I had a 2-channel system in various configurations for over 35 years and recently sold all components for various reasons. IMO, the only headphone I have heard that gives a reasonable approximation of a live musical event in a performing space in similar fashion to loudspeakers is the RAAL SR-1a/b. All other phones have their charms but making me feel that I am listening to live music in a performing space and not just inside my head is not one of them. Yes, the SR-1a/b doesn't have a lot of bass weight or bass dynamics but who cares? Once I heard these I didn't care about the bass. Most phones have way way way too much bass anyway.
Raal Immanis top of the line headphones
Not sure how many here are using really high end headphone systems. But has anyone tried, or is planning to try, the new Raal Immanis? I am a huge fan of their CA-1a headphones and find them to be an amazing value for the price compared to things like the top Hifiman headphones which don't do much for me.
That said the Immanis is almost $10K which feels pretty crazy for a headphone. I love headphones because they take away the room acoustics with all the flaws involved, but also because they allow people to get a killer full range system for a much lower price than going with speakers. But when a headphone costs $10K that benefit is no longer in play. I certainly can afford an Immanis but not sure it makes sense to do so. Just curious if anyone else has tried them or has any thoughts.