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

[simon740]

Has anyone heard both WP900 and TH610? I have the TH610, and think the WP900 looks very pretty. I'm interested in WP900 but wouldn't want to buy it if it's too similar to TH610.

that interests me too
I am deciding to buy closed headphone and I am choosing between TH610, WP900 and maybe Denon 5200/7200

regards,
Simon

 

[plakat]

Today postal service dropped off two packets, one of which contained my new Denon AH-D9200 (the other one... had two other headphones -- one can't help at times).
I've not hat that much time for listening today, and now the battery of my AK380SS is slowly going towards 0, but I'm very impressed. I've never been particularly treble-averse, yet the TH900 was a bit too aggressive to me (better than the TH600, but still too much). I did like the original T1 and the HD800S (but never warmed up to the HD800), so after reading multiple statements that treble might be a bit too pronounced on the D9200, I was not too worried, yet a bit hesitant due to me getting more into a bit warmer headphones lately.
Yet even on first listen, I have absolutely no problem with the D9200, to the contrary: it does have very fine and detailed treble, but never sharp or sibilant (that I can't stand). What impresses me even more is its bass. Not up front and center, but effortlessly reaching deep down when called for -- just as it should be. It sounds full and authoritative, with that fat drive I've only heard from good dynamic drivers. No bloom or exaggeration, but detailed and seemingly without bottom.
Comfort is very good for me, though that's always very personal of course. I once owned the D7200 and somehow the D9200 feels much better, even if it looks almost identical: the headband seems softer, as are the pads.
Overall *very* happy with my D9200. And yes, the Thank You note is a nice touch...

 

[Avean]

Today postal service dropped off two packets, one of which contained my new Denon AH-D9200 (the other one... had two other headphones -- one can't help at times).
I've not hat that much time for listening today, and now the battery of my AK380SS is slowly going towards 0, but I'm very impressed. I've never been particularly treble-averse, yet the TH900 was a bit too aggressive to me (better than the TH600, but still too much). I did like the original T1 and the HD800S (but never warmed up to the HD800), so after reading multiple statements that treble might be a bit too pronounced on the D9200, I was not too worried, yet a bit hesitant due to me getting more into a bit warmer headphones lately.
Yet even on first listen, I have absolutely no problem with the D9200, to the contrary: it does have very fine and detailed treble, but never sharp or sibilant (that I can't stand). What impresses me even more is its bass. Not up front and center, but effortlessly reaching deep down when called for -- just as it should be. It sounds full and authoritative, with that fat drive I've only heard from good dynamic drivers. No bloom or exaggeration, but detailed and seemingly without bottom.
Comfort is very good for me, though that's always very personal of course. I once owned the D7200 and somehow the D9200 feels much better, even if it looks almost identical: the headband seems softer, as are the pads.
Overall *very* happy with my D9200. And yes, the Thank You note is a nice touch...

Seems many are blown away by these, really tempted to buying these myself. I have sweared by open back headphones for many years now but i think im missing out on the "fun" aspect of headphones which i imagine you get with closed back. Been holding back cause of fear of discomfort of closed back but if these dont get sweaty on the ears and are comfortable they are very interesting to me.

 

[Malevolent]

I may have missed it, but is there a comparison between D9200 and AWAS? Looking to get the D9200 but a bit concerned on the treble peak since I’m quite sensitive to it, especially if it invokes sibilance.

I have the AH-D9200, and I have auditioned the ATH-AWAS on several occasions now; however, they were never pitted together. With that being said, I've never once noticed traces of sibilance on the Denon, but of course, this impression varies between individuals. The AH-D9200 has more energetic highs, though. If you have the ATH-AWAS, and you find its highs bordering on sibilance, the Denon may be too bright for you.

 

[Malevolent]

Is there anyone that has Kennerton Magni and Denon D9200 to compare the two? Thank you!

I have only compared the AH-D9200 with the Gjallarhorn GH50. It is not what you are looking for, but I'm hoping that it'll provide you with a measure of insight that will help you with your decision.

 

[Malevolent]

One closed back phone that doesn’t get much love over here in this thread is Stereophile‘s Headphone product of the year 2020:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/stereophiles-products-2020-headphone-product-year

This doesn’t mean it’s „better“ than the headphones you guys are talking about most of the time, but it does mean that closed backs do get more and more important in comparison to all the open backs out there! And that’s a good thing, right?

Ps.: I am convinced that Focal‘s stock cable is holding them back. They should send them out with a good occ silver cable like - if I'm right - ZMF has as an option. But that’s just my opinion.

I don't think that the Stellia is bad, actually; on the contrary, it's one of the better options around. However, I've compared it with all of the other closed-back headphones north of $1,000, and personally, I don't think that it brings anything to the table that I'd consider revolutionary or exceptional. The best I can describe the Stellia is this - it's a great jack-of-all-trades, a good headphone that is friendly to myriad genres of music.

It's certainly a headphone that I'd consider adding to my collection; however, it is also insanely expensive.

 

[Malevolent]

Today postal service dropped off two packets, one of which contained my new Denon AH-D9200 (the other one... had two other headphones -- one can't help at times).
I've not hat that much time for listening today, and now the battery of my AK380SS is slowly going towards 0, but I'm very impressed. I've never been particularly treble-averse, yet the TH900 was a bit too aggressive to me (better than the TH600, but still too much). I did like the original T1 and the HD800S (but never warmed up to the HD800), so after reading multiple statements that treble might be a bit too pronounced on the D9200, I was not too worried, yet a bit hesitant due to me getting more into a bit warmer headphones lately.
Yet even on first listen, I have absolutely no problem with the D9200, to the contrary: it does have very fine and detailed treble, but never sharp or sibilant (that I can't stand). What impresses me even more is its bass. Not up front and center, but effortlessly reaching deep down when called for -- just as it should be. It sounds full and authoritative, with that fat drive I've only heard from good dynamic drivers. No bloom or exaggeration, but detailed and seemingly without bottom.
Comfort is very good for me, though that's always very personal of course. I once owned the D7200 and somehow the D9200 feels much better, even if it looks almost identical: the headband seems softer, as are the pads.
Overall *very* happy with my D9200. And yes, the Thank You note is a nice touch...

Congratulations! Another happy AH-D9200 owner! Welcome to the club!

Yes, I'm in complete agreement with your assessment. The bass on the Denon is really special, indeed. It's present, but it doesn't intrude; yet, when you need it, the beats show up, full of texture, rumble and slam.

 

[plakat]

Seems many are blown away by these, really tempted to buying these myself. I have sweared by open back headphones for many years now but i think im missing out on the "fun" aspect of headphones which i imagine you get with closed back. Been holding back cause of fear of discomfort of closed back but if these dont get sweaty on the ears and are comfortable they are very interesting to me.

Yes, they really got me. I've owned many expensive headphones over the years, but decided to not follow the madness anymore: prices were reaching absurd territory and declaring it the new normal. Yes, I'm guilty of having purchased the Abyss (resold a long time ago), but around the time the Utopia became FOTM I stopped following that path. The Utopia was one of the things that got me thinking... how can something sound so... anemic and yet be considered worth 4K by many? How can something like the HE100 (1. gen) have grates on its yokes that destroy the pads at 3k? Not to speak of the 10k in-ear etc. Things are getting more absurd by the week it seems to me. I've seen that in 2-channel High-End and decided to quit that many years ago. I still live happily with my last system from that time, so what can I say...

So it was quite a battle with myself, spending more than I wanted to spend on a headphone ever again (self-imposed limit was ~600). After long deliberation I decided to try the D9200, since I always liked Japanese craftsmanship, always liked the fun yet controlled bass of many models that used Foster drivers or similar and considered the D9200 proven over the 2 years it already is on the market (i.e. flaws are already known).

I do like how the midrange has developed and found many nice models I really like, but the D9200 does indeed play well above those. Memory is very unreliable, especially with audio impressions, so a comparison with the 7200 is not in order. I'm currently also away from My Master-1, but to that I'll compare it eventually.

OK, it will be too hot for a nice summer day (I use in-ears outside anyway), but otherwise I think comfort will be fine for my purposes. I can't recommend to purchase it blind because I think comfort is an essential part of a headphone and can only be determined by testing it on ones own head, but I'd definitely recommend to try this one. Could even save you a lot of money... TOTL at 1,6k can be considered a bargain today (cudos to Beyerdynamic for keeping their new flagships below 1k).

 

[sebek]

Under 200 € is AKG K371 one of the best choices?

I have only experience with iems for now, how it behaves compared to an iem of the same price range for technicalities, clarity, detail, stage etc.

 

[plakat]

Congratulations! Another happy AH-D9200 owner! Welcome to the club!

Yes, I'm in complete agreement with your assessment. The bass on the Denon is really special, indeed. It's present, but it doesn't intrude; yet, when you need it, the beats show up, full of texture, rumble and slam.

Once again thank you for your assessments -- it did cost me some money, but I think this one is worth it. Normally I can decide within seconds if I like a headphone or not (may take longer to pin down the exact reasons of course), and I didn't head anything negative so far. It's not that they are immediately impressive -- that would make me very suspicious -- I just immediately liked them. And that I consider a good sign

 

[plakat]

Under 200 € is AKG K371 one of the best choices?

I have only experience with iems for now, how it behaves compared to an iem of the same price range for technicalities, clarity, detail, stage etc.

The K371 was one of the models that really surprised me (in a positive way). I got them simply because I liked their looks, but was surprised to find a very nice signature with very impressive bass extension at a bargain price. A slightly elevated upper midrange gives it quite good clarity.
I got the Yamaha HPH-MT8 today, but the D9200 stole the show... so I have yet to take some time listening to them. They are in a similar price range and I liked them so far.

Unfortunately I don't know many IEMs in that price range though... only the Shure SE215 comes to mind, which has quite a different sound signature from the K371.

 

[Mhog55]

Can we stick to using the embedded emoji system please
(as opposed to uploading your own private emojis)
... this is getting out of hand ...

Seriously?

that interests me too
I am deciding to buy closed headphone and I am choosing between TH610, WP900 and maybe Denon 5200/7200

regards,
Simon

I'll likely be selling my wp900 if you're interested. It's essentially new. I also have a really nice custom 4.4mm balanced cable for it if needed. Shoot me a PM if you want.

 

[limaaa]

If anyone has E-MU Teak (detachable cable) and location is in Europe please PM.

Thanks!

 

[normie610]

I have the AH-D9200, and I have auditioned the ATH-AWAS on several occasions now; however, they were never pitted together. With that being said, I've never once noticed traces of sibilance on the Denon, but of course, this impression varies between individuals. The AH-D9200 has more energetic highs, though. If you have the ATH-AWAS, and you find its highs bordering on sibilance, the Denon may be too bright for you.

Thanks! I don’t have AWAS, I was thinking perhaps it could be an alternative to D9200 if the D9200 is indeed too bright. It’s gonna be my first foray into full size headphones, since I’m mainly an IEM guy.

 

[Carlsan]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned, but ZMF is having their annual b-stock, used, and special edition sale starting tomorrow.
https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/stock-headphones
I picked up a reasonably priced Vérité closed last year. Wonderful headphone btw.

The Atticus and Eikon are also closed (or semi-closed) and at a good sale price they may be of interest to the readers of this thread.