Are the Sony MDR-R10 headphones the world's best headphones?

I've heard most of the world's best headphones, but somehow missed the Sony MDR-R10. Only 2,000 were made. Production started in 1989, and at $2,500 a pair, it was the most expensive headphone in the world. read more

Sony MDR-R10 headphones, with a Red Wine Audio amplifier. Steve Guttenberg/CNET I've heard most of the world's best headphones, but somehow missed the Sony MDR-R10. Only 2,000 were made. Production started in 1989, and at $2,500 a pair, it was the most expensive headphone in the world. read more

It is pretty safe to presume though that there are headphones that can still be had that have surpassed the Sony MDR R10, like the Sennheiser HD800 and Orpheus, Stax SR-009, Audeze LCD3, HiFiMan HE-6. read more

The Sony MDR-R10 is voiced a lot like a high-end speaker and is designed for the long haul. These are headphones you develop a relationship with, a bond, and a trust. I think Vertigo-1 was so nervous about my initial reaction because the R10s are not a showy, splashy whizz-bang product in the traditional sense. read more