High-End Audio Buyer's Guide: Headphones Over $1000

Stax SR-009

$5250

Let’s not mince words: At this point in time, the Stax SR-009 electrostatic “earspeaker” is simple the best headphone money can buy. Specifically, the SR-009 offers almost perfectly neutral tonal balance, terrific extension at both ends of the audio spectrum, vigorous dynamics, and almost shocking levels of resolution, transient speed, and transparency. In all seriousness, this headphone can stand tall in comparison with any (and we do mean any) high-end loudspeaker, which is pretty amazing when you consider the huge price differentials involved. staxusa.com