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

[PopZeus]

S20 is definitely tuned darker than most planar headphones. Distribution isn't too bad for the weight. Bass is kinda S-tier, based on the short time I had with it. I need more time to tell if the treble is too dark (I don't think so for my tastes).

 

[Vruksha]

S20 is definitely tuned darker than most planar headphones. Distribution isn't too bad for the weight. Bass is kinda S-tier, based on the short time I had with it. I need more time to tell if the treble is too dark (I don't think so for my tastes).

My research pointed me to the S20 but looking for something that’s no as heavy so I can use it for longer period. Ideally something with really good clamping force as well. For reference HD6 series clamp force works well for my head shape. S20 seems to be tuned dark which is what I seek but the weight is the problem.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

Looking for suggestions on closed back around $500 that tuned dark. It seems like there are not many or any options? If you prefer dark sound

Denon D7200 on a discount at times.
It's the only darker tuned headphone I'm aware of.
But i haven't much experience with closed backs, bc I'm more an open back guy, so I may have missed something to date.

It's worth a listen thou.

 

[Jackpot77]

Hi guys - just posted a review of the Meze Liric 2 over on my blog, if anyone is interested:

https://audioprimate.blog/2025/06/03/meze-liric-ii/

Cheers!

 

[PopZeus]

My research pointed me to the S20 but looking for something that’s no as heavy so I can use it for longer period. Ideally something with really good clamping force as well. For reference HD6 series clamp force works well for my head shape. S20 seems to be tuned dark which is what I seek but the weight is the problem.

Closed back planars are some of the most heavy headphone types afaik. This chassis is fairly comfortable for my head, so I think I can deal with the weight.

 

[Ilomaenkimi]

If 500 grams on your head creates a problems i think it's time to see a doctor. Or do something about your necks health.

 

[prinzpudding]

If 500 grams on your head creates a problems i think it's time to see a doctor. Or do something about your necks health.

Our necks are not the same. Sitting posture plays a big part as well.

I turn my head down quite often because my work has a lot of writing and typing. This is why I prefer lighter headphones, something around 300-400g.

Anything heavier than 500 grams will make me want to lean back against my chair. Not that I can't bear the weight - my motorbike helmet is 1.5kg - but it gets annoying quickly if I try to sit upright and look down on my papers.

 

[plakat]

Our necks are not the same. Sitting posture plays a big part as well.

I turn my head down quite often because my work has a lot of writing and typing. This is why I prefer lighter headphones, something around 300-400g.

Anything heavier than 500 grams will make me want to lean back against my chair. Not that I can't bear the weight - my motorbike helmet is 1.5kg - but it gets annoying quickly if I try to sit upright and look down on my papers.

Comfort is always something personal. I, for one, always avoided the Audeze LCD models. Most are simply too heavy, but to me the distribution of weight also matters a lot: wearing the Caldera Closed at a comparable weight is much more comfortable to me.
Still something really light is more comfortable. I quite liked that aspect of the Sony M1…

 

[bluenight]

Our necks are not the same. Sitting posture plays a big part as well.

Anything heavier than 500 grams will make me want to lean back against my chair.

I agree. It seems i can handle 500g headphones max. Or dont want to try higher. I always sit in my couch and lean down my head alittle looking on the smartphone when listening to HP but sit more upright when whatching TV with HP.

I do think i feel it in my neck also more with an heavy Noir HPC MK2 Forza Audioworks cable with HD800S with a heavy CNC splitter. I feel that cable is pulling down the HP more. The HD800S is not to heavy normally.

I could handle Hifiman HE-R10P Stealth at 495g with great comfort it has a light stock cable also.

Some more thoughts about HE-R10P Stealth.

This is the most fullbodied thickest weighty sound i have heard in a HP with one of the biggest soundstage at the same time. Its very musical engaging and euphonic sounding. Like a warm tube sound and a bit muddy. But not very accurate or realistic sounding compared to HD800S. Now AWAS sound thin and more boring and less engaging in contrast but has more clarity and satisfying treble sparkle and sounds more accurate and realistic(ok AWAS is not really boring either and accurate is not boring i find but it sounds thinner). AWAS also sounds like it has less resolution but AWAS is still a great HP imo. Also you could play it louder for longer then usual without feeling the need to turn down the volume because its never harsh or bright sounding. Great bass in quantity but alittle muddy and not that articulate. And has strong prominent vocals maybe to much at times. At some times i felt maybe this just sounds more natural also like with trumpets or vocals. Its probably has great midrange area.

I think if it had more clarity and presence region and treble sparkle with more accurate timbre but still could maintain that fullbodied big sound it would be much better imo.

But this is a Fun HP that you most forget about accurate and just enjoy music. I felt i wanted to go back and listen to all albums almost. Which is a good sign i know. Sometimes it could sound really cool and impressive.

I still sent it back to Hifiman before one month and was very close keeping it. And will buy Caldera Closed instead for a more accurate sounding HP and that will be more fullbodied then AWAS and with the blackest cleanest background i ever heard in a HP i demoed it at home and liked it but was not blown away but very solid. Also now i have better Gustard X-30 Dac that gives more fullbodied sound and more bass weight to all my HP+ better network switch which improves things further in sound.

If i feel i will miss this addictive HE-R10P sound to much i maybe buy it again when its an open box deal and + 10 % of which its usually is at. Or wait until they hopefully manage to improve it but i know maybe this will not happen in a long time i dont think Isvarna is it either in terms of end game HP with all that i have read about it and peoples comments but seems like there best one yet. I hope they will get there eventually for a true closed back TOTL.

 

[Dalmonegrig]

i dont think Isvarna is it either in terms of end game HP with all that i have read about it and peoples comments but seems like there best one yet. I hope they will get there eventually for a true closed back TOTL.

HIFIMAN ISVARNA, new information here.

 

[bluenight]

HIFIMAN ISVARNA, new information here.

Thanks. Thats an excellent wright up on those HP. They seem to like fun closed backs.

 

[JAnonymous5150]

I agree. It seems i can handle 500g headphones max. Or dont want to try higher. I always sit in my couch and lean down my head alittle looking on the smartphone when listening to HP but sit more upright when whatching TV with HP.

I've always felt like I got lucky in this regard, but I've never had a headphone feel particularly uncomfortable because of weight and I've owned some of the heaviest pairs out there. Clamp force is the most common issue that makes a pair unusable for me, but as long as I can get a decent fit, weight isn't a problem.

For instance, the guy I picked up my LCD-3 and LCD-4 from was getting rid of them because he could only use them for short period before needing to rest his neck. Shortly after I got them, I spent a whole day wearing the LCD-3 or LCD-4 listening for about 17 hours total in stints of up to 6 or 7 hours before there was any kind of break/interruption and I had no issue with fatigue from the weight. I like to think it's because I played football through high school, hockey through college, and then did 7.5 years in the Marines and that all that helmet wearing paid off by working out my neck.

 

[plakat]

I've always felt like I got lucky in this regard, but I've never had a headphone feel particularly uncomfortable because of weight and I've owned some of the heaviest pairs out there. Clamp force is the most common issue that makes a pair unusable for me, but as long as I can get a decent fit, weight isn't a problem.

For instance, the guy I picked up my LCD-3 and LCD-4 from was getting rid of them because he could only use them for short period before needing to rest his neck. Shortly after I got them, I spent a whole day wearing the LCD-3 or LCD-4 listening for about 17 hours total in stints of up to 6 or 7 hours before there was any kind of break/interruption and I had no issue with fatigue from the weight. I like to think it's because I played football through high school, hockey through college, and then did 7.5 years in the Marines and that all that helmet wearing paid off by working out my neck.

... which shows that comfort is really very personal. For me too much clamping force is worse than weight, plus I'm rather sensitive at the top of my head. I also can't stand on-ear models. Another thing: while I can live with Grado L pads (the smaller ones with a hole) I absolutely can't stand their S pads (the full foam used on the lower models like SR80x and GW100x). Many in-ears are OK, but nothing that inserts too deep. So yes, its complicated.

And discomfort can kill any fun with a headphone.

 

[bluenight]

I've always felt like I got lucky in this regard, but I've never had a headphone feel particularly uncomfortable because of weight and I've owned some of the heaviest pairs out there.

Hows your neck posture usually when you listen? Upright or leaned down? It dosent matter to you?

I did start to find HD800S today started to have a hotspot on top of head that was more troubleing than weight. But then it dissapered by maybe having it on different position.

 

[JAnonymous5150]

Hows your neck posture usually when you listen? Upright or leaned down? It dosent matter to you?

I did start to find HD800S today started to have a hotspot on top of head that was more troubleing than weight. But then it dissapered by maybe having it on different position.

My posture depends on where I'm sitting. I have listening stations where I sit upright, reclined, laying on my stomach, etc. It also depends on what I'm doing. If I'm working on something at my workbench or reading from my phone I'll likely be looking down and my neck wil be bent forward, but if I'm working on my computer or something I'll be looking basically straight ahead with my neck upright. When I'm sitting normally I make a conscious effort to keep good posture so that plays a part too.