Headphones for metal music - ultimate solution

[atomLI631]

The FT1 for its price is pretty amazing. Especially for metal. I was pretty amazed by them. I did let them go, only because I have the E-Mu Teaks already and they are similar enough that it didn't warrant to keep both. The Teaks go deeper in bass but are a little looser. However, they have smoother treble all the way into the higher frequencies. The FT1 at times (and depending on the recording) did get a little spicy up top, but never sibilant. If I didn't already own the Teaks (and use them primarily for hip-hop/EDM) I would go with the FT1s for sure.

 

[Dreadzombie]

The FT1 for its price is pretty amazing. Especially for metal. I was pretty amazed by them. I did let them go, only because I have the E-Mu Teaks already and they are similar enough that it didn't warrant to keep both. The Teaks go deeper in bass but are a little looser. However, they have smoother treble all the way into the higher frequencies. The FT1 at times (and depending on the recording) did get a little spicy up top, but never sibilant. If I didn't already own the Teaks (and use them primarily for hip-hop/EDM) I would go with the FT1s for sure.

I’ve seen a lot of QC issues on the FT1 it seems, wonder if that’s a loud minority or an actual issue

I can’t wait till Canjam, hoping to find something to dethrone the amazing (but ****ing HEAVY) LCDX with EQ, hoping for something much more comfortable without needing EQ, or at least minimal

 

[CUBIX]

T+A Solitaire P and Kennerton Rognir, are the best headphones for metal, from what headphones I listen so far.

 

[Dede1982]

The Verité Open with its fast driver is a phenomenal hp for (prog) metal. Brings Tool to another planet (if that's even possible).

 

[WILLJS]

I personally find Hifiman Sundaras to be great for metal, as an affordable option. They have the speed and weight required to properly reproduce metal, though do tend to sound a little dry (but accurate) with metal mixes, just depends on what you like

 

[PapaIV]

After going ZMF-only for a few months I’ve found out that they don’t do it for me with rock/metal. The Bokeh Closed works the best for me with metal but I prefer it with slower metal genres and it can be a bit too bloomy for my taste with faster busier tracks. The emphasised lower mids with my chain are masking some details I look for, such as a more “background” guitar lead or melody that gets buried, if that makes sense. It’s divine for slower stuff like doom etc though or with bad recordings!

So I’ve been craving a complimentary, preferably planar, pair for fast and technical performance with metal. It will be just for rock/metal because I love my ZMFs for every other genre. Some candidates include the LCD-4, Abyss Diana (not sure which version), Utopia (although I can’t stand clipping), HEKse and maybe some of the Meze ones. I would even consider going up to the 1266 if that means I’ll get what I want. I did consider the Calderas but I don’t wanna risk getting another ZMF for metal and ending up not liking it. For reference, my favourite pair for metal so far was the EQ’d LCD-2C: big speaker-like sound, crazy low-end for the rhythm section and crunchy guitars but the bass could be more controlled and resolution could be better.

One thing I’m missing with my ZMFs for rock/metal (less so with my Bokeh though) on my chain is a strong central image - that nice central punch that gives metal its drive. The bass is there but everything is more diffused in the huge stage so the impact is lessened. I have been considering trading my Wavelight for a TT2 and I may still do but I definitely want to also add a faster, more technical and less “romantic” HP pair for rock/metal to the collection! Open to suggestions!

 

[monkey4054]

Open to suggestions!

Utopia 2022 is what I would get. Need to sell my 1266 TC first...

 

[atomLI631]

After going ZMF-only for a few months I’ve found out that they don’t do it for me with rock/metal. The Bokeh Closed works the best for me with metal but I prefer it with slower metal genres and it can be a bit too bloomy for my taste with faster busier tracks. The emphasised lower mids with my chain are masking some details I look for, such as a more “background” guitar lead or melody that gets buried, if that makes sense. It’s divine for slower stuff like doom etc though or with bad recordings!

So I’ve been craving a complimentary, preferably planar, pair for fast and technical performance with metal. It will be just for rock/metal because I love my ZMFs for every other genre. Some candidates include the LCD-4, Abyss Diana (not sure which version), Utopia (although I can’t stand clipping), HEKse and maybe some of the Meze ones. I would even consider going up to the 1266 if that means I’ll get what I want. I did consider the Calderas but I don’t wanna risk getting another ZMF for metal and ending up not liking it. For reference, my favourite pair for metal so far was the EQ’d LCD-2C: big speaker-like sound, crazy low-end for the rhythm section and crunchy guitars but the bass could be more controlled and resolution could be better.

One thing I’m missing with my ZMFs for rock/metal (less so with my Bokeh though) on my chain is a strong central image - that nice central punch that gives metal its drive. The bass is there but everything is more diffused in the huge stage so the impact is lessened. I have been considering trading my Wavelight for a TT2 and I may still do but I definitely want to also add a faster, more technical and less “romantic” HP pair for rock/metal to the collection! Open to suggestions!

have you tried the LCD-X? its my go-to for metal. sounds like it fits the bill with what youre looking for.

 

[PapaIV]

Utopia 2022 is what I would get. Need to sell my 1266 TC first...

Yeah I’m definitely considering the Utopia 22, I’m just worried about clipping. I bought my Clear OGs thinking that it’s probably not such a widespread issue and sure enough, on some tracks with punchy kick drums it was clipping a lot. Maybe it’s not as common with the Utopia 22 though?

How is your TC for metal? I was looking at a Phi TC but I have no clue about the differences yet.

have you tried the LCD-X? its my go-to for metal. sounds like it fits the bill with what youre looking for.

Thanks for the recommendation, I used to own the XC 2021. It was a great headphone but I was surprised to find it really lacked bass so I listened to it with a +6dB low shelf and the screw mod which made it enjoyable but I eventually had to let it go. I understand the X 2021 is tuned very differently from the closed version though?

 

[Kimmeri]

Yeah I’m definitely considering the Utopia 22, I’m just worried about clipping. I bought my Clear OGs thinking that it’s probably not such a widespread issue and sure enough, on some tracks with punchy kick drums it was clipping a lot. Maybe it’s not as common with the Utopia 22 though?

How is your TC for metal? I was looking at a Phi TC but I have no clue about the differences yet.


Thanks for the recommendation, I used to own the XC 2021. It was a great headphone but I was surprised to find it really lacked bass so I listened to it with a +6dB low shelf and the screw mod which made it enjoyable but I eventually had to let it go. I understand the X 2021 is tuned very differently from the closed version though?

I dont know it if can be had somewhere else in EU area cheaper but a German store Hifi Concept has Utopia 22 at 3,399€.

 

[obstacleofaffliction]

I love my Diana V2 for metal. Switching from leather to vegan pads and back as desired, both being bass ported, is great. If the recording is too bright, the vegan pads tend to control that energy.
And at the low prices they go for on the used market, the V2 are a good candidate to try or consider.
I actually listen to my V2 for metal more than my Diana TC because the TC tends to highlight the flaws of badly recorded albums. But if the recording is good, the TC is best.
Don't have a need or desire to pursue the MR or DZ. Abyss already got my money and I'm content.
Cheers

 

[atomLI631]

Yeah I’m definitely considering the Utopia 22, I’m just worried about clipping. I bought my Clear OGs thinking that it’s probably not such a widespread issue and sure enough, on some tracks with punchy kick drums it was clipping a lot. Maybe it’s not as common with the Utopia 22 though?

How is your TC for metal? I was looking at a Phi TC but I have no clue about the differences yet.


Thanks for the recommendation, I used to own the XC 2021. It was a great headphone but I was surprised to find it really lacked bass so I listened to it with a +6dB low shelf and the screw mod which made it enjoyable but I eventually had to let it go. I understand the X 2021 is tuned very differently from the closed version though?

yeah the X ans XC are tuned very differently. I still use EQ with my LCD-X but so far I have yet to hear a headphone that does metal better.

 

[PapaIV]

I dont know it if can be had somewhere else in EU area cheaper but a German store Hifi Concept has Utopia 22 at 3,399€.

Thanks, bookmarked!

I love my Diana V2 for metal. Switching from leather to vegan pads and back as desired, both being bass ported, is great. If the recording is too bright, the vegan pads tend to control that energy.
And at the low prices they go for on the used market, the V2 are a good candidate to try or consider.
I actually listen to my V2 for metal more than my Diana TC because the TC tends to highlight the flaws of badly recorded albums. But if the recording is good, the TC is best.
Don't have a need or desire to pursue the MR or DZ. Abyss already got my money and I'm content.
Cheers

Interesting, thanks! I should read into the differences between the various Diana versions. A second hand MR is within my budget (and my Bokeh takes care of bad recordings) but I’m wondering if Diana’s sound signature would be what I’m looking for. For metal I’m looking for meaty low end with good, punchy dynamics for kick drums etc and sparkly treble (nothing extreme like some Hifimans though). I note know that I value an accurate stereo image much more than a huge soundstage! From what I’m reading they should be fine to drive out of the TT2 that I’ll possibly get soon.

yeah the X ans XC are tuned very differently. I still use EQ with my LCD-X but so far I have yet to hear a headphone that does metal better.

Nice, thanks! I’m wondering how it compares to the LCD-4 I’ve been eyeing but that comparison should be easy to find. I’ll definitely look into it, thanks!

 

[Kimmeri]

Youtuber Passion For Sound tests various flagships for metal.
Recommended watch. Results are somewhat unexpected.
Timestamped for your convenience.

 

[mks100]

+1 for the Grado SR325i/e/x.