With a budget of $1000, you should be able to get something very good. The only problem is that there are so many choices, it can be overwhelming. I can give you 2 pretty good options. First, is The Cable Company. If you don't already know who they are, Cable Co's speciality is that they have a huge inventory of demo components to lend out. You can have them send you 3 or 4 pairs of headphones and amps to match, and you can try them all at once. They will give you good advice based on your needs, and not what they have in stock that needs to get moved. I've been doing business with them since the early 90's, and are one of the most reputable businesses I've ever dealt with. If you pick something that they don't have in stock, they'll let you keep the demo gear until it comes in. If you can't already tell, this would be my first choice.
You can also try Headroom. Web site is headphone.com. If anything, its a great resource. They have a huge inventory and a lot of user reviews from customers on their web site. I don't know them well enough to take advice from them, but they do have an excellent reputation and you can learn a lot on their web site.
If you already know what you want, you can try musicdirect.com. They're mostly known as an online company, but they are in Chicago and you can actually go there if you live locally. They're not a bad place to do business with, but they are a very high pressure sales oriented business. They try and sell you want they want you to buy.
With headphones, I like to try them first because the fit has to be right. So even if you read some good reviews, the ergonomics play a big part in the decision.
You can also try Headroom. Web site is headphone.com. If anything, its a great resource. They have a huge inventory and a lot of user reviews from customers on their web site. I don't know them well enough to take advice from them, but they do have an excellent reputation and you can learn a lot on their web site.
If you already know what you want, you can try musicdirect.com. They're mostly known as an online company, but they are in Chicago and you can actually go there if you live locally. They're not a bad place to do business with, but they are a very high pressure sales oriented business. They try and sell you want they want you to buy.
With headphones, I like to try them first because the fit has to be right. So even if you read some good reviews, the ergonomics play a big part in the decision.