Recommendation: A closed back headphone pairing with Fiio X5 3rd gen within 400$

[walkmanforever]

Hello fellow members,
 
I recently bought the Fiio X5 3rd and was looking for closed backs that can pair well with it. I currently have the ZA Duoza and I am really happy with the synergy. However, I had the ATH M50 and want to upgrade it. My budget is 400$ and have listed the below headphones:
 
1. Meze 99 classics
2. Hifiman HE400S
3. ATH MSR7/ M70x
 
I am looking for something that has a full bodied sound, wide sound stage and great detail retrieval (I like how the Duozas bring out the details and are comparable to AT CKR10, so anything at par or better at detail retrieval than CKR10). I am also sensitive to treble, so would prefer an overall smooth and warm signature without being overly bright. Regarding the bass, I would not consider myself as a basshead, but some clean sub-bass presence and rumble won't hurt .  I have read a lot about how the Meze 99 classics sound and I am leaning towards them. However, I am not sure about the detail retrieval these guys offer. It is not wise to compare On ear to IEMs, but can someone throw a light on how the Meze 99 classics fare on the detail retrieval part compared to the CKR10? I want this as an end game till at least 2 more years now. Hoping to see some good recommendations!

 

[serman005]

  Hello fellow members,
 
I recently bought the Fiio X5 3rd and was looking for closed backs that can pair well with it. I currently have the ZA Duoza and I am really happy with the synergy. However, I had the ATH M50 and want to upgrade it. My budget is 400$ and have listed the below headphones:
 
1. Meze 99 classics
2. Hifiman HE400S
3. ATH MSR7/ M70x
 
I am looking for something that has a full bodied sound, wide sound stage and great detail retrieval (I like how the Duozas bring out the details and are comparable to AT CKR10, so anything at par or better at detail retrieval than CKR10). I am also sensitive to treble, so would prefer an overall smooth and warm signature without being overly bright. Regarding the bass, I would not consider myself as a basshead, but some clean sub-bass presence and rumble won't hurt .  I have read a lot about how the Meze 99 classics sound and I am leaning towards them. However, I am not sure about the detail retrieval these guys offer. It is not wise to compare On ear to IEMs, but can someone throw a light on how the Meze 99 classics fare on the detail retrieval part compared to the CKR10? I want this as an end game till at least 2 more years now. Hoping to see some good recommendations!

Just so you know, the HE400S is an open headphone. Great headphone (I own it), but open. I am a bit worried that the MSR7 may be a bit bright for you. Maybe not, but maybe yes. I would also consider the NAD HP50, which is terrific and quite neutral. Lastly, there is the PM-3, which is a nice planar that is fairly portable and also fairly neutral. Have not heard the CKR10--sorry. I like the MEZE.

 

[walkmanforever]

  Just so you know, the HE400S is an open headphone. Great headphone (I own it), but open. I am a bit worried that the MSR7 may be a bit bright for you. Maybe not, but maybe yes. I would also consider the NAD HP50, which is terrific and quite neutral. Lastly, there is the PM-3, which is a nice planar that is fairly portable and also fairly neutral. Have not heard the CKR10--sorry. I like the MEZE.

Thanks @serman005,
 
How does the Meze compare to the HE400S overall? I can consider the HE400S if it is better, for some trade off. Also, what do you think about the AKG 7xx vs the Meze 99?

 

[serman005]

  Thanks @serman005,
 
How does the Meze compare to the HE400S overall? I can consider the HE400S if it is better, for some trade off. Also, what do you think about the AKG 7xx vs the Meze 99?

They are different. The MEZE has better bass, even with the Focus A Pads on the 400S. The 400S has in my opinion a more refined and elegant midrange with good  continuity to the upper end. Great rhythm and pacing. Soundstage I would give the slight edge to the 400S--the MEZE has a good stage for a closed headphone. Still, it can't compete with the stage of the HD598. It's been too long since I have heard the K7xx but one thing I do recall is its stage--bigger than the 400S or MEZE.   ---)