All headphones are tested on the iFi iDSD micro Black Label, unless otherwise indicated.If the community deems this amplifier as “necessary” for said headphone, the price of the amplifier will also be added to the MSRP value and valued accordingly.

With enough requests, a headphone may also be tested with a different (typically more expensive) amplifier.

electrostatic energisers) will be added to this MSRP value and valued accordingly.

The price of any additional compulsory component (e.g.

Prices not directly available in USD are based off the exchange rate during the time of writing.

This will revert to the most recent unit tried if there is a significant time gap between the last and most recent times I tried a particular model.

I cannot guarantee that what I’m hearing is what you will be hearing. Because of this, I am not accounting for unit variation.

Ranks will be determined based on the best unit tried.

I’m only human I may miss out on certain details or traits that may only be apparent with repeated listening. Expect changes. Third party pads (apart from “stock replacement” pads designed for a specific headphone) are not a consideration in this ranking list.

Rankings will only consider stock pads (or pads provided out of the box).

Most of the headphones in this list are determined based off demo units from shops.

They are ranked according to what I think is “objectively” the best.

The headphones are not ranked in terms of price-to-performance value.

are ignored unless they interfere with the sound itself. Fit, isolation, durability, build quality etc.

The headphones are ranked purely by sonic performance.It takes me 5 minutes to measure a headphone, you honestly think I don’t have time to listen to it as well? ↓↓↓ READ THIS: Notes & Disclaimers ↓↓↓ My work on measurements is separate from my reviewing work. “You’re the measurements guy! You measure more than you listen! I’m not going to listen to you! “

Focal Replacement Drivers