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Best closed backs?

What closed headphones sound best?

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    121
Mar 4, 2023 at 3:22 PM Post #76 of 97
OK, I don't like closed backs, but have been impressed in some ways by a few:

Audeze XC-2021: pretty neutral. Used at say $675, I would consider. More cost effective than the Verite, but, lacks the cachet certainly.

ZMF Verite: Best one I've heard, but too rich for me.

Stellia - pretty impressive, but low bass quite overblown, and honestly I wouldn't come near to paying the freight.
 
Mar 4, 2023 at 3:36 PM Post #77 of 97
bagwell359 said:
OK, I don't like closed backs, but have been impressed in some ways by a few:

Audeze XC-2021: pretty neutral. Used at say $675, I would consider. More cost effective than the Verite, but, lacks the cachet certainly.

ZMF Verite: Best one I've heard, but too rich for me.

Stellia - pretty impressive, but low bass quite overblown, and honestly I wouldn't come near to paying the freight.
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you compared sound equalized or out of box? lcd-xc is more W-shaped. neutral more is brother lcd-2cb.how they compare to detailed mids, deep bass and silky smooth highs beyerdynamic aventho ?
 

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Mar 4, 2023 at 4:41 PM Post #78 of 97
buke9 said:
Well since this thread is “ Best Closed Backs “ got a chance to hear the ATH-W2022 at CanJam NYC and for me is the best closed back I have ever heard . Also had a chance to try a pair of ATH-L5000’s and Sony MDR-R10’s from some fantastic gear as well this past weekend before CanJam while both are fantastic the W2022’s are it for me.
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I started this poll 3 years ago. It doesn't have any newer closed backs on it.
 
Mar 4, 2023 at 8:58 PM Post #80 of 97
Ieonasj said:
you compared sound equalized or out of box? lcd-xc is more W-shaped. neutral more is brother lcd-2cb.how they compare to detailed mids, deep bass and silky smooth highs beyerdynamic aventho ?
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None of them on my equipment, no idea of break-in, status, or how well each matched the tested versions. I believe none were modded, but it wasn't stated for sure.

I've heard about another 20 over time, and I really do not like closed backs - those were the ones i liked.
 
Mar 5, 2023 at 12:43 AM Post #81 of 97
PointyFox said:
I started this poll 3 years ago. It doesn't have any newer closed backs on it.ok dont have money
bagwell359 said:
None of them on my equipment, no idea of break-in, status, or how well each matched the tested versions. I believe none were modded, but it wasn't stated for sure.

I've heard about another 20 over time, and I really do not like closed backs - those were the ones i liked.
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what you like?
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Mar 5, 2023 at 3:20 AM Post #83 of 97
PointyFox said:
I started this poll 3 years ago. It doesn't have any newer closed backs on it.
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im have used my nokia bh-905 for 11years. now starting rolling headphones to find best for me closed back. bought hifiman ananda bt and like it much. keeper. now have lcd-2cb. focal bathys. but see at compact light top closed backs
 
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Mar 5, 2023 at 3:26 AM Post #84 of 97
My best is the Ultrasone Signature Master. One not many have heard, but I am fortunate to have given them a go.

Ultrasone knows how to do closed backs and IMO this is them at their very best.

Closed in my experience have always faced a handicap vs. open but the Master does a wonderful job and also packs a killer bass response with them too.
 
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Mar 5, 2023 at 3:30 AM Post #85 of 97
TWerk said:
My best is the Ultrasone Signature Master. One not many have heard, but I am fortunate to have given them a go.

Ultrasone knows how to do closed backs and IMO this is them at their very best.
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how it compare vs audeze lcd-xc or other same priced 800eur headphones? do you use EQ,or sound from Ultrasone signature Master is neutral?
 
Mar 5, 2023 at 3:33 AM Post #86 of 97
No EQ, I don't feel they need any adjustments. All my headphones I run without EQ - I have to like a headphone stock or I won't keep it. I buy headphones with the expectation the manufacturer tunes them well - better than I can. I swapped to the "vegan" pads because to me they sound more neutral than the stock Merino leather pads but many people like those too.

I had the LCD XC while ago. Was not a fan. They lacked bass was what I remember off the top and were super heavy. The Master is far more reasonable in weight and has beautiful sound.

Most of my headphones are all open outside of a few closed I have which are basically all Ultrasones.
 
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Mar 5, 2023 at 3:45 AM Post #87 of 97
My favorite closed backs are the TH900, Verite Closed, and Stealth.

The TH900 for price, weight, comfort, dynamics, and bass.
The Verite Closed for overall sound quality, isolation, soundstage, and easily replaceable parts.
The Stealth for overall sound quality, tone, and perfect driver matching.
 
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Mar 5, 2023 at 4:09 AM Post #88 of 97
TWerk said:
No EQ, I don't feel they need any adjustments. All my headphones I run without EQ - I have to like a headphone stock or I won't keep it. I buy headphones with the expectation the manufacturer tunes them well. I swapped to the "vegan" pads because to me they sound more neutral than the stock Merino leather pads but many people like those too.

I had the LCD XC while ago. Was not a fan. They lacked bass was what I remember off the top and were super heavy. The Master is far more reasonable in weight and has beautiful sound.
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im as you. all headphones run without EQ. i dont like change factory tune,as after tune you get strange sound. now have audeze lcd-2closed back. mostly neutral sound with slightly maybe V shape curve. month ago got beyerdynamic aventho bt and compared to audeze i like more sound from aventho-better dynamics,same bass,better highs and mids. . aventho is on-ear light headphone. keeper. but now investigating similar sound or maybe a bit better on ear closed heads.
 

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Mar 5, 2023 at 4:13 AM Post #89 of 97
PointyFox said:
My favorite closed backs are the TH900, Verite Closed, and Stealth.

The TH900 for price, weight, comfort, dynamics, and bass.
The Verite Closed for overall sound quality, isolation, soundstage, and easily replaceable parts.
The Stealth for overall sound quality, tone, and perfect driver matching.
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all closed has good bass,difficult make closed with neutral sound. TH900 V-shaped ,no mids,no upper highs. How sounds differ verite lambskin vs hybrid pads?
 
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Mar 5, 2023 at 9:52 AM Post #90 of 97
Planars: HE-6 SE, HE-500, OG LCD-4, HEK v2, D8000 (either one), Susvara
Dynamic: HD-600, HD-800
Estat: Voce

The HD-600 (on OTL amp), HE-6 SE, HE-500 are the only ones I own because they are the most cost effective.

every single one sounds better w/ parametric EQ - but not tuned to crinicle, etc. but to music

my list of disliked headphones is much longer. However, I've already dropped enough water on them from a great height in the past...
 
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