Top 3 Headphones

@yyzsantabarbara

That’s true. Those 3 headphones will definitely reveal flaws in music. To such an extent that poor quality source material (.mp3s, running it from from a smartphone would be unsatisfactory, or just plain terrible). However, when paired right, there is tons of detail, neutrality, air, midrange clarity, treble extension, and accurate bass response that can help decipher unique styles of bass/bass lines with ease.

Vlad Savov wrote a review about the SE-Master 1, stating they have no chill. And he’s not wrong. They are just incredibly revealing of poor quality source material.

"With the Master1s, I find myself wanting to turn the music up to enjoy a richer, bassier sound, but when I do it, I get assaulted by the overzealous treble. The most annoying thing about listening to them, though, is that it’s not always terrible. These headphones are clean of distortion and provide a stalactite-sharp recreation of my music. I think they’re technically wonderful, but their tuning is just plain evil. They’ll give me a few minutes of cool tunes, and then just as I’m relaxing, they’ll drop a spike of harsh vocals on my head, with the singer seemingly screaming at me for trusting them." 

Tim Vine-Lott did an excellent job in terms of the tuning. So much so, that I emailed him to give thanks!

I have not yet auditioned that headphone. With some DSP, the Focal Utopia 2020 (have not heard the 2022 version yet) can sound like speakers too. But for that kind of "sound-like-a-speaker" experience with headphones, you are going to want open-backed headphones and a quiet listening environment.

To the OP, @bound4h ,

You may want to try the Meters Novu-1. They are my go-to headphone for just enjoying music. Somewhat warm, detailed, fairly accurate, and they sound good with almost any source.

Just know what I like and I rarely use headphones. 
Focal Elear open back. 
 

@mastering92 If you are adventurous, you should consider having Mitch Barnett of AccurateSound.ca create a convolution filter for your headphones. You would have to send it to him if he does not already have it. He is a DSP star and is now well known for the convolution filters for the RAAL SR1a. I have them but do not use them since I have the SR1a dialed in perfectly using gear.

Convolution filters are easy to use if you use ROON or JRiver for streaming.

@yyzsantabarbara 

I don't use those filters, but I know what you mean. 

I use Jriver 27 for listening to music with my DAC.

adaptive volume, effects, headphones -> crossfeed, and room correction can be used to create a pseudo-live impression for headphones that lack imaging abilities. Otherwise, I don't use any filters...unless it's EQ for headphones that I beleive require it.

Output is 32 bit 44.1 KHz redbook, jriver bit-exact dithering, play as HDCD if possible checkmarked, input plugin - CDA --> CD read speed 4x, with jitter correction checked.

Lastly, I use Kernel Streaming [direct connection] mode (i2s) interface as the protocol since it's the lowest layer in Windows for audio -->basically like attaching a short coaxial cable between the computer and DAC, since USB audio can handle the redbook audio I listen to with ease.

I would like to add that simply changing the protocol, or any setting on jriver (dithering) for example, will change the sonic presentation to an extent. I have found my above settings to be audibly transparent and suitable for detailed listening sessions.

My three top headphones are:  RAAL SR-1b with transformer interface, the Kennerton Rognir Planar, and JM Audio Editions XTC-Closed.  I have heard (actually not heard) the RAAL CA-1a which are ribbon drivers with earcups and have their proponents of music with foundation, i.e. bass.  I am sure there are others out there but these three are the best I have heard.