AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Headphone Mania => Topic started by: VinceT on 25 Jun 2022, 01:59 pm
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Looking for some closed back options for night listening not to wake up the family.
I know they usually are not as good in the soundstage and imaging dept compared to open backs. Not a bass head, more critical listening. No budget in mind yet.
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Have you considered custom molded in ears? The 64 Audio 18S in ears are spectacular.
https://www.64audio.com
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Interesting option. I have in ears and they always seem uncomfortable. Also I know there are some good ones, bit wonder if larger HP drivers deliver more.
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Getting good impressions of your ears is really important with in ears. The fit is important for comfort but also to get a good seal so the low end sounds good. They are a good option when you need to get away from loud external noise. Over the ear headphones are usually easier to wear for longer. It all depends on the specifics that you want.
For headphones, I always loved the Beyerdynamic DT770 pro. It's a great budget option. They're really comfortable and they sound good. They generally need a little more power to drive them, but any decent headphone amp can do it.
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Try Focal Stellia headphones, I think you will change your mind about what a closed back headphone can do. It's the best closed headphones, I have heard to date. :thumb:
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The Focals are very nice, toocool4's rec is great.
However, I have one closed headphone I think is even better (based on extensive comparisons). The Meze Liric. Wow, it sort of re-defined what I thought was possible with a closed headphone. Expensive, but worth every penny:
https://mezeaudio.com/products/liric
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Tyson it's not one I have heard, so can't comment. When I have listened to Meze headphones in the past, I have never got on with the sounds signature.
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Tyson it's not one I have heard, so can't comment. When I have listened to Meze headphones in the past, I have never got on with the sounds signature.
The Liric (closed back) and the Empyrean (open back) are my 2 favorite headphones. They are both incredibly good. The other headphones that Meze makes are not great, so if you're talking about the lower end stuff like the 99 Classic or 99 Neo, I agree with you, those 2 are not great.
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Have see this inexpensive $369 new, 100dB.
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he-r9.html
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Hey!
I'm not a big headphone user and don't have lots of experience with many headphones. But I've been pretty happy with AKG 551. I bought this to use with my iPhone since it got the in-line control. But ended up using it more at home since I rarely listen to music on the go. I find it spacious open sound for a closed back headphones, easy to drive and don't have muddy bloated mid bass. I think the home version of this is the 550 and both are now been replaced by newer model 553 I think. Don't know what your budget is but these are pretty inexpensive. Not
My other headphones are Grado SR125 and '80s AKG K240. I rarely use them also. I'm sure more serious headphone users here will have more recommendations.
Buddy
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DT-770 for under $200. Sound good, extremely comfortable.
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I've been very happy with my Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro headphones. I'm using the Garage1217 Project Polaris amplifier with them and the combination is great. The Project Polaris has loading options that provides adjustability to match with your headphones. The DT 1770 Pros are very comfortable as well.
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Rethink the closed back. The reason I say that is cause closed back are to keep outside or extraneous sounds out not your headphone’s sound from others. Unless someone is next to you it shouldn’t bother them. I found through a lot of trial to favor open back vs closed. After wasting quite a bit of dinero and numerous phones ended up with ZMF and couldn’t be happier. The open back in my case provided a huge improvement and I listen all times of day without bothering anyone.
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The simplest option is close the vents of your current phone yourself.
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A number a years ago a friend and I moved in as housemates so I got some (real) headphones for domestic tranquility, Hifiman HE 400i. I was rocking out to my new toys in my bedroom and Lori interrupted from the living room asking if the volume was safe as she could easily hear what I was listening to. Open back phones absolutely transmit a great deal of sound into the environment. I also have some of what they call "semi open back" and they don't have near the leakage.
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I live in a ranch syle home and my family is very sensitive to noise when trying to sleep. I actually wear blue tooth phones when watching TV at night, so unfortunately CBHP are a must. As far as closing OBHP yourself, wouldn't that mess up the tuning and soundstage?
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As far as closing OBHP yourself, wouldn't that mess up the tuning and soundstage?
Yes the soundstage will be smaller.
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The simplest option is close the vents of your current phone yourself.
Not with my Hifiman Anandas. I was shocked when I covered the backs, it was like I was wearing earplugs, sound nearly disappeared.
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Not with my Hifiman Anandas. I was shocked when I covered the backs, it was like I was wearing earplugs, sound nearly disappeared.
Nice experiment, thanks for inform.
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Vince,
I am new here, but not new to headphones. TooCool is right, the Stellias are a new level. I don't know what Beryllium tweeters are, but invest in the stuff, cuz it makes a difference.
Unfortunately, you left out some details that might get you a better answer in general. What is your source, what is your amp? How serious are you taking your inputs into the headphones? the inner ear monitor (IEM) option is the best answer if you will be falling asleep with these in your ear, as full sized headphones make that a bit harder. What is your budget? There are some great budget choices if you are using this with an iPhone in bed, vs, gaming with these, vs attaching them to an expensive tube amp, or doing all of this.
Finally, you can do what I did, which is call the Cable Company and "borrow" headphones. They have a lending library where you can put down 5-10% (I do not remember) and try ANY phones they sell for a couple of weeks. I got 4-5 different ones until I found my pair. They then apply your rental costs to sale costs so that you are never out any money if you are serious about buying. You really cant beat that option if you just don't know.
Hope this helps.
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The Liric (closed back) and the Empyrean (open back) are my 2 favorite headphones. They are both incredibly good. The other headphones that Meze makes are not great, so if you're talking about the lower end stuff like the 99 Classic or 99 Neo, I agree with you, those 2 are not great.
This is going to come back to taste. I tried the Empyrean along side the Stellia and it was no contest Focal Steliia for me. This will be your personal experience that will give you the power to make the right choice. I come back to my original suggestion though...audition both through the Cable Company and then you do not have to listen to a single person hear (pun intended). You can listen for yourself.
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Vince,
I am new here, but not new to headphones. TooCool is right, the Stellias are a new level. I don't know what Beryllium tweeters are, but invest in the stuff, cuz it makes a difference.
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Finally, you can do what I did, which is call the Cable Company and "borrow" headphones. They have a lending library where you can put down 5-10% (I do not remember) and try ANY phones they sell for a couple of weeks. I got 4-5 different ones until I found my pair. They then apply your rental costs to sale costs so that you are never out any money if you are serious about buying. You really cant beat that option if you just don't know.
As someone who has both used The Cable Company’s lending library as well as shopping there several times, I highly recommend their services and selection.
They also have a great used cable selection through a sister company, should you ever need that.
I would also like to echo the sentiments about the Focal Stellia, as I’m fortunate enough to own a pair. That said, I’d also note that amp/headphone synergy makes a HUGE difference. My tube amp (details below) is a fantastic match with both my ZMF headphones, and as a result they do not lag far behind the Stellias in enjoyment factor, despite costing considerably less. 😁
Enjoy the music,
Egil
Headphones/IEMs:
Focal Stellia (Norne Einvaldi Reference); ZMF Eikon Bocote LTD (Norne Drausk); ZMF Auteur Wenge LTD (Norne Vygarde); Shure SRH-1540 (Moon Audio Blue Dragon); Shure SE425 (Moon Audio Black Dragon).
Signal chain:
Bluesound Node 2 (Wireworld Mini-Aurora PC) - Toslink DH Labs Glass Master -> Schiit Audio Gungnir MB (Wireworld Aurora PC) -> Harmonic Technology Truth-Links (RCA) -/single-ended/-> Woo Audio WA2 (Tung-Sol 7236 power tubes, RFT EZ81 rectifiers, Brimar CV4033 (+ adapter) input tubes, Wireworld Aurora PC.
On-the-go:
Sony NW-WM1A (with Mr. Walkman firmware enhancements).
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The headphones discussed so far are in the $1,k-$2,k range...
I am also looking for a closed back.. because I listen at night and just want something different than my 1More Quad IEM's. To date I've had ADL 128's, 118's, and Sennheiser Momentums. The best/primary is the 128. However, it's broken. 1 side has a broken hinge and my epoxy fix doesn't seem like it's going to work. I don't think ADL 'supports' product anymore... so no new parts.
Edit: The epoxy is holding (somewhat... don't move!) I was able to put them on my head and compare them to the Momentum's... nothing too scientific.. but they're a little too 'crispy' for me. Very articulate and sharp but not much 'love'. I'll let them break-in more but I'm not sure these will be long term.
So an opportunity to buy something new seemed good.
Based on what I've read the Dan Clark or Drop Aeon seems like a good fit, with planar drivers.. oooo ahhhh.
The Shure SRH1540 seems like a strong contender but maybe more of a recording 'phone.
I've heard neither... and I will likely have to buy used to find out what's going on and resell per audiophile protocol. ;)
I have a portable dac/amp called a Hidizs DH80S. I think it sounds every bit as good as a Dragonfly or something of that ilk. It has 3 output levels (L/M/H). Low is sufficient for everything I've tried but I swear it sounds a little better in 'm'edium.
The Sennheiser Momentum I have are on-ear's which have a great overall sound, albeit a bit too bass heavy. The overdone bass and the on-ear feel is uncomfortable after a while.
The ADL 118's are missing. If I knew where they were, I'd try them. I know they sound 'good' but not really special. I know they broke at one point but I was able to repair them. How long will the fix last, though? And can I find them? What a cliffhanger, eh?
In any case... I'd rather have circumaural cups and something with a tad less bass... and overall not too heavy. I've listened to Audeze and as good as they sounded, it was like wearing a cinder block on my head.. and you better not move.. or they'll fall off and break a toe.
I liked the shape of the ADL's since they were efficiently able to cover my ears.
So, on the lower end of the scale, in the 300-600 range, what else would you recommend? I have a wide tolerance for a headphone as long as it isn't too tipped-up in the mids or highs. I want relaxed and detailed... the Momentums deliver much of what I want in an uncomfortable package with bloated bass. I'd like a little more refinement and/or a soundstage of some sort, even if it's just a taste. Do I really have to spend 2,k to get there? I do not need full satisfaction in a headphone.. I have a huge dedicated system for 'complete satisfaction' (when listening to music). :)
Thank you all!
Edit...
My question is basically which one of these 2?:
Drop/Dan Aeon X (https://drop.com/buy/drop-dan-clark-audio-aeon-closed-x-headphones)
Shure 1540 (https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/headphones/srh1540)
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Sundara closed back stealth magnets:
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/sundara-closed-back.html
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Sundara closed back stealth magnets:
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/sundara-closed-back.html
An excellent suggestion. While I've always thought the Audeze line sounded slightly better than comparable HiFiman models, the weight is just intolerable. Now with a closed back design at a reasonable price, well, why would you look at anything else? 😉
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The Sundara cb looks great. I had to pull the Aeon out of my list because my amp doesn't have the current required.
One other option that keeps popping up is the Denon 5200. I'd love to hear them all. I live near Moon-Audio. I wonder if Drew would let me try before I buy?
This month has been a big bike expense month so these may turn into a Christmas present idea. :)
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What about these? Many who tried it at the Austin Schiit show bought one after trying it. It's an easy to drive headphone, light, and has solid isolation. It also doesn't require super high amplification either.
https://www.etaheadphones.com/product-page/mini-closed
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The ETA seem like a tweakers delight!
Also, they are lightweight. Major bonus in that area.
The head-fi reviews are pretty spectacular.
This may be just the ticket for me.
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I love this thread, I have been looking for a better pair of phones for the office since I listen to a lot of music but cant have any sound leakage. My Koss kph30i's punch way above their price point and look inconspicuous, but I have been looking for better. I have the open back Sundaras at home and really enjoy them through a D50 DAC and Atom amp. They are a little clinical and the bass could be more full although they have decent extension, but I miss them when im using my Koss/Dragonfly Red combo at work.
I had resigned myself to an IEM solution as that seemed to be the only option for high quality sound while not looking ridiculous at work with some big cans on my head. There are some solid options in here I had not considered so thanks all for the contributions.
I will say that when I cover the backs of my Sundaras the sound goes all to pot, and while clearly the upcoming closed version would be voiced differently, i am not sure that their magic would be the same without the open back element.
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I bought the ETA's. Right out of the box I can tell these are keepers. Very natural sound, well voiced, and comfortable. Also, pretty easy to drive.
I plan to let them play overnight and start comparing to what I have... I'm thinking my Hidzis DAC may not stay though.. I don't like the Sabre sound. I like the detail, but I want a more rounded presentation of them. I'm open to suggestions on a portable DAC.
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Finally, you can do what I did, which is call the Cable Company and "borrow" headphones. They have a lending library where you can put down 5-10% (I do not remember) and try ANY phones they sell for a couple of weeks. I got 4-5 different ones until I found my pair. They then apply your rental costs to sale costs so that you are never out any money if you are serious about buying. You really cant beat that option if you just don't know.
Hope this helps.
That is a tremendous idea, thank you
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Check back here and tell us what you decide....also let me know if the Cable Co was still as great as I remember it...
Good luck and happy listening!
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Edit...
My question is basically which one of these 2?:
Drop/Dan Aeon X (https://drop.com/buy/drop-dan-clark-audio-aeon-closed-x-headphones)
Shure 1540 (https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/headphones/srh1540)
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You made this one tough :-) I am usually a fan of the Drop stuff, so my lean is that way. The true answer obviously is listen and choose, but that won't be possible it seems. Additionally, bass response is key for me, and I do not know how to chose on that, since that is a personal thing. My rec is to look at all of the worst reviews and see what people are hating about each, and pick the one that aligns with your listening world view...
Not sure I helped here.
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Check back here and tell us what you decide....also let me know if the Cable Co was still as great as I remember it...
Good luck and happy listening!
I just bought another pair of tower speakers :icon_lol:, I have been drinking all this in for the time being until I am ready to take the plunge
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I can't believe I haven't sat down and really put these headphones through their paces and reviewed here... but I will.
I recently realized I have a nice headphone DAC in my soundroom.. (Lightroom VI) so I'm going to use that.
For portable use, the Pixel 5a (and 4a) and Samsung S9 have adequate output for these phones. With this simple setup, I'm still very pleased with the sound of the ETA's.. just natural and cohesive top to bottom. I'll add more comments when I get some 'ear time' with the big dac.
Thanks,
Carl
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Yet another close back HifiMan based on the top line with Steath Magnets, 97dB, 20 ohms:
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/audivina.html
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Yet another close back HifiMan based on the top line with Steath Magnets, 97dB, 20 ohms:
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/audivina.html
...And how are we feeling about this. Is this an incremental change, a disruptive modification, or a business need for HifiMan? I don't Know this line (other than a 5 minute audition 6 years ago), but they seem interesting.
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...And how are we feeling about this. Is this an incremental change, a disruptive modification, or a business need for HifiMan? I don't Know this line (other than a 5 minute audition 6 years ago), but they seem interesting.
Closed back headphones have smaller soundstage than open and HifiMan Stealth magnets also have smaller soundstage than the non-stealth, but the Stealth are more detailed or refinated etc.
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If you want something affordable but good, consider the Fostex RP50 or the Delkoni Blue from drop.com.
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Well, I said I'd post back so...
I really didn't care for the sound of the VI DAC directly to any headphones I own. I found that surprising.
It all works together in the big system for some reason.
Some things that have changed since October last year:
I bought a new DAC and new headphone cable. Both allowed me to enjoy the music much more and allowed for "critical listening".
You can read all my (and other) ramblings here on head-fi. (https://www.head-fi.org/threads/review-eta-headphones-s-and-c-versions.965769/)
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Anyone with experience with the Aeon Noire 2?
I am hoping to keep my budget around 500 and below.
They run about 500-600 in the used market and are planars.
I decided if I'm going to do this not going to break the bank and put more of my money into my main rig versus headphones.
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Sony Z7M2 might be an option for you, some small vents on the bottom of the cups.
https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/headband/p/mdrz7m2 (https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/headband/p/mdrz7m2)
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There is the planar Sundara(whatever it means) 20 ohms, 98dB at $229 the headbelt are all metal, no more plastic, however it use the Stealth Magnet system what is known for the smaller soundstage than the ''Visible Magnets'' system, but more detailed.
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/sundara-closed-back.html
Availability: In stock
Our Price: Regular Price: $399.00 Special Price: $229.00
IMO at this price its a viable option and not a big loss if you dont like, not a absurd price as the Audivina $2000 🤦🏾♂️
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Anyone with experience with the Aeon Noire 2?
I am hoping to keep my budget around 500 and below.
They run about 500-600 in the used market and are planars.
I decided if I'm going to do this not going to break the bank and put more of my money into my main rig versus headphones.
The DCA Aeon Closed X headphone is currently on sale.
https://drop.com/buy/drop-dan-clark-audio-aeon-closed-x-headphones
I bought these in Feb and am very happy with them. 👍
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I have the crosszone cz-10 on the way
I'll report back once I get some time with it.
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I have the crosszone cz-10 on the way
I'll report back once I get some time with it.
I'll be curious to hear impressions. Looks like there's a lot of digital wonkiness going on with the crossover and the marketing jumbo making up fancy words for crossfeed which has been around for ages.
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I have the crosszone cz-10 on the way
I'll report back once I get some time with it.
Looking forward to your impressions.
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I had a chance to do some serious listening last night on the Crosszone CZ-10.
Currently I am using my Denon AVR as dac and HP amp, it is Ok but I know I would get a lot more with a dedicated head amp.
People that say HP break in is a myth, I don't know what they are listening to. I will need some more hours on these. But they are opening up more and more.
Initial impressions, it does get the sound out of your head more and gives more of a left - right pan with center image. Soundstage is kind of odd to describe, it does give more of a mid hall presentation like some normal speakers. The only difference would be if the sound was coming from overhead, like the main speakers were haning from the ceiling versus in front of you. Sometimes I felt the sound was coming from behind my head but that changd as they opened up. Eq does help on these too.
Granted these are very very early impressions. I will report back more as they break in.