[MatW]

I would check out:

Fostex TH900
ZMF Verite Closed
Audeze LCD-XC
Maybe.. Denon 9200

I own the bottom three. I'm currently leaning towards the Denon as my favorite closed back for metal. The XC is very good too, but requires EQ and it's heavy. The VC is a great headphone, but I don't think it does metal very well, esp faster stuff.

 

[yrstruly]

I would check out:

Fostex TH900
ZMF Verite Closed
Audeze LCD-XC
Maybe.. Denon 9200

Nice one, thanks. Have tried the TH900 and, although it's super fun, it's definitely too bright/fatiguing for me for longer listening sessions. Already have the LCD 2 Closed and am loving those, but was thinking the Stellia would be a step up in resolution whilst being more comfortable and easier to drive. Will definitely look into the others you mentioned.

 

[Benno1988]

They are very good in metal, just like all Focal headphones.

I fail to accept the Radiance is good at *any* genre

 

[waylman]

Not silly. I also acknowledge the fact, where I said it was intentional with black metal. I actually prefer the raw, edgy, dirty sound of a 'poor recording'. Doesn't mean that it's not a poor recording... or that I don't like it or that it isn't good. It's just an objective fact about the recording quality.

I have to disagree. If someone in the studio intentionally nails the sound on a raw recording, it's still poor?
I would say if they were going for one sound and came out with another, that would be a poor result.

 

[monkey4054]

I have to disagree. If someone in the studio intentionally nails the sound on a raw recording, it's still poor?
I would say if they were going for one sound and came out with another, that would be a poor result.

That's not what I'm talking about. Yes, that wouldnt be a poor recording. You can have a nasty sound that is well recorded. For example any band using a HM2 pedal. Justice for the damned, Nails, At the Gates, Cursed Earth, Nasum etc. A poor recording is something poorly recorded. Not necessarily a record with a raw, dirty, distorted sound by choice.

 

[MatW]

I fail to accept the Radiance is good at *any* genre

The Radiance is probably my favorite Focal headphone.

 

[waylman]

That's not what I'm talking about. Yes, that wouldnt be a poor recording. You can have a nasty sound that is well recorded. For example any band using a HM2 pedal. Justice for the damned, Nails, At the Gates, Cursed Earth, Nasum etc. A poor recording is something poorly recorded. Not necessarily a record with a raw, dirty, distorted sound by choice.

OK, sounds like we are on the same page. You said 99% of black metal is poorly recorded earlier which is what had me confused.

 

[monkey4054]

Nice one, thanks. Have tried the TH900 and, although it's super fun, it's definitely too bright/fatiguing for me for longer listening sessions. Already have the LCD 2 Closed and am loving those, but was thinking the Stellia would be a step up in resolution whilst being more comfortable and easier to drive. Will definitely look into the others you mentioned.

Th900 need a pad swap and a good amp pairing and they will no longer be fatiguing. They are the best headphone for metal under 2k.

 

[monkey4054]

OK, sounds like we are on the same page. You said 99% of black metal is poorly recorded earlier which is what had me confused.

It mostly is, on purpose. It usually boosted mids and rolled off on both ends or overly bright.

 

[vonBaron]

Th900 need a pad swap and a good amp pairing and they will no longer be fatiguing. They are the best headphone for metal under 2k.

They bass is too bloated...

 

[monkey4054]

They bass is too bloated...

That's the best part!

 

[Benno1988]

Th900 need a pad swap and a good amp pairing and they will no longer be fatiguing. They are the best headphone for metal under 2k.

What pads?

 

[monkey4054]

What pads?

I like the Dekoni sheepskins myself . The 610/x00 pads are good too. People have reported success with Mr Speakers Ether pads, Stax SR007 pads and yaxi leather pads. I would strongly NOT recommend the Yaxi alcantara pads as they subdue the sound far too much.

 

[Benno1988]

I like the Dekoni sheepskins myself . The 610/x00 pads are good too. People have reported success with Mr Speakers Ether pads, Stax SR007 pads and yaxi leather pads. I would strongly NOT recommend the Yaxi alcantara pads as they subdue the sound far too much.

You bought a 1266 ! Haha. All that D8000 money.

 

[monkey4054]

You bought a 1266 ! Haha. All that D8000 money.

Hahaha Mate.. I have to say.. Gut feeling was 'Oh no... I made a mistake. I think I want the D8000 back..' but after playing with the fit... they are a beast for metal. Weird fit. But a beast... If only the Empyrean sounded like the 1266...