[bidea117]

Hey all,

I'm in the market for a pair of headphones. Budget is $600. I listen to mostly jazz, smooth jazz, classical, and punk rock. I'd prefer closed backs as I travel often. A warmer, smooth, and rich sound signature is preferred. I'd be powering them with a THX Onyx DAC/AMP.

Some preliminary headphone choices are:

Audio Technica ATH-WP900
Sennheiser HD-650 (yes I know it's open back)

Thank you!!

 

[Ficcion2]

Your taste in genres reminds me of mine's.

Id suggest finding a Hifiman Sundara with an iFi Zen Can/DAC or Diablo iDSD.

 

[pbui44]

If you are looking for a wooden headset, then you can get with your budget either an open-back KLH Ultimate One or closed-back JVC HA-SW01 for a full-size-fold-flat and a JVC HA-FW01 for a semi-open in-ear:

https://klhaudio.com/ultimate-one-headphones/

https://creativeaudio.net/klhf00046-uvg/

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...w01_over_ear_wood_dome_driver_headphones.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...hasw01_ha_sw01_over_ear_wood_dome_driver.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1710805-REG/jvc_hafw01_in_ear_headphones_with_wood.html

Also, you can get a zippered weave headband cover for either over-ear to protect the leather/pleather and add grip to keep your headset in place, and these ATH-MSR7 sheepskin leather ear pads and case look to fit the JVC HA-SW01 as well:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803637160443.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800163120028.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800113880235.html

 

[pbui44]

If you don't mind used, then there is also this Focal Elex, just replace the ear pads with these preforated sheepskin leather ear pads and add the weaved zippered headband cover for $450 plus other fees:

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/focal-elex.35008/

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803637160443.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804142707552.html

There is also the closed-back Focal Elegia that will also fit those ear pads and headband cover (use this link only for the discounted price):

https://www.adorama.com/fofelegia.html?sdtid=14272823&emailprice=t

 

[bidea117]

If you don't mind used, then there is also this Focal Elex, just replace the ear pads with these preforated sheepskin leather ear pads and add the weaved zippered headband cover for $450 plus other fees:

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/focal-elex.35008/

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803637160443.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804142707552.html

There is also the closed-back Focal Elegia that will also fit those ear pads and headband cover (use this link only for the discounted price):

https://www.adorama.com/fofelegia.html?sdtid=14272823&emailprice=t

The Focal Elegia look amazing! I'll take a look.

 

[Legato2057]

I love my WP-900 and they are great headphones, but I wouldn’t pick them for relaxing jazz or classical music—not that they will sound bad, far from it, they are just energetic sounding. They will work great for all kinds of rock tho.

 

[pbui44]

The Focal Elegia look amazing! I'll take a look.

Remember to use the Elegia only during travel, as the headband does not have the best build quality, as reported by many users who applied too much pressure to the headband. If build quality is a factor, then look at the Meze Audio 99 Neo or Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir:

https://thesourceav.com/products/meze-audio-99-neo?variant=41237104001180

https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-meze-99-noir-closed-back-headphones

Lastly, real leather ear pads in flat and angled that will fit the meze 99 series:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803120991361.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804178191206.html

 

[BigmoneyT]

Give or take a dollar, Amazon has a similar pricing on the 99 Neo but the 99 Classics took a jump since I last checked the listing !