I need some headphone recommendations please.

[audio_tony]

I'm looking to buy a new set of headphones.

I currently have:
Beyer DT770 - I've owned these for several years - I did really like them at one time, but more recently find them a bit 'shouty' and lacking bass.
Sennheiser HD497: Old but gold. I bought these in 2002 - they've not been used that much and are pretty much still like new (I did replaced the cable and ear pads a few years back).

I would prefer a closed back headphone (the 497's are open back) - however I would still consider open back 'phones.

Budget is up to £200 (I suspect this may not be enough - but do please enlighten me).

Sound preference: I like deep bass, don't like to listen too loud, and appreciate good detail but don't like bright midrange or overly bright top end. The 497's actually sound pretty good to me, if a little bit harsh at the top end on occasion.

I have a couple of decent (home built) headphone amps with plenty of drive, so difficult to drive headphones are not likely to be an issue.

P.S. I realise that sound is largely down to personal taste - I'm just looking for some recommendations based on what I have and my comments above.

 

[staticV3]

Best sounding closed-back headphones below £200 are typically the AKG K371 and FiiO FT1.

The FiiO is slightly more V-shaped as you can see.

The AKG, while praised for its sound quality, has fairly universally criticised build quality.

The Pleather used in the ear pads and headband starts flaking off at some point, replacement pads can only be ordered via Customer Service, and there's a weak point in the hinge mechanism that tends to break:

 

[audio_tony]

Best sounding closed-back headphones below £200 are typically the AKG K371 and FiiO FT1.

I was actually looking at the FiiO FT1 yesterday evening. That's a coincidence. I should see if I can go somewhere to audition them.

Thanks.

 

[ZööZ]

JT7

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Not a closed design but it doesn't hurt to have both open and closed ones available for different use cases

 

[IngMishael]

I'm looking to buy a new set of headphones.

I currently have:
Beyer DT770 - I've owned these for several years - I did really like them at one time, but more recently find them a bit 'shouty' and lacking bass.
Sennheiser HD497: Old but gold. I bought these in 2002 - they've not been used that much and are pretty much still like new (I did replaced the cable and ear pads a few years back).

I would prefer a closed back headphone (the 497's are open back) - however I would still consider open back 'phones.

Budget is up to £200 (I suspect this may not be enough - but do please enlighten me).

Sound preference: I like deep bass, don't like to listen too loud, and appreciate good detail but don't like bright midrange or overly bright top end. The 497's actually sound pretty good to me, if a little bit harsh at the top end on occasion.

I have a couple of decent (home built) headphone amps with plenty of drive, so difficult to drive headphones are not likely to be an issue.

P.S. I realise that sound is largely down to personal taste - I'm just looking for some recommendations based on what I have and my comments above.

you're in luck. Sennheiser is doing a sale:

HD600 - https://uk.sennheiser-hearing.com/products/hd-600-refurbished

HD650 - https://uk.sennheiser-hearing.com/products/hd-650-refurbished

 

[solderdude]

Also have a look at the Adam Audio H200.

Which DT770 b.t.w. ?
Professional, Edition, 32, 80, 250, 600 ohm ?

The FT1 is sounding bloated compared to DT770.

 

[audio_tony]

Also have a look at the Adam Audio H200.

Which DT770 b.t.w. ?
Professional, Edition, 32, 80, 250, 600 ohm ?

The FT1 is sounding bloated compared to DT770.

DT770 PRO - 80 ohm

 

[solderdude]

That's the best 'version' of the 770 range.
When you like that tonality the FT1 may not be your thing.

 

[audio_tony]

That's the best 'version' of the 770 range.
When you like that tonality the FT1 may not be your thing.

I used to liked them - but not so much lately. I'm finding them very 'shouty' in the midrange and the bass is not that deep (I don't 100% remember if it ever was that deep TBH) - but the bass on the Sennheiser 497's is better.

I know my hearing has probably changed somewhat - but that doesn't explain why the 497's sound ok / better.

 

[inselwissen]

I think @staticV3 got it spot on in the first post. The FT1 and K371 are the prime candidates in this price range.

Both are bassy, a little scooped in the mids and have a kind of "dark bright" treble profile. The AKG sounds more balanced to me due to the increased sub bass and relatively smoother treble. I like the peak from 1,5 kHz to 3 kHz that the FT1 has, though. The K371 can sound a little distant in that frequency.

Comfort-wise I prefer the stock FT1, but only by a hair. The ear pads on the K371 are small, they are pretty clampy and the folding mechanism is not at all well designed. The K371 creak while you wear them, which can get annoying. The FT1 has nicely-sized ear pads and doesn't fold, but its headband is barely padded, which can lead to a hotspot on top of your head. Capra Audio makes a comfort strap for them, which I've read helps a lot, but that's another 20 pounds. Scan sells Capra in the UK.

You have to make a few trade-offs in this price range. Stock I'd prefer the K371, but if you can add a Capra strap and use EQ to fix a few issues (bloated mid bass and peaks in the treble), I'd probably choose the FT1.

 

[FTB]

FT1 have more bass than the K371, too much bass (compared them directly) with peaking in high mids.
Adam H200 are too bright and fatiguing, it's obvious on electric guitars for example.

Personally no problem of building quality with the Akg. Earpads replacements are found on Aliexpress for some euros (identical to the originals).