Help picking closed back headphones after 8 years

[8yearslate]

Thinking it's about time to upgrade from my ath-msr7 which I've had for about 8 years now.

So I've looked through a lot of threads and seen many many headphone recommendations. I see the fiio ft1, beyerdynamics dt770, dt700, audeze Maxwell and some sennheiser stuff often spoken about but just need some solid advice. Also seen akg k371 and Sony MDR m1.

Budget is £250 so like $300-350 can wait for discounts etc.

These are exclusively used as TV headphones so would like the best for movies,TV, anime, YouTube then gaming and music.

Also if any headphones need any dac/amp is there any that can be used direct with TVs if that's a thing. I currently have some cheap optical interface from Amazon as my TV doesn't have a headphone port.

For any analytical guys who see this I found this review of my headphones from 2023 that has some charts etc. so you can know what I've been listening to for 8 years aha. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...dio-technica-ath-msr7-headphone-review.43147/

Also I wear glasses if that matters.

Any help is much appreciated thanks.

 

[olds1959special]

DT-770 250 ohm would be my recommendation.

 

[kemmler3D]

Welcome to ASR! For your use case I'd definitely take a look at the Maxwell. They have bluetooth and ANC (both nice to have in general) and the sound is supposed to be quite decent. Plus they will be very convenient to use for gaming as well as TV, no DAC needed, just connect via BT.

If you want to go wired I think the DT770 is a pretty good bet, and many Sennheiser models in this price range do well.

 

[solderdude]

I wear glasses if that matters.

It depends on the size of the gap the glasses make between the earpad and your skin.
You can see that in a mirror.
Most, if not all, closed back headphones have some issues with seal (can be hair or glasses) which usually results in less bass extension to (extreme cases) a 'honky' sound.

Test this using a track with prominent low bass with and without glasses.

The good news is that (seen in my measurements) one of the closed headphones that has the least amount of influence with seal = DT 700 pro X.
This headphone reacts even better than DT 770 and DT 1770 pro X mkII
Seal breach on the K371 not only affects low bass but lowers the entire bass region.
The (not so comfortable) MDR-7506 is just mildly sensitive to small seal breach but when the leakage gets a bit worse bass is affected.
You can expect some tonal changes with the ATH-MSR7 too just like with the FT1

When you look for a closed headphone and want the least effect on bass response (due to seal issues like glasses) look for closed headphones that have velour pads.
The ones with pleather pads are usually the worst offenders as velour pads have some natural (intended) 'leakage' and pleather pads do not.

There are some exceptions to this 'rule of thumb' like the AH-D5200 but that one isn't really closed (it just looks that way) and does let some sound 'leak' in through the 'acoustic optimizer'. It is a comfortable and good sounding headphone.

Most ANC (BT) headphones have some 'resistance' to small seal breaches due to the ANC (which has to be on).

 

[respice finem]

Welcome

If your headphone "survived" 8 years, I would recommend the AKG K371 (if you can still get one). It is quite glasses-friendly for a closed-back and chances are, you won't need EQ. They are however not "built like a tank". An alternative idea - get a DAC/HPA with EQ and keep the old one.

Speaking of glasses: I tend to listen album-wise (or playlist-wise) and so I can put away my glasses when listening. Problem solved.

 

[kemmler3D]

Also if you are willing to try earphones (IEMs) there are some great options for small dollars these days. Lots of strong values from Truthear (I have a few, just insane sound for the money) and I hear a lot about Moondrop and 7hz as well. Sound-wise they probably beat anything mentioned in this thread so far.

 

[respice finem]

Also if you are willing to try earphones (IEMs) there are some great options for small dollars these days. Lots of strong values from Truthear and I hear a lot about Moondrop and 7hz as well. Sound-wise they probably beat anything mentioned in this thread so far.

Yes, and no problem with glasses. But, not everyone likes them. OTOH, they are "dirt cheap" in comparison.

 

[kemmler3D]

Yes, and no problem with glasses. But, not everyone likes them. OTOH, they are "dirt cheap" in comparison.

Right I actually started that comment with glasses in mind and got side-tracked, lol. Thanks.

Regarding the Truthear Gate, dirt cheap is definitely the word. For ~$15-17 probably worth a shot if OP is even vaguely willing to go with in-ears.

 

[8yearslate]

Welcome to ASR! For your use case I'd definitely take a look at the Maxwell. They have bluetooth and ANC (both nice to have in general) and the sound is supposed to be quite decent. Plus they will be very convenient to use for gaming as well as TV, no DAC needed, just connect via BT.

If you want to go wired I think the DT770 is a pretty good bet, and many Sennheiser models in this price range do well.

Thanks for the help and yeah I saw the Maxwell recommended on Reddit but I know Bluetooth headphones can be a bit hit or miss and as it's mainly for at home use usually wired is the way to go. I will definitely have a look at some more videos and comparisons for them then.

 

[8yearslate]

It depends on the size of the gap the glasses make between the earpad and your skin.
You can see that in a mirror.
Most, if not all, closed back headphones have some issues with seal (can be hair or glasses) which usually results in less bass extension to (extreme cases) a 'honky' sound.

Test this using a track with prominent low bass with and without glasses.

The good news is that (seen in my measurements) one of the closed headphones that has the least amount of influence with seal = DT 700 pro X.
This headphone reacts even better than DT 770 and DT 1770 pro X mkII
Seal breach on the K371 not only affects low bass but lowers the entire bass region.
The (not so comfortable) MDR-7506 is just mildly sensitive to small seal breach but when the leakage gets a bit worse bass is affected.
You can expect some tonal changes with the ATH-MSR7 too just like with the FT1

When you look for a closed headphone and want the least effect on bass response (due to seal issues like glasses) look for closed headphones that have velour pads.
The ones with pleather pads are usually the worst offenders as velour pads have some natural (intended) 'leakage' and pleather pads do not.

There are some exceptions to this 'rule of thumb' like the AH-D5200 but that one isn't really closed (it just looks that way) and does let some sound 'leak' in through the 'acoustic optimizer'. It is a comfortable and good sounding headphone.

Most ANC (BT) headphones have some 'resistance' to small seal breaches due to the ANC (which has to be on).

Thanks for the detailed reply. I've definitely noticed with the msr7 if I push them a bit the sound is much better also as they're so old the clamping force has definitely gone.

I currently have quite thin metal glasses so it's not awful but will definitely have to try a few out. Seeing as a lot of people say the ft1 can be a bit bassy maybe it'll actually help aha.

 

[8yearslate]

Welcome

If your headphone "survived" 8 years, I would recommend the AKG K371 (if you can still get one). It is quite glasses-friendly for a closed-back and chances are, you won't need EQ. They are however not "built like a tank". An alternative idea - get a DAC/HPA with EQ and keep the old one.

Speaking of glasses: I tend to listen album-wise (or playlist-wise) and so I can put away my glasses when listening. Problem solved.

My dad actually has a pair of k361 I think do you know how similar the k371 are as I can at least try the k361 a bit and see.

 

[8yearslate]

Also if you are willing to try earphones (IEMs) there are some great options for small dollars these days. Lots of strong values from Truthear (I have a few, just insane sound for the money) and I hear a lot about Moondrop and 7hz as well. Sound-wise they probably beat anything mentioned in this thread so far.

I assumed iems would sound worse than over ear headphones normally so haven't even looked into them.

My only concern is ear fatigue watching films and TV as I haven't used in ear for extended periods of time in years. I have some Sony linkbuds s for bad weather and gym that's about it for in ear.

 

[DVDdoug]

The "sound" is almost all frequency response so normally I'd say consider what you like or don't like about your current headphone and then find a frequency response curve that you might like.

BUT, glasses mess-up the "bass seal" so the curves wont' be accurate, especially with closed headphones. Open back headphones tend to be better with glasses.

If possible, I'd recommend going to an audio/video store to try various headphones for fit and comfort with your glasses, and for sound. You might want to bring your old headphones with you so you can A/B the sound.


...Years ago, I was thinking about upgrading my headphones but after listening at the store I decided to keep what I had. Unfortunately, they eventually died and are no longer available. I replaced them with something of "similar construction", but I didn't like the sound as much. I now have a few different pair including the AKG K371 which is probably the best sounding pair but I don't actually listen to headphones much. I have a pair of Koss Porta Pro's in my laptop bag and they actually sound pretty good and they are small on-ear's that are OK with glasses (I wear reading glasses sometimes).

 

[respice finem]

My dad actually has a pair of k361 I think do you know how similar the k371 are as I can at least try the k361 a bit and see.

Superficially almost the same, so they should sound similar...

AKG K371 vs K361: Which Headphones Are Better?

The AKG K371 are very similar to the AKG K361. Both are closed-back headphones intended for studio monitoring and have balanced sound profiles. The K371 reproduces sound with a touch more excitement, making them a good choice for more casual listening. They also use a detachable Mini XLR...

www.rtings.com

...but, without having them compared by measurement, any guess is as good as the other.

 

[8yearslate]

The "sound" is almost all frequency response so normally I'd say consider what you like or don't like about your current headphone and then find a frequency response curve that you might like.

BUT, glasses mess-up the "bass seal" so the curves wont' be accurate, especially with closed headphones. Open back headphones tend to be better with glasses.

If possible, I'd recommend going to an audio/video store to try various headphones for fit and comfort with your glasses, and for sound. You might want to bring your old headphones with you so you can A/B the sound.


...Years ago, I was thinking about upgrading my headphones but after listening at the store I decided to keep what I had. Unfortunately, they eventually died and are no longer available. I replaced them with something of "similar construction", but I didn't like the sound as much. I now have a few different pair including the AKG K371 which is probably the best sounding pair but I don't actually listen to headphones much. I have a pair of Koss Porta Pro's in my laptop bag and they actually sound pretty good and they are small on-ear's that are OK with glasses (I wear reading glasses sometimes).

Yeah that makes sense I guess I'll have to go chart hunting on here to compare them all.

I don't actually really know what I like as I've used the same ones for so long just thought it's time to upgrade.

I guess I'll just trial and error until I decide, sometimes I just want to be told what's best and then forget about it hahaha.

 

[8yearslate]

Superficially almost the same, so they should sound similar...

AKG K371 vs K361: Which Headphones Are Better?

The AKG K371 are very similar to the AKG K361. Both are closed-back headphones intended for studio monitoring and have balanced sound profiles. The K371 reproduces sound with a touch more excitement, making them a good choice for more casual listening. They also use a detachable Mini XLR...

www.rtings.com

...but, without having them compared by measurement, any guess is as good as the other.

Well at least I can get an idea trying them. Thanks.

 

[Viper780]

on squiglink there are tons of graphs to compare: https://earphonesarchive.squig.link/ (try the search field - there are other instances with different mesurements)

The FiiO Headphones are all really good for the price point.
Besides the AKG K371 there is also the Sennheiser HD 569. (both are below the FT1)
But the HD 620 S is also in this price range. Very comfy closedback

Audeze Headphones are on the heavy side and more darker sounding

Very nice built and similar to the Beyerdynamic is the Meze 99

For me Dan Clark Audio makes the best closed back.
Mr Speaker Aeon Flow closed should be in your price range.

 

[Soria Moria]

Welcome to ASR! For your use case I'd definitely take a look at the Maxwell. They have bluetooth and ANC (both nice to have in general) and the sound is supposed to be quite decent. Plus they will be very convenient to use for gaming as well as TV, no DAC needed, just connect via BT.

If you want to go wired I think the DT770 is a pretty good bet, and many Sennheiser models in this price range do well.

Audeze Maxwell do not have active noise-cancellation

 

[kemmler3D]

Audeze Maxwell do not have active noise-cancellation

My bad, thanks for pointing this out. I misinterpreted the mic noise filtering feature as ANC.

 

[Kremmen]

Well at least I can get an idea trying them. Thanks.

Be careful as the K371 are known to break quite easily on either side of the headband. There is an obvious weak spot in a hidden strip of plastic where the silicone headband meets the plastic above each ear cup. I have a pair but I rarely use them so my comment is informed by dozens of posts on this issue that I've read since their release. Great sounding cans though.

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