Short answer: the ThieAudio Cypher. It ranks #201 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $429. The Monoprice M1060 ranks #229, rated 3.6/5, at $392.98, $36.02 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the ThieAudio Cypher: An open-back over-ear headphone with a 50mm dynamic driver and treble right on the Harman target, scoring 75. Watch for: Bass sits about 2.1 dB below target, so it sounds lean.
The case for the Monoprice M1060: Measured response gives it a solid Harman preference score of 72 with a 3.02 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 1.2 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. Watch for: A 5.6 dB peak near 4.4 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound sharp.
Buy the ThieAudio Cypher. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $36.02 you would save on the Monoprice M1060 does not close the gap.
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An open-back over-ear headphone with a 50mm dynamic driver and treble right on the Harman target, scoring 75.
Amazon $429.00 eBay
Measured response gives it a solid Harman preference score of 72 with a 3.02 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 1.2 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
Amazon $392.98 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ThieAudio Cypher | Monoprice M1060 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $429.00 | $392.98 |
| Ranked | #201 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #229 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Harman Preference Score | 75 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 72 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.59 dB standard deviation | 3.02 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.28 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Frequency Response | - | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| Weight | - | 1.1 lbs (500g) |
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