Best High-End Headphones Under $750: Expert Upgrade Guide

I am writing this to consult with my fellow audiophiles. As summer approaches and the headphone market shifts, I am looking to make a modest upgrade to my current setup. Having explored various budget-friendly options, I have decided to keep my Sennheiser HD600 as a reference piece and am now looking for a definitive, high-performance all-rounder.

※ My current listening environment is a desk-fi setup using the SMSL DO400 desktop DAC/AMP.

My Headphone Journey

To provide some context, here is a summary of the headphones I have used:

• Sennheiser HD600 (Owned): Not the absolute best by modern standards, but a meaningful reference. I plan to keep it for its historical value.
• AKG K702 (Sold): The sound signature felt too thin and lacked the power I enjoy.
• Philips SHP9500 (Sold): Too neutral and plain; lacked engagement.
• Philips X2HR (Sold): Great sound texture, but disappointing in terms of resolution.
• Audio-Technica M50xBT (Sold): Lacked a refined, clean sound even in wired mode.
• Hifiman HE400se Stealth Magnet (Sold): Replaced immediately after acquiring the Edition XS.
• Hifiman Edition XS (Owned): Satisfied with the planar-magnetic openness and resolution, but I am looking for a significant tier jump.
• Hifiman HE-R10D (Sold): Too much bass, but it was muddy and diffuse rather than tight.
• Shure SRH840A (Sold): Good, but outperformed by the dynamic punch of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X.
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X (Owned): Currently enjoying its satisfying, punchy dynamic signature.
• Kiwi Ears Serenade (Planned for sale): Disappointed by the stuffy sound and the smeared bass response.
• FiiO JT7 (Sold): A great device, but it couldn’t surpass the soundstage of the Edition XS.

Preferred Sound Signature

I have more experience with IEMs than headphones, and my favorites are the Unique Melody MEST MKII and the AKG N5005 (with high boost). I love the overwhelming resolution of the MEST MKII and the “stone-hard” bass punch of the N5005. I prefer airy, sparkling treble and avoid gear with bloated bass or thin, recessed mids that lack authority.

Models Discarded from Consideration

In my research, I have excluded the following models as they do not align with my preferences:

• Aune SR7000 / Fosi i5: Their overall sound profile is too polite and laid-back; I doubt they can deliver the impact I crave from the N5005.
• Audeze MM100: Too clinical and dry; I fear it would lack the emotional engagement I want.
• Audeze LCD-2C: I don’t think its dark, heavy tone fits my preference for bright, detailed treble, and the weight is a concern for long listening sessions.

Final Three Contenders

I am looking for a device that offers a clear, audible upgrade over the Edition XS for under $750 (used market).

1. Focal Radiance

• I expect the tight, punchy bass similar to the N5005. My only concern is the potential “closed-back stuffiness.”

2. Hifiman Ananda Unveiled

• As an upgrade to the Edition XS, I expect a similar open-air feel. However, I am hesitant due to the open-grille design, which raises concerns about dust and maintenance.

3. FiiO FT7

• I love the carbon-black design and the integration of modern tech. However, I am not convinced it can provide the physical, tactile impact of a Focal.

I am looking for recommendations for high-end headphones (under $750 on the used market) that clearly outperform my Edition XS—offering crisp, piercing treble, tight bass (even if it’s lower in quantity), and superior resolution. If you have any suggestions—either within my list or entirely new—please let me know your reasoning. I’m all ears!