The Closed-Back Headphone Thread (Plus Comparisons & Reviews)

[Malevolent]

My marriage may not survive, but I just pulled the trigger for the Hiby R8 from MusikTeck with a 15% discount. Both the Z1r and the TH900 deserve better.!

Well, that's what headphones are for - to block out the voices of our spouses when they grumble about our new purchases.

Just be careful to lock them up. You don't want half an MDR-Z1R when you come back home, do you?

I was actually thinking about trying the VC.... but still worried about the 300ohms issue. Also just read your latest review & comparison (thank you!) and it sounds like the VC isn't exactly a bright HP like the d9200 and MKII..... so that's giving me some pause. Any thoughts on the VC's brightness vs these other two I mentioned?

Yes, the Vérité Closed is definitely not a bright headphone. It isn't dark either; it has decent treble energy with good control and a small dose of shimmer. However, the highs aren't pronounced at all; in comparison, the AH-D9200 is very good in this regard.

In terms of sheer treble brilliance, the TH900 Mk2 has the brightest highs, followed by the AH-D9200, then the Vérité Closed. The highs on the Fostex are generally strident, and can be sibilant at the worst of times. In terms of detail, again, the AH-D9200 takes the prize. The Fostex and the Vérité Closed have good articulation and layering in its respective treble regions, too. Taken as a whole, the Denon offers a good blend of prominent (but never overbearing) highs, coupled with gobs of detail; the delivery of its treble region is near-perfect, IMO.

 

[Terriero]

Just be careful to lock them up. You don't want half an MDR-Z1R when you come back home, do you?

At the end, I've learned now why @Malevolent put all his closed headphones in their boxes and then in a safe box...

 

[plakat]

Well, that's what headphones are for - to block out the voices of our spouses when they grumble about our new purchases.

This also explains the need for *closed* headphones -- they simply block arguments so much better than open models

I'm currently using my D9200 primarily with the Impacto, a very nice combination. That small thing does sound very good. Comfortwise the D9200 is much better than what I remember about the D7200, where the headband was somehow more stiff/hard.

Meanwhile I decided to send the Yamaha MT8 back... it does sound really good at its price, extends down low with good separation from the mids. Comfort was a bit of a problem, with the cups being quite large and not so deep (despite the angled drivers that give more room at the back). Too many headphones around... They would not have got much use.

Instead I ordered an Austrian Audio Hi-X55... I did test them once and was not that happy with the bass level and a slightly strange upper mid section, but I think its still worth to give them a second chance. Plus its a local brand, I even know several guys that are involved in that model... and I just have to support a high quality headphone being built in Vienna at that price. Lets see how it does with more than a short audition.

There are som other models that will have to leave within the next few weeks:
* The JBL Club One: nice EDM headphone, but I just don't use it enough, especially after outfitting my V-Moda CF2 Codex with the XL pads -- every time I use them I ask myself why I waited so long... comfort is so much better, plus it seems to even tame the midbass a bit
* Maybe the SRH1540: supremely comfortable, yet somehow it did not click as much as expected with me.
* DT770 32Ohm: I own the 80Ohm variant anyway
* The Master-1: I simply don't use it anymore. Still a fascinating sound signature, but not closed...

 

[zach915m]

I was actually thinking about trying the VC.... but still worried about the 300ohms issue. Also just read your latest review & comparison (thank you!) and it sounds like the VC isn't exactly a bright HP like the d9200 and MKII..... so that's giving me some pause. Any thoughts on the VC's brightness vs these other two I mentioned?

One thing that I realize is confusing about our headphones is the pad swapping. I don't know what pads were used in the shootout (great job btw!) but brighter treble balance can be achieved through pad swaps. Likely anyone wanting more treble energy would enjoy the Be-2 or verite pads the most vs the stock auteur or universe pads which are warmer.

That info can be found here: https://www.zmfheadphones.com/zmfpads

 

[Nostoi]

One thing that I realize is confusing about our headphones is the pad swapping. I don't know what pads were used in the shootout (great job btw!) but brighter treble balance can be achieved through pad swaps. Likely anyone wanting more treble energy would enjoy the Be-2 or verite pads the most vs the stock auteur or universe pads which are warmer.

That info can be found here: https://www.zmfheadphones.com/zmfpads

I can very much confirm that the BE-2 sit beautifully with the VC - generating a touch more sparkle at the top end more so than any cable rolling (in my experience).

I've been slightly side-tracked with amps recently, having now settled on the Sparkos Labs Aires (not least because it's the solid state choice of @zach915m himself) and will be happy to report back about the pairing when it arrives.

Also very much tempted to get a pair of D9200 after seeing the buzz here...

 

[MisterButthead]

I haven't got around to rolling tubes, so I'm using the stock ones (6BZ7) with my Mjolnir 2. I'm very happy with its sound at the present time, so I haven't thought to introduce any tweaks yet. Sometime in the future, maybe?

I have an MJ2 and have a pair of VCs on order. I have a small handful of tubes, so soon I'll let you know which ones pair well with the ZMFs. Not to send you into the tube rolling black hole, but almost all them sound better than stock.

 

[KPzypher]

By the way, here's a question for everyone - What have you purchased this Black Friday?

AKG K712, HFM HE6SEV2, Denon D5200, SP400.

Spent more than I would've liked, but pleased with the overall discount I received.

Since this is a closed back thread, I'm most excited about the Denon D5200, as the purchase was unexpected. It'll be interesting to compare them to my other recent closed back purchase, the Sony Z7M2. I'm generally a bigger fan of the open back design, but I do own and will continue to collect good closed back design. I'm looking at the ATH WP900 for my next closed-back purchase, among other potential candidates (Hi-X55, Aeon 2, M70x, SRH1540, etc.). These days, I mostly gravitate towards lightweight and comfortable design, as fit and comfort is the #1 priority for me, even over SQ.

 

[Malevolent]

At the end, I've learned now why @Malevolent put all his closed headphones in their boxes and then in a safe box...

Well, did you hear about the poor chap who had to sell his PlayStation 5 after his wife discovered that it wasn't an air purifier after all?

Lesson to be learned - don't mess with the wife!

This also explains the need for *closed* headphones -- they simply block arguments so much better than open models

I'm currently using my D9200 primarily with the Impacto, a very nice combination. That small thing does sound very good. Comfortwise the D9200 is much better than what I remember about the D7200, where the headband was somehow more stiff/hard.

Meanwhile I decided to send the Yamaha MT8 back... it does sound really good at its price, extends down low with good separation from the mids. Comfort was a bit of a problem, with the cups being quite large and not so deep (despite the angled drivers that give more room at the back). Too many headphones around... They would not have got much use.

Instead I ordered an Austrian Audio Hi-X55... I did test them once and was not that happy with the bass level and a slightly strange upper mid section, but I think its still worth to give them a second chance. Plus its a local brand, I even know several guys that are involved in that model... and I just have to support a high quality headphone being built in Vienna at that price. Lets see how it does with more than a short audition.

There are som other models that will have to leave within the next few weeks:
* The JBL Club One: nice EDM headphone, but I just don't use it enough, especially after outfitting my V-Moda CF2 Codex with the XL pads -- every time I use them I ask myself why I waited so long... comfort is so much better, plus it seems to even tame the midbass a bit
* Maybe the SRH1540: supremely comfortable, yet somehow it did not click as much as expected with me.
* DT770 32Ohm: I own the 80Ohm variant anyway
* The Master-1: I simply don't use it anymore. Still a fascinating sound signature, but not closed...

I actually enjoyed the SRH1540; it has a generally pleasant, warm-ish sound with decent technicalities. Generally inoffensive-sounding, IMO. Plus, they are really comfortable, as you've mentioned.

I used to have the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless (Rose Gold); I don't know why I sold them, but they were actually pretty good as a no-frills wireless headphone. I like the classic thumping V-MODA bass.

 

[Terriero]

Well, that's what headphones are for - to block out the voices of our spouses when they grumble about our new purchases.

This also explains the need for *closed* headphones -- they simply block arguments so much better than open models

Leaving aside the jokes... and talking about isolation... I didn't like at all the Beyerdynamic MMX 300, aside from the sound, because they were so claustrophobic for me and isolated a lot... Even I though (because I live in a remote house in the country-side) that when I was listening to music a thief would enter in my house and steal everything (or do damage to my family, what is worse) and I didn't notice him at all. I remember my wife shouting at me and I barely listened her. I though the same (but worse) about virtual reality, with which you are outside of this world.

Since then, I haven't tried another closed back because of those bad experiencies (also I found claustrophobic a Senn PC 350 that I had) and based on the comments in this forum I decided to buy a Beyer DT 150 and a Sony Z7. They isolate, but I can also hear a little from the outside world and I like that way. But is perfect that at nights the sound don't leakage and don't disturb my family while sleep.

AKG K712, HFM HE6SEV2, Denon D5200, SP400.

Spent more than I would've liked, but pleased with the overall discount I received.

Since this is a closed back thread, I'm most excited about the Denon D5200, as the purchase was unexpected. It'll be interesting to compare them to my other recent closed back purchase, the Sony Z7M2. I'm generally a bigger fan of the open back design, but I do own and will continue to collect good closed back design. I'm looking at the ATH WP900 for my next closed-back purchase, among other potential candidates (Hi-X55, Aeon 2, M70x, SRH1540, etc.). These days, I mostly gravitate towards lightweight and comfortable design, as fit and comfort is the #1 priority for me, even over SQ.

I'm sooo bad... Have you seen that beautiful Kennerton headphones?

 

[Malevolent]

One thing that I realize is confusing about our headphones is the pad swapping. I don't know what pads were used in the shootout (great job btw!) but brighter treble balance can be achieved through pad swaps. Likely anyone wanting more treble energy would enjoy the Be-2 or verite pads the most vs the stock auteur or universe pads which are warmer.

That info can be found here: https://www.zmfheadphones.com/zmfpads

Thanks, Zac. I will order a pair of BE-2 pads soon. I'll be a mighty-happy camper if I could eke a little more treble definition and energy out of the Vérité Closed.

I can very much confirm that the BE-2 sit beautifully with the VC - generating a touch more sparkle at the top end more so than any cable rolling (in my experience).

I've been slightly side-tracked with amps recently, having now settled on the Sparkos Labs Aires (not least because it's the solid state choice of @zach915m himself) and will be happy to report back about the pairing when it arrives.

Also very much tempted to get a pair of D9200 after seeing the buzz here...

Well, I'll be awaiting your impressions with the Aires. At present, I'm happy with the Mjolnir 2, but of course, you can always take things to a higher level. One step at a time, though...

Plus, the AH-D9200 is a really special headphone. Give it a try, if you can find a demo unit.

 

[Malevolent]

I have an MJ2 and have a pair of VCs on order. I have a small handful of tubes, so soon I'll let you know which ones pair well with the ZMFs. Not to send you into the tube rolling black hole, but almost all them sound better than stock.

Well, that is mighty helpful; thanks!

Which tubes are good for providing a more sculpted treble range? The stock tubes sound great (for now), but they tend to smooth the top-end a little too much, as opposed to my other non-tube sources, such as the Chord Hugo 2.

 

[Terriero]

Also very much tempted to get a pair of D9200 after seeing the buzz here...

If I were you, I will get this offer and go driving (if the pandemic allows you that) to get your new AH-D9200: Denon AH-D9200 kopen? Bekijk de Denon AH-D9200 bij Stassen Hifi (ships to Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands).

 

[plakat]

Well, did you hear about the poor chap who had to sell his PlayStation 5 after his wife discovered that it wasn't an air purifier after all?

Lesson to be learned - don't mess with the wife!


I actually enjoyed the SRH1540; it has a generally pleasant, warm-ish sound with decent technicalities. Generally inoffensive-sounding, IMO. Plus, they are really comfortable, as you've mentioned.

I used to have the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless (Rose Gold); I don't know why I sold them, but they were actually pretty good as a no-frills wireless headphone. I like the classic thumping V-MODA bass.

Ad SRH1540: good characterization. Yes, I'll give it a bit more time... might actually be one of those cases that sound so inoffensive that one has to use them for longer to really appreciate their sound. I'm generally biased against those impressive sounding headphones, most get on my nerves rather sooner than later.

My CF2 is also Rose Gold... and yes, there's something to the original V-Moda signature. A basshead signature done with taste, engaging and just fun. I'm really happy with the XL pads now -- they were in my drawer for years, bought them shortly after they were announced as an accessory to the original M-100. Never used them before, pulling off the original pads always scared me... Now I immediately ordered a second pair for my M-100 Master.

Leaving aside the jokes... and talking about isolation... I didn't like at all the Beyerdynamic MMX 300, aside from the sound, because they were so claustrophobic for me and isolated a lot... Even I though (because I live in a remote house in the country-side) that when I was listening to music a thief would enter in my house and steal everything (or do damage to my family, what is worse) and I didn't notice him at all. I remember my wife shouting at me and I barely listened her. I though the same (but worse) about virtual reality, with which you are outside of this world.

Since then, I haven't tried another closed back because of those bad experiencies (also I found claustrophobic a Senn PC 350 that I had) and based on the comments in this forum I decided to buy a Beyer DT 150 and a Sony Z7. They isolate, but I can also hear a little from the outside world and I like that way. But is perfect that at nights the sound don't leakage and don't disturb my family while sleep.

I know what you mean. Being totally isolated is not that much fun, even at the basic level: someone enters your room and you don't even notice until they tap you on your shoulder. Scares the hell out of me, so no noise cancelling for me at home/office settings. On the go its also a must to have some passive isolation since I don't want to ruin my ears by turning up the volume to drown out my surroundings.

Some isolation is good, and I want that. Both directions actually, if I'm in the same room I fully understand that its unnerving to hear faint music coming out of my headphones, just loud enough to be hard to ignore.

The D9200 works quite well in that department btw. I don't need more isolation actually.

Speaking of Beyerdynamic, they offer a special variant of their DT770, the DT770M, which does not have the small holes of the normal version. It's sound is per their own description not as good as the normal version, but it isolates way more -- intended as a monitor for drummers. The set you mentioned may employ a similar technique I guess.

 

[MisterButthead]

Well, that is mighty helpful; thanks!

Which tubes are good for providing a more sculpted treble range? The stock tubes sound great (for now), but they tend to smooth the top-end a little too much, as opposed to my other non-tube sources, such as the Chord Hugo 2.

Sadly, I have yet to find tubes that provide the equivalent sparkle in the treble that I adore (especially in the HD800S) compared to SS amps I have on hand. I've had the exact same experience that you complain about; whatever tubes I use in the MJ2 smooths out the extreme ends of the bass and treble which is good most of time....

 

[DJ XtAzY]

Thanks, Zac. I will order a pair of BE-2 pads soon. I'll be a mighty-happy camper if I could eke a little more treble definition and energy out of the Vérité Closed.

Have you given the Universe pads a try yet. I'm assuming your previous impressions were from the Autuer pads right? I'm also curious of the Be2 pads myself. Lately I've been listening to the Universe pads more than the Autuers.