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what are the best around ear, closed back portable headphones?

post #1 of 18
2/11/12 at 10:45am
Thread Starter 

I currently have Bose AE2 (I know they're not supposed to be so good) but I'm thinking of stepping up to the best headphones I can get.  I've head a recommendation of Klipsch Image ONE from a guy at work but they're on ear rather than around ear and I am pretty sure there are much better headphones out there.  I am interested in HD25 or Amperior based on what I have heard but am also looking for other recommendations.

 

I will be using these on the bus, on airplanes, at work, etc so they need good isolation / closed back and need to work with my iPhone and not require an amp.  I also much prefer comfortable around ear headphones much more than on ear headphones as they will get lots of use.  I could live with on  ear headphones if they sound much better and are comfortable but would prefer around ear if there is a model that sounds great. 

 

Cost is not a factor as I can afford any headphones in this category, but reliability / warranty is important as I would expect them to last at least 3 years and have quick and friendly warranty support if necessary.  I have had cables go bad on every pair of headphones I own so I expect that to happen at some point and expect it will be covered by warranty or inexpensive to replace.

 

Thanks for your recommendations!


Edited by musicalm - 2/11/12 at 10:48am
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post #2 of 18
2/11/12 at 1:37pm

Ultrasone Edition 8 or beyerdynamic T5p.

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post #3 of 18
2/11/12 at 1:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by priest View Post

Ultrasone Edition 8 or beyerdynamic T5p.

 

Thanks for mentioning those.  I guess I need to take back the part about cost not being a factor.  I thought all the $1000+ headphones were open back.  Given the abuse my portable headphones tend to get I should probably keep the budget to about $500 max for now.  Any suggestions that are not quite so expensive?  

 

Feel free to discuss these top of the line phones as well in this thread as I'm interested in knowing what makes them the best, but for now I will need to find a less expensive option...
 

 

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post #4 of 18
2/11/12 at 1:44pm

ATH ESW9? Lovely luscious sound from these and well within your budget.

 

Also, Beyer DT1350 and Senn hd-25 :D

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post #5 of 18
2/11/12 at 1:45pm

Oh, around the ear... sorry mate, these are on-ears. :(

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post #6 of 18
2/11/12 at 1:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewtng View Post

Oh, around the ear... sorry mate, these are on-ears. :(



Do you prefer on ears?  Do you think they sound better?  Are the comfortable when wearing them all day?  I have never owned on ears but it seems like they would get uncomfortable during long use...

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post #7 of 18
2/11/12 at 2:34pm

The $300-500 market in closed, circumaural, portable headphones is poorly served. You might check into the Sony MDR-Z1000 to see if people use it without an amp. I would guess it is good for that use based on the specs, but I have never heard it. It may also be ported, so there might be some leakage or isolation issues. The MDR-7520 is supposedly basically the same headphone, but slightly cheaper.

 

If you have been annoyed in the past by supra-aurals for long periods of time, you probably will be by all such models.

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post #8 of 18
2/11/12 at 2:59pm
I think on ears can be really comfortable. Its all about the pressure the headbands put on your ears and the quality of the earpads. The DT1350 has excellent isolation and are really comfortable. It might change with individual ears though. The Dt1350 has smaller cups than esw9 and Hd25. I suppose it's almost like matching ears to the cups. smily_headphones1.gif
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post #9 of 18
2/11/12 at 4:07pm

I know your budget has been cut, but I will recommend the Edition 8 anyway. I use them everyday for my commute and I love them. Why? They are very comfortable, light and are very well built. They also sound awesome with every genre of music I throw at them. Isolation is decent, I ride the subway and am in my own world while they are on. I do use them amped, and it does make a difference. I've had them a little over a year, so I can't speak for years of abuse, but they are in great condition for a year's worth of wear. I don't use the included leather pouch, I just throw them in my backpack/messenger, but I do try not to put them near things that may scratch the beautiful finish...try. So far, no real scratches. Take a look and good luck with your search.

 

http://flickr.com/gp/13294459@N06/8wS2JC

 

http://flickr.com/gp/13294459@N06/66qjS6

 

 

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post #10 of 18
2/12/12 at 12:26pm
Thread Starter 

What I get from this thread so far is that there are not a lot of options and HD25 is probably as good as anything in my price range, yet the Edition 8 or T5p would be much better if I want to spend 4-5 times as much.  Is that about right?

 

Can anyone explain what qualities make the more expensive headphones sound so much better?  

 

Thanks!

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post #11 of 18
2/13/12 at 7:42am
Thread Starter 

I am also interested to hear thoughts on how the new Amperior might compare to the HD25.  Do you think it will be as good or better than HD25?

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post #12 of 18
2/21/12 at 6:49am
Thread Starter 

Bumping this as I'm still hoping somebody will offer feedback on my last couple questions...

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post #13 of 18
2/21/12 at 1:47pm

I suppose the amperior might sound more bassy cuz it has less impedance but there's not alot of detail around at the moment. The HD25 sound wonderful. Price of headphones = labour cost and branding? I find that smaller brands tend to price their products much higher because they need to make up for all their R&D and profit from it. Dunnoo.. what do u guys think?

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post #14 of 18
2/22/12 at 5:29am
Thread Starter 

Interesting.  I didn't know the impedance changed.  I thought it was pretty much the same.  Has anybody seen any reviews of the Amperior?

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post #15 of 18
2/22/12 at 5:30am

Check out the Audio Technica ESW9 if you want a lush sound or the Beyerdynamic T50p if you want are more neutral sound.

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