[cshum]

I think the TR-X00 Ebony really did it for me. Sad to sell mine, but it might be time to move to the >$1000 category

 

[KPzypher]

Z7M2, only because I just bought one

 

[Mhog55]

Would anyone choose the Magni here? I'm very close to grabbing one. Would love to hear what people think about it.

 

[PointyFox]

Would anyone choose the Magni here? I'm very close to grabbing one. Would love to hear what people think about it.

What, like the amp? If so, the Magnius measures a lot better.

 

[buke9]

Would anyone choose the Magni here? I'm very close to grabbing one. Would love to hear what people think about it.

Will it is fine I’m more fond of the Liquid Spark. I just like that bit of warmth but that is me.

 

[Mhog55]

I'm referring to the Kennerton Magni closed back headphone.

 

[iFi audio]

Most likely I did mention this already, but used TH900 mk2 would be my pick.

 

[Tayyab Pirzada]

I'm having trouble deciding between the following 3 for closed-back headphones under $1,000:
- Audioquest NightOwl
- Meze 99 Classic/Neo
- Sony MDR-1A

I tried the Meze 99 Classics and Neos in store and they both sounded incredible to my ears, and I even preferred them to more expensive cans like the LCD-1's (more resolving and better imaging but lacks that 'magic' with the Meze 99's) and LCD-X's (just weren't as comfortable to my head; clamp force wasn't good). Why I loved the Meze 99's were due to the insanely nice comfort (really low in weight, no clamp force to speak of), and the incredible sound in a way that I want headphones to sound (the vocals/mids were velvety smooth, treble had a slight bit of sparkle to it, and bass hit fast and not too muddy; overall I just really enjoyed the sound signature and tuning to them).

The Sony MDR-1A's I've heard being compared to the Meze 99 Classics due to their comfort and sound signature, but I can't get a hold of them physically at this time.

And the Audiquest NightOwls many of you in this thread are praising to high heavens, and I'd like to hear why I should spend more on them vs. the Meze 99 Classics (or the Sony MDR-1A's).

What I'm looking for: comfort is priority as I want to use them for extended listening sessions in the office (and they should be light-weight as well), open-back (because office use), under $1000, preferrably being able to run on my Astellnkern AK70 DAP by itself (though I can invest in a portable amp if required; I just don't want to if it can be avoided); a similar sound signature to the Meze 99 Classics in that they should be somewhat warm and musical but not too dark or muddy, and some good soundstage (at least for closed-backs) and imaging. I primarily listen to R&B and EDM music, but I also like hearing jazz and hip-hop from time to time.

Should I just go with the Meze 99 Classics or Noirs? Or the Sony MDR-1A's? Or fork over the extra money for the Audioquest NightOwls.

 

[ThanatosVI]

I tried the Meze 99 Classics and Neos in store and they both sounded incredible to my ears, and I even preferred them to more expensive cans like the LCD-1's (more resolving and better imaging but lacks that 'magic' with the Meze 99's) ...

In that case you should go with the Mezes.
You heard them, you liked them and even prefered them to some of the more expensive cans you heard.
They have a very unique sound signature, so it is hard to find "the same but better".

 

[Tayyab Pirzada]

In that case you should go with the Mezes.
You heard them, you liked them and even prefered them to some of the more expensive cans you heard.
They have a very unique sound signature, so it is hard to find "the same but better".

Do you have any experience with the NightOwls?

 

[iFi audio]

You heard them, you liked them and even prefered them to some of the more expensive cans you heard.

I'll easily agree with this, plus Meze 99 offer a lot for their price and are affordable.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Do you have any experience with the NightOwls?

Unfortunately not, otherwise I would have shared my experience

 

[Tayyab Pirzada]

Anyone here try both the NightOwls and Meze 99 Classics?

 

[Labbed]

I've tried quite a few closed backs, never kept a pair though. My favorites so far were the 1770s but not good enough to keep imo. One major closed back that I've always wanted a try that I never had the chance until now was cascades (Of which I have a set coming in this week) I already know I'm going to sell them shortly after they come in, but I have a good feeling about them being my favorite closed backs so far. All the reviews I've seen make me think there's a good chance they'll be the ones I enjoy most out of everything I've tried.

 

[Mhog55]

Anyone here try both the NightOwls and Meze 99 Classics?

Yes. I've owned both.