[Tano]

Hi guys, my Im looking for a pair of closed back headphones with a decent amount of isolation and good vocals, especially female. Semi open with ok isolation would be ok too. I actually own the Sony WH1000XM3 but althought the noise cancelling is insane, they sound boomy and muddy and they are really loud for my ears. I'd prefer a good passive noise cancelling with good sound.
I also own the AUDIO TECHNICA MSR7B but they don't have good isolation in my opinion.
My budget is 400 euros. Looking forward for your recommendations. Thanks

 

[CJG888]

A rather left-field suggestion, but if you want to focus on vocals, I would suggest at least considering the DT48. They have excellent isolation and an electrostatic-like midrange. Soundstage is quite narrow, though (less of a problem with vocals). Bass is excellent when amped properly.

 

[JM1979]

I can’t really recall how the Oppo PM3s are with female vocals but they are a great quality closed back in your price range.

 

[Tano]

A rather left-field suggestion, but if you want to focus on vocals, I would suggest at least considering the DT48. They have excellent isolation and an electrostatic-like midrange. Soundstage is quite narrow, though (less of a problem with vocals). Bass is excellent when amped properly.

Thanks for the advice, gonna keep on eye on those in the market because it seems they aren't being produced anymore. Thanks

 

[Tano]

I can’t really recall how the Oppo PM3s are with female vocals but they are a great quality closed back in your price range.

That definitelly was on my list, they are hard to come by in spain but im gonna try here and eBay. Thank you very much!

 

[CJG888]

Yes, they went out of production in the early 2000s. I bought mine on eBay in about 2012 or so. Ear pads and head pads are all still available from Beyer.

 

[CJG888]

There is a very detailed thread on the DT48 which I can recommend, particularly as there are many different versions out there. I have the DT48E 25 Ohm.

 

[CJG888]

What amplifier will you be using?

 

[Tano]

What amplifier will you be using?

At the moment I have Fiio K5 pro, Sound Blaster XG6 (Can handle up to 600 ohms) and Fiio btr5 so I think I'd be fine with those

 

[CJG888]

I use two solid state amps with mine: Audio-gd SA-31SE and R2R-11. Both work extremely well with them. DT48s need an amp with a low output impedance.

 

[Tano]

I use two solid state amps with mine: Audio-gd SA-31SE and R2R-11. Both work extremely well with them. DT48s need an amp with a low output impedance.

Then I think that btr5 and K5 would be better as I don't have one of those. Thanks again for your advice

 

[CJG888]

With 1.2 Ohms output impedance the K5 should be fine.

 

[Tano]

Finally I've decided to get the Monolith M565C as it's avalaible here for a decent price ( 170 euros), with good customer service in case theres any problem. They seem to fit my needs and according to the reviews out there the upper mids are quite present, which is good for female voices. Still got more than 200 euros left to keep an eye the beyers. Thanks for the help!