Recommendation for closed back headphones

[Roy_L]

Hello all, As the title says, I'm looking for a pair of closed back headphones.

I've owned all sorts of headphones, and the best ones for me thus far are the Drop HD6XX, which sound great to my taste (except some low-bass deficiency I can EQ), and are so comfortable I barely feel them on.
I also own a pair of Sennheiser HD 569 which are nice, but fall well behind the HD6XX. Headphones I've owned before and didn't like: Beyerdynamic DT770 (thin and bright), AKG K701 (same, but not as bad), Audio Technica ATH-50X (I have no idea what's all the hype about), and several grados (too bright, but otherwise acceptable). Also, I've made 2 attempts to find more "serios" closed back headphones which didn't succeed to say the least- the Meze classic 99 (muffled) and Final Sonorous VI (were actually quite good, except they were so heavy and uncomfortable I couldn't wear them for more than 15 minutes).

Long story short- the only problem I have with the HD6XX is the lack of privacy. So, does anyone know of something similar in sound (wouldn't mind more low-bass), in closed back form?

 

[Jimbob54]

Hello all, As the title says, I'm looking for a pair of closed back headphones.

I've owned all sorts of headphones, and the best ones for me thus far are the Drop HD6XX, which sound great to my taste (except some low-bass deficiency I can EQ), and are so comfortable I barely feel them on.
I also own a pair of Sennheiser HD 569 which are nice, but fall well behind the HD6XX. Headphones I've owned before and didn't like: Beyerdynamic DT770 (thin and bright), AKG K701 (same, but not as bad), Audio Technica ATH-50X (I have no idea what's all the hype about), and several grados (too bright, but otherwise acceptable). Also, I've made 2 attempts to find more "serios" closed back headphones which didn't succeed to say the least- the Meze classic 99 (muffled) and Final Sonorous VI (were actually quite good, except they were so heavy and uncomfortable I couldn't wear them for more than 15 minutes).

Long story short- the only problem I have with the HD6XX is the lack of privacy. So, does anyone know of something similar in sound (wouldn't mind more low-bass), in closed back form?

The akg 371 is the default reasonably priced well measuring closed back around these parts. Can't say I've ever listened to a pair and they aren't the biggest cups so won't suit every ear.

 

[Blake]

I also like the HD 6XX and own these closed backs:

DCA Aeon RT
Beyerdynamic DT 770 (250 Ohm)
Sennheiser HD 569

The Aeon RT costs more, of course, but it's easily the best headphone I own, especially with EQ. Very comfortable, too.

I realize you already dislike the DT 770, and it's not for everybody, but I wonder if EQ might be an option to tame the peaks. I think it's a terrific headphone. (I'm apparently not sensitive to the infamous peaks because I even like it without EQ.)

The HD 569 is easily my least favorite headphone I own. I plan to keep it around as a demonstration of what "lack of soundstage" sounds like. I discovered this by accident. I questioned whether soundstage was really something that I could hear until I got curious to hear how the HD 569 sounded compared to the Aeon RT when both were EQ'ed to similar targets (using oratory's settings). When moving from the Aeon RT to the HD 569, I genuinely thought the latter was defective at first. It sounded like there was a balance issue, with the right transducer being much louder than the left. When I tried other tracks, the problem shifted. Then I went back to the Aeon RT and realized that what sounded like louder instruments on one side translated to merely a louder transducer on the HD 569.

I haven't heard the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X yet, but I gather it's supposed to be tamer. Otherwise, depending on budget, my recommendation would be DCA Aeon RT Closed or trying to EQ the DT 770.

 

[jae]

Any newer Dan Clark closed back is the only answer IMO. The AKGs are a good suggestion if you are on a budget. Stay away from Meze

 

[Geert]

I haven't heard the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X yet, but I gather it's supposed to be tamer.

I have the DT 700 Pro X (next to an HD 600). It's not overly bright, they fixed the typical Beyerdynamic high end peak. For critical listening the main remark is that the low mid is a bit bloated, as can be seen in the measurements. Easy to fix with just 1 eq band. It has a decent low end, but some people might prefer to boost it. When it comes to neutral mid range I still prefer the HD 600.

 

[posvibes]

I really like my AKG371's , love them in fact, but I find myself using my Bose QC35ii's more and more often, very comfortable, and with the ANC switched on and even without EQ and Bluetooth to boot, they are becoming my go to set of HP's, subjectively a little more bass than the 371's. Word of warning though I am a tin-eared audiophile and there is not much I don't like initially so it takes me time to sort the wheat from the chaff.

 

[mrbungle]

The Sennheiser IE600 fits Sennheiser sound with lower bass boost and privacy, but it’s pricey and not headphones. I‘m also mostly just using QC35ii when I need privacy

 

[someguyontheinternet]

If you don't have issues with in-ears, I would recommend looking at IEMs since I found that they generally seem to have better performance/cost ratio. Moondrop has some very well priced IEMs that come with good out of the box tonality (though a bit too light on the bass for my personal preference).

I can echo the Aeon RT closed as an excellent choice though. I've been using it a lot and for long periods of time without any issues.

 

[manthropology]

Hello all, As the title says, I'm looking for a pair of closed back headphones.

I've owned all sorts of headphones, and the best ones for me thus far are the Drop HD6XX, which sound great to my taste (except some low-bass deficiency I can EQ), and are so comfortable I barely feel them on.
I also own a pair of Sennheiser HD 569 which are nice, but fall well behind the HD6XX. Headphones I've owned before and didn't like: Beyerdynamic DT770 (thin and bright), AKG K701 (same, but not as bad), Audio Technica ATH-50X (I have no idea what's all the hype about), and several grados (too bright, but otherwise acceptable). Also, I've made 2 attempts to find more "serios" closed back headphones which didn't succeed to say the least- the Meze classic 99 (muffled) and Final Sonorous VI (were actually quite good, except they were so heavy and uncomfortable I couldn't wear them for more than 15 minutes).

Long story short- the only problem I have with the HD6XX is the lack of privacy. So, does anyone know of something similar in sound (wouldn't mind more low-bass), in closed back form?

Going by this description, i'd recommend trying Beyerdynamic DT250. It's really a studio headphone, but has controlled highs for that reason so shouldn't sound bright

 

[ManuCV]

I was recently in the market for a good closed headphones and got the Dan Clark Aeon Flow (first generation). They are very, very good and I would not hesitate to go for the RT or newer version, if they are in your budget it's the safest bet. However note you will need a good amp to get the most of them, but if you already have a good amp then it's a very easy choice.

 

[carlcamper]

I highly recommend the Audeze LCD-XC 2021 as reviewed here . Excellent technical performance, you just need to add a bass shelf as well (which it can take, as it has super low distortion).

 

[ithehappy]

I'm in almost similar situation like OP's. Looking for an alternative to DT 770. I've used the 770 (32 ohms) for nearly six years. From Day 1 it started to hurt my ears and head, and it was the same few weeks ago when I retired it (smashed on wall, beyond repair). I've never known that a headphone could be that uncomfortable (stretch treatment was given for a rather lengthy period post purchase, to no avail). Regarding sound, initially I liked its V-shaped profile, boosted bass and treble. But within a few months I grew tired of it, and then I was not able to listen to it for more than couple of hours. It was extremely fatiguing. Treble/highs were ear piercing. Bass was a bit too much.

Now I'm looking for a closed back which must bear a neutral/flat sound profile, and not colour the source audio, whilst maintaining a rather decent sound stage. Soundstage is important to me as my main usage is movies and games, music is secondary. Before 770, I had the AT M40x and M50x. I quite well remember that the former was really clean sounding, while latter had really bloated bass. But I returned both of them as at that time I was looking for a dynamic sounding headphone, and 770 was just that.

So what are my options here? My budget is very limited and in the same range of a 770. I hear that the K371 is recommended by many here, but I also read many stories where its headband is snapped in half. K361, same story, although it's half the asking price. Lovely stuff! Should I consider going for the DT 150? I am hearing it's very neutral and all that, and it also has non rounded ear cup design, which is what I'm looking for. I will not buy a round design like the 770s again. Senn HD 560s is an open back which is praised for its neutral profile I see, basically is there any closed back form of it?

 

[Geert]

So what are my options here?

Beyerdynamic DT700 PRO X.

 

[ithehappy]

Beyerdynamic DT700 PRO X.

Thanks. You probably missed the bit about my budget. 700 PRO X is nearly three times the price of a 770 in my place. Also, it is the same rounded shape, so will avoid

 

[Geert]

Thanks. You probably missed the bit about my budget. 700 PRO X is there times the price of a 770 in my place. Also, it is the same rounded shape, so will avoid

Strange, over here it's 246€ versus 132€. You mentioned the reason I didn't suggest anything cheaper yourself, it will break down fast and/or it's difficult to repair (liked fixed cables).

FYI, I'm a very tall guy and I don't have any issues wearing the DT700 Pro X for hours. Not to much pressure, and my ears fit in the round cups so also no issue.

 

[ithehappy]

Strange, over here it's 246€ versus 132€. You mentioned the reason I didn't suggest anything cheaper yourself, it will break down fast and/or it's difficult to repair (liked fixed cables).

FYI, I'm a very tall guy and I don't have any issues wearing the DT700 Pro X for hours. Not to much pressure, and my ears fit in the round cups so also no issue.

Ah first world pricing. Here a DT 770 32 is 10k and DT 700 PRO X is 28k (INR). So 2.8 times the price. I am pretty certain that 700 PRO X is nowhere near 2.8 times better. Also, is it even neutral? I remember watching two reviews and both said they have cut down that ear piercing high treble a bit but I do not recall them terming it as neutral or flat. I could be wrong though. And yes, I am very worried with the durability factor of the K361/K371, that's why I am on the fence and very confused.
It's good to know that the 700 PRO X fit you nicely, but if you had the 770s and they fit you nicely too then your head shape/size is suited for the the Beyer design. For me, well, just the thought of 770's discomfort makes me scared.

 

[Geert]

Also, is it even neutral?

Yes it's pretty neutral. Only a bit to much low-mid, but no (affordable) headphones are perfect. The ear piercing Beyer highs are gone. You can find lot's of reviews on specialise websites and Youtube. It's probably one of the biggest recent hypes. But it's rather expensive for you I understand.

 

[Roy_L]

That's good to know. Despite the reviews, I've hated the DT770 so badly, that I told myself I'm done with Beyerdynamic.
Maybe I'll risk it and buy a pair, because I see that the only other option worth considering is the Dan Clark's, and they're a little too pricy for what I want to spend.
(I know of the AKG 371, but I'm reluctant due to the no-so-great build quality)

 

[ithehappy]

@Roy_L

That's good to know. Despite the reviews, I've hated the DT770 so badly, that I told myself I'm done with Beyerdynamic.

Exactly same feeling for me. I'm done with Beyer was what I said to myself, but here I'm looking at Beyers again. At current price there's no way I'll consider the 700 PRO X, in the meantime I'm not sure what to get. The DT 150 is said to be pretty flat but it's not available in my country and it'll most probably need amplification as well. I'm so infuriated, living without a headphone...

Btw, did you find the 770s comfortable? Did they fit your ears nicely? Or did you have unimaginable pain as I did?

 

[Roy_L]

Comfort of the 770, for my head, was very good after bending the headband backwards a little to reduce clamping force. I'm afraid that this was the only positive point.