Best headphone under 10k$

I got my Jotunheim R (dedicated amp for Sr1a) on Saturday.

Fresh out of box, it did sound veiled without enough bass

But it did not sound sibilant or harsh tthough.

I had kept playing it 4 hours then much of veil was gone with more bass coming out.

After having it on overnight, temperature on the top plate was around 90 degree, thus it appears to be fine to leave it on 24/7.

I had serious comparison between Jot R and Crown XLS 2502(775 watts for 4 ohm), using Dave and Mscaler and Purist Audio Design balanced cable.


To my surprise, they sound very similar.

Crown has slight edge on bass impact and speed.

Jot R has slight edge on clean treble and details.

Jot R has clear edge on soundstage width and depth.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FVZHCW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

With Chesky test CD, I could realize how wide and deep Sr1a can get with Jot R.

I have HD 800s, but it seems that Sr1a with Jot R give slightly more wide and deep soundstage than HD 800s.

With overall musicality and enormous soundstage out of Jot R, I can not recommend it too highly for Sr1a.

Combination of Sr1a and Jot R will be my end game headphone set.

As I type this I am listening to the RAAL SR1a with the Jotunheim R 

I will report on this in my next column 


herb 

If you have sufficient power to drive them, I strongly recommend the Hifiman Susvara as an end game, TOTL headphone.

I really don't think there is one single headphone that is the best at the $10k price point.  One reviewer will say one thing, another will pick another, depending on their individual preferences and associated equipment.

I don't think I'd ever buy anything at this price point based off of what some stranger on the internet is saying.  The best thing to do is demo for yourself, and pick what sounds best to you.