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

[Terriero]

And now hearing to the power of nature with the 9200s... Incredible:

 

[wazzupi]

soo if the stealth isn't the best closed HP under 4k and under what is ? I can't use the rognir too small and I'd rather have something with USA warranty.

 

[Busyman201]

soo if the stealth isn't the best closed HP under 4k and under what is ? I can't use the rognir too small and I'd rather have something with USA warranty.

verite closed

 

[Malevolent]

Thanks to all of you. Somedays is difficult to leave that "FOMO" obssesion out of my mind Now enjoying a lot listening to "Sentenced- The Cold White Light" with the 9200s, not the best production but still enjoyable...

... And looking info about the volcanic eruption that happened today in one of the Canary Islands, near from where I live but not in the island where I reside.

I can't say I disagree with you, buddy. FOMO is a real and (often) punishing phenomenon; once you're gripped by it, it's hard to escape its tendrils.

For example, I can't stop visiting the Kennerton website, for some reason.

 

[Malevolent]

soo if the stealth isn't the best closed HP under 4k and under what is ? I can't use the rognir too small and I'd rather have something with USA warranty.

Well, to be honest, "best" is sadly, a very subjective concept. What is fantastic to a specific individual may be jank - in varying shades - to another.

With that being said, there are several headphones that would claim the prize in the eyes of the general populace. Some of the usual suspects include the following -

• Denon AH-D9200
• Focal Stellia
• Kennerton Rögnir
• Sony MDR-Z1R
• ZMF Vérité Closed

Where the Stealth fits within the established hierarchy remains to be seen. I have yet to audition this headphone, so I'm reserving my opinions for when that opportunity arises.

However, if you ask me, my favorite, and thus, my personal "best" closed-back headphone, for my tastes, is the Denon AH-D9200.

 

[wazzupi]

Well, to be honest, "best" is sadly, a very subjective concept. What is fantastic to a specific individual may be jank - in varying shades - to another.

With that being said, there are several headphones that would claim the prize in the eyes of the general populace. Some of the usual suspects include the following -

• Denon AH-D9200
• Focal Stellia
• Kennerton Rögnir
• Sony MDR-Z1R
• ZMF Vérité Closed

Where the Stealth fits within the established hierarchy remains to be seen. I have yet to audition this headphone, so I'm reserving my opinions for when that opportunity arises.

However, if you ask me, my favorite, and thus, my personal "best" closed-back headphone, for my tastes, is the Denon AH-D9200.

Which has the best imaging ?

 

[Nostoi]

soo if the stealth isn't the best closed HP under 4k and under what is ? I can't use the rognir too small and I'd rather have something with USA warranty.

Too small in what respect?

 

[Malevolent]

Which has the best imaging ?

Of this list? I'd give it to the Rögnir; it's probably the most technically gifted of the bunch.

 

[Nostoi]

Of this list? I'd give it to the Rögnir; it's probably the most technically gifted of the bunch.

Agreed!

 

[wazzupi]

Too small in what respect?

I've heard the size of the cups are short(he6se size) and the pads are shallow I just don't see that working out for me. I can't audition this headphone either... It's from Russia which is another factor, I don't really want to be bothered with....

 

[Nostoi]

I've heard the size of the cups are short(he6se size) and the pads are shallow I just don't see that working out for me. I can't audition this headphone either... It's from Russia which is another factor, I don't really want to be bothered with....

The pads are a little shallow, but the actual inner dimensions seem to me fine. As for being from Russia, well you'd presumably buy from Audio46 and deal with them. In any case, fair enough (though to my ears, these are by far the best closed-backs out there).

 

[cool1wow]

I feel your pain! I skipped on the Focal's because I heard the soundstage was too 'intimate' and have been trying out the Beyerdynamic T5 and the Noire's for the past month or so.

I think that the T5, or T5P is worth a try as they definitely have a wider soundstage and a bit more impact. Not a huge amount more, but a bit more satisfying. A note, the new T5 (gen3) has added some baffles, which to my preferences take away some of the brightness/airiness that adds to soundstage and is why I liked the T5P's as well. When removed, they make it sound much more like the predecessor T5P's.

I think neither the noire or T5 is perfect, but they are at the same price bracket. Not sure if the T5 will match the impact of the focal 100%, but I think I will choose it over the noire for the same reasons you are looking for.

Thank you for your help, much appreciated! I'll try out the T5. Have you demoed / considered the Denon D9200, ATH-WP900, and ATH-AWKT? Would any of those have more impact than the Noire + wider soundstage than the Focals?

 

[wazzupi]

The pads are a little shallow, but the actual inner dimensions seem to me fine. As for being from Russia, well you'd presumably buy from Audio46 and deal with them. In any case, fair enough (though to my ears, these are by far the best closed-backs out there).

when audio46 has stock and (if i sell my D8000pros) I'll be purchasing the rognir ! ;P

 

[wazzupi]

The pads are a little shallow, but the actual inner dimensions seem to me fine. As for being from Russia, well you'd presumably buy from Audio46 and deal with them. In any case, fair enough (though to my ears, these are by far the best closed-backs out there).

the wood type is all aesthetics ? sorry im coming from ZMF headphones hehe.

 

[Nostoi]

when audio46 has stock and (if i sell my D8000pros) I'll be purchasing the rognir ! ;P

I had the chance to demo the D8000Pro recently - truly stunning, but heavy as hell. You'll find the tuning quite close to Rögnir, as has been mentioned before.