□
Headphones for $500-$1000
Skip to content

Headphones for $500-$1000

View Description
sendy audio aiva 2 headphone back view close up

Audiophile headphones in the $500–$1000 range strike a balance between high-end performance and accessibility. In this price tier, you'll find a significant leap in sound quality, build, and technical refinement over entry-level gear. Headphones in this price range will feature planar magnetic or dynamic drivers with improved resolution, wider soundstage, and more refined tuning. Whether you're chasing reference-grade neutrality, lush musicality, or detail-revealing precision, midrange headphones deliver true enthusiast-grade sound without the flagship prices.

Browse our collection of $500-$1000 headphones from Dan Clark Audio, HIFIMAN, Noble Audio, and Sendy Audio and find the perfect cans for you listening needs. Buy yours online today.

Are expensive headphones worth it?

Expensive headphones can absolutely be worth it - but it all depends on your priorities, use case, and expectations.

Expect higher-end models to deliver superior sound quality. These headphones pack advanced driver technologies like planar magnetic or electrostatic designs that offer superior clarity, speed, and dynamic range over traditional dynamic driver headphones.

Premium headphones also use better materials, feature refined tuning, and offer long-term comfort that can elevate the overall listening experience. With that being said, headphones in the $1000 range is where diminishing returns start to apply; once you pass this price point, improvements become more subtle and subjective.

If you value audio fidelity, premium craftsmanship, or long-term durability, the investment you make on expensive headphones might just be well worth it - especially when you can squeeze the most out of them through quality sources and amplification.

sendy audio peacock headphone black right side view

Closed-Back Headphones Under $1000

Dan Clark Audio Noire X Headphone

dan clark audio noire x headphone quarter view

Price: $999.00

Enjoy open-back sound in a portable and sleek package with the DCA Noire X Headphone

The Dan Clark Audio Noire X takes the closed-back formula and pushes it into open-back territory. With a sleek, all-black look, comfortable design, compact portability, and impressive sound, the Noire X is one of the most refined mid-tier headphones you can get in the under $1,000 price range.

At the heart of the Noire X is an updated AEON V-planar planar magnetic drivers paired with Dan Clark’s AMTS (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System) - a technology previously reserved for their flagships. This combo eliminates harsh resonances, delivering airy, fatigue-free treble while keeping vocals and instruments sounding smooth and full of body. The bass is punchy yet tight, extending deep without sounding boomy, giving electronic beats weight, jazz double-bass texture, and cinematic scores that immersive low-end rumble.

Even more impressive is the sound presentation: for a closed-back headphone, the Noire X's soundstage is surprisingly wide, with precise imaging that places instruments and voices in three-dimensional space. This combination of musicality and immersion makes the DCA Noire X a versatile headphone for listening to a wide variety of genres, like intimate acoustic tracks or complex orchestral recordings.

Build and comfort are equally outstanding with the Noire X. The self-adjusting suspension headband distributes weight evenly for a comfortable feel, while the plush Alcantara suede pads stay breathable and plush over long sessions. At just 385g, the Noire X is light on the head but solid in hand, and the folding design with included case makes it travel-ready.

The Noire X is Dan Clark Audio’s most balanced offering in the mid-tier headphone market. It combines technical finesse with all-day comfort, so you can enjoy lasting comfort during both critical listening and casual music enjoyment. If you want a closed-back that sounds open and immersive, this one should be on your shortlist.

dan clark audio noire x headphone side ear cup
Pros
  • Flagship-level AMTS tech trickled down under $1K
  • Wide, open-back-like soundstage for a closed design
  • Punchy, controlled bass with smooth, non-fatiguing treble
  • Lightweight build with plush Alcantara pads for all-day comfort
  • Foldable, durable design with travel case included
Cons
  • Glossy Gorilla Glass finish easily shows fingerprints and smudges
  • Needs proper amplification to reach full potential
  • Clamp force may feel snug on larger heads

Open-Back Headphones Under $1000

HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Headphone

hifiman arya stleath headphone quarter view

Price: $759.00

Experience deep bass, rich mids, and fatigue-free treble with the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth

The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth is one of the most impressive open-back headphones in the $500-$1000 headphone range. With its clear and accurate sound, solid build, and comfortable fit, the Arya Stealth lets you enjoy studio-quality sound comfortably at home or in the studio.

The Arya Stealth's design is unmistakably HIFIMAN, featuring the signature oversized, window-shade grilles and angled oval cups in a sleek, all-black aesthetic for a premium look. A lightweight suspension headband uniformly distributes weight across your head for lasting comfort, while the plush earpads provide a soft and secure fit for extended listening sessions.

Under the hood, the Arya Stealth features a Nanometer-thick diaphragm paired with HIFIMAN's Stealth Magnet technology for enhanced clarity, detail, and accuracy. The Stealth Magnet system minimizes diffraction and distortion, allowing the planar drivers to breathe freely for a clearer, more accurate sound in your favorite genres.

Tuning-wise, the Arya Stealth leans toward a more analytical and accurate sound signature, allowing you to experience your music as intended by the artist. Bass is articulate and textured, capable of reaching deep into the sub-bass for a weighty and impactful sound in cinematic scores and bass-heavy genres. The mids are rich and natural, pulling vocals and instruments into the spotlight with satisfying warmth and presence. Treble is well-extended, offering sparkle and air while being detailed and smooth enough to avoid harshness. What really sets the Arya Stealth apart is its soundstage: wide, immersive, and natural, with imaging that makes you feel like you're listening to speakers in a treated room.

The Arya Stealth captures everything great about planar magnetic headphones: effortless detail, wide-open presentation, and a tonal balance that sounds revealing and musical. It is the perfect headphone for audiophiles who want an accurate yet enjoyable listening experience. 

hifiman arya stealth headphone top quarter view
Pros
  • Expansive soundstage with precise imaging
  • Stealth Magnet tech reduces distortion for cleaner, more detailed sound
  • Balanced tuning with deep bass, rich mids, and airy treble
  • Lightweight suspension headband for long-term comfort
  • Scales beautifully with better amps and DACs
Cons
  • Open-back design leaks sound
  • Treble can feel bright or fatiguing for sensitive listeners
  • Bulky earcups may feel big on smaller heads

Wireless Headphones Between $500-$1000

Noble Audio FoKus Apollo Headphone

noble audio fokus apollo quarter view

Price: $649.00

Hear your music clearly no matter where you are with the Noble Audio FoKus Apollo

The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo pushes the boundaries of wireless headphones, combining audiophile-grade sound quality with cutting-edge wireless features for all-day music enjoyment anywhere you go.

Under the hood, the Noble Audio FoKus Apollo boasts a unique driver setup: A large 40mm dynamic driver paired with a 14.5mm planar driver. Together, these drivers give you the low-end punch of a dynamic driver and the speed and detail of a planar driver, making everything from electronic to acoustic sound more refined and engaging.

Bass that hits with authority and texture, mids that reproduce vocals with warmth and body, and treble that extends smoothly without harshness. The Apollo's tuning is V-shaped done right: energetic and lively without harshness, giving electronic tracks punch, rock guitars bite, and orchestral strings a natural shimmer.

The Noble Apollo is a premium headphone inside and out. Its aluminum ear cups are lightweight yet solid, offering a combination of durability and style that will turn heads wherever you go. The headband features premium Alcantara material for a premium look and feel, while the plush leather ear cups deliver a combination of comfort and durability for fatigue-free music listening.

The Noble Apollo is packed with advanced wireless features so you can enjoy a zero-compromise sound experience. Bluetooth 5.3 with support for LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, and multipoint pairing delivers stunning sound quality you can enjoy with your friends. Active Noise Cancelling cuts out background noise, so you can hear the music even in busy environments. A removable boom mic offers crisp voice quality for gaming or calls, while the 80-hour battery life ensures you can listen all day without interruptions.

The FoKus Apollo proves going wireless doesn't have to be a compromise. It blends the technical strengths of hybrid driver design with the convenience of true wireless features, making it a go-to choice for listeners who want both mobility and musicality. 

noble audio fokus apollo front view
Pros
  • Stunning sound quality for a wireless headphone.
  • Dynamic Driver + Planar Driver Hybrid.
  • Excellent Active Noise Cancelling features.
  • Incredible battery life.
  • Feature-packed app with a 10-band EQ.
  • Wired/wireless mode.
  • Detachable boom mic.
  • Solid carrying case.
Cons
  • Might have too much bass for some.
  • Thin headband can lead to hot spots and discomfort.
  • Expensive.

Bassy Headphones Under $1000

Fostex TH610 Headphone

fostex th610 headphone side angled view with cables

Price: $699.00

Discover new details in your favorite playlists with the Fostex TH610 Headphone

The Fostex TH610 blends craftsmanship and sound to make every listening session exciting and engaging. With its powerful dynamic driver and premium walnut ear cups, the TH610 lets you experience next-level musical impact in style.

The first thing that stands out with the TH610 is those exquisite matte black walnut earcups, which give it a natural feel that extends beyond aesthetics. Under those handcrafted ear cups are Fostex’s Bio-Dyna drivers and a 1-Tesla magnetic circuit that pushes sound with both power and finesse. You immediately notice a sound presentation that’s rich and detailed, offering enough clarity to reveal detail without sounding too clinical or boring.

Bass is deep yet controlled, giving punch to electronic beats or kick drums without muddying the mix. The midrange comes through clean and transparent, lending vocals a natural presence, while instruments feel well-separated and easy to pinpoint in the mix. Treble has sparkle and air that makes cymbals and strings sound exciting. For a closed-back headphone, the soundstage of the Fostex TH610 is impressive, offering an open, immersive sound to avoid that boxed-in feel typical of most closed-back headphones.

Comfort is excellent on the TH610. The soft leatherette pads and a manageable weight of just around 375g make the TH610 comfortable to wear for longer sessions. The detachable pure-copper cable with rhodium-plated plugs not only feels premium but also allows for balanced upgrades, giving you room to refine the sound further through more powerful sources.

The TH610 gives you enough detail to satisfy critical listening, while its natural tuning keeps music engaging and enjoyable. For those who want a closed-back headphone under $1000 that blends craftsmanship, clarity, and musical charm, the TH610 is a solid choice.

fostex th610 headphone tilted with cables
Pros
  • Deep-reaching bass with excellent punch.
  • Smooth treble performance.
  • Vocals and instruments sound natural and detailed.
  • Lightweight and comfortable.
  • Great price to performance value.
Cons
  • Thin headband might feel uncomfortable during extended wear.

$500-$1000 Planar Magnetic Headphones

Sendy Audio Aiva 2 Headphone

sendy audio aiva 2 headphone side earcup angled view

Price: $599.00

Premium styling with a clear and detailed sound signature - Sendy Audio Aiva 2 Headphone

The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 takes the stunning aesthetic charm of the original Aiva and refines it into a more polished, detail-oriented headphone. With handcrafted zebrawood cups, upgraded planar driver tech, and a tuning that emphasizes openness and clarity, the Aiva 2 is built for audiophiles who want both sonic precision and visual elegance.

At its core, the Sendy Aiva 2 houses a 97 × 76 mm planar magnetic driver with a 1-micron composite diaphragm and a dual-nepheline magnetic structure. This design improves response and reduces distortion, ensuring instruments remain crisp and well-defined even during complex passages.

The Aiva 2's sound signature leans towards neutral-bright with an engaging character. Bass is tight and textured, mids are natural and present, and treble is extended with an airy sparkle that brings out fine details in your favorite tunes. The soundstage is wide and spacious, lending a sense of openness that works particularly well with live recordings, acoustic sessions, and orchestral tracks. Its treble-centric sound offers an impressive level of detail retrieval for those who enjoy a more accurate and analytical sound.

Build quality is where Sendy Audio makes a strong statement with the Aiva 2. Crafted with real zebrawood earcups, steel yokes, and a suede suspension headband for both durability and comfort, the Aiva 2 delivers a combination of comfort and durability you can enjoy for a long time. Plush hybrid protein leather ear pads with a soft velvet surface strike a balance between long-session comfort and breathability.

At 420g, the Aiva 2 can feel slightly hefty on the head, but the suspension system helps distribute weight evenly, making it impressively comfortable for extended listening. The package is equally premium, including a high-quality 6N OCC Litz balanced cable, multiple adapters, and a stylish hard case.

For those seeking a headphone that blends refined aesthetics with a highly detailed, open sound, the Sendy Audio Aiva 2 is an excellent contender. It’s a headphone that doesn’t just play music - it invites you to sit down and uncover every layer in your favorite tracks.

sendy audio aiva 2 headphone accessories
Pros
  • Superb detail retrieval with a highly resolving planar magnetic driver
  • Wide, airy soundstage delivers an immersive listening experience
  • Natural mids offer like-life vocals and instruments presentation
  • Premium build with real zebrawood, suede, and steel accents
  • Comes with a quality balanced cable, adapters, and carrying case
Cons
  • Bass lacks slam compared to dynamic driver headphones
  • Analytical tuning may feel too clinical for casual listening
  • Requires good source and amplification to perform at its best

Let customers speak for us

from 96 reviews
Great hifisoundgear experience?

Great experience from my first purchase here. Even received a personalized video from the owner for my purchase. Customer service above and beyond in all facets! Thanks so much for a fabulous customer experience!

Mark M.
hifisoundgear
Noble fokus Rex 5

Amazing customer service. Adam went into great detail with his experience on these IEMs. Would definitely go to him again!

Jason S.
Noble Audio FoKus Rex5
Noble Audio FoKus Rex5
Great place to fill your audio needs.

Good communication throughout the process with fast shipping.

Chet
hifisoundgear
My new favorite audio store - everything I missed in a local store

It's such a pleasure doing business with Adam and Lauren that I am honestly looking for an excuse to buy more equipment there. I don't really have a good personal audio store anywhere around; and while I am not exactly morally opposed to Amazon or whatever, it's so much nicer dealing with real people and a small business. I cannot even imagine what else I could ask for.

Scott G.
hifisoundgear
Every Step of the Way

Great work, to communicate every step along the way. Very personal touch. I will visit the office one day to personally thank them. I love the website. I love the product. I love the state where they are located. Awesome awesome awesome!

LaciMae S.M.
hifisoundgear
Great purchase

Everything went really smoothly and I'm enjoying the headset I purchased. It shipped quickly and arrived well packaged. I had a question about my purchase and received a quick response from the seller. I would buy from HiFiSoundGear again.

Blake Y.
VZR Audio Model One Headphone
VZR Audio Model One Headphone
Unexpected surprise!!

Unexpected as in very pleasantly surprised at the sound quality coming out of these :)

I took my Mega5-EST and hooked em up wirelessly and don't miss the wire sound AT ALL!! IMO the wireless sound was 98% of the wired sound without the PIA of the wire. Unless you have some amazing source gear, which thanks to Adam at hifisoundgear I do, you would be hard pressed to hear a massive difference. Especially with a phone as your source.

I did A/B noble Fokus Prestige vs Go pod w Mega 5 and gotta say l, there is more balanced sound with the Go pod chain then the Prestige on its own. To be fair the Mega 5 punches WAY above its price... so the 2 are a match made in heaven.

I find the connection very stable as well. I've used my iPhone AAC/SBC as well as with FiiO BT11 to get other than Apple codecs and was pleasantly surprised as well.

The ear hooks are very comfortable. Actually prefer them to the wire hanging over my ear with a tie behind my neck. For some reason that's hard to get used to and pulls as I wear loose shirts. The hooks stay in as I like to move around a bit. Also the weight is better distributed than other wireless IEMs as the components are in the hooks. The prestige, unless I have foam tips, which I'm not a fan of, will pop out of my ears when I move around. These stay stable and I do not have to re-seat the IEMs to get that great bass nearly as often with other wireless IEMs.

Battery level has been all day 10 hrs so far with intermittent breaks and still have 28% left.

The case also is deep enough to fit the Mega w hooks as it charges which is very convenient. Some IEMs may be too big but they fit with a tad bit of room to spare.

Of course having the flexibility to swap out your favorite IEMs as needed is awesome!!

5 stars for the Go pod and more importantly 5 stars to Adam and his team for such amazingly awesome customer service!! You guys ROCK!! Thanks :)

Matt
iFi Audio GO pod Wearable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
iFi Audio GO pod Wearable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
Don't believe everything you "hear"

The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 is an absolute masterpiece in the world of portable amps. It delivers an audio experience that redefines what’s possible in a compact, travel-friendly device.

To all the "haters" out there who mention that the 5180mw output is an overstatement and the "balanced" is not a true balanced output... I say whatever... it drives anything I throw at it with aplomb! FostexTH900mk2, ZMF Caldera Open and Closed, ANY IEM my friends and I have tried ...too many to list. If you need more power than this portable titan.... well you may have hearing loss. And it drives all I mentioned without using "beast mode" (they refer to it as Nitro (1 of 3 settings)). If anything, it could use a lower gain option / IEM match for some sensitive IEMs.

The implementation of BT 5.4 (supports all codecs) is a welcomed addition for quality, but in general, the distance it can be from the source is very small for consistency. That is not a Diablo issue, but a BT5.4 issue IMO.

As for the sound quality...simply unparalleled. I have compared this to desktop headphone amps in the same price range and I would put it toe to toe with them. It even ran close to my buddy's Burson Soloist 3x!!! and the Diablo 2 is portable :)

I run it using A&K SP3000T and it oozes warmth and richness in the lows and highs WITHOUT covering/smoothing anything up in the mids, which is my jam.

It is on the heavier side and will still fit in a pocket... barely. built like a brick. At the limit of what I would like to carry but totally worth it! I get about 6 hours of the 8 rated battery with constant listening, no Bluetooth on, hard wired, IEMs / Caldera tested on the battery life.

In conclusion, the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s the ultimate portable amp for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality, power, or versatility. If you’re serious about your audio and want the best experience on the go, the Diablo 2 is the perfect choice.

Shout out to Adam, a massive THANK YOU!!! for your absolutely OVER THE TOP customer service and shopping experience :) :) Seriously, your dedication and attention to detail have been nothing short of exceptional.

M.A.
iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp
iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp
Best service

With all the online ordering over the years, HifiSoundGear provides the best service I have encountered. It was as though they were good friends. They responded so nicely to all my questions about the product and shipment. As it works out, while I liked the IEM's, I concluded they were not sufficiently different from the ones i had been using. Again, for the process of returning and getting a refund, they could not have been nicer. Buying from them was a first rate experience.

M.D.
THIEAUDIO Prestige LTD IEM
THIEAUDIO Prestige LTD IEM
Excellent Service!

Recently had a great experience with Adam and Laura. I requested a price match for the FiR KR5 and it was such a painless process. Adam and Laura’s communication is top notch! Adam even sent me a personal thank you video. In my experience, this level of service is hard to come by these days. I highly recommend going through HifiSoundgear for your audio needs….I know I will be going forward! Thanks Adam and Laura!

Ryan N.
hifisoundgear
Absolutely breathtaking customer service!

The quality of service, level of help provided, and overall customer satisfaction is beyond anything I have experienced. I cannot say enough good things about the people who belong to this company!

As for the U4S, these are my first foray into 64 Audio but I am SO thankful that I got to experience them! My goodness the soundstage, bass response from the m15 module, and overall quality is just great!

Please, buy from these wonderful people! And if you can swing it, get a set of U4S! You will not regret it!

Only complaint is the cable. For the price, I expected better, but it works well and is just fine.

Thank you HiFi Sound Gear! I look forward to purchasing more from you in the future!

C.
64Audio U4s IEM
64Audio U4s IEM
Incredible Product And Service

These are the closest TWS gets to pure IEM listening. You get the wide soundstage. They scale quickly. They have that satisfying bass slam often missing in TWS. The layering is just right and resolution is mesmerizing. Oh yes, you get the convenience of taking them on the go and they are truly comfortable. Noble has achieved a superior status in my eyes with the FoKus Prestige. I look forward to listening to them on my walks when I don’t have to take my DAP. Adam is one of the greats in this business. His commitment to customer service is exceptional. You aren’t a customer, but a client. He helped me after losing my first pair and just went above and beyond to ensure that I was shipped a new pair in less than two days. I am completely satisfied and impressed. You will be too. Thank you and looking forward to my future purchases from your establishment.

Thomas K.
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige

What customers think about the store

HifiSoundGear offers exceptional quality products and unparalleled customer service. Their wide selection of high-end audio gear, including in-ear monitors and amplifiers, are praised for delivering outstanding sound clarity, detail, and an immersive listening...

AI-generated from customer reviews.

Experience Quality Service Sound
Free Shipping Straight to your door.
365 Day Returns Not the right fit? We’ll buy it back. Risk-free.
Old-School Service We might even make you blush.
Zero Shenanigans If we can't help you, we won't say we can.
Military/Police/Fire? We have special discounts, just for you.
Price Matching Found a better price? We’ll beat it by 5%.
Secure Checkout We'll make sure your info is safe.
Authorized Dealer Genuine gear, warranties included.