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

[noplsestar]

I think that I do. I unfortunately don't have both to A/B. I loved the Stellia when I swapped the stock cable with the Arctic Signum series cable. There is something special in the tuning of the D9200. I sold the Verite Closed because I chose Stellia over it. If anyone has any money no object suggestions I am open to it.

Never heard them, but if you have the funds, please go get them and tell us how they compare
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he-r10-planar.html

 

[subguy812]

Never heard them, but if you have the funds, please go get them and tell us how they compare
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he-r10-planar.html

I am curious...I am not a Hifiman fan. I have encountered so many build quality issues. Let me look into this some more.

Edit: Hard pass....anything else?

 

[noplsestar]

I am curious...I am not a Hifiman fan. I have encountered so many build quality issues. Let me look into this some more.

Edit: Hard pass....anything else?

Haha. I wouldn’t buy that thing either.

But I heard a rumor (from many guys who know what they speak of) from other headphone sites, that the Focal Elegia with the Celestee pads sound more balanced (and they claim even better) than the Stellia. It’s worth a try and doesn’t even cost that much. Would you want to try that out? Would be interesting to hear your thought (because I trust your ears)

Edit: You probably would have to buy the Elegia second hand. But that’s even better for the wallet

 

[MSA1133]

Never heard them, but if you have the funds, please go get them and tell us how they compare
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he-r10-planar.html

Oh wow, that's the same headband as their 400i 2020 $200 USD headphones!

 

[noplsestar]

Oh wow, that's the same headband as their 400i 2020 $200 USD headphones!

Yeah, nothing new on that front with Hifiman products

 

[Malevolent]

I agree. They've really taken me by surprise on a number of levels (I offered some brief responses here https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fostex-th900-mkii.792012/page-54#post-16261361)

Actually, surprisingly my wife hasn't said anything which is very encouraging! I think one reason is that they sound as good on lower volume as they do at higher volumes, so there's no need to crank them to get the drivers going. By contrast, I find the VC sound fairly muted dynamically at lower volume. I'll be curious to seed how the Fostex pan out long term.

The TH900 Mk2 is definitely a maestro at dynamics and engagement; it's really one of the best options for the job. If you can get past its (sometimes) harsh treble, and a heavier low-end presence, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better headphone for EDM on the market.

Sadly, the build quality is a little suspect - it utilizes the same body as the original Denon AH-DX000 series of headphones. If anything, the joints appear to be its primary weak points. I'm hoping that this is corrected in a future revision of the TH900.

 

[Malevolent]

I am not a basshead, but for me, I feel that a closed-back should be (relatively) easy to drive so that you can take them out and about. As a result, this pair is constantly on my watchlist.

I've positioned the Cascade and the ATH-WP900 as my portable headphones-of-choice. Most of my other cans are better suited for home use.

That and IEMs; sometimes, it's just a lot easier to use earphones when you're out and about.

Speaking of IEMs, what do you guys use?

 

[Malevolent]

So you prefer the D9200 over the Stellia?

I know that I wasn't the recipient of the question posed, but I'd like to stress just how much I prefer the AH-D9200 over the Stellia, especially when you factor its relative performance in a pound-for-pound comparison. The Stellia is twice as expensive as the Denon, but it doesn't trump the AH-D9200 in many areas; in fact, I prefer the bass and treble presentations of the latter. The Stellia feels more solidly built, though, and its midrange is a touch more lush and rich, but for the music I love, the AH-D9200 is easily the better choice.

 

[Malevolent]

Oh wow, that's the same headband as their 400i 2020 $200 USD headphones!

There was/is a big debacle over the build quality of the HE-R10P and some of its less savory aspects (design, price). When the planar and dynamic versions hit our shores, I'll be sure to have a go at them. Until then, my opinions on this headphone are based solely on the details that are publicly available... and I must say, I am not impressed.

 

[arielext]

Speaking of IEMs, what do you guys use?

Rocking a Westone UM pro 50.2.
Haven't felt the need to upgrade/sidegrade or downgrade

 

[Nostoi]

Speaking of IEMs, what do you guys use?

Empire Ear Bravado. I have to say, I never feel any urge to upgrade or buy IEMs and I only ever listen to mine as a back-up option. The only ones I'm curious to get are the JVC HA-FW10000.

 

[subguy812]

I've positioned the Cascade and the ATH-WP900 as my portable headphones-of-choice. Most of my other cans are better suited for home use.

That and IEMs; sometimes, it's just a lot easier to use earphones when you're out and about.

Speaking of IEMs, what do you guys use?

It would be easier for me to answer specific IEM questions than what IEMs I use. If you can let me know what you are looking for I can probably help. I am not sure how many IEMs I have, possibly 20-30.

 

[monsieurfromag3]

I've positioned the Cascade and the ATH-WP900 as my portable headphones-of-choice. Most of my other cans are better suited for home use.

That and IEMs; sometimes, it's just a lot easier to use earphones when you're out and about.

Speaking of IEMs, what do you guys use?

Stuff from IMR. It’s a more visceral, physical and immersive audio experience than most full-size headphones I’ve tried. They are working on their first headphones that should come out this year, no idea if they’ll be closed-back. They could be beasts for EDM, the iems sure are (just check out this thread). And they come with interchangeable open or closed-back faceplates. No idea if a similar idea could be implemented for headphones cups, but if someone’s up to try it out, it will be IMR.

 

[CJG888]

Hifiman have already done it (Edition S).

 

[Malevolent]

Quite a bunch of varied responses on the topic of IEMs - I think that the earphone market is far, far wider than that of its bigger sibling. For every 1 headphone, there are probably 2 or 3 IEMs? The pace of innovation and/or iteration in the earphone space ostensibly outstrips the headphones in sheer speed and resolve, too.

For headphones, the usual suspects may rule the roost for a few years - Utopia, Susvara, Abyss for open-backs, Vérité Closed, MDR-Z1R, Stellia for closed. However, in the IEM sphere, new flagships are seemingly released on an annual basis (or more frequently).

Anyway, I used to be a huge IEM guy - I've owned a handful of CIEMs back in the day. However, I've since transitioned into a 90% headphone guy; I still use IEMs, but only when I'm out and about.