If you want serious audio, quality build, a fine finish and can stomach the $995 price tag, inside Grado's GS1000e is where you want to be parking your ears. What does a nearly four-figure sticker price get you? Excellent audio dynamics, smooth high ends and authentic bass. Heck, with these, you can probably just about make out the sound of wind brushing against the guitarist's stubble.

Price: $995