15 Most Iconic Audiophile Headphones of All Time

A look at the audiophile headphones Hall of Fame.

Certain headphones go beyond being just audio gear and become legends in their own right. These models have made their mark in history through their sound quality, durability, and influence.

We asked audiophiles to share with us what they think are the most iconic headphones of all time. And, we did a deep dive into headphone history to come up with this list.

Here’s what we dug up:

1. Sennheiser HE-1: The Best of the Best

When creating the list, having the HE-1 Orpheus headphones is a no-brainer.

With its eye-watering $60,000 price tag, these are often considered more of a dream than a reality for most audiophiles.

But is the cost justified? In many ways, yes.

For one, Sennheiser produces only around 250 units of the HE-1 per year, since each unit takes 400 hours to create.

What truly sets the HE-1 apart, though, is their sound clarity.

These electrostatic headphones come with eight SABRE DACs supporting 32-bit/384kHz audio and four parallel channels per ear. Sennheiser even moved the amplifier stage into the headphones to boost efficiency by 200%.

All of these combined give the HE-1 what a lot of people say are some of the most precise and distortion-free audio imaginable.

2. HIFIMAN Shangri-La: The HE-1 Runner-Up

The HIFIMAN Shangri-La stand as formidable competitors to the HE-1, both in price and performance.

As HiFiMan’s flagship, these headphones are some of the most expensive systems in the world.

But, they are not just known for their price. They’ve earned their reputation through exceptional sound quality.

What’s the big deal?

Well, the Shangri-La have what many call an ‘unparalleled’ midrange and treble clarity.

They do this with a clever mix of a super-thin diaphragm and ultra-thin stator mesh. Plus, they come with a custom-built 300B vacuum tube amp that connects straight to the headphones. Meaning, they’re powered without any middlemen (capacitors or transformers) for the purest possible signal path.

Many say it’s like having a high-end speaker system strapped to your head!

3. Grado SR60: The Budget Icon

The Grado SR60, first released in the early ’90s, quickly became the darling of budget-conscious audiophiles.

Over the years, it has remained accessible with only slight price increases. But, it’s their lively sound signature that truly made them iconic, especially in their time.

With forward mids and crisp treble, many people thought the SR60 were the perfect match for rock and acoustic music.

Sure, modern headphones might have more bass. But, the SR60’s balanced approach has won over tons of audiophiles over the years.

4. Sennheiser HD600 / HD650: The Reference Standards

The Sennheiser HD600 and HD650 have become legendary as they’re now the go-to reference points for both listeners and makers alike.

These headphones don’t sound exactly the same. The HD600 sound more analytical and neutral. The HD650, on the other hand, sound warmer and more relaxed, which works well with harsh recordings.

Yet, many users see both models as benchmarks for testing other headphones.

These headphones are so influential that you’ll often hear people describe other models compared to them. You’ll read things like “brighter than the HD600” or “warmer than the HD650”, which makes sense to those who know these headphones.

In fact, it’s said that even headphone makers widely use them to test and fine-tune DACs, amplifiers, and even other headphone models.

5. STAX SR-009: Electrostatic Masterpiece

When it comes to electrostatic headphone technology, many will say that the STAX SR-009 are true reference points.

Their design has an ultra-thin diaphragm hanging between two charged plates (electrodes), which allows for super fast and accurate sound.

Plus, their soundstage is so wide and immersive that many listeners compare the experience to live performances.

6. Audeze LCD-2: The Planar Magnetic Champ

Back in 2009, the Audeze LCD-2 showed up and shook up the planar magnetic headphones market. These headphones brought planar magnetic tech to more people with a level of clarity and detail that regular dynamic driver headphones couldn’t match at the time.

The LCD-2’s special trick is their ability to create an immersive, speaker-like experience. Their wide soundstage retrieves subtle details that are said to bring new life to complex musical arrangements.

But what really set the LCD-2 apart was their warm, musical sound.

At a time when many high-end headphones were leaning towards bright or clinical sound signatures, the LCD-2 dared to be different. This made them a joy for long listening sessions, appealing to those who liked a more relaxed, yet detailed sound.

7. Sony MDR-R10: The Vintage Dream

The Sony MDR-R10, released in 1989, is one of the most iconic closed-back headphones made ever, and for good reason.

For one, they were one of first headphones to use 50mm bio-cellulose dome diaphragms (a material created using bacteria). These drivers hit the perfect balance between strength and flexibility, resulting in more detailed and natural sound, especially in the midrange.

But Sony didn’t stop there. They paired these groundbreaking drivers with hand-finished ear cups made from 200-year-old Zelkova wood.

It’s not just about looking good though. These made the sound warmer and clearer, adding to the MDR-R10’s great sound quality.

8. AKG K1000: The Speaker-Like Experience

The AKG K1000 headphones are what happens when someone says, “Let’s think outside the box,” and really means it. Their unusual design makes them different from regular headphones, creating a unique listening experience that’s somewhere between headphones and speakers.

The magic lies in the K1000’s driver placement.

Instead of snuggling up to your ears, they hang about 20 mm away. This creates a soundstage that’s more like listening to speakers in a room than headphones, especially with the time-delayed crosstalk between the ears.

And get this: you can swivel the ear cups up to 70 degrees to tweak the soundstage to your liking.

9. HIFIMAN Susvara: The King of Detail

The HIFIMAN Susvara stand as a more attainable alternative to the Shangri-La. But don’t let that fool you. These headphones are a force to be reckoned with.

Known for their new planar magnetic technology, these headphones have an ultra-thin, gold-coated nanometer-grade diaphragm.

This incredibly lightweight diaphragm is the secret behind the Susvara’s rapid transient response, resulting in highly detailed and accurate sound reproduction.

Pair that with HIFIMAN’s Stealth Magnet tech (which reduces soundwave interference), and you’ve got some seriously clean and clear sound.

Audiophiles often praise the Susvara for their unmatched ability to reveal intricate details in recordings. But, they’re also praised for their comfortability and durability.

10. Koss Porta Pro: The Affordable Favorite

Since their debut in 1984, the Koss Porta Pro headphones have kept a cult following. With their retro look and foldable design, they’re as much a fashion statement as they are an audiophile’s go-to.

These headphones are known as all-rounders. They check all the boxes for design, comfort, and performance for just around $40.

Throw in Koss’s lifetime warranty, and you’ve got yourself a pretty sweet deal.

But there’s more to the Porta Pro than meets the eye.

These headphones are also a tinkerer’s dream. Users can swap out ear pads, cables, and even add microphones, making it versatile for various use cases.

11. AKG K240 Monitor: The Studio Star

Released in 1975, AKG K240 Monitor are some of the first headphones to use the Varimotion diaphragm technology.

These drivers helped to significantly improve the bass response and clarity in the mids and highs, which made them popular for mixing and mastering.

In fact, they became a studio favorite and even showed up in the famous “We Are the World” music video and recording session.

12. Fostex T50RP: The Modder’s Delight

The Fostex T50RP headphones have earned a special place in the hearts of DIY audio enthusiasts.

These headphones have gained a huge following by those who consider them a ‘blank canvas. That’s because they let users make a wide range of modifications such as adjusting damping materials, vent tuning, and pad swapping.

But, even in stock form, they’re highly regarded as reliable studio monitors.

The T50RP feature Fostex’s unique planar magnetic technology, or “RP” drivers, which have been in use since the 1970s. These drivers provide very accurate sound with excellent detail and quick response, making the T50RP popular in both studio and personal listening settings.

13. Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire: The Portable Planar

The Dan Clark Audio Æon 2 Noire are like the Swiss Army knife of high-end headphones. They got that fancy planar magnetic tech, but in a package you can actually take places.

Planar magnetic headphones, like the Audeze LCD-2, have a reputation for being bulky and heavy. So, when DCA introduced the Aeon 2 Noire, with their folding gimbal design, they became a hit.

They’re also very light thanks to the NiTinol memory metal headband, which is both flexible and durable.

But the Aeon 2 Noire aren’t just about convenience. These headphones also deliver where it counts.

When it comes to sound, the Æon 2 Noire give a balanced, natural sound with tight bass, clear mids, and extended treble. The holes in the Japanese protein leather earpads are the final touch, making both sound quality and comfort better.

14. Beyerdynamic DT48: The Studio Legend

Introduced in 1937, the Beyerdynamic DT48 hold a special place in audio history as the first dynamic headphones made for personal listening. Before that, headphones were mostly for military folks and telephone operators.

So, the DT48 basically set the stage for the dynamic transducer technology we know today.

But get this: these things are built like tanks.

With machined aluminum components and repairable parts, many units have survived decades of professional use. There are even tales of the DT48 surviving extreme conditions, further cementing its status as the “old reliable” of the audio world.

15. Jecklin Floats: The ‘Ugliest’ Headphones

The Jecklin Floats look like something out of a sci-fi B-movie.

These headphones are about as unconventional as it gets, with a design that screams “fashion disaster” but whispers “audio innovation.”

Here’s the deal: the people behind the Jecklin Float weren’t going for looks. They were trying to create a listening experience that mimicked speakers in a room rather than traditional headphones pressed against the ears.

The result? This “open-air” design that lets sound mix more naturally with your surroundings.

Sure, they’re not winning any comfort awards, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of niche audiophiles from falling in love with them.