[mjm6]

Folks,

I have been using a pair of HiFiMan Edition X V2 headphones since they first came out and I really like the way they sound overall. Great openness and balanced. Comfortable listening with them being sharp enough for good attack, but not so much that they are fatiguing.

As I said, I like the overall presentation of them a lot. I wouldn't be changing anything except that my office has moved, and I now have to give up my open back headphones due to my open office situation.

I'm using a Torpedo III amp with the HEXv2, but I'll sell it and the HEXv2 with this change. I have a nice Shiit Lyr 2 sitting here I can use with whatever I get, or I could just run straight in from my DAP, which is the new iBasso DX120 or the Fiio X5v3 that it will probably replace. I like the interface of the iBasso a lot more!

I'm looking for recommendations for closed back and/or over-ear HPs that may have a similar sound to the HEXv2's (if that's even possible).

I'll be going to RMAF in October, so I can try a bunch of HPs out while there, but I'd like at lease a starting list of recommended models to go in with.


Thanks,

---Michael

 

[Mhog55]

This could be tough. Sweet DAP, I'm thinking about getting one myself. Good luck with your search.

 

[buke9]

A budget would help.

 

[mjm6]

Budget... Similar to the HEXv2 would be fine, so under about $1200 for sure. Ideally around $700 for an even swap with what I could get for the HEXv2 once I sell it. I'm always willing to stretch a little if there is a really great product just out of the target price range.

I'm totally OK going down if there are respectable products lower, like the Focal Listen (which is $300), but I haven't a clue if it is a reasonable candidate yet.

I want to add that I have a pair of IEM phones (Orivetti New Primacy) that I am using right now since I can't use the HEXv2, but I much prefer a non-IEM design for longer listening.

---Michael

 

[buke9]

I would definitely look at ZMF and Mr Speakers Aeons for closed backs the Ether-C’s also but will be a bit over budget if buying new. Finding a closed back that sounds like a particular open back is probably not going to happen. I’ll be heading to RMAF also and might bring my AKG K872’s as I have not seen them at CanJam before if your interested? I usually bring a couple of pairs to try out on other gear . Sony ZR1 is also another bit more expensive.

 

[mjm6]

Yeah, I hear you on that. Comparing an open back to closed is like comparing horns vs. dynamic drivers. They just sound different... and probably never the twain shall meet.

The Mr. Speakers did pop up, so I'll surely look at therm. Let me look at some info on the AKG model you mentioned, and I'll get back to you on that.

 

[buke9]

Yes they do sound different that’s for sure but sometimes I do prefer a closed back . For closed backs the Ether-C’s and K872’s also do well with soundstage but two totally different sounding headphones. Also check out ZMF as Zack has some really good headphones not exactly closed but pretty close and some of my favorites and sure he will be there also super nice guy .

 

[HBen]

I would definitely look at ZMF and Mr Speakers Aeons for closed backs the Ether-C’s also but will be a bit over budget if buying new.
Finding a closed back that sounds like a particular open back is probably not going to happen. I’ll be heading to RMAF also and might bring my AKG K872’s as I have not seen them at CanJam before if your interested? I usually bring a couple of pairs to try out on other gear . Sony ZR1 is also another bit more expensive.

I'm pretty much on the same page with buke here ... maybe a bit more pessimistic though.

Looking for a closed over ear that sound as good as the HEXV2 is a task that is not going to give you much pleasure ... because such a headphone doesn't exist as far as I can tell ... and I've tried almost every TOTL headphone (closed and open over ear) currently in production. Still own a few closed ones as well - like the ether C's or the AKG872.
As sad as it sounds and as crazy as it is at these prices: even the best closed cans are barely on the same level as a HD600/650 imo and don't even come close to TOTL open headphones. My T90 which I bought new for 400$ is whole lot better than my ether C or the AKG872's ... and those are 1500$+ headphones. I guess that tells a lot.
I once got the chance to buy the Z1R for less than 800$ ... after hearing it I could'nt get myself to buy it at this price ... still wonder how people pay over 2000$ for it. I'd say at 500$ i'm in - for the collector's sake

I've been on a pretty extensive search myself for a closed TOTL headphone and came to the conclusion, that I'd probably just stick with my in ears for those situations where a sealed headphone is needed. Also because in ears just seal much better than any closed over ear and there is really not point is using a closed headphone when you are in a surrounding that allowes you to use an open headphone.

Maybe you will come to another conclusion - however I'd highly recommend to extensively test before buying - otherwise that search might end in disappointment.

Cheers and good luck

 

[mjm6]

Just a followup from the RMAF weekend...

I listened to a bunch of HP there, including the new Focal Elegia and others in the 700-1500 range, and I found one that I feel is going to work well for me.

The ZMF Eikon had the combination of presentation, tonal balance and overall "musicality" that punched a lot of the buttons for me... I listened to a pair carefully for over an hour over a few different listening sessions and fell it is a HP that I can listen to for extended periods without fatigue. It feels great on my head, and doesn't feel heavy as well. Overall, I think it is a great sounding and looking HP and I'm happy to also be buying from a small audio company.

I also listened to the Focal Elegia for at least one extended session and a few shorter ones. I didn't find it as musical of a HP, but I can see how that sound could be very enticing to some people. The first thing I noticed about these is how tight and seemingly "accurate" the bass sounded. It didn't feel deficient to me, but the bass felt really well controlled and precise. If I were a metal-head, that wouldn't probably go over well, but for classical and electronica, I think this could work very, very well.

One thing I noted in the listening is that the Elegia seemed to lack a certain presence in the music that I find enticing. I actually went back and fourth between the ZMF and the Focal to compare the same tracks a little and I'm certain there is a subtle difference that I was hearing. I felt like I could better "see" the fingers on strings with the ZMF headphones and that micro-rendering in the fingerwork of well mic'ed string instruments seemed less present with the Focal HP.

That made me concerned that the ZMF may have a bit more high end extension, and that may be fatiguing, but I don't think that is the case, at least for me.

I compared the Eikon to the Atticus as well, and it was a clear preference for the Eikon. The Atticus had more bass (too much in my opinion) and also the bass felt a bit bloated and out of control. However, the Atticus also had a bit of high end grittiness that I didn't like. Overall, I much preferred the Eikon to the Atticus. And even though they have very different presentation styles, I preferred the Focal Elegia to the Atticus.

So, I'm now the owner of a pair of Eikon HP for my cube farm office space. I'll be putting my HEXv2 up for sale very shortly.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone...


---Michael