Some of these are not even HiFi.
When you’re talking about the world’s most expensive headphones, it’s not just about great sound. These headphones are like jewelry for your ears, combining precious metals with the latest technology.
If you’re interested, or if you just won the lottery, here are the top twelve most expensive headphones in the world.
If you’re curious, or if you just won the lottery, here are the top twelve most expensive headphones in the world.
| Model | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Super Bowl XLVIIII Graff Beats Pro | US$750,000 |
| 2 | Focal Utopia Tournaire | US$105,000 |
| 3 | Onkyo H900M with 20-karat diamonds | US$100,000 |
| 4 | Sennheiser Orpheus/HE-1 | US$59,000 |
| 5 | Warwick Acoustics Gold APERIO | US$55,000 |
| 6 | HiFiMan Shangri-La Sr. | US$18,000 |
| 7 | Spirit Torino Valkyria Titanium | US$12,000 |
| 8 | oBravo HAMT Signature | US$6,800 |
| 9 | Stax SR-X9000 | US$6,200 |
| 10 | Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC (Total Consciousness) | US$5,000 - $8,000 |
| 11 | HIFIMAN Susvara | US$5,999 |
| 12 | HIFIMAN HE-R10P (Planar Version) | US$5,499 |
- 1. Super Bowl XLVIIII Graff Beats Pro
- 2. Focal Utopia Tournaire
- 3. Onkyo H900M with 20-karat diamonds
- 4. Sennheiser Orpheus/HE-1
- 5. Warwick Acoustics Gold APERIO
- 6. HiFiMan Shangri-La Sr.
- 7. Spirit Torino Valkyria Titanium
- 8. oBravo HAMT Signature
- 9. Stax SR-X9000
- 10. Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC (Total Consciousness)
- 11. HIFIMAN Susvara
- 12. HIFIMAN HE-R10P (Planar Version)
- 1. Super Bowl XLVIIII Graff Beats Pro
- 2. Focal Utopia Tournaire
- 3. Onkyo H900M with 20-karat diamonds
- 4. Sennheiser Orpheus/HE-1
- 5. Warwick Acoustics Gold APERIO
- 6. HiFiMan Shangri-La Sr.
- 7. Spirit Torino Valkyria Titanium
- 8. oBravo HAMT Signature
- 9. Stax SR-X9000
- 10. Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC (Total Consciousness)
- 11. HIFIMAN Susvara
- 12. HIFIMAN HE-R10P (Planar Version)
1. Super Bowl XLVIIII Graff Beats Pro
- Retail Price: $750,000
These headphones were made by Beats and Graff, a jewelry company from London. They have an amazing 126.76 carats of Graff diamonds and rubies set in pure platinum.
The technical parts are just the same as regular (discontinued) Beats Pro headphones. So, the very high price is all about the fancy design and how rare they are.
Along with being signed by both Graff and Beats by Dre, the expensive headphones come with a certificate that says it uses real Graff stones. And, at each end, there is a “NEW YORK XLVIII 2014” white gold-designed symbol with two small diamond studs.
The headphones also come in an equally impressive black Beats By Dre suitcase lined with a silk-covered foam inside that fits them perfectly to keep them safe when carrying them.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: 50 mm dynamic drivers
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz
- Impedance: 16 Ω
- Sensitivity: Not specified
- Cables: 3.5mm removable cable
- Weight: 405 g
Where to buy
2. Focal Utopia Tournaire
- Retail Price: $105,000
Focal’s Utopia headphones, which are already loved by audiophiles, had a makeover with French jeweler Tournaire.
With only 8 numbered units in the whole world, the Utopia Tournaire has Tournaire’s special “Trilogy” design. This represents the development of life, made in 18-karat gold and covered in 6.5 carats of diamonds. The result mixes great sound and jewelry-level craftsmanship.
Each pair is made-to-order, with the choice to buy a matching bronze stand for an extra $10,000.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: 40 mm pure Beryllium ‘M’ shape dome
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 50 KHz
- Impedance: 80 Ω
- Sensitivity: 104dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz
- Cables: 4ft OFC 24 AWG cable with 1/8″ (3.5mm) TRS Jack connector, 10ft OFC 24 AWG cable with 4-pin XLR connector, Jack adapter, 1/8″ (3.5mm) female – 1/4″ (6.35mm) male
- Weight: 1.08lb (490g)
Where to buy
3. Onkyo H900M with 20-karat diamonds
- Retail Price: $100,000
Onkyo’s diamond-encrusted H900M headphones are a statement piece for those who want to show off their wealth.
Featuring 20 karats of real diamonds rated between G-H color and VVS-VS clarity, these headphones focus more on luxury than technical specs.
Each pair is made by hand for the specific buyer, with the price ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 depending on custom choices (including the size of the individual diamonds used.)
To match the over-the-top design, the ring marking the right ear is made of rubies. The other parts are made of stainless steel and “ostrich look-alike leather.”
Technical tidbits
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: 50 mm dynamic driver
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 4 KHz
- Impedance: 16 Ω
- Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
- Cables: 1.3m oxygen-free copper low-impedance twisted cable with inline microphone, 3.5mm termination with included 1/4″ adapter
- Weight: 439 g
Where to buy
The Onkyo H900M with 20-karat diamonds were only available via personal invitation. While there are some third-party sites that sell them, I’m not sure if these are legit.
4. Sennheiser Orpheus/HE-1
- Retail Price: $59,000
The striking design of the Sennheiser HE 1 marries form to function.
Their amplifier sits on a housing crafted from glass and a solid block of Carrara marble. This luxurious natural stone – the type made famous by Michelangelo’s Renaissance sculptures – lends beauty and prevents structure-borne noise.
To create a visually stunning design, control dials are painstakingly crafted to the highest quality. Each dial is milled from a single piece of brass before being plated with chrome.
These headphones boast an audio range from 8 Hz to more than 100 kHz and the lowest distortion ever measured in a sound reproduction system. They are the first electrostatic headphone with a Cool Class A MOS-FET high voltage amplifier integrated into the ear cups.
Eliminating the capacitive reactance of the cable, they deliver an ultra-high impulse fidelity 200% more efficient than any other solution currently available. Their outstanding electrical and acoustical performance is ensured through gold-vaporised ceramic transducers, while 99.9 % silver-plated OFC cables are used for optimal conductivity.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: Electrostatic, 2.4-micrometer platinum-vaporised diaphragms
- Frequency Response: 8 Hz – 80 KHz (-3 db), 4 Hz – 100 KHz (-1 0db)
- Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz
- Cables: 3m silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cable (OFC), balanced, shielded, PTFE insulated
- Weight: 550 g
Where to buy
5. Warwick Acoustics Gold APERIO
- Retail Price: $55,000
The limited edition Warwick Acoustics Gold APERIO is a reference-level headphone system that mixes advanced technology with fancy design.
The headphone grilles, metal parts, and amplifier front panel have all been custom hand-finished in 99.9999% pure 24 Karat Gold. Each Gold APERIO also has its own numbered ‘Limited Edition’ nameplate that sits on top of the amplifier.
Along with the stunning GOLD finish, the system uses the best matched BD-HPEL transducers, giving the best performance of any APERIO System.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: Balanced-Drive High Precision Electrostatic Laminate (BD-HPEL)
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 60 KHz
- Impedance: 145k Ω
- Sensitivity: 100 dB
- Cables: Silver-plated OFHC copper with silicone insulation and Kevlar reinforcement
- Weight: 399 g (headphones only)
Where to buy
6. HiFiMan Shangri-La Sr.
- Retail Price:
- Headphones only: $18,000
- Full headphone system: $50,000
HiFiMan’s premier electrostatic Shangri-La Sr headphones promise to give a HUGE soundstage and great bass response.
These are open-back headphones made to give detailed playback of dynamics and frequencies. When powered by the Shangri-La Sr headphone amplifier (sold separately), the headphones have a 7 Hz to 120 kHz frequency response through their low-distortion Nanotech drivers.
See-through mesh grating and super-thin dust covers protect the diaphragms without messing up the sound. And, the mix of lightweight aluminum alloy build, padded earcups, and a hybrid headband design makes them comfortable to wear even for long times.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: Nanotech drivers less than 0.001mm thick
- Frequency Response: 7 Hz- 120 KHz
- Bias Voltage: 550-650V
- Sensitivity: 101 dB/100V r m.S (at 1 KHz input)
- Cables: 6.6′ attached cable with a 5-pin headphone connector
- Weight: 374 g (headphones only)
Where to buy
7. Spirit Torino Valkyria Titanium
- Retail Price: $12,000
Limited to 99 units worldwide, these handmade headphones have a titanium frame, twin pulse isobaric system, and high-end materials for an exclusive listening experience.
The headphones have a Grade 5 titanium inertial frame and 18K silver-plated wiring for the best signal transfer.
At the center of the Valkyria Titanium are Spirit Torino’s own “Twin Pulse” isobaric drivers, powered by a total of 26 neodymium magnets.
Spirit Torino claims these are the “most powerful twin pulse motor ever built”.
These two turret drives have an amazing weight-to-performance ratio. They work with the patented isobaric power supply to limit the noise you can hear from the parts for a pitch-black background.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: 2x Spirit revolver drivers
- Frequency Response: 18 Hz -35 KHz
- Impedance: 64 Ω
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cables: 2m integrated cable double copper + silver
- Weight: 620 g
Where to buy
8. oBravo HAMT Signature
- Retail Price: $6,800
The HAMT Signature are special semi-open headphones that mix Air Motion Transformers (AMT) with big dynamic drivers for a rich, detailed sound.
The 40 mm AMT tweeters handle high frequencies, while the 57 mm dynamic drivers give strong bass and midrange. These use a complex coaxial design to reduce interference between high and low frequencies.
Along with the sound qualities, the HAMT Signature headphones are also made with high-end materials. This includes aluminum, Alcantara, and carbon fiber for both style and function.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Semi-open back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: 40 mm AMT tweeter, 57 mm dynamic driver
- Frequency Response: 15 Hz-34 KHz
- Impedance: 56 Ω
- Sensitivity: 105 dB
- Weight: 540 g
Where to buy
9. Stax SR-X9000
- Retail Price: $6,200
The Stax SR-X9000 are the company’s top electrostatic headphones, representing the result of its over 80 years of audio engineering expertise.
With advanced MLER-3 (Multi-Layer-Elect-Rods) electrodes and an ultra-thin diaphragm, these electrostatic headphones promise better transient response and an ultra-wide soundstage.
Their diaphragm is made of an engineering film that is 20% bigger than the previous top model SR-009S. Its mass has been lowered to create a super-fast reaction speed and high-frequency response range that gives you what you paid for.
The case of the sound unit is made of tough machined aluminum. This is made to lower resonance, while the real leather earpads offer both comfort and acoustic benefits.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: Electrostatic with ultra-thin film
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz- 42 KHz
- Impedance: 145k Ω
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/100V r.m.s. 1 KHz
- Cables: 6NCu ultra-pure annealed copper wire (φ0.14×3) + silver plated annealed copper wire (φ0.08×９)
- Weight: 432 g (without cable)
Where to buy
10. Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC (Total Consciousness)
- Retail Price: $5,000 – $8,000 (depending on the setup)
The Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC are high-end planar magnetic headphones made for picky music lovers. These planar magnetic headphones give impressive sound quality, high resolution, and a comfortable fit with high-end materials and advanced driver technology.
The headphones are available in three setups, each with different cables and accessories:
- Lite: includes a 4-pin XLR cable and a velvet storage bag
- Deluxe: adds a dual 3-pin XLR cable, a leather carry case, and a headphone stand.
- Complete: has an upgraded JPS Labs Superconductor cable.
These have a lightweight aluminum frame, high-quality leather earpads, and a custom-designed planar magnetic transducer with ultra-low distortion.
There are no plastic parts that could break on the frame, and all parts are CNC machined from solid aluminum for great durability.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: 66 mm patent-pending planar magnetic drivers
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz- 28 KHz
- Impedance: 47 Ω
- Sensitivity: 88 dB/mW
- Cables: Balanced 8 FT (2.5 meter) XLR cable set, all custom made high performance cables by JPS Labs for Abyss
- Weight: 620 g
Where to buy
11. HIFIMAN Susvara
- Retail Price: $5,999
HIFIMAN’s Susvara use advanced magnet design that aims to be acoustically clear, greatly lowering wave diffraction turbulence which hurts the quality of the sound waves. The result is less distortion, giving a cleaner, more harmonious sound that is audibly so.
The driver’s incredible thinness, less than a millionth of a mete, and very low mass, means it can make very low distortion levels but still give a very dynamic response. By mixing this diaphragm and an “Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet” technology, the sound made is of a notable tonal quality and clarity.
The “Window Shade” on the SUSVARA has been painstakingly optimised to avoid any resonant frequencies. This leads to superior aural purity, tonally clean and unadulterated. Yet, it provides practical protection for the ultrafine diaphragm and offers an appealing visual aesthetic.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: Planar magnetic driver, less than a millionth of a meter thick
- Frequency Response: 6 Hz – 75 KHz
- Impedance: 60 Ω
- Sensitivity: 83 dB
- Cables: Three are included – 1x 3m cable with ¼” (6.35mm) connector, 1x 1.5m cable with 3.5mm connector, and 1x 3m balanced cable with 4-pin XLR connector
- Weight: 450 g
Where to buy
12. HIFIMAN HE-R10P (Planar Version)
- Retail Price: $5,499
Featuring a nanometer-thin diaphragm and a double-sided “stealth magnet” design, the HE-R10P claim great detail retrieval and dynamic range.
The wooden earcups are hand-crafted for the best acoustic performance with enough “breathing room”, while the leather headband and earpads offer long-wearing comfort. What’s special about the earpads is that they have a ring-shaped inner surface to absorb sound and stop leakage through the sides.
As a bonus, the HE-R10P include HIFIMAN’s BlueMini Bluetooth adapter for wireless listening with very little loss in sound quality.
Technical tidbits
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear headphones
- Driver: Planar magnetic driver, less than a millionth of a meter thick, with double-sided stealth magnet design
- Frequency Response: 6 Hz – 75 KHz
- Impedance: 30 Ω
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
- Cables: 3 included – balanced XLR to 3.5mm, unbalanced 3.5mm to 3.5mm, unbalanced 6.35mm to 3.5mm
- Weight: 460 g
You might want to check out the Spirit Torino Valkyria, at $12k. It’s made of titanium, only 99 units worldwide. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/spirit-torino-valkyria.951421/