Okay, a crazy expensive noise canceler without wireless capability but, holy smoke, it's got every other bell and whistle imaginable and some never before imagined. On top of all that, they sound pretty good.
Though significantly limited in maximum volume level the tonal balance is spot on. Portrayal is slightly hazy, but never hard on the ears. The industrial design is lovely, as is the packaging, but a tight fit on the head is problematic.
I really like the warm, comfy tone of these headphones, but they're not going to rise higher on this list because they're not neutral. The good news is their character is one, for me, that is easily and most pleasurably psychoacoustically accommodated. A relaxed listen, well suited to electronic music and music that may have a harsh edge (rock, metal).
The Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless is an elegant, well built, comfortable Bluetooth headphones with excellent sound quality and good isolation. Built with leather, chromed steel, and anodized aluminum, the build quality, fit and finish is superb. A true daily driver...especially if you like English sports cars; very natty.
Under the unusual tear-drop shape of the MrSpeakers Aeon you'll find a quiet, comfortable sanctuary for sublime music listening. Build quality, comfort, and rock solid accessories complete this excellent piece of headphone kit.
The Sennheiser HD569, while relatively new, delivers a mature and high-value experience due to its roots going back a decade and more in the Sennheiser HD5xx line. Build quality, comfort, and styling are simply superb. Synthetic suede ear pads over plush memory foam and "just right" ergonomics makes this a great headphone for long listening sessions at work without being disturbed by, or disturbing neighbors.
Don't let the light weight, all plastic build, and low price fool you, the HD 471 is a very high price/performance ratio headphone. The styling in matte black and silver are tasteful and understated. Though the materials are no doubt low cost, the build quality appears to be robust. Its light weight allows low-cost pads, foam, and pleather covers to confidently provide a comfortable fit. This is "cheap" done right!
What can the world's most accomplished headphone manufacturer put on your head wirelessly for $149? Turns out, quite a bit. The HD 4.40 BT is elegantly styled and very well built. Comfort is quite good, but not great as the ear pad openings are a bit small forward to back—big eared folks may want to look elsewhere. Bluetooth controls are easy to use and pairing is flawless.
Had the Focal Clear not come along at the last minute, these would have been my product of the year. They're just so...different than anything I've seen before.
The Focal Clear is what an enthusiast headphone should be: It's gorgeous; it's comfortable; its accessories are spectacular; and its sound is clear as a Montana winter sky. It's not bright, or dark, or liquid, or even—some odd way—neutral. It's just competently and confidently true to the music.
Lets hope not. Can't even see the sun...and it is mid-day, I think.
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Well fairly good picks Tyll! All have dynamic drivers, traditional voice coils and magnet structures, except the Sonoma, (and who cares). It is hard to improve on the value of Sennheiser's, with their offers kept below $200. Above $200, it is very difficult to offer anything of additional value above the AKG K 7XX ($200-Massdrop) until you start getting silly with your money. IMO.
