Best headphones of all time

A nice pair of headphones are something that every audio enthusiast craves for. This post lists out the best pair of headphones for each price category along with some honorary mentions.

Upto ₹5000: Shure SRH440

This is the most important price segment as most of us are interested in getting the best bang for the buck without breaking a hole in our bank balance.

Currently available on amazon for exactly ₹ 5000, this is undoubtedly the best pair of headphones that one can buy in this segment. It has a very neutral sound and is therefore used by many professionals for sound monitoring. 

Needless to say, this is not intended for "bassheads" as these do not accentuate the low frequency notes. But, it is also not that they don't have any bass at all. The bass is there, exactly how the song composer had intended it to be. For audio enthusiasts this one is a gem. It is still the best pair of headphones under $100 at www.headphone.com despite being very old. Lets break the deal in terms of pros and cons.

Pros:

1. Very neutral sound
2. Detachable cable. It comes with a 3 m coiled cable
3. Excellent build quality
4. Value for money

Cons:

1. Slightly low bass
2. Slightly uncomfortable over prolonged usage
3. 44 Ω impedance, meaning it may not be possible for portable audio players without a good amplifier to power them

Buy it here: Shure Professional Studio Headphone - SRH440
Honorary mentions:

1. Audio technica ATH M30x: Audio Technica ATH-M30X Professional Studio Monitor Over-ear Headphones (Black)
2. Sennheiser HD-280 Pro Studio Monitor Folding Headphone: Hd-280 Pro Studio Monitor Folding Headphone 

₹5000-₹10000: Audio technica ATH M50x

These are the successor to the legendary M50s and bring in the much needed improvements, namely removable cable, improved cushioning and slightly build quality. The sound quality is more or less the same, which to the uninitiated, is probably the best in the business. These are professional quality studio monitors and provide accurate sound without accentuating any frequency. Every minute detail in the composition is beautifully reproduced and is a treat to the ears. This one is a personal favourite.

Breaking it into pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Excellent audio quality
2. Removable cable with locking mechanism. It comes with 3 cables: 1.2 m straight cable, 3 m coiled cable and a 3 m straight cable
3. Excellent build quality- this one is a long term investment

Cons:

1. None to think of

Buy it here: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black)
Honorary mentions:

1. Sony MDR 7506: Sony MDR-7506 On-Ear Professional Headphones (Black)
2. Audio technica ATH M40x: Audio Technica ATH-M40X Professional Studio Monitor Over-ear Headphones (Black)

₹10000-₹15000: Sennheiser HD 598

These require no introduction to many and are audiophile grade open back headphones. They boast of incredibly broad sounstage, crystal clear highs and mids, and tight bass. But it also comes with the disadvantage of a very slightly weak low end which is common to all open back headphones( read: it is not for "bassheads"). It is worth mentioning that this is a gamers delight due to the very broad soundstage.

Pros:

1. Extremely broad soundstage, excellent for gaming
2. Extremely comfortable
3. Removable cable with locking mechanism

Cons:

1. 50 Ω impedance, meaning it may not be possible for portable audio players without a good amplifier to power them
2. Due to the excellent high end, it may tend to be a bit fatiguing after some time
3. Can be annoying to your neighbours

Buy it here: Sennheiser HD 598 Over-Ear Headphone (Light Brown)
Honorary mentions:

1. V Moda crossfade lp2 (These are definitely going to please everyone, including bassheads): V-Moda Crossfade LP2 Over-Ear Headphones (Matte Black)

₹15000-₹20000-: V Moda crossfade M100

These are arguably the most balanced of all headphones providing exceptional bass, mids and crystal clear highs. The bass is tight and doesn't bleed into the mids. These are extremely well build with military grade construction. You will also get kevlar coated removable cables and two 3.5 mm sockets, which can be used to connect another pair of headphones. There is also and inline mic in case you want to take calls or play games. The head band is very comfortable and so is the ear cups. In short, you cannot go wrong with these.

Pros:

1. Extremely balanced sound with very good and tight bass 
2. Extremely well built 
3. Removable cable with locking mechanism 
4. Capability to daisy chain headphones 

Cons:

1. None

Buy it here: V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Headphones (Shadow)