Best closed back headphone under $500

[markanini]

1 graph was annotated . Sorry I forgot it was against the rules to show any enthusiasm here. I'm sure you have more to add to the conversation than playing hall monitor. Not everyone is associated with some youtuber, weird and unnecessary accusation.

Anyways, back on topic the Fiio FT1 was a very enjoyable headphone and I'd recommend looking at some reviews for it. You could save a lot of money as it punches above it's price point.

Did your hall monitors say please?

No, historically it's been a strong association, the moderators have banned multiple accounts that happened to have the habit of posting annotated graphs. Not for the graphs or course but for their other conduct breaking the forums rules. If you are one of those accounts evading a ban, you acting incredulous to a more senior member isn't doing you any favors frankly. Assuming you aren't take it as me giving you a friendly heads up, the mods are pay attention and notice more than you think-maybe you are used to communities with more leninet moderation like AHS. Secondly, it's kind of patronizing to annotate FR graphs, most can analyze two FR curve against a target curve without guidance-and it makes for a cluttered visual.

 

[AryaStealth]

Fiio FT1 has poor channel balance (at least mine), unpredictable non linear bass with large bass boosts that need to be EQed down, bad peaky treble (probably can't be EQed due to a lot of unit and position variation, for example my unit sounds awfull with PEQ from Oratory for this headphone). However if you have perfect hearing, your brain will adapt to it quickly, but with a bit of mild hearing loss it sounds meh even after taming the bass and some treble peaks. The only good thing about this headphone is comfort, it is very comfortable.

 

[vinodk69]

Certainly looking at Fiio FT1 but have seen multiple comments about poor build quality with headband screws coming loose from cups. Not sure if the company has fixed those issues.

 

[Robbo99999]

Please don't annotate FR graphs like this. The visual clutter is off the charts and it makes you look associated with a certain clickbait youtuber in the audio space.

Of course he can annotate charts like that - I can see the areas he's pointing to, there's nothing wrong with annotating charts.

 

[Headphoner]

Certainly looking at Fiio FT1 but have seen multiple comments about poor build quality with headband screws coming loose from cups. Not sure if the company has fixed those issues.

I've tried it a handful of times and I can see the complaints about build, the cups are very thin as well. I've seen quite a few kilobuck headphones with worse builds though, and worse headbands

 

[markanini]

Fiio FT1 has poor channel balance (at least mine), unpredictable non linear bass with large bass boosts that need to be EQed down, bad peaky treble (probably can't be EQed due to a lot of unit and position variation, for example my unit sounds awfull with PEQ from Oratory for this headphone). However if you have perfect hearing, your brain will adapt to it quickly, but with a bit of mild hearing loss it sounds meh even after taming the bass and some treble peaks. The only good thing about this headphone is comfort, it is very comfortable.

Thanks for your report. I always try to wait a few months after a product release, before jumping on any hype train. I was concerned that the extra bass in FT1 is giving away that there are some treble issues that wanted to be covered up. Hope you find some use for yours anyway, but I'm considering AKG K371 a safer recommendation in the price range based on feedback I've seen, with the caveat that build quality may disappoint.

 

[evanft]

Fiio FT1 has poor channel balance (at least mine), unpredictable non linear bass with large bass boosts that need to be EQed down, bad peaky treble (probably can't be EQed due to a lot of unit and position variation, for example my unit sounds awfull with PEQ from Oratory for this headphone). However if you have perfect hearing, your brain will adapt to it quickly, but with a bit of mild hearing loss it sounds meh even after taming the bass and some treble peaks. The only good thing about this headphone is comfort, it is very comfortable.

Agreed. It sounds like a cheap closed back, IMO. Maybe better than most others out there, but that's not saying much.

The best closed back under $500 is probably just a set of decent IEMs, to be honest.

 

[patoulol]

Agreed. It sounds like a cheap closed back, IMO. Maybe better than most others out there, but that's not saying much.

The best closed back under $500 is probably just a set of decent IEMs, to be honest.

Bonjour,

Can you help me find a quality headset for a secondary listening experience on my living room couch? I tested the FT1, but they get too hot for my ears . My primary setup is a HD800S, which is excellent as an open-back headset, so ideally, I’d like a closed-back one. I also have AirPods Max for the garden when the neighbor’s kids are shouting outside. My needs: it shouldn’t overheat my ears and should be powered by a JCALLY JM20 since it will be connected to my iPhone.

Drop Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed ?
Meze 99 Classics ?
Beyerdynamic DT 1770 ?

or simply, I'm not made for closed headphone
, and IEMs would be better

Thank you.

 

[Timcognito]

$80 and noise canceling, great for travel, if lose, forget or break, buy another. spend the rest on a HP amp w/EQ.

1More Sonoflow NC Headphone Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ an detailed measurements of 1More Sonoflow Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $99 although goes on sale for $79. The look and feel of the unit belies its low cost. The plastic seems stout and good quality...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[patoulol]

Thank you for I wanted a more "qualitative" rendering especially since I'm used to the HD800S

 

[solderdude]

When heating of the ears is an issue I would recommend IEMs or some (smaller sized) on-ears like Koss KSC35/PortaPro/KPH30/KPH40.
Open and closed over-ear headphones both do not have 'air flow' and trap heat in the area around the ears.
HD800 takes a lot longer to heat up inside than headphones with very little room for the ears.

Also larger surface contact and pad material (also cooling gels) have an influence. Small contact surface and cloth-like materials help reduce 'warmth' a bit.

 

[patoulol]

When heating of the ears is an issue I would recommend IEMs or some (smaller sized) on-ears like Koss KSC35/PortaPro/KPH30/KPH40.
Open and closed over-ear headphones both do not have 'air flow' and trap heat in the area around the ears.
HD800 takes a lot longer to heat up inside than headphones with very little room for the ears.

Also larger surface contact and pad material (also cooling gels) have an influence. Small contact surface and cloth-like materials help reduce 'warmth' a bit.

You're right.

Buying closed-back headphones could be another failure. The only one I can tolerate for long is the HD800S; the AirPod Max, not for long, but it's better than the FT1 in terms of ear heat (surprising....).

IEMs seem to be the solution.

 

[ZolaIII]

IEM's aren't a solution, on ear light or earbuds are but as it is with seal say goodbye to low bass. In climatised conditions good designed closed back's will work solid still not hole day. Back to Denon AH-D5200 for simplicity of use in my case. When it's ready hot I won't tolerate headphones at all. On the go and when hot I use earbuds if noisy and not deed hot then IEM's especially when working and still popping them out when resting.

 

[patoulol]

Koss KSC35/PortaPro/KPH30/KPH40.
.

That's good. I already have them.

 

[Ahmonge]

it shouldn’t overheat my ears and should be powered by a JCALLY JM20 since it will be connected to my iPhone.

The least heating closed one I have is the Sennheiser HD620, and it is easily moved by dongles, at least in my case (max volume 90 dB peak)

 

[patoulol]

The least heating closed one I have is the Sennheiser HD620, and it is easily moved by dongles, at least in my case (max volume 90 dB peak)

oh, how would you compare the Dan Clark Aeon 2 Black VS Sennheiser HD620s (in terms of sound rendering) ?

 

[AryaStealth]

If you use EQ profiles from Oratory or AutoEQ and like the Harman over ear target then Sennheiser HD620s is a safer choice - less unit variation and smooth frequency response after 6khz. If your goal is listenening without EQ, there is no way someone else's opinion can help you (HRTF difference, personal preferences, age related hearing differences/issues would make it almost useless). Judging by frequency response, both headphones sound a bit wacky without EQ.

 

[patoulol]

If you use EQ profiles from Oratory or AutoEQ and like the Harman over ear target then Sennheiser HD620s is a safer choice - less unit variation and smooth frequency response after 6khz. If your goal is listenening without EQ, there is no way someone else's opinion can help you (HRTF difference, personal preferences, age related hearing differences/issues would make it almost useless). Judging by frequency response, both headphones sound a bit wacky without EQ.

I totally agree with your take! I use EQ profiles (mostly from Oratory and AutoEQ) on my headphones.


I tried the Focal FT1, but I wasn’t a fan of how warm they felt on my ears, and the power demands were a hassle on my iPhone, forcing me to use a dongle. For me, comfort is key—I prioritize headphones that don’t overheat during long sessions. Based on the frequency response, both seem to need EQ to sound balanced, but the HD620s might be the safer . Thoughts on their comfort for extended use?

 

[Viper780]

oh, how would you compare the Dan Clark Aeon 2 Black VS Sennheiser HD620s (in terms of sound rendering) ?

I have the DCA Aeon2 Noire and compared it to the HD660 S2 and HD620 S before buying it.

All of them are good sounding and neutral but with many differences in their concept.

The Sennheiser are much lighter and more comfortable.
But compared to the Aeon2 the 620S lack some bass and deeper voices appear a bit shouty. The DCA sound a tad more brilliant in the Highs.
Overall the Sennheiser is a touch warmer sounding to my ear.

I was looking for open back headphones (Hifiman Arya Stealth was already paid for and in my bag) but the DCA Aeon2 blown me away. They sounded more open than most of the open back cans in the store.

I hope that helps a bit

 

[Ahmonge]

oh, how would you compare the Dan Clark Aeon 2 Black VS Sennheiser HD620s (in terms of sound rendering) ?

A2N more sub bass, a bit recessed mids, and more controlled & refined highs. HD620s a bit more convincing mids, lack of sub bass, and a less refined highs. Speaking of soundstage, HD620s has a wider one.