Closed-back headphones/DAC/amp combo for $1300

[shaitlist]

Hey everyone,

This is going to be my first time spending a decent amount of cash on audio gear and I'm looking for a good combination of closed-back cans, DAC and amp for roughly $1300. I'm going to use them in the office so leakage is a big concern (currently running Bose QC 35 II so anything around that in terms of leakage is fine).

I don't live in the US and so I don't have access to a wide variety of cans to test before I settle on one. I'm basically just going to rely on reviews and recommendations before I order anything.

The music I listen to is mostly rock, blues and jazz. I'm not fluent with the terms but I'm looking for a combo that would complement those genres.

I thought about MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed + Schiit Jotunheim or Aeon Flow Closed + THX AAA 789 + some DAC but I'm really open to anything.

Thanks!

 

[buke9]

The Jotunheim is a very nice dac/amp I had one on loan from Schiit for a meet and it had the Multibit dac option and if I was in the market for one I probably wouldn’t hesitate on picking one up. I’m not a big fan of a lot of Schiit amps but I do like this one as it has just a touch of warmth to it that I like as a lot of my cans are on the bright side. I don’t have the Aeon closed backs ( but have heard them several times and do like them) but did try out my Ether-C’s with the Jot and thought it was quite good. Have not heard the THX but have heard good things about it.

 

[Law87]

with Aeon, I dont think you need tube amp. JDS Element should be good for you!

for Ether C, a tube amp is good but not require, just depend on your taste in music. If you love bass and the warmth of sound then Tube would be good, if not, JDS the element would be good too. Before you jump a big purchase, why not try Bowers and WIlkins P7 line? you dont need an amp for it.

 

[buke9]

with Aeon, I dont think you need tube amp. JDS Element should be good for you!

for Ether C, a tube amp is good but not require, just depend on your taste in music. If you love bass and the warmth of sound then Tube would be good, if not, JDS the element would be good too. Before you jump a big purchase, why not try Bowers and WIlkins P7 line? you dont need an amp for it.

Where is it that someone was talking about a tube amp?

 

[Law87]

Where is it that someone was talking about a tube amp?

nvm I was mistaking another thread...I thought someone was suggesting a Lyr 3 or may have read Lyr 3 somewhere.

 

[yong_shun]

JDS Labs Element could be a good choice

 

[shaitlist]

Thanks for helping out!

with Aeon, I dont think you need tube amp. JDS Element should be good for you!

for Ether C, a tube amp is good but not require, just depend on your taste in music. If you love bass and the warmth of sound then Tube would be good, if not, JDS the element would be good too. Before you jump a big purchase, why not try Bowers and WIlkins P7 line? you dont need an amp for it.

I'm not really fond of the B&W aesthetics and I have no problem maxing my budget to get the best possible value.

Are there any other closed-back headphones in this price range that are comparable in quality?

 

[PopZeus]

I’d start with the R2R-11 or NFB-11 and probably (since I haven’t heard it yet) the AFC. Any extra money could go towards accessories, like cables, cases, etc.

 

[shaitlist]

Actually ended up buying AFC + Element after reading about it. Hoping for the best

 

[buke9]

Actually ended up buying AFC + Element after reading about it. Hoping for the best

I’ve heard them both but not together but I don’t think you will be disappointed both are very good. Please let us know once you get them how you like them.

 

[iviustang50h]

Great choice! Do let us know what you think after you've had time to listen.