this post was submitted on 27 Nov 2023
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Headphones

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I really like aesthetic and unique headphones. And I enjoy collecting them. Do you all know of any unique looking ones? I like the look of standard headphones, sure. But I would like to see some that would stick out in a collection. Thank you!

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[–] Bingturong@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Oh boy, as a collector there are quite a few. Most are vintage or out of production though.

Also depending on price range too cause you got the Precise Ergo AMT, based on the absolutely whacky Jecklin Float (the whole jeckline float design is insane with the PMB floats being the best looking) uses an air motion transformer driver but costs around 800 euros if I remember correctly?

Then there's the TakeT headphones, also AMT with a design that can best be described as mad.

For something cheaper, try find a JVC HA-SW01, has a unique wood cone driver and an absolutely amazing construction, or the audio-technica ath-dsr series which actually uses a digital signal to the transducers. There's also the variety of limited editions, audio-technica is famous for it.

The more weirder tech like RAAL and the Sineaptic, both of which are ribbons, or just any electrostatic for that matter.

Of course there's the boutique and DIY headphones, ZMF, Darth Beyers, a pair of Darth Boobies will surely stand out.

Honestly the list is endless. There's unique and interesting stuff from all eras.

[–] fourthdawg@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (3 children)

How about Sony MDR-XB700? It has a ridiculously large earpads, and supposedly having a really deep bass as well.

[–] Luris_Glaz@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

They look ridiculous. I’m buying a pair.

[–] PolarBearSequence@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Those are lovely. Just so much bass... but pretty good bass, extends really well. The rest of the frequency response is pretty bad, but nobody would buy them for that anyways. Definitely make me smile every time I use them.

[–] 717x@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Take a look at the XB1000s lol. I had a pair when they came out. They’re ridiculous in the best way possible

Hifiman HE-R9 definitely looks interesting or Sony MDR R10 Beyer DT150 I would argue that Grados still considered unique AKG K 1000 Dysone Zone Human headphones

[–] amynias@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

The Audio Technica ATH-R70X are very unique looking for sure, with their winged headband, notched top band, and hexagonal cut grilles.

[–] Hercule-Porotta@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Yamaha YH-5000SE looks super cool. As already mentioned Raal, HEDD phone, ZMFs but all of these are expensive.

Ones I wanna own for looks is Fostex T60RP, and Grado RS1x.

[–] ColtC7@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

AKG K340, which use both Electret and Dynamic drivers

[–] Wisp1971@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

AKG K1000 and its spiritual successors like the MySphere

[–] theGlassAlice2401@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Skullcandy Aviator, looks cool as hell. Discontinued tho.

[–] PsychwardSlippers@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I have these. They actually sound quite good for the price that they launched at. The tuning isn't like other skullcandy headphones.

[–] theGlassAlice2401@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

I really miss the old skullcandy designs. Sounds might not be hi-fi, but they sure were fashionable.

[–] satoshigeki94@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

ATH AD2000 the OG is one hell of a weird addiction. They bend the shit outta your sound taste

[–] Ophanil@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

The Oriolus Isabellae. I wanted to like these but their lack of detail and resolution didn't justify the cost, even though the midrange is great.

[–] sac666@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Audioquest Nighthawk : Very comfortable, good looking, with a weird mid bass bump and an uneven treble response, however not too bad to listen

[–] Flash-ben@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

The right version of theSennheiser HD580 Precision. It comes with plastic cups, but the pattern is cool and some versions sounds way more pleasant than both the hd600 and hd650

[–] TheSingularity42@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Gotta be the jecklin floats. I'm a big fan of the 80's ish high end headphone design though so stuff like the B&O U70 I think is really cool.

[–] jettsd@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Stax sigma pros

[–] AntOk463@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

DCA AEON Noire. Crazy earcup shape, crazy headband design, carbon fiber plate in the earcup. It definitely stands out.

[–] 1arghavan@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Buy a collection of ZMF Headphones with stabilized wood. Job done!

[–] gikigill@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sony MDR-F1, PFR-V1, Grado Bushmill, BW P9, iSine IEMs, Stax SR002, Aurorus Borealis.

[–] MindlessCubing@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

STAX SR-003 and the MK2 as well; SR-002 is basically the same IEM, lol

[–] Embarrassed_Angle_59@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Verum 1 is what I think is pretty amazing. Basically handmade by a guy in a war zone and the reviews say they are amazing. I guess the lead guy has made some pretty controversial comments in the past. Currently hand making anything in an Eastern Ukrainian city has got to be hard.

[–] MindlessCubing@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

He cleared that all up. Iirc, it was partially misunderstanding. Outside of that, the things he did say that were controversial, he apologized for, stating that he wasn't very familiar with internet culture, and didn't know he would upset others.

iirc he has the info in the FAQ section on his site.

[–] eckru@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Outside of that, the things he did say that were controversial, he apologized for, stating that he wasn't very familiar with internet culture, and didn't know he would upset others.

He didn't know that he would upset people by being a racist twat, sending death threats to a reviewer or being a terrible human being overall?

Even better. That makes me like them more. Mi e should be here in a few days. Currently in NY and on the way

[–] RPrabhA@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Surprised there aren't any mentions of Meze yet. The 109 pro both looks and sounds great

[–] Zapador@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

DCA Stealth and Expanse. New but quite unique.

[–] MindlessCubing@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

When I think of a very unique headphone, my first thought goes to the STAX SR-Sigma.

They extend out more than 2 inches from the sides of your head, and the drivers fire backward (from in front of the ear). They also sound crazy. Some of the widest soundstage I've heard, but still incredibly detailed because estat.

If you're looking for measurements, these aren't what you want, but holy hell are they fun to play around with, and they're quite the conversation starter.

I think the focal range all look pretty aesthetic

[–] After-Cookie-7421@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Meze Advar aren't headphones but they are unique looking. Svanar wireless are very unique looking as well.

[–] After-Cookie-7421@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Basically all audiophile headphones are uninque looking hahaha

[–] LauriCular@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Final Piano Forte - a range of very odd IEMs which aren't designed to seal with the ears and they're made of metal. Putting them in feels like sitting on a lav with no seat, but they do very well with acoustic stuff.