Closed headphones recommendation (+ amp?)

[Ebenezer]

Good evening!

Let me start by saying that I'm just starting to get into better audio quality; I'm a bit clueless...

My current "evolution" is Hesh 3 Wireless (the bass sounded like one big blob...) > Marshall Major IV (better, but lacking depth, and the comfort is far from ideal...) > AIAIAI TMA-2 with S11 earcups (I want to use these as on-the-go headphones to pair with my phone for walking the dog or shopping ).

I'm looking for something closed to listen to at my desk, as that's where I spend most of my time. If it matters, I listen to a wide variety of music: from Cyndi Laupert, Scorpions, and Sex Pistols to Iron Maiden and Adele, to Bring Me the Horizon, Eminem, and Miles Davis. I'd also like to play games on them sometimes – immersively (single-player) and cooperatively (with Discord in the background).

My output device is a MOTU Ultralite MK5, but I'm also considering connecting a headphone amplifier to the MOTU. I was thinking about the Singxer SA-1 because of its 4.4 balanced output (I want to change the headphone cable because I use the BTR17 when traveling...).

From what I've read, the Denon D7200, Fostex TH610, and Audio-Technica WP900 seem like interesting options, but as I said, I'm not very knowledgeable about them I haven't found any mention of their potential compatibility with audio interfaces.

When listening, I primarily seek pleasure, capturing nuances and details (but not as surgically as with the BD 1770PRO (although I only tested those for 30-40 minutes at a friend's).I would be grateful for any advice!

Best regards,
E.

 

[Overseas]

Denon 7200 is great, very likely even 5200 model will be very good.

 

[EeeGee]

I am also a big fan of the 7200 especially if EQed. Not sure why you need the 4.4 cable. The BTR17 will drive them easily.

 

[Coookie]

BTR17 will indeed be just fine with the 7200. BUT, I would save some cash and just go for the FiiO FT1- not that the 7200 is bad, but the FiiO for less than 1/3 of the cost is just as good and with better midrange.

 

[EeeGee]

I own both the 7200 and FT1. Bought the FT1 due to the big hype last year. I am not impressed and barely use them. Not at the same league of the 7200 IMO.
Having said that, your decision to start with the FT1 makes sense and you could always upgrade down the road. Good luck.

 

[Selkirks]

I own both the 7200 and FT1. Bought the FT1 due to the big hype last year. I am not impressed and barely use them. Not at the same league of the 7200 IMO.
Having said that, your decision to start with the FT1 makes sense and you could always upgrade down the road. Good luck.

How is the 7200 comfort? Looking for a new closed back headphone after moving on from the FT1.

 

[Chanur]

I own both the 7200 and FT1. Bought the FT1 due to the big hype last year. I am not impressed and barely use them. Not at the same league of the 7200 IMO.
Having said that, your decision to start with the FT1 makes sense and you could always upgrade down the road. Good luck.

You're comparing a thousand dollar headphone to a 170 dollar headphone and like the thousand dollar one better? Shocking.

 

[EeeGee]

How is the 7200 comfort? Looking for a new closed back headphone after moving on from the FT1.

It's not my most comfortable headphone tbh. A bit on the heavy side and the headband not that soft, but absolutely bareable.

 

[EeeGee]

You're comparing a thousand dollar headphone to a 170 dollar headphone and like the thousand dollar one better? Shocking.

I didnt make a comparison. I tried to help the thread owner with a more objective opinion as he was stating "the FiiO for less than 1/3 of the cost is just as good and with better midrange" (most likely influenced by the various "unbiased" reviewers like Z, DMS, Joshua, Darko and co).
And btw, in my humble opinion, higher cost not always = higher quality.

 

[Overseas]

I paid about 350 euro for 2 decent headphones... then I got 7200 at good price. Now I only use 7200. I wish I could test all of them in the first place.