Looking for comfortable closed backs to use directly out of an iPad/Macbook

[LepakVT]

My living situation has changed recently, so I am looking for a closed back headphones that can provide isolation while I watch Netflix/YouTube (70% usage) or listen to music (30% usage) on the couch or in bed. In an effort to keep this setup "minimal", I would prefer to plug these straight into my iPad or Macbook without any separate amps or DACs. Along those same lines, I do not want gigantic earcups and prefer something with a lightweight, slim profile that is comfortable to wear for long periods. Noise Cancelling and Wireless aren't necessarily required.

The budget max can stretch into the range of the Aeon Flow, but I'd like to keep it under $500 USD. Audeze Sine? Meze 99 Classics? Bose QC35? ATH M50? Sony MDR7506?

 

[onevstheworld]

I personally wouldn't recommend the Aeon Flows (both open or closed) if you're not willing to get an amp. They really come alive with more power.

I didn't like the M50x (never tried M50)... has lots of bass but bass quality is not that great.

I have tried the Meze and that one I can recommend.

 

[Mhog55]

Since you want to use them more for movies than music, I'd opt for the Neo over the Classics. More bass and a slight, subjective win in the imaging department. Maybe also look into the Beoplay H6. I use both to binge out on Netflix, along with my M-Audio Q40s

 

[serman005]

I also like the 99 C at your price-point. If you could stretch, I would just love it if you could get into a Campfire Cascade--it ticks all your boxes really nicely. You would have to considerably stretch, though. ---(

 

[ProtegeManiac]

My living situation has changed recently, so I am looking for a closed back headphones that can provide isolation while I watch Netflix/YouTube (70% usage) or listen to music (30% usage) on the couch or in bed. In an effort to keep this setup "minimal", I would prefer to plug these straight into my iPad or Macbook without any separate amps or DACs. Along those same lines, I do not want gigantic earcups and prefer something with a lightweight, slim profile that is comfortable to wear for long periods. Noise Cancelling and Wireless aren't necessarily required.

The budget max can stretch into the range of the Aeon Flow, but I'd like to keep it under $500 USD. Audeze Sine? Meze 99 Classics? Bose QC35? ATH M50? Sony MDR7506?

Focal Listen Pro

 

[Tinnitus Man]

Also consider the Thinksound ON2. They're very comfortable, foldable, sounds great for the price, and they look cool (which I know is a consideration for people owning MacBooks).

 

[LepakVT]

I also like the 99 C at your price-point. If you could stretch, I would just love it if you could get into a Campfire Cascade--it ticks all your boxes really nicely. You would have to considerably stretch, though. ---(

I can stretch the budget for the Cascade. I'll take a closer look at these.

 

[surfgeorge]

I personally wouldn't recommend the Aeon Flows (both open or closed) if you're not willing to get an amp. They really come alive with more power.

I didn't like the M50x (never tried M50)... has lots of bass but bass quality is not that great.

I have tried the Meze and that one I can recommend.

2 comments:
I think the statement about the Aeon Flows applies to pretty much any HP above 300...500 USD/EUR.
Not all of them need a more powerful amp, but they should (all) require a significantly better source quality to properly bring out their qualities.

Second, in that budget range I would throw in the AudioQuest NightOwls as well, since they can now be found with big discounts.
They are easy to drive, are very comfortable and scale well with source SQ, but they are full size, a little bigger and I think heavier than the Meze.
I am using them with Chord Mojo, but for Laptop use it would be a great pair with the AudioQuest Dragonfly Red. Both together should be 500...600$