My pick would be the Kennerton Gjallahorn or Kennerton Magni. Or the LSA Hp2 (which is a modded Gjallahorn) if you want to save some money
The Closed-Back Headphone Thread (Plus Comparisons & Reviews)
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What exactly is the difference between the Gjallahorn and the LSA Hp2? They seem very similar (although the Gjallahorn is rather more expensive)...
Well, I only know that they have the same horn loaded driver. The LSA got some modifications but I guess the sound must be pretty similar.
While I cannot yet speak from experience, many Head-fiers swear by the ZMF Atticus, or alternatively the Eikon. Both are within your budget if you buy them new. I’ve heard enough convincing review content that I’ve wished for an Atticus for an upcoming (milestone) birthday. ZMF also has strong warrantees and a return policy (for a restocking fee).
Another option could be the Focal Celestee. Not too many reviews out on it yet, though.
I would recommend reading up on all three. There is pretty ample discussion across forums here.
The Elegia is somewhat "neutral-ish" in tone, and has a decent level of technical chops, so it's a good buy, especially if you can get them under the $500 mark (they were sold at $900 MSRP).
Enjoy your new headphones!
Since your budget stretches to a $1,500, I'd say, just go straight for the top - get a Denon AH-D9200. It's slightly above the price barrier (it's $1,600), but you might be able to snag them at a discount somewhere?
In any case, the Denon is a relatively balanced headphone that offers excellent resolving capabilities, a slightly lush tone that offers a good heft and body to music, and an all-round grand bass presentation, replete with texture, slam, impact, and separation.
Sound-wise, I'm confident that the AH-D9200 will not fail you. However, I can't say that it is entirely comfortable, since users have had fit issues with these headphones; thankfully, I've never had a problem with comfort with them.
The AH-D9200 is also an easy-to-drive headphone, so the Mojo will suffice, power-wise (I have the Mojo, too).
As far as we know, the LSA HP-2 is a rebadged variant of the Gjallarhorn, sans leather face, and a choice of different wood cups. From the literature offered on LSA's website, no acoustic-related modifications were performed.
Denon AH-D7200 vs Sony MDR-Z1R ?
Fiat vs Ferrari
Is there really no comparison then? Is the MDR-Z1R one of the best closed backs ever? Maybe the comparison is with things like Stellia or Verite Closed ...Fiat vs Ferrari
bvhme
100+ Head-Fier
The Sony MDR-Z1R is pretty 'top of the line' I'd say. However, that doesn't mean there is no comparison possible.
I own a Sony MDR-Z1R and a Denon AH-D9200. And although they're both incredible headphones they have different qualities that I love them for.
Mister Pig
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I upgraded from a pair of Denon to Focal Stellia. Enjoy them quite a bit, very revealing headphones.
I see you also have Empyrean, how do you compare it with MDR-Z1R ??
MDR-Z1R holds up well against TOTL open back, or does something get lost with a closed back?
I've never had a closed back headset, I'm looking for info.
bvhme
100+ Head-Fier
It's brand new (like brand-brand-brand new), I don't nearly have enough time with it to tell you
I'll consider returning here when I do have an opinion Closed back comes with a few drawbacks, however there are other things that open backs just don't do as well. For instance, Bass in these two closed back cans is incredible. Soundstage is reasonable, but they are definitely more closed.
I think Sony and Denon tried to make the very best headphone they could, and they went with a closed back for a reason
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