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

Mar 23, 2021 at 12:37 PM Post #1,681 of 6,911
I enjoy EDM and Hip Hop music especially on my Z1R, but the EMU Teak does just as well, both driven by a FiiO K5Pro. Would you exchange a MDR-Z1R for the Eikon?

I've seen other Z1R owners go down this path but came right back - Will I be one of them?
The tonality of the Eikon places it closer to the Teak than it does to the MDR-Z1R, IMO. Thus, I'd say that the Eikon is a natural upgrade over the Teak in technical terms such as resolution and dynamics. However, the bass on the E-MU is still very difficult to displace, even at the $1,000 mark. Hence, I wouldn't exchange the MDR-Z1R for an Eikon, especially if you already have the Teak; you would be having 2 headphones within your collection that sound more similar than the converse.

Moreover, the MDR-Z1R remains one of the supreme flagships for bass. There's a good reason why many owners love this headphone to bits - amongst other aspects, its bass presentation is simply one of the best around. I listen to a lot of EDM myself, and few headphones come close to the Sony in overall grandeur.
 
Mar 23, 2021 at 3:25 PM Post #1,682 of 6,911
That was fast! I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Fostex - if it's energy, excitement and fun that you're after, the TH900 Mk2 will deliver an awesome experience. :)
Heh, they've been on my radar for ages, so I didn't have to think too much about it! My only reservation is the leakage. I understand they're "semi-open." My wife already complains that she can hear my music through my ZMF VC (which is one reason I never invest in open-backs), so I'll have to see how much she's bothered by the Fostex....:darthsmile:
 
Mar 23, 2021 at 3:27 PM Post #1,683 of 6,911
Heh, they've been on my radar for ages, so I didn't have to think too much about it! My only reservation is the leakage. I understand they're "semi-open." My wife already complains that she can hear my music through my ZMF VC (which is one reason I never invest in open-backs), so I'll have to see how much she's bothered by the Fostex....:darthsmile:
Time to invest in a larger house :ksc75smile: . And then in open back headphones..

Congrats on the Fostex! Would love to hear it sometime.
 
Mar 23, 2021 at 3:34 PM Post #1,684 of 6,911
Time to invest in a larger house :ksc75smile: . And then in open back headphones..

Congrats on the Fostex! Would love to hear it sometime.
Ha, I think she just has the hearing of a bat (or I must be playing my music at earth-shattering levels) because it's not as though we live in a studio. It's slightly annoying because I find the VC really come to life when you crank them hard!
 
Mar 23, 2021 at 4:16 PM Post #1,685 of 6,911
Heh, they've been on my radar for ages, so I didn't have to think too much about it! My only reservation is the leakage. I understand they're "semi-open." My wife already complains that she can hear my music through my ZMF VC (which is one reason I never invest in open-backs), so I'll have to see how much she's bothered by the Fostex....:darthsmile:
I have had the blue TH-900mk2 for quite some time and they leak a bit. Nothing close to open-backs but they surely are no real closed-backs as well. You will also notice this with outside noise coming in.
For me even the blue edition was too hot with the stock pads. I did really enjoy them with dekoni hybrid pads though. Lovely cups and that bass 😍
 
Mar 23, 2021 at 4:19 PM Post #1,686 of 6,911
Parting with the Kennerton Magni's wasn't easy and the replacement was quite a bit more expensive but 2 months in I can say that the Dan Clark Audio Ether C flow 1.1 headphones are (still) remarkable!

Since the Ether's I've been neglecting my open-back headphones a bit :)
 
Mar 23, 2021 at 5:19 PM Post #1,687 of 6,911
Sooo if I want to buy closed back headphones for 300-350€ what are my options?

AKG K371 - I heard the sound is good but quality is bad
Meze 99 Classic - need to buy different pads to sound good, and too much bass?

Any other recommendation?

Thanks!
 
Mar 24, 2021 at 4:44 AM Post #1,688 of 6,911
Fostex added to library. Impressions to follow, but first listen: I like the tuning a great deal. Punchy, as expected, but with impressive technical aspects. Treble is indeed hot - though not unbearable - and I imagine it would pair nicely with a tube amp (I have a Cayin C9 on the way, which I think could work well). Bass is more controlled than I expected, not in any sense flabby. Cable is way too long and will need replacing. Comfort top notch. Much nicer looking in person - the details of the build are impressive. More to follow!

20210324_093631.jpg
 
Mar 24, 2021 at 3:28 PM Post #1,689 of 6,911
Sooo if I want to buy closed back headphones for 300-350€ what are my options?

AKG K371 - I heard the sound is good but quality is bad
Meze 99 Classic - need to buy different pads to sound good, and too much bass?

Any other recommendation?

Thanks!
Hi.That's a really hard price point if you are looking at buying new.
I also tried the meze 99 and found the bass bloated and could'nt be bother trying out different pads.
Between 300 and 350 you might be better looking at used.Three I can recommend depending on your sound preferences are the Denon ah-d5200,the Sony MDR-Z7,and the Beyer T5p 2nd Gen.I have owned all three.
I have issues with treble,so initially the Beyers gave me problems,I sold them on but have to admit that I started to get used to their sound and they are fantastic for detail.
The Denons are great all rounders.You also have the have the 7200 and 9200,but both are out of your price range.
The Sonys are great.Bass is maybe a bit loose,but overall sound is good - bit of a love it or hate it warm sound( I love it).Build quality and comfort are the best I have ever had.I very nearly sold mine,but pulled back at the last moment as I realised I would just buy them again(already done it once lol).
There is also the shure srh1540 - I owned these for about 6 months.Great sound,but for me the bass lost it under high volume.Also the headband can be uncomfortable.
Hope this helps a bit. and that you get more suggestions.
 
Mar 24, 2021 at 3:32 PM Post #1,690 of 6,911
The Sonys are great.Bass is maybe a bit loose,but overall sound is good - bit of a love it or hate it warm sound( I love it).Build quality and comfort are the best I have ever had.I very nearly sold mine,but pulled back at the last moment as I realised I would just buy them again(already done it once lol).
Thanks for that :beerchug:
 
Mar 24, 2021 at 4:14 PM Post #1,691 of 6,911
Hi.That's a really hard price point if you are looking at buying new.
I also tried the meze 99 and found the bass bloated and could'nt be bother trying out different pads.
Between 300 and 350 you might be better looking at used.Three I can recommend depending on your sound preferences are the Denon ah-d5200,the Sony MDR-Z7,and the Beyer T5p 2nd Gen.I have owned all three.
I have issues with treble,so initially the Beyers gave me problems,I sold them on but have to admit that I started to get used to their sound and they are fantastic for detail.
The Denons are great all rounders.You also have the have the 7200 and 9200,but both are out of your price range.
The Sonys are great.Bass is maybe a bit loose,but overall sound is good - bit of a love it or hate it warm sound( I love it).Build quality and comfort are the best I have ever had.I very nearly sold mine,but pulled back at the last moment as I realised I would just buy them again(already done it once lol).
There is also the shure srh1540 - I owned these for about 6 months.Great sound,but for me the bass lost it under high volume.Also the headband can be uncomfortable.
Hope this helps a bit. and that you get more suggestions.

Thanks! I would really like to buy E-Mu Teak but I need to pay import fees so they would be €600 which I don't have right now. I would also like to buy ATH WP900 but they are even more, €700.

Sooooo I'm looking for cheaper option
 
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Mar 24, 2021 at 4:31 PM Post #1,692 of 6,911
Thanks! I would really like to buy E-Mu Teak but I need to pay import fees so they would be €600 which I don't have right now. I would also like to buy ATH WP900 but they are even more, €700.

Sooooo I'm looking for cheaper option
Yes,also looked at both of those but as you say they are both above your budget.They rarely/never come on the 2nd hand market in Europe.Even 2nd hand they would be above budget.Good luck.
Used fostex x00 come on the market from time to time.I have owned all 3 models,and although they are good I prefer the Sony and Denons.
You would think with a budget of 300/350 you would have plenty of choice,but it is actually a difficult price area for closed backs.
If you don't mind a bit of treble the audio technica ath msr7b could be an option.
 
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Mar 25, 2021 at 6:57 PM Post #1,693 of 6,911
Sooo if I want to buy closed back headphones for 300-350€ what are my options?

AKG K371 - I heard the sound is good but quality is bad
Meze 99 Classic - need to buy different pads to sound good, and too much bass?

Any other recommendation?

Thanks!
AKG K371, Senn HD25 and Senn HD250 are the ones that i can recommend in this pricepoint and even independantly of any pricepoint.

K371 if you want an easy to drive balanced allrounder

HD25 if you like electronic music and want something even more portable with better isolation that you can also use for sports

HD250 if you want the best technically and have a capable and not harsh sounding desktop setup with a powerful amp.

If you're treble sensitive you could have a problem with all three and maybe want to look at the nightowls.

Never heard the Mezes.

Don't try to step up in the price. A few hundred bucks above is nothing better.
 
Mar 26, 2021 at 5:06 PM Post #1,694 of 6,911
The HD250 Linear 1 is the answer. Then you can join us on the quest for decent new pads.

😂
 
Mar 26, 2021 at 5:17 PM Post #1,695 of 6,911
Resolve just posted his review of the æon 2 noire with some comparions between the noire, the celestee and the lcd xc

Personally I really liked the noire's except for the clamping force, which was just too much for me. I do recognise the remark he makes about the macro dynamics. While capable of bass the noire's felt a bit dead inside.
 
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