HIFIMAN - Arya Unveiled

Arya's are a improved version of the edition XS, better and smoother high's and less sibilant, similar tuning.

There is no best, it's subjective. Though I would generally prefer open-backs over closed backs, especially when you're just using them in your chair and not a noisy environment. "Audiophile grade" is also not a clearly defined term. There are a lot of good options available for under 1000$, I would recommend ordering a few different pairs and comparing them. Like, as far as open-backs are concerned, get a Hifiman Arya, Sennheiser HD 6XX and maybe a Beyerdynamic DT1990 (note that there's two versions, you can get some great deals on the older MK1 but it has a very spicy treble). If you really need/want something closed, your options will be more limited, you could try a Senny HD620 and Beyer DT1770. Personally, I think the AKG K702 (open) for 180 USD is an incredible deal, but some don't like the mid-heavy sound. And there's no doubt there are better headphones to be had for three or four times the price, but they won't really sound three of four times better, and whether it's worth it spending so much is up to you.

i did. i use hifiman arya and an el2 amp. way more expensive but you only live once so yolo.

My DT990s blew my mind when I first got them. The soundstage is incredible. I then picked up some Aryas that are even better again, proper endgame.

You got lucky then, I liked the Ananda Nano a good bit but just couldn't get a proper seal with them. The headband design of the Arya just is a lot better in that regard, if you want to stay within the Hifiman family :)

Fun can w too much bass and treble for me.  HEK Stealth and Arya U both better as is a refurbed or used HE-6 SE or SE 2.

If you’re willing to EQ for impact the Arya is a good bet. Clear MG probably better tuning for you out of the box. Bit of a left field suggestion but check out the ZMF Bokeh Closed. Seems to fit your criteria. Not sure about shipping/pricing to the EU though.

Get an Ananda or Arya. Hifiman is tops in price for performance in that range. You may need to deal with their customer service (although I never have). And go for the older models, which have steeper discounts.

109 Pro's have really poor sound quality for the price. They sound muffled and the treble is boosted to hide that a bit. Literally an HE400se is more "technical". Love the design as well, but for sound quality a poor choice. I also prefer the Anandas to Aryas since the bass is better and timbre is a bit better.

Agree, I'm quite sure I will never get to even hear the best over the ear cans available let alone afford them. A friend brought over his HD800S (they were great), I own HD 700's ,Arya's and XS editions. I'll be 70 in three weeks so they will probably have to do..