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/150 "2020-01-12T15:45:14Z")
It’s been said that you can make a small fortune day trading, if you start with a large one. ---
**Author:** ![racerbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/aca169/32.png) [@racerbob](https://forum.headphones.com/u/racerbob)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 6:01pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/151 "2020-01-12T18:01:38Z")
When I came across your post, I decided to stop scrolling and make a sandwich in anticipation of the read. That is quite a collection and I appreciate your great review summary of all. Your report on the Focals, specifically the Utopia, reinforced my recent decision to purchase a well cared for, already burned in set. I can’t wait till Tuesday for the big brown truck to arrive. ---
**Author:** ![Gordon\_Freeman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/gordon_freeman/32/35845_2.png) [@Gordon\_Freeman](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Gordon_Freeman)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 6:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/152 "2020-01-13T18:32:11Z")
Hi guys 👋 I think this is my first post around here, but I have been reading a lot of your posts the last couple of months. Okay here goes: **DAP** Fiio M11 **Headphones** Beyerdynamic T5P Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Sendy Audio Aiva Urbanfun 45mm Beryllium Kennerton Vali 1st gen. **IEM** 64 Audio A3e custom Campfire Audio Comets Tin-hifi T3 Tin hifi P1 ikko OH10 BGVP DMG Shure 535 Shure 215 B&O H5 1more Triple driver BRAGI The Dash Sony WF-1000x (and more I can’t remember) **AMP’s** Monolith by Monoprice with THX AAA Technology xDuoo Ta-10 Fiio A5 **Future buy’s:** ZMF Eikon Xduoo xd-05 plus 64Audio A4t or A6t - custom SMSL SU-8 Dac (and an amp to follow suit, but I have not decided which yet) And lots of cables from Periapt, OIDIO and Forza audio. I am hooked into this hobby 😱 ---
**Author:** ![Gordon\_Freeman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/gordon_freeman/32/35845_2.png) [@Gordon\_Freeman](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Gordon_Freeman)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 6:35pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/153 "2020-01-13T18:35:28Z")
> [@Torq](#): > > ## Primary Cans: > > These are listed in order of how much listening time they get, on average, in any given month: Jesus Christ… that list is equal to most of my dream HP’s… If you ever come around Europe, feel free to look by with 4-5 of those cans 😊 ---
**Author:** ![MRHifiReviews](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/mrhifireviews/32/13974_2.png) [@MRHifiReviews](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MRHifiReviews)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:10pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/154 "2020-01-13T19:10:05Z")
Welcome @Gordon_Freeman!! ---
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:10pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/155 "2020-01-13T19:10:36Z")
Hey Jacob, thank you for sharing your setup! By chance- have you tried the 1990s with the AKG 240 foams, as kind of “mod” to tame down the highs by a reasonable amount? The foams are 5€ - did not order them yet. The Forza Audio cables are also still on my list. ---
**Author:** ![Gordon\_Freeman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/gordon_freeman/32/35845_2.png) [@Gordon\_Freeman](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Gordon_Freeman)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:15pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/156 "2020-01-13T19:15:48Z")
No the 1990s are used as-is; they are my daily driver when at the computer and not listening to music, but YouTube, games, videos etc. I can rec the Forza cables, they are very nice and a high level of quality with a real luxury feeling. I have this “Noir Hybrid HPC” with a balanced connector: ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/2X/b/b958f41abc8c84cf1fa3e41dc455d18d9d16bfe4.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:22pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/157 "2020-01-13T19:22:24Z")
Yes just for looks it rocks hard- though a bit over my usual custom cables price range yet. ---
**Author:** ![Gordon\_Freeman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/gordon_freeman/32/35845_2.png) [@Gordon\_Freeman](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Gordon_Freeman)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:24pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/158 "2020-01-13T19:24:11Z")
Yeah, I also had to think twice about it, but they have two versions so I took the cheapest 😉 ---
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:26pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/159 "2020-01-13T19:26:49Z")
Oh I wasn’t aware of this! - thank you ---
**Author:** ![Gordon\_Freeman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/gordon_freeman/32/35845_2.png) [@Gordon\_Freeman](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Gordon_Freeman)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:29pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/160 "2020-01-13T19:29:09Z")
[https://forzaaudioworks.com/en/category.php?id\_category=36](https://forzaaudioworks.com/en/category.php?id_category=36) ---
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:33pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501/161 "2020-01-13T19:33:15Z")
Yes. I was already in config mode with the MK2 haha In Poland, there are quite a few interesting audio companies Think of the beautiful Felix Audio tubes and Forza [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501.md?page=7) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-headphones-do-you-have-in-your-collection-and-why/4501.md?page=9)