SME is a British manufacturer of high-end turntables and tonearms.

3009

If you're curious about what makes some headphones cost as much as a car, here's a straightforward breakdown of some of the most luxurious headphones available, ranked from least to most expensive. We'll dive into what each pair offers, focusing on their technology and design.

## 1. Ultrasone Edition 5 Unlimited

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.26.32.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_26_32_cac12ff880/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_26_32_cac12ff880.png)

**Price:** About $5,000  
**Tech Specs:** The Ultrasone Edition 5 Unlimited uses something called S-Logic Plus technology. This setup aims to deliver sound in a way that mimics natural hearing - the audio seems to come from around you rather than being pumped directly into your ears. This is achieved through decentralized driver positioning, which also potentially reduces ear fatigue. The headphones use Ethiopian sheepskin for ear pads, ensuring comfort, and American cherry wood for the outer casing, which affects the sound's warmth and resonance. They cover a frequency range from 5 Hz to 46 kHz, offering detailed highs and deep lows.

## 2. Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.30.26.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_30_26_606e071381/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_30_26_606e071381.png)

**Price:** Around $8,000  
**Tech Specs:** The Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC boasts planar magnetic drivers known for their ability to handle high power without distortion. The drivers are quite large, allowing for an expansive, open soundstage. Its sturdy aluminum frame and adjustable headband help achieve a good fit, which is crucial for both comfort and optimal sound delivery. These headphones have a frequency response range from 5 Hz to 28 kHz, ensuring you hear every detail in your music.

## 3. HIFIMAN Shangri-La

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.25.14.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_25_14_4a7c52c074/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_25_14_4a7c52c074.png)

**Price:** $50,000  
**Tech Specs:** The Shangri-La set is all about clarity and detail. It uses electrostatic technology, which involves a thin, electrically charged diaphragm between two conductive plates. This setup allows for incredibly accurate sound reproduction, especially in the higher frequency ranges. The system includes tube amplifiers, known for their warm, rich sound quality. The frequency response here is exceptionally wide, from 7 Hz to 120 kHz, capturing nuances well beyond the limits of human hearing.

## 4. Sennheiser HE 1 / Orpheus

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.22.35.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_22_35_0fa71d9ecb/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_22_35_0fa71d9ecb.png)

**Price:** $59,000  
**Tech Specs:** The Sennheiser HE 1 combines an electrostatic headphone system with a tube and transistor hybrid amplifier. The choice of Carrara marble for the amplifier isn't just for looks; it naturally suppresses noise, helping to keep the output incredibly clear. The headphones themselves can reproduce sounds from 8 Hz to more than 100 kHz, far beyond what the human ear can detect, ensuring that what you do hear is extraordinarily precise and detailed.

## 5. Focal Utopia by Tournaire

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.32.38.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_32_38_a675727ac7/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_32_38_a675727ac7.png)

**Price:** $120,000  
**Tech Specs:** Beyond their flashy design with gold and diamonds, the Focal Utopia by Tournaire headphones feature Beryllium drivers. Beryllium is prized in high-end headphone design for its stiffness and lightness, which translates to a very fast response and minimal distortion across the audible spectrum and beyond, with a frequency range from 5 Hz to 50 kHz. This means these headphones not only look luxurious but also provide top-notch sound quality.

## Final Thoughts

These headphones aren't just about listening to music; they're about experiencing it in the most detailed and luxurious way possible. Whether it's the advanced driver technologies, the use of rare materials, or the integration of traditional tube amplifiers, each of these models offers something unique for the audiophile who wants the very best.

Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.37.11.png

Top 5 Most Expensive Headphones for Premium Audio Quality

Focal is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment.

Focal

Sennheiser is a widely recognized audio brand known for producing high-quality headphones, microphones, wireless systems, and other audio products.

Sennheiser

HIFIMAN is an audio brand known for producing high-quality headphones and audio equipment.

HIFIMAN

Abyss is a high-end audio brand known for its innovative and high-quality headphones.

Abyss

Ultrasone is a German audio brand known for their high-quality headphones that utilize S-Logic technology for a more natural sound experience.

Ultrasone

Discover the top 5 most expensive headphones: a guide to the world's most luxurious and technologically advanced models for discerning audiophiles.








Utopia


Stepping into the world of high-end audio, the Classé Delta Pre MK II preamplifier commands attention not only with its striking appearance but also with the depth of its capabilities. This is not just another component in your audio system; it is a statement of serious intent from an audiophile, priced at around $12,000 USD. For those already in the Classé ecosystem and looking for an upgrade path, the MK II is available for $3000 USD, providing a significant step up without the need to start from scratch.

What sets the Delta Pre MK II apart is its meticulous attention to sonic detail. Imagine tailoring your sound with 0.25dB precision, allowing for the most minute adjustments to perfectly match your listening preferences or room acoustics. It's like having the ability to paint with sound, where every stroke is finely tuned to your taste.

The preamplifier doesn't stop there; it presents a wealth of features geared towards achieving unparalleled sound quality. With support for both mono and stereo subwoofers and advanced frequency and slope control, it offers a rich, textured bass experience that can be precisely dialed in. For those who love to fine-tune and adjust, the five-band digital parametric equalizer provides a playground for shaping your sound.

A notable modern feature is its ability to play high-resolution music through HEOS, ensuring that your digital music collection, whether stored or streamed, is rendered with impeccable detail and clarity. The Delta Pre MK II's design is also a blend of function and luxury, featuring an elegant anodized aluminum chassis and an intuitive touchscreen display, making every interaction a pleasure.

In terms of connectivity, this preamplifier acts as a central hub for both digital and analog sources, boasting a wide range of inputs and outputs. Its built-in DAC, capable of handling up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512, and MQA files, stands out for its versatility and quality, making it a future-proof solution for all high-resolution audio formats.

**Key Features:**

-   Precision volume control in 0.25dB steps
-   Support for mono and stereo subwoofers
-   Advanced five-band digital parametric equalization
-   HEOS integration for high-resolution music streaming
-   Built-in DAC capable of handling up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512, and MQA files
-   Wide range of inputs and outputs

**Technical Specifications:**

-   Dimensions: 438mm (W) x 432mm (D) x 108mm (H)
-   Weight: 12.7kg
-   Power consumption: 30W (idle), 60W (max)
-   Input sensitivity: 2.5Vrms (RCA), 5Vrms (XLR)
-   Output voltage: 2Vrms (RCA), 4Vrms (XLR)
-   Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+/-0.2dB)
-   Signal-to-noise ratio: 100dB (A-weighted)
-   Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% (20Hz - 20kHz)

**Conclusion:**

The Classé Delta Pre MK II preamplifier is a no-compromise solution for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in sound quality and control. Its meticulous attention to detail, extensive feature set, and elegant design make it a worthy centerpiece for any high-end audio system.

Screenshot 2024-03-19 at 20.30.54.png

Design-img.jpg

Classé Delta Pre MK II Preamplifier: A Detailed Look

Classé is a brand that specializes in high-end audio equipment.

Classé

Hear your music in stunning detail with the Classé Delta Pre MK II and its high-res audio support.


**Oslo, Norway**: In a significant move that's set to redefine the high-fidelity audio landscape, Hegel Music Systems has announced the launch of its latest creation - the Hegel H600 integrated amplifier. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Hegel is marking the occasion with what can only be described as an audio masterpiece.

#### Powerhouse Performance

The H600, dubbed as the company's reference integrated amplifier, is a tour de force in the world of high-end audio. Packing a formidable 303 watts per channel into 8 ohms and a remarkable damping factor of 4000, it's designed to drive any speaker with unparalleled confidence and ease. The dual mono design of the H600 mirrors the performance of two mono amps in a single box, a feat of engineering that delivers an unmatched soundstage with a broad dynamic range and deep, controlled bass.

#### Cutting-Edge Technology

A highlight of the H600 is its bit-perfect digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This state-of-the-art component ensures pure audio fidelity, free from any resampling or upsampling. With a large, dedicated power supply and robust shielding against interference, the DAC provides exceptional resolution and smoothness. The amplifier's chassis, crafted from aluminum, adds to its audio performance, offering enhanced stability and reduced vibrations.

#### Streamlined Streaming and Connectivity

Embracing the era of digital music, the H600 comes equipped with an array of streaming options, including UPnP, Airplay 2, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready compatibility. This broad suite of features ensures that the amplifier is not just a powerhouse of performance but also a hub of convenience and accessibility. Additionally, the amplifier boasts a wide range of analog and digital connections, including True Balanced XLR inputs, USB 32/384 input, and optical inputs, making it a versatile centerpiece for any audio setup.

#### Award-Winning Design

The Hegel H600 isn't just about remarkable technical capabilities; it's also a winner in aesthetics and ease of use. Recently, it received the prestigious EISA award for Best High-End Streaming Amplifier, a testament to its outstanding quality and innovation. The EISA committee lauded the H600 for its upgraded digital stage, bespoke error-cancelling technology, and redesigned preamp stage, all contributing to its organic, compelling performance.

H600Front.jpg

H600Back.jpg

Discover the Hidden Power of Hegel H600's Dual Mono Design

Hegel's latest innovation, the H600 integrated amplifier, offers a groundbreaking audio experience with exceptional power and clarity.

3009

by SME

Start a thread

Interesting articles

Top 5 Most Expensive Headphones for Premium Audio Quality

Classé Delta Pre MK II Preamplifier: A Detailed Look

Discover the Hidden Power of Hegel H600's Dual Mono Design