Headphone Tier List 2022 - Which are my favourite headphones?
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- I finally made a headphone tier list (ranking) video and I actually enjoyed the process more than I expected! Come and check out which headphones are my absolute favourites and with which amps (in some cases). You can make your own here: tiermaker.com/create/audiophi.... Links to many of these are in the Passion For Sound recommends database available via the link below.
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00:00 Introduction
02:15 Tier definitions
04:26 Source chains used
05:32 Headphone Tier List
05:40 Nope! Tier
05:59 C Tier Part 1
07:13 B Tier Part 1
10:42 A Tier Part 1
12:42 S Tier Part 1
13:27 C Tier Part 2
14:28 B Tier Part 2
17:00 A & S Tiers Part 2
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#audiophile #audioreview #tierlist - Наука та технологія
Thanks for an excellent video. Personally, I would be very interested in a similar evaluation format for IEM’s. Keep up the great work!
Glad you liked it! I'll see what I can do for IEMs 🙂
Hi Lachlan, brilliant insight into all these headphones and a smart way to rank them based upon enjoyment. I am very grateful to you for all your reviews and guidance and have settled on an open box bargain Burson Conductor Reference 3 as my amp to match my Hifiman Arya Stealth and Sundaras. With the exception of a pair of closed back headphones (for shared space listening moments) I’m all set for years to come. My budget and the law of diminishing returns prevent me from venturing further😁
So glad you enjoyed this one and great choice of source for your Aryas and Sundaras! When it comes time for some closed backs, do consider the Aeon Noire if they're in budget. They're such great value for money.
Interesting tier list. Loving your approach: enjoyment above all else.
Glad you liked it 🙂
Nice list.. really liked how you setup your tiers and your methodology as well as rankings. These are all helpful pretext to have before going through the content. I will say with these I’m always so biased by what I enjoy what I own what I didn’t like. Then when you like the same thing it makes it satisfying. This is just unavoidable human psychology. I love the verite closed and pad rolling for me helped quite a bit. I have yet to try the atrium so cannot comment on that.
So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for acknowledging the psychology and ego side of things. It's amazing how much criticism gets thrown at reviewers when we don't say what some people want to hear, even when it's stated as preferences and not right/wrong. 🙂
Loved the vid! For midrange and euphoric vocals would you choose meze elite or zmf artrium? Also which has a bigger soundstage?
Atrium for midrange and vocals I think, but Elites by a small margin on soundstage - they're different in soundstage rather than one being significantly better/worse
The Atrium has some of the best mids and vocals I've ever heard!
They're pretty awesome
Thank you for all this work you have done for us.You are really fair in your assessments and I am glad to be able to hear your take on this very subjective field. Side note: You made me feel good about my recent choice for the Ananda's. They are the highest end set of headphones I have owned so far. The Law of Diminishing Returns is very real, and that is why it is so fun to continue to explore the arena of sound. It is not a static thing!
So glad you enjoyed the approach I took. Great choice on the Anandas! 🙂
Very cool and informative video, Lachlan. Just curious: You have no Audeze or Focal headphones in any of your tiers. Do you not like the sound of these brands? Tough to get in Australia? Thanks!
Glad you liked it, Paul. Unfortunately, while those brands are available to buy, the local distributor is unhelpful with review samples, etc. Because I am trying so much gear these days, I don't buy anything that I haven't tried and I don't have the time or motivation to go seeking products to try when so much is already sent to me to try. Hope that makes sense. I'd gladly review Audeze and Focal if circumstances were different.
@@PassionforSound Got it. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your experience... Would make DAC-AMPs as a tire list soon?
Hi Lachlan. I'm looking around for a beginner open back headphones and came across Philips SHP9500. Do you have any experience with this headphones?
I don't know that one (beyond reputation), sorry Edwin.
This is cool, I appreciate you doing something different and within a clearly expressed context. A price to performance list would have been interesting as well, but nothing wrong with an enjoyment list. I think the biggest surprise is gonna be the Peacock; seems to be a very love it or hate it kind of device. Thanks for humoring us with this, I know we've been nagging you for some time now.
My pleasure. The reason I went with enjoyment is that price to performance is VERY subjective, but also something that some people will want to take as gospel (you know the ones I'm talking about 😉) and that leads to debate and blah, blah, blah. This way, I'm kind of giving you a similar result without directly addressing bang-for-buck. Just consider price, consider where it lands on my list and, voila! Verum 1, HarmonicDyne G200 and Peacock are probably some instant standouts off the top of my head. 🙂🙂
For me it is love it AND hate it device :)
I love how it sounds and hate how heavy it is.
Which one, Lukas? Peacock?
@@PassionforSound Yes, sorry, I was talking about the Peacock :)
Thanks for this great list and courage to be honest on the Susvara. Where would you place the Meze 109 Pro?
I've got them here now actually, but I haven't decided yet. I like them, but you'll have to wait for the review to see if they're B, A or S Tier because I'm not 100% sure yet.
Glad you liked the list!
@@PassionforSound Excellent, am looking forward to your review!
Thank you for this thoughtful explanation. This makes you really believable 👌pls keep being honest like that 👍
Always! Glad you liked the video 🙂
I just read your Audioquest Nighthawk review on your Passion For Sound blog and thought it was the best review of a headphone I'd ever read. Sad to see you apparently don't own it anymore, or the Nightowl. It was much simpler when I only owned the Nighthawk and could love it without non-stop comparing. Your review made me slow down and appreciate it again. Thanks for making great content.
Glad you enjoyed that one. It was a real labour of love. I was sad to part with them, but they were just collecting dust and it seemed a shame. I don't get a lot of time for pure enjoyment listening these days without it being a comparison of some thing or other (which I do also enjoy)
@@PassionforSound One thing I've learned about the Nighthawk is it's the absolute worst headphone to do comparisons with. You really have to leave it on your head and let it do its magic. I forgot that along the way, but your review brought me back to my senses.
That's so true! With quick switches it can sound a bit off 😁
Hola! Una pregunta, alguna recomendación auriculares menos de 150$ para ver la tv,tienen q ser muy cómodos.Ahors tengo los Ath 50.Gracias
Great video. A few surprises along the way. Always entertaining to get someone’s list! Thanks for doing this. Would love to see the same for iem’s if you can… cheers!
Glad you enjoyed it! I'll have a think about the IEM list because there's been some interest. I'm a little concerned that I'll get swamped with "What about X?" and "Why didn't you rate Y?" comments though 😉
Great list! I have been watching your reviews and find them very useful. I am interested to know what your views are on these headphones and where they will be placed in tier list - Audio Technica ADX5000, Senn - HD800 (Non-S), HD800S, HD820, Hifiman HE6SEv1, HE6SEv2, Stax L700, 007, 009, ZMF Caldera. My gripe with Hifiman headphones is that they offer only 1 year warranty here in India - whereas something like ZMF provides lifetime driver replacement warranty. Similar issues with Focal. The more I spend money in this hobby, the more I realise how important it is to have gears that are least likely to fail. From that perspective- I will stick to my SDR modded HD800 and may get a ZMF Atrium or Caldera in future and be done with the headphones game.
Thank you again!
Hi M J, I've reviewed some of these, but not all. The best bet is to check my "Headphones" playlist for the models I have reviewed. I've also got the HiFiMan HE1000SE and the new HE1000 stealth magnet version coming soon.
Hey was planning to get a pair of 560s because I’m getting for absolute banger price of 149AUD due to me having some student vouchers
For an amp/dac wise would you say the Dx3 pro+ is a good choice to power the hd560s? Would go for a schiit stack but sold out went for my backup option instead.
Peacock in S tier 🤯 I appreciate your honesty and not following the trend but giving a sincere thought to it! It was a fun and interesting video to watch 🙏🏼 thank you for this!
My pleasure! Yes, the Peacock ranking shocked me too, but something must have been up with those early review units because the pair I have are marvellous IMO
Would you have put Atrium in S tier when driven by the Burson Soloist 3X / GT amp?
Yes, for me Atrium is S tier from anything. Good question!
Thank you so much for this and all your efforts in explaining such a complex subject of high end headphones. I am new to all of this but have the Meze Lirics and the Cayin N8II which I am very pleased with but know I can probably get better than what I already have. I have been looking at the Meze Elites for sometime and know that they are open back which I will use privately. I have been told I should get the Focal Utopias, but I have recently sold my Focal Bathys which I know are not particularly premium. I just am not impressed with Focal for some reason. The build on the Lirics are exceptional which is why I want to try the Elites. My only concern is that I have a smaller head, the Lirics fit perfectly but wanted to know if the fit on the Elites would be as good. Thank you again for this review.
I've actually just picked up the 2022 model (current version) Utopias and they're lovely , but I'm not sure if I'd choose those over the Elites with the new, angled Alcantara pads (which now come as standard with the Elites). The Utopia review will of course address this in detail 🙂
Hey man, not a bad list. Where would you put the Meze Empyrean? S or A tier?
That would be S tier for sure - so much fun! Glad you liked the list
For reference, how would you place something like a Focal closed back Elegia/Celestee/Clear whichever you have tried (if any)?
I haven't tried any of their closed backs, but I think the Clears would be A tier (I owned the OG version)
@@PassionforSound Cheers 🙂
So where would you put focal clear and Utopia?
Hi what a great and interesting video, nice to see you selected hd560 and hd6xx, I be very interested to find out whether yiu plave 6xx with the custom cabs bass mod . It is now better at the bottom end . Regards mark
I don't generally do any mods to headphones, partly because I like to hear each headphone for what it brings to the sound, but also because I need to keep them stock for comparisons (and resale)
@@PassionforSound yes if couse quite understandable . Regards mark
on which tier would you put sony MDR 7506 ?
What a great idea this was, Lachlan! It puts your relevant reviews under (a very clear) pespective. I'm not famlliar with most of the bottom tiers (N-B) but we are in almost complete agreement on the units I know. I would strongly recommend adding in the A-tier the Final Sonorous VI (using the Final A-type pads) and the Beyerdynamic T1.2 (stock pads), they are both no brainers; I had asked you to try, if possible, and review them, if you recall; now I can set a point of reference. All the best and thanks for doing this video.
So glad you liked the video. I still want to get my hands on more Final gear, but no luck so far...
@@PassionforSound Can’t wait for your Schiit limited edition tube amp review!
Also, do you really think Ananda are an A-tier? Never auditioned them but ended up ignoring them after reading comparisons with LCD-X and other - admittedly more expensive - headphones.
The Folkvangr is brilliant, but probably not for everyone. The review isn't too far away.
As for the Anandas, they have been overshadowed a lot and they're in a funny price segment I think where they're not an entry level product, but those willing to spend on headphones will likely then skip to the higher tiers (of price). For me, the Ananda are definitely enjoyable enough to be in A tier.
Nice tier list. Some surprises for me. I was however lacking Focal Headphones. Especially Focal Clear , Clear MG and Utopia
I don't own any Focals anymore, but the Clear and Utopia would both have been A tier I think. Both excellent, but the fact I sold them is evidence that I didn't absolutely love them.
Glad you enjoyed the list!
Gold! Great effort and very well put together as always. For me the M50x definitely sits where you've put 'em, some may argue you've been kind on them. The DT700 pro x is on my wishlist, never auditioned them though. The 'affordable' Sivga is not available here in India (at least not with a warranty). Damn, secretly we all hope there'd be something sub $500 in the S-tier. I'm out of budget for 2022 but hopefully I'll pickup something in the A or B tier on the next one to pair with something like the Sparrow. Thanks for this!
PS: I do agree with some of the others that a lot of obvious ones are missing, but I also appreciate the prologue. Just wondering - do you audition stuff at a particular retail store or borrow from friends before dropping your $$$? Which could explain the purchase inclination/bias because it looks like You (unlike most of us) wouldn't tend to buy what you couldn't audition.
Glad you liked the vid and I agree it's a shame that no sub-$500 cans made the S-tier.
As for my buying habits, these days I own so much gear and get sent so much that I tend to just buy after I hear stuff that's sent in and don't have the time or motivation to go seeking auditions of other products. Unfortunately, the local distributor for brands like Focal, Audeze and iFi (non-headphones) doesn't want to provide any demo units so that's the reason those brands are under-represented, but I'm always working on finding other ways to review those brands.
@@PassionforSound High-handed on their part. Guess everyone runs their decision off subscriber count, if not the expectation of an out-and-out positive review. It may also hurt their sales performance if they perceive your taste deviates from their offerings. After so many public reviews it's not difficult to ascertain what you are after!
Yeah, sadly it's not even as numbers-driven as that - it's a bit political and petty. They've got a pretty bad reputation in the local industry as a whole, but they've also got big buying power with some of the international brands.
Very good video; I was looking forward to seeing where the Utopia came in, but it was conspicuously absent? I thought for some reason you had some but perhaps that was a while ago (or I have early onset dementia, both of which being entirely possible). I know there is a new one due imminently but the specials on the soon to be outgoing model are quite compelling..
You're not losing your marbles just yet 😉 I used to have a pair and only recently sold them after buying the Elites and Verités. The Utopia would have been an A tier for me. They don't quite captivate me like an S tier, but are a wonderful headphone, particularly on a good tube amp
@@PassionforSound ah thanks, I ended up pulling the trigger today while Addicted to Audio have a special going. Now I need to find a nice tube amplifier.. that Elite must be excellent but I think they just recently went up in price in Australia, to around $6500? 😳
Another thing to save for..
Yeah, there are some great deals going on. I hope you love the Utopias - they're a beautiful headphone.
Preferred (dac/)amp for Arya Stealth if you don't mind?
It's pretty good across lots of amps, but something smooth like the Sparkos Labs Aries, Singxer SA-1 or even xDuoo MT-604 are all great (at three different levels of performance though)
You're a credit to the hobby, you always come across as honest and trustworthy. Keep it up.
Thanks James! That's great to hear 🙂🙂
Just curious but what pads where you using on the VC? If you haven't tried the Autuer Hybrid I highly suggest trying them. To me they bring the best qualities of the Autuer Lambskin and Universe Lambskin into one sound. The suede may tone down the highs for you some. I enjoy the highs on the VC myself but i understand everyone has their preferences. ZMF cans are so hard to judge because the pads really do make a difference. I have learned to never give up on a pad because I have worn a certain pad for months and then gone to a pad I have given very little time too and absolutely fell in love with them. That's what happened with the Autuer Hybrid. I honestly can't pick a favorite between the Atrium and VC! They are so different but still have that ZMF sound to them! I enjoyed this video. It was very interesting to see your opinion on what you liked the best!
The pads on the VCs were whatever came in stock, but I've got a full pad-rolling video planned with the VO and VC soon...
Great list! Very helpfull for someone who starting in the hobby and does not know where to start.
Glad it's helpful! 🙂🙂
Great video. I recently purchased the following Schiit, Bifrost 2/64, Valhalla 2, and Lokius. I am still within the return window (6 days remaining) and I am thinking about ordering the Folvangr and returning the Valhalla 2. I am using the Schiit stack with my Denon AH-D9200 and HD650's. I am looking forward to your review of the Schiit Folvangr. I was contemplating ordering one while they are still available to order. I had a chance to listen to an Amps and Sound Ovation Rev 2 (generation 2 of the Kenzie) but at a price of $4,200 it is in a different league. I am also interested in the ZMF VC but now you have me thinking about the Atrium.
That's a tough one! Personally, I think the Folkvangr is one of the most unique tube amps you'll ever own which is why I grabbed one immediately, but I can't sit here and say it's the best amp for the money so it depends on your preferences. It's a great, fun amp that I can't see anyone not enjoying (unless you're looking for THX789/Topping A90 type sound).
Also, there's an Atrium Closed coming at some point if you need a closed back.
Where would you have placed a focal clear? I believe you did review the OG version a looong time ago
Yes, I used to own them. I think they'd be an easy A tier and the Utopias too
Late to the video but curious whether you’d recommend the Elite or Atrium to compliment my hekv2. Looking for something fun, comfortable and musical.
I love the Atrium, but I'd go for the Elites with the new angled Alcantara pads (included as standard now AFAIK)
@@PassionforSound Having watched alot of your videos and really gained some respect for your reviews, I had a feeling you'd say that. I actually just got my Elites in today and LOVE them.
Awesome! Enjoy
What your oppinion about ADX5000 and Fostex Lineup like TH909 or TH900
I haven't tried any of those other than TH900 and that was a long time ago now so I can't really say.
This was a very interesting video. Last year I was diagnosed with a mild hearing loss (high frequencies). It's frustrating watching reviewers describe the "sparkle" and "air" on various headphones that I can't hear or barely hear because of tinnitus. I'm hoping I can find a hearing aid that will enhance the higher frequencies and most of all eliminate my tinnitus.
That sucks. Sorry to learn that! Hope you can find a good solution to enjoy your listening again. Alternatively, you could just start buying all the overly bright headphones that I rate as not so good 😉
Well done. I was looking for at least one Focal on your list, though. I mostly grab my Audio-Technica ATH over my DCA Aeon 2 Noire just for the fact the DCA's are very difficult to drive with my current amps, where as the AT's sound good and loud on any device I use them on. Just need a little EQ...
Glad you liked it. The Clears and Utopia aren't with me anymore, but I expect both would have been A tier
Really good video. Must be really exhausting. I wonder if you find edition xs better than ananda.
Glad you liked it and yes, it was a big job. I don't prefer the XS over the Ananda as I think Ananda is more musical and enjoyable to me
Great video
Thank you! Looking to do an IEM one soon...
could you please tell me where you would put the deva/deva pro nìghtowls hd700 avantone planar 99neo in?
Deva and Deva Pro would be B-Tier. NightOwl would probably be A-Tier and 99 Neo either B or A - not sure on those...
Can't say for the others because I've never owned them or reviewed them
@@PassionforSound thanks a lot
Thanks Lachlan! What about the DT1990 pro?
I don't own them so couldn't include them, but I think they'd be a B tier. Very solid and enjoyable, but that extreme treble spike is a problem for me
I don’t know if you’ve tried the hifiman he1000se but if you have I’d be curious to see how it ranks. Also, one headphone that I would be very interested to see more reviews of is the kennerton rognir. Love to hear your opinions if you ever get the chance to listen to them. Btw, thanks for your tier list. Always enjoy your videos.
Thanks John. I'm yet to try the HE1k. I reached out to Kennerton a while back, but never got a response ☹️
@@PassionforSound not sure if this would work here because you may want to take review sets home for a more standardised approach, but I think Addicted to Audio in Richmond have a fair few sets like LCDs and the HE1000 (SE I'm pretty sure) for you to test out if you wish to get a small taste of what they could do, if that helps. If you like the Arya, the HE1000se could be a close favourite of yours too, and I was able to test them both over there and I was very impressed by both sets 👏
I really like this list as well! It feels very similar to what I may have, especially in the S tier 😄👍
I wouldn't want to make a review based on short listens, but appreciate the idea
Nice jacket! It's been very cold and wet this year in Australia. Sydney hasn't been dry since December of last year, with the exception of June, which was the only more or less dry month.
I hear you! Melbourne hasn't been much better. (P.S. I love this jacket too 🙂)
Focal clear is better than sv023? (in detail, soundstage...)
Yes, I think so, but I've never compared side-by-side
Do you have an equipment list any where? I see a lot of kit there, would be nice to know what it all is please.
There's a link in the description to my recommended products. That's a good indicator, but it doesn't include everything I've tried and doesn't specify my daily drivers.
@@PassionforSound Daily drivers is particularly of interest. Particularly sources streaming/CDT etc. Your spreadsheet is interesting - thanks.
My pleasure. Dailies for me (meaning on my desk and regularly used) are TT2 with M-Scaler, Meze Elite, ZMF Atrium, Schiit Folkvangr, Bottlehead Mainline amp, TU-8200R amp, sometimes HiFiMan Susvara and also Burson Soloist GT and Conductor 3/3X GT. For editing I generally use the Ollo S4X running from an SPL Creon interface.
Where would you put the Hifiman Arya v2? In ‘A’ tier?
I'd probably actually put the Arya V2 in B tier I think. Too hot in the treble for me
Hi where would you place the zmf caldera?
Pretty sure it's S tier 🙂
Is it still possible to buy a Verum 1?
I believe he's back in action and producing headphones again now
My favorite headphone (and I have very limited experience with your list), are the Dan Clark / Drop Aeon Open-X. They probably are closest to the Noire? I haven't heard that one. My set up is the Geshelli J2 AKM (with linear power supply) and am xDuoo MT-604 (also on an LPS) in balanced mode. I use no tuning pad - it is a "bright" as it can be, and I use no EQ,
I haven't yet tried the Aeon Open-X, but given how much I like the Noires, I hope to check them out at some point
Sir if I have edition xs and want a different flavour. What do you think about focal clear? These are on sale for $1200. Thank youuu
The Focal Clears are great and I dare say you'll not use the XS much if you have the Clears.
@@PassionforSound oh mate please don’t do this to me. Is it because they have same sound signature and focals are better? I thought the xs had expired my sennhiser 660s. :(
I don't think they have the same signature. The Clears have a mid-bass lift and quite different staging so they could absolutely live side-by-side. I just expect that they'll become your regular go-to headphone. 🙂
@@PassionforSound well time to sell my singxer fio m11 pro dap n sennhiser 660s. Clears are on sale for $1200. 🙏
Go for it and enjoy!
For the Atrium did you mean Universe Perforated lambskin pads or the Auteur perforated pads?
Auteur Hybrid perforated pads 🙂
I appreciate your going out on a limb with your headphones tier list!
Was just at SoCal CanJam and spent my 3 hours at ZMF listening to my Auteur BW’s, Auteur Classic Maple, Atrium Cherry & BW, Caldera, and Verite Open BW via MacBook Air/roon- Metrum Amber-Yggdrasil-5 tube amp?
Atrium Black Wood was like my Auteur BW with refinement, added resolution, but had the excitement and focus I’m drawn to.
Caldera is captivating, a bit more live reference.
The verite open is the detail Illuminator-it could flesh out a saxophone in Miles’s kind of blue and give a lifelike sense of the instrument, not just the notes!
I can see why you’d like the Atrium, check out a black wood version if you get the chance :)
Thanks for sharing your auditioning experiences and the BW recommendation!
@@PassionforSound It's a tough call especially between the Atrium BW and Caldera, they are both sooo good. I'd be reluctant to get rid of the Auteur BW, but it might be necessary to help finance a significant upgrade. :) The Verite resolving ability is quite alluring. I was curious what effect the change in woods would have on the Atrium and Verite :) ++
Where in your list Hifiman Edition XS sits ?
I'd put them in B tier I think (I don't own them so that's from memory and comparison)
Which amp does justice to the meze elite?
There are many. The TT2 (DAC and amp), Linear Tube Audio MZ3, Soloist 3X GT, Silver Fox, AMP-23R and Prelude are a handful that spring to mind
Where is Focal Clear? I’m curious why this wasn’t included given its excellent reviews. Thanks.
It wasn't included because I didn't own it anymore. As I said in the opening, I didn't want to rate headphones from memory because it might not be accurate and fair. I think the OG Clear would have been an A tier headphone if I still owned it.
So for the lazy tightwad amongst us does tiermaker then lay out the price on the x axis?
No, you'd have to work that out manually - sorry 🙂
Great run down. Curious of where you would have put the Focal Clears
They'd have been A tier I think. Glad you liked the video!
I don’t have nor have I listened the Focal Clear original version but I own the Clear MG. Mostly, I do not audition headphones in the shops (in part due to Covid and my immobility being the main reason) so I depend on reviews to make my purchases. Ive got a shortlist of reviewers whom I’d gotten to understand their preferences and how they describe the sounds. This is so I know if reviewer A said bright, it’s probably too bright for me and so on. I follow Lachlan’s reviews and videos and have similar preferences and of course some sliding variations. Given these and my many interactions with Lachlan, I believe Focal Clear MG will be in tier A for him. Lachlan has also put his review of the Clear in the recommended products category. I am watching this video again now, a day after acquiring a 3-month old pair of ZMF Atrium while the Clear MG is being put up on sale but I’m insisting on my price or I’ll keep it and use it with certain gears to “balance out the brightness”, hope this makes sense.
I would definitely put the Clear MG in A tier. I'm really liking them (picked up a second hand pair) and will review in early 2023.
I know this an annoying and difficult question but I am looking for a very neutral and resolving headphone in order to compare phono cartridges in the most unbiased way possible. Any suggestions under about $2,000 come to mind from this list?
That's actually a great question!
You could go for something like an Ollo S4X or S4R (I'd choose the R for reference tonality unless the S4X is now updated to version 1.1 or higher). The Ollos aren't the last word in resolution, but they're outstanding for tonal accuracy.
Alternatively, if you want the best possible resolution, staging, and tonal accuracy then I'd maybe look at the HiFiMan Arya Stealth and just know that it leans a little bright. The Meze 109 Pro is another excellent option that's not on this list (review coming this weekend)
@@PassionforSound wow, thank you so much! I have lots of great dacs, speakers, preamps, phono stages, amps, ect. But would you believe I just got my first ever dedicated headphone amplifier😂 I was finding it really hard to characterize subtle differences between similar cartridges in my various environments so I thought headphones would be a great equalizer. Also help with my DACs and so forth. I’ll wait for the review and check it out for sure. Thank you for the reply!
My pleasure! 🙂
yes IEM tier list video would be great with the Traillii, Jewel, and Indigo on the list.
And there's the problem. I don't think I can do one because there are so many new IEMs every week and everyone wants to see where their favourite is placed. Having thought more about it, I feel like it's going to be more trouble than it's worth - sorry!
Saw your liric review. Where would those rank?
Lirics are a tricky one. On one hand, they're an impressive listen so A tier, but they can be just a little too energetic for me sometimes which might push them to B tier.
Thanks. I know these tier lists are subjective but I always find them entertaining. I know the Abyss didn't wow you, but I was curious to see how you rated it relative to the rest.
Glad you liked it! As for the Abyss Diana TC, I'd actually put that in B tier. I think it's easy over priced and doesn't perform well enough on an enjoyment scale to get higher than that for me. In fact, on a pure enjoyment scale if it's just about my preferences and not accounting for variations in taste, then it might even be a C.
@@PassionforSound Thanks!
Lachlan. I’ve enjoyed your journey so much with all the nice impressions and critical thinking reviews in HIFI.
I love all the buying power you give us. Pretty cool that the Sendy Peacock got some attention in a big way with you. ;)
So glad to hear that you're getting value from the channel!
The Peacocks got a bum wrap from those first couple of reviews. I can only assume there was some product variance in the early units.
@@PassionforSound
Absolutely love your approach. Also, if I may say I’m surprised that the D-8000 or D-8000 pro hasn’t made its way towards you. Thinking on your tastes in sound being that of warmth, good bass and soul the D-8000 (OG) will be a loved headphone by you. I can almost guarantee it. :)
They're headphones I really want to try. I opened communications with Final a little while ago with the ZE3000, but I've heard nothing since ☹️
@@PassionforSound. Yeah that surprises me. I mean it would smart of Final to get you involved given the success, knowledge abs following of your channel. I wonder if geographical differences may have something to do with it. Of course, our mutual friend (Amos) lives in Japan, so it is no wonder why he has both the D-8000 and D-8000 pro acquired with ease. 🥴
Yes, I do think regions play a part and Australia isn't exactly central 😉
Thankfully we have Burson, had Audiofly ☹️ and have another pretty impressive brand that I'll be discussing soon (components, not headphones).
I'm going for edition xs + topping nx7 + cayin ru6 for my portable setup, what's your take buddy??
That should be a great setup, but you probably don't need the NX7
@@PassionforSound Ohkk, so should I go for mojo2 with xs, probably from the money saved?? What should be the best portable setup with xs according to you, I'll try to stretch my budget!!
The Mojo 2 is definitely your best portable option IMO. That's all you'll need too - just the XS and the Mojo 2
@@PassionforSound thank you so much, I'm going by your words, ordering xs with mojo 2 ☺🙏🙏
I think you'll be extremely happy! Enjoy 🙂🙂
have you tried the DT 1990 Pro?
I have and reviewed it on the channel. I don't own it though so I couldn't reasonably include it here. I'd guess it would be B tier for me due to generally good sound, but sometimes overdone treble
Awesome classification. If you had to put Meze 109 in there, where would it go?
109s would be S-Tier for sure, I think. Easily A-Tier
@@PassionforSound That's all I had to hear. I am going to test them and get one for long term listening. Thanks for your response!
Hope you love them!
I wonder where you'd put the Focal Elex on this list.
I'm not sure. Still haven't heard that one 🙂
Great list. And nice to see your preferences. A Sendy Peacock beating out a Susvara is a wild choice but I appreciate your opinion. For me the Peacock was easily one of the worst headphones I’ve ever heard so this shows that personal preference is very subjective.
Glad you liked the list. I have a feeling that there's some product variance in the Peacock range, perhaps particularly early on based on some of the first reviews. Preferences will always play a part too which is why I decided to make this list based on my enjoyment levels rather than anything else.
I felt the same way, but it's nice to see a more respectfully attitude toward this hobby.
This is definitely not to suggest that the Susvara isn't an amazing, and technically superior headphone to the Peacock. I just don't enjoy it as much for pure musical engagement. I strongly agree that it's nice to be able to discuss our different opinions in a respectful and friendly manner.
Where would you put HD600? It's 6XX/650 but with no veil and definitely more treble.
It's been a long time since I tried the HD600, but I expect I'd rate it the same as HD6XX/650
Superb and most enjoyable,agree with the ZMF veritie closed,I prefer my Senn HD820 (S tier) over the Veritie closed (A tier)
Arya Stealth has much narrower soundstage, but more fun/musical than OG Arya, right? Even though you don't have OG Arya on hand, I'm assuming it won't be that hard to contrast the differences. What tier would OG Arya be at?
I'd put OG Arya in B tier I think. I didn't find a vast difference in soundstage, but I found it's overall tonality to be less well-balanced than the stealth version
I haven't heard the stealth version but I have heard the V2. Inittially I thought the Soundstage was just amazing on the V2 but I must admit after further listening I realized that it didn't agree with all genres. With rock music the big soundstage made the Arya V2 sound to soft for me. Everything was coming from such a distance it made it sound like there wasn't enough weight behind the notes. Because of this quality I got bored with the V2. I look forward to hearing the stealth edition. Did you listen to the Arya stealth on tubes any?
Absolutely, it's a great match with tubes. I've used it with the Bottlehead Mainline, Elekit TU-8200R and probably others I'm forgetting
@@PassionforSound that's good to hear! I tried the Arya V2 on my wa22 but that was with stock tubes. I have since added eml 5u4g mesh, we421a, and mullard ecc35 6sl7. They made a huge impact on the sound. I wasn't that impressed with the Arya V2 on tubes. I preferred my lcd x 2021 on tubes out of the planars I had. I would like to try the Arya stealth on tubes and I may get a chance in the next several months since I have a friend that asked if I would trade my VC for his Arya Stealth for a month. I might just take him up on that to see because I have heard very good things about the Arya Stealth. From everything I've heard I think I will like the Stealth better than the V2.
I'd definitely recommend giving them a go. Hope you love them!
Amazing video because no other youtuber touch on non mainstream headphones. However I think you could have talked more about the sound characteristics of each of them, Bassy, Soundstage, dynamic, lean, lively, perhaps about the driver types. I know it would make the video longer but you basically say, "I liked them, it was enjoyable... this one was better". Or perhaps proposing a different type of ranking for each types of headphones. I don't mention build quality, weight comfort and leakage because that would be too much.
Glad you liked it! I didn't discuss the sound characteristics of each because, as you said, it would have gone too long and also because I have full length reviews of every headphone on the list 🙂
Where abouts would you put the T60 Argons?…
That's a good question. They're probably A tier, but only just for me. It's either A or B because I don't love them but I could absolutely live with them.
Have you ever listened to Audio Technica M50 Legacy instead of M50x? They sound very different (to me) and actually have different drivers: HD-125B in the legacy M50 and HD-125E in the M50x, also HD-125H in the M50xBT. I know it's almost impossible to find a decent M50 Legacy due to significant wear and tear, but if you take the HD-125B drivers and solder them into the M50x chassis, you'll be surprised how smooth, flat and detailed it sounds across the spectrum, including restored mids, tamed lows and highs with more natural non-plasticky treble. It's very pleasant to listen to, if you stick with the factory earpads or those that do not deviate from the factory ones.
That's interesting. I've not heard any other M50 variants for a very long time
Based on your list, I will be saving up for the Arya as my next purchase 😁
Nice! They're brilliant. I'm hoping to get the new Arya Organic in for review soon. It'll be interesting to see what's changed
Interesting list. We agree with a lot of headphones. I also have my personal list in a pdf file hehehe. But I dont have susvara, is very expensive for me.
For me the diffuse field profile of he400se is almost perfect. Only we need more body to be an excellent headphones.
I completely agree about the body in the HE400SE sound!
Hifiman Edition XS?
I don't own it so I couldn't include it, but I suspect it would have gone into B tier.
Recently i had the chance to audition Susvara with Hugo TT2 and indeed the midrange is bit dry for my taste, so I understand where you come from.
I am surprised that you put Sendy Peacock on S Tier though, I need to try that someday
The Susvara is one of those that really enjoys a richer source (a good tube amp, smooth solid state, etc.) but it rarely makes it into the territory of completely emotionally engaging me. The Peacocks do that though (not saying they're a better headphone than the Susvara) and I think the early review units might have had some product variation issues because they're way better than those reviews would suggest (except Zeos who loved them)
I missed the edition XS ); But very cool tier list
Yes, that was only on loan so I didn't have it here for the Tier List. Glad you liked the vid!
Where do you rank Edition Xs and Dt1990?
I'd put both in B tier I think. Both solid, but have their drawbacks (as discussed in my reviews of each so I won't go into detail here)
@@PassionforSound thanks!
Main difference between Sivga Sv023 and Edition Xs?
There's no real main difference - they're vastly different presentations. I don't even know where to begin describing the differences so I'd recommend checking my reviews of each for accurate descriptions.
Great video. I would only like the headphones names to be supported with some b rolls of those cans. Thnx
That would have required hours and hours of additional work. Until the channel pays me a full time wage (we're a LONG way from that), I have to squeeze it in outside of work hours and family.
@@PassionforSound totally understand and am somewhat in the same boat with one of my own side-gigs. Still a great video of course!
PS: where would you’ve placed hd800s? I recognize you don’t have them on hand so you couldn’t have auditioned them for this tier list. But I wonder if you’ve had any extensive experience with them before. Asking since hd800s are sort of a very well know headphone in the space and can somehow be considered as a reference point for many.
I owned the HD800S for some time and I've reviewed them here on the channel. I think they'd have been B tier for me because they're not ideal across all genres. In their sweet spot for classical/orchestral music they're great though
Thank you for your most intuitive and I bet exhaustive tier review. I can only sympathize with you on the difficulty in attempting this endeavor. One thing this brings to mind that although you only touched on it, I'd like to further emphasize how important it can be rounding out the performance of an overall system, especially with any sizable investment. Although everything down the audio path makes a difference, I believe the matching of components is so important to bring out the best of the headphone you own, now matter which you have and that is the amplifier you will be using. Even with the most modest setups, intelligent choices can be made in choosing compatible amps. Ultimately, some amps will just sound better than others but there is that special synergy factor that can be easily missed. In some cases it can increase the performance of your headphones by more than a notch or two. I have recently had more than one of these revelatory experiences with different headphones and amps at both ends of the price range and when you hear it, you'll have that wide eyed surprise!
Also, I had the fortunate experience with the Hifiman Arya Stealth and they are a cut above so many other headphones that are superior in cost. The initial startling experience was that not only were they effortless in their presentation but with a level of smooth dynamics throughout the range that gave you that sense of speed without any of the drawbacks. Musical to a fault. This is only followed by the comfort of the head suspension system that tells me I would have to listen to them for hours on end before I got tired of them on my head. I think the combination of the new diaphragm and "stealth magnets" give these a level other Hifiman headphones can't reach.
I completely agree that synergy is often the final step in bringing some headphones (and setups in general) to life. Glad you liked the video!
Wow, this may change my purchase decision regarding ZMF VC vs Atrium!
Do consider your own preferences and how they relate to my preferences (based on some other known devices you've tried that I've reviewed), but hopefully I'm steering you towards an even better choice. You can't go wrong with either
the Hifiman XS disrespect gives me physical pain
Lol. Sorry about that. I recommend your favourite drink (not necessarily alcoholic) and some good music to ease the pain 😉
Nice tier list, but I missed seeing some Focal in the list.
Yes, sadly I don't own the Clear OG or Utopias anymore and the local distributor won't provide demo units ☹️
I have never had reviewer who impacted me this much. With his help, now I almost have end game setup as follows;
Hifiman Arya Stealth
Shiit Bifrost 2
Burson Soloist with Supercharger
Glad I've been able to help (assuming you like your setup) 🙂
@@PassionforSound where would you put the Sennheiser HD 600 and 650 Lachlan
They're essentially the same as HD6XX so same tier (B). The HD6XX actually are HD650s.
I can't relate to, but do appreciate the ranks being so positive. I would have at least E, F and G added to these.
Why would you feel the need to go so low with things?
wONDERING WHERE YOU WOULD PUT sENNHEISER hd650 ?
HD650 and HD6XX are essentially the same headphone so they'd go on the same tier. Can't recall if I had them on A or B.
I'm living with the sundara as my only headphone. Replaced a k7xx that i gifted so it's a solid upgrade imo
The Sundara is still such a great headphone IMO
An IEM list would be nice
Thanks for letting me know. I'll have to see how my appetite for comments like "Why did you put X there?" and "Where's Y?" holds up 🙂
Nice Video! Where is Focal headphones?lol
Sadly, the local distributor won't provide any review units which is why Focal, iFi and possibly some others I'm forgetting don't appear on the channel. It's not by my choice
Awesome video and analysis! I agree with 95% of your choices. The Atrium is my favorite headphone right now. I don’t like the Meze Empyrean as much as I thought I would, but I haven’t heard the Elite yet.
Glad you liked the video! Hope you can try the Elites as they're quite different - still clearly related to Empyreans, but less thick and warm sounding
Do the IEM one too!
I'll see what I can whip up during 2023
Where would the Focal Clears go?
That's a tough one. Probably A tier. They were never quite perfect for me, but great sounding cans for sure
I'm enjoying, do the same with iem's please lol
I'll see what I can put together 🙂
For me the Sundara is an Hd560s with a little better detail, more punch and more soundstage.
My personal rank will be:
B- Hd560s.
B+ Sundara
All new Camerton Audio BINOM-ER Headphones are in a Class of their own matched with the Western Electric 91E 300B Integrated amp and matching CD Player !
Thanks for telling me about them. I've not heard of them before
Edition XS?
I don't own it to test in the same way as the others here, but I'd say it would go in B tier for me
I think your taste in headphones from all the UA-cam reviewers is the closest to mine.
Would be interesting to see where the Empyrean/D8000/D8000 Pro end up on your list.
Empyreans would be S tier I think given that this is enjoyment based. I'm still trying to get my hands on the Final cans
@@PassionforSound Agreed, Empy’s are definitely S tier!!
Such a fun headphone! I miss mine
@@PassionforSound you sold the elite?
No! 😁 Sold the Empyreans to buy the Elites.