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

[AudioDuck]

Right on re: detail and soundstage. I have HD800s and just want a closed-back alternative. I could probably use more bass though as my last few headphones were relatively bass-light (HD800s, AKG Q701, z7m2)

Do you have any recommendations in such a context? Closed-back, heavy EQ is ok, good soundstage, good/deep bass, good detail, good isolation, don't care about the power requirements. I think I tend to like "neutral" heaphones overall, as "warm" just means different EQ and I can always get from "balanced" to warm if I feel like it. I wouldn't mind spending $2K if that's an endgame-level device. Idk more, but again, I am considering Stealth, so..

The Eikon is a good choice with regards to the neutrality and deep bass. Sound stage is OK as well, though not what I would call exceptional- but that’s not what I personally look for (that’s what I use open-backs for). But it is a phenomenal headphone, and if you are OK with 300 Ohm resistance (you have HD-800s, so why not?) then it is a great option. ZMF is selling their last new batch of them now for $1300, I think- then you’d get the lifetime driver warranty as well.

The other note I’d add is how a Beryllium driver might work well for you. The ZMF Verité Closed is known for its sound staging despite being a closed-back, and meets your other criteria also. It is more expensive, but also more detailed- a lot more.

Same with the Focal Stellia, though it is considered to be a little warmer and less capable of projecting a large soundstage. I have one and really like it, but again- sound stage is less of a focus for me.

Last option you could consider is the Audeze LCD-XC: Less expensive, better isolation, but heavier. More neutral, loads of detail, and amazing planar sub-bass. Easier to drive, as well.

I would add that I don’t EQ, so you will need to check reviews for how these four options deal with EQ. I think Resolve has EQ’d the Verité Closed and Stellia, but I could be mistaken.

 

[mildmannered]

Right on re: detail and soundstage. I have HD800s and just want a closed-back alternative. I could probably use more bass though as my last few headphones were relatively bass-light (HD800s, AKG Q701, z7m2)

I am only using my headphones with a computer, so I am always EQing them. So as long as the technical elements are there, I am ok if EQ is a must.

Do you have any recommendations in such a context? Closed-back, heavy EQ is ok, good soundstage, good/deep bass, good detail, good isolation, don't care about the power requirements. I think I tend to like "neutral" heaphones overall, as "warm" just means different EQ and I can always get from "balanced" to warm if I feel like it. I wouldn't mind spending $2K if that's an endgame-level device. Idk more, but again, I am considering Stealth, so..

So I've been on a journey to upgrade from EMu Teaks specifically and those do not prioritize soundstage and detail quite as much, thus my experiences with closed backs and whatever opinions and observations I've come to tend to avoid/ignore soundstage/detail, for me they are more of a happy coincidence than a requirement. Also since EMu Teaks are $500, I've been looking at headphones more expensive than that - I do think based on reviews though the Shure SRH1540 or the Beyerdynamics would probably be less expensive alternatives you may want to try vs everything else I am going to write below. I avoid Focal and Planars so I can't help with those either.


I have not heard the ZMF VC as Audioduck recommends but I have heard the Eikon and Aeolus, I don't think you would want the Atticus (closed Aeolus) but I do agree you could use the Eikon particularly with some EQ and pad-swapping and get to where you want to be. I have to assume the VC will do the same if not better than the Eikon with perhaps less sub-bass in favor of more technicalities as most reviews have stated.

Denon D9200 will retrieve details, image, and produce a LOT of bass and texture when it's asked for and you can EQ them to do more; but they are not notable when it comes to Soundstage imo. I think of the D9200s as extremely good Closed headphones with nothing wrong, but also no real party tricks.

SONY MDR-Z1R would require EQ, I could only listen to these with enjoyment for Jazz, light electronic like Tycho/Porter Robinson, and Classical while most other genres just sounded off without EQ. I did not actually EQ them when I listened to them so my experience stops there with this headphone, but I feel confident saying their soundstaging abilities as a Closed back are within the top 5 of Closed backs.

You may also want to consider the Fostex TH900 Anniversary tuning - this is where I am personally leaning toward as probably the last Closed headphone I want to hear before I come to a conclusion on what my own upgrade from the EMu Teaks will be. Anniversary tuning reduces the bass a little in favor of smoothing the V curve a bit. TH900s are known for having solid soundstaging so the Anniversary tuning I'm assuming will also have that just in a more genre-friendly tuning.

ATH AWAS or ATH AWKT - the first page of this thread has various links to reviews from users that Malevolent has kept up with, check out Nostoi's review of these headphones. I think either would satisfy your needs but I personally have not heard these so cannot comment further.

Meze Liric would also probably work for you, it'd be remiss to recommend the D9200 and the SONY MDR-Z1R without also throwing it into the pool.

Also as folks have mentioned there are a couple Kennertons that would probably also work for you, having not heard them and since the amount of reviews for Kennerton equipment is relatively small I defer to folks who have heard them.


Which ones to choose of these? The only ones above requiring substantial amping are ZMFs, everything else is under 50ohms and pretty sensitive I believe. We'd need to know more about what you prefer to listen to, comfort requirements, and isolation requirements in order to narrow suggestions down. And again I did not include Focal or Planars above.

 

[JelStIy]

Right on re: detail and soundstage. I have HD800s and just want a closed-back alternative. I could probably use more bass though as my last few headphones were relatively bass-light (HD800s, AKG Q701, z7m2)

Stealth - because of the price in a sense, as I am not sure I would get the ROI on that $4000. The thing that puts me off is that people seem to praise Stealth for "out of the box" tuning, but I don't care about that at all. I am only using my headphones with a computer, so I am always EQing them. So as long as the technical elements are there, I am ok if EQ is a must.

I tried asking here and there what happens with Stealth recommendations if we take stock tuning out of the picture, and did not get a clear answer. I understand that people who get Stealth are just settled and happy and would just want to be as happy and settled as they are

Also buying Stealth kind of puts the fate of HD800s into question - why own $2k headphones, when you have $4K headphones. It's not like I will use HD800s for travel or as some kind of throwaway gadget.

Do you have any recommendations in such a context? Closed-back, heavy EQ is ok, good soundstage, good/deep bass, good detail, good isolation, don't care about the power requirements. I think I tend to like "neutral" heaphones overall, as "warm" just means different EQ and I can always get from "balanced" to warm if I feel like it. I wouldn't mind spending $2K if that's an endgame-level device. Idk more, but again, I am considering Stealth, so..

I have the HD800s, ZMF VC’s and the Stealth — purchased in that order. The Stealth is closer to HD800S in technicalities and the general sound signature, but the VCs are a better complement. They do have a hole around 3kHz that I find annoying with certain kinds of music and that’s not so easy to EQ, but are generally very enjoyable and the different pads can alter the signature significantly (although the hole persists). The Stealth is very portable so in addition to sounding great, you can also take it to work etc.

 

[cantcacheme]

The Stealth is very portable so in addition to sounding great, you can also take it to work etc.

What would you recommend to use Stealth with for portable usage? I've long been intrigued by both Stealth and Rognir for TOTL closed-back planar, but Stealth is too power-hungry and Rognir too big

 

[JelStIy]

What would you recommend to use Stealth with for portable usage? I've long been intrigued by both Stealth and Rognir for TOTL closed-back planar, but Stealth is too power-hungry and Rognir too big

That depends on how loud you like to listen. At moderate volumes, even a dongle like the L&P W2 can provide enough power (of course it will drain your phone quickly). For more power, I like it with the ifi micro iDSD Signature.

 

[Alexzander]

What would you recommend to use Stealth with for portable usage? I've long been intrigued by both Stealth and Rognir for TOTL closed-back planar, but Stealth is too power-hungry and Rognir too big

Even M17 in battery mode is not able to drive Stealth satisfactory imo

 

[JAnonymous5150]

What would you recommend to use Stealth with for portable usage? I've long been intrigued by both Stealth and Rognir for TOTL closed-back planar, but Stealth is too power-hungry and Rognir too big

I have used the ifi Gryphon and Diablo and either will give you enough volume, but nothing that I have come across in way of portable amplification drives the Stealth to its full abilities. Thankfully, I didn't buy it for portable applications. That said, either of the ifi combos I mentioned do an admirable job for a portable and the Stealth driven by one of them is still very impressive.

 

[chaz_flhr]

I have used the ifi Gryphon and Diablo and either will give you enough volume, but nothing that I have come across in way of portable amplification drives the Stealth to its full abilities. Thankfully, I didn't buy it for portable applications. That said, either of the ifi combos I mentioned do an admirable job for a portable and the Stealth driven by one of them is still very impressive.

I can understand the Gryphon but the Diablo at 4 amps still doesn't drive them to their full potential damm.

 

[cantcacheme]

I can understand the Gryphon but the Diablo at 4 amps still doesn't drive them to their full potential damm.

Diablo actually got close to 5 lol ..

I always wanted to give Stealths a try but damn they are basically Susvara-level in terms of drivability.

 

[JAnonymous5150]

Diablo actually got close to 5 lol ..

I always wanted to give Stealths a try but damn they are basically Susvara-level in terms of drivability.

Yes, they require Susvara type power to get the best out of them. I use the Ferrum Oor/Hypsos stack as my primary amp with them at home. It's always been a little confusing to me why DCA built them with portable features desptite the fact that their amplification requirements all but preclude portable use.

They need a ton of clean power and a lot of current as well to get those inefficient planar drivers in them excited enough to give you all the detail and dynamics they're capable of. When you give them ample supplies of both as well as quality source files and a quality DAC setup they provide truly world class performance though. They take revealing, detailed, and dynamic to a whole new level!

 

[chaz_flhr]

Diablo actually got close to 5 lol ..

I always wanted to give Stealths a try but damn they are basically Susvara-level in terms of drivability.

For portability my Gryphon or dx312 drives all my cans well past the point of hearing loss even the Arya. My old BL still packs a punch but it just isn't portable enough for walking around great on trips tho. I wish ifi would come out with a gryphon with 2 amps of output and nano tubes, a mini idsd.

 

[cantcacheme]

Yes, they require Susvara type power to get the best out of them. I use the Ferrum Oor/Hypsos stack as my primary amp with them at home. It's always been a little confusing to me why DCA built them with portable features desptite the fact that their amplification requirements all but preclude portable use.

They need a ton of clean power and a lot of current as well to get those inefficient planar drivers in them excited enough to give you all the detail and dynamics they're capable of. When you give them ample supplies of both as well as quality source files and a quality DAC setup they provide truly world class performance though. They take revealing, detailed, and dynamic to a whole new level!

Eventually I'll get my hands on a pair, with expanse out perhaps pricing on the used market will become more reasonable. My burson should handle it no problem, 10w power, and we can solve the mystery of whether micro idsd can drive it or not

For portability my Gryphon or dx312 drives all my cans well past the point of hearing loss even the Arya. My old BL still packs a punch but it just isn't portable enough for walking around great on trips tho. I wish ifi would come out with a gryphon with 2 amps of output and nano tubes, a mini idsd.

Given how popular Gryphon is, perhaps iFi is already working on some sort of update like that, one can only hope ..

 

[JAnonymous5150]

Eventually I'll get my hands on a pair, with expanse out perhaps pricing on the used market will become more reasonable. My burson should handle it no problem...

I have never heard the Stealths on your amp before, but it definitely has enough power on tap to drive them. I'd be interested to hear/read your impressions of the Stealths combined with your Conductor if you do end up snagging a pair so you'll have to remember to come back here and update me/us.

What does the used market generally look like for the Stealths that seems unreasonable? I'm genuinely curious because I didn't do much looking around when I bought mine. Once I demoed them and decided to purchase them, the owner of the hifi shop I frequent gave me a deal I couldn't refuse on the pair I had just demoed as an open box floor sample.

 

[cantcacheme]

I have never heard the Stealths on your amp before, but it definitely has enough power on tap to drive them. I'd be interested to hear/read your impressions of the Stealths combined with your Conductor if you do end up snagging a pair so you'll have to remember to come back here and update me/us.

What does the used market generally look like for the Stealths that seems unreasonable? I'm genuinely curious because I didn't do much looking around when I bought mine. Once I demoed them and decided to purchase them, the owner of the hifi shop I frequent gave me a deal I couldn't refuse on the pair I had just demoed as an open box floor sample.

I meant more reasonable as cheaper lol .. looks like stealth on the used market goes for just under $3,000 mostly, I never seen one go below $2,500. I'll probably wait until pricing dips below the $2,500 mark to get a pair.

Also will do on the update.

 

[JAnonymous5150]

I meant more reasonable as cheaper lol .. looks like stealth on the used market goes for just under $3,000 mostly, I never seen one go below $2,500. I'll probably wait until pricing dips below the $2,500 mark to get a pair.

Also will do on the update.

Under $3k isn't bad for one, but that definitely indicates that the used market for them is strong. Maybe see if you can find a shop selling an open box or former demo because I got mine for $2600 with a full warranty, in like new condition, and with less than 10 hours listening time on them by going that route.

I'm not sure if that's commonly what shops sell them for in that situation or if I just got a sweetheart deal from a guy I've been doing headphone and other hifi business with for over a decade, but it can't hurt to check, right? I have found that you can get sick deals purchasing open box and demo models from local shops and, unlike used marjet models, your purchase generally comes with the full warranty from the manufacturer.

I just recently picked up a pair of Audeze MM-500s from a shop in Texas for $950 with extra cables and interconnects thrown in that the shop makes which is what I originally was planning on buying. The deal was so good I bought them without even knowing much about them because even if I hated them I could have easily gotten my money back and kept the interconnects for free.

Point being, you'd be surprised at how many deals like this there are out there and once shops know you're interested in deals like that they just seem to offer them to you when they come up. That's been my experience anyways and it has led to some of the best deals I have ever gotten ahold of.