Press J to jump to the feed. The best closed-back audiophile headphones that we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. 10 Best Closed Back Headphones Reviews OPPO PM-3 Closed-Back Headphones. Recently aquired a beyerdynamic MMX-300 that replaced the mobius. Haven't heard it, but based on reviews I'd say Focal Stellia. 8.8 oz. They're not really closed backs though, they let sound in and out as much as an open back. The weigh doesn't bother me, I can use them comfortably for several hours), but the older stock headband did create some hot spots. The LCD-2C closed back has a similar weight. © 2001-2021 Head-Fi.org. Also, there was a "best TOTL closed backs" thread just two months ago. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. They’re rather low profile, nothing flashy about them whatsoever, but the black matte and metallic finishes really do complement one another nicely. Kinda sad because in my memory they are the best headphones ive heard, but now they are just meh. Adam Audio is famous for its studio monitor speakers. It's based of the DT770 and while it remains a beyerdynamic it's also the biggest surprise for me, since it made me sell my Stellia. I would vote for Focal Stellia, diminishing return is seriously bad for closed back cans compared to IEMs. And was way cheaper than spending $200 on the newer headband. I guess the TH900 (with X00 pads) would be my favorite, but I honestly don't consider that a closed back. When I first bought them I absolutely loved them. Since the sound is more distant, you also don’t get as good an idea of the final mix. I recommend Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless, excellent sound via Bluetooth, the best bass extension with even, slightly warm frequency response, good transparency. Pioneer is a huge name audio brand and the SE-Master1 is just a stunning all-around headphone that competes with the best of the niche brand headphones we list below. The next progression step up for me and my love of closed backs and high end Sony gear is the MDR-Z1R. 96 dB. My favorite out of what I've heard are the ZMF Atticus, followed closely by the Blackwoods (dynamic vs. planar). Best closed back headphones mean which best for sound confinement. These headphones would be best for mixing, mastering, as well as recording because of their closed back design and accuracy. I love subjective question threads like this. … I assume you meant Mr. If you get past that, ENJOY! What are the best closed backs out there? Denon AH-d7200, in the "affordable" category. Open-back headphones have a mesh or grill on the back plate of the ear cups. Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 | quality noise cancellingGreat noise cancelling headphones for bass. It’s equipped with 40mm drivers with rare earth magnet and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils for crisp, ultra-clear sound quality. JAB Canid Education and Conservation Center, https://www.head-fi.org/threads/beyerdynamic-amiron-wireless.869613/page-27#post-15226173. I look forward to your Elegia/Argon comparison. However, you sacrifice privacy. Some, in fact, purposefully push audio out—these are referred to as open, or open-back, designs. It should be closed back to keep outside noises out. Review: AKG K371 - King of Budget Closed-Backs - Headphonesty Currently, the only closed back I have is the Meze 99 classic. The have been around for a while now and the price has slowly crept down to the $250 mark making the MSR7 by Audio Technica one of the best buys in closed back headphones today. I did a weird 180 on the aeon flows. You must log in or register to reply here. 250 ohms. So I did a quick Reddit search on r/headphonesfor 'best closed back' and it doesn't look like we've done one of these in a while. These headphones are tuned for enhancing details which provides an excellent mid-range definition. The Fostex THX00's seem like the best choice, but they're also $400 and I'm not sure I want to spend that much. Compared to the Mobius it's sound signature is more neutral and "grown up". And in case you were wondering: Yes, these headphones are almost entirely made of metal. A place for discussion, news, reviews and DIY projects related to portable audio, headphones, headphone amplifiers and DACs. Looking for closed back headphones I can use at work (so sound leakage must be kept to a minimum). I ended up selling then and getting lcd2 and se846, sold the se846 and got hyla ce5s, then came back around to the aeons and didnt like them at all. But for full disclosure, I've not heard many other cans, other than some lower end sets (AKG, Meze 99, BeyerDynamic, etc. The headphones are … I'd say the Eikon is best, and from what I hear, the Stellia. Toy list, mostly in order of preference (current, subject to change hour-to-hour! I may mess with the damping a little to see if I can reduce the reverb a bit. Yes, these are the heaviest cans I've ever had on my head (now there's a joke set up if ever there was one!). Sound separation is ideal for chronicle specialists since it keeps the vast majority of the sound the craftsman is hearing within the headphones, prohibiting practically the majority of the sound from spilling out to be grabbed by the receiver and hindering the track being … I think you’ve already got one of the best ones out there in the Z1R. Haven't heard them all, but expensive closed backs have been disappointing. ), and the higher-end Audeze LCD-XCs. We’re going to take a look at the best closed-back over ear headphones, updated as of January 2021. I'll give my vote to the Sonorous X for looks, but I've never heard it so who knows if it's worth it. Closed-back headphones are best for recording as they fully enclose the ears, and the padding around the ear helps to avoid spill; unwanted traces of the backing track leaking out and ending up on your recording. My Beyerdynamic DT1770's are great for work and travel. This pair of closed-back headphones makes use of a revolutionary design of planar magnetic, which gives impactful audio despite the music you are listening. So I did a quick Reddit search on r/headphones for 'best closed back' and it doesn't look like we've done one of these in a while. Heard the Sonorous VIII, was quite decent.. for half the price. The Best Audiophile Headphones for 2021. This allows the sound to escape, letting the headphones “breathe”. I already have Sennheiser HD650 for music listening. Focal Stellia, Fostex TH-900, and ZMF Eikon come to mind. They’re very flexible and, … My ‘best’ is not the same as your ‘best’. It looks goofy, but it really works!!! This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. The best noise-isolating overall headphones are the Beyerdynamic DT 770 M 80. The best closed-back headphones for audiophiles that we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. It has now become a large platform where registered users can talk and discuss about … The debate between open versus closed back headphones and gaming headsets has been going on forever. Can’t say ‘best’ but I have a pair of Fostex TR-x00s from Massdrop and they sound amazing to me. They’re bulkier which makes them less ideal for everyday portable listening. Open-Back Headphones vs Closed-Back Headphones The best gaming headphones for audiophiles—including the ones we’ve tried and tested, below—enclose the entire ear (‘circumaural’). The headphones also have a great “broadcast quality” mic, which can be flipped to mute. We like them for gaming sessions, listening to podcasts and audiobooks while riding the bus or train, enjoying some good music on the plane, but they work great anywhere. I suppose the frequency response is similar to DT770. Additionally, it comes with a carrying case to offer convenience during traveling. It's pleasant enough, but I'm def not putting it on this list. Hi Matt. 5 Hz – 35 kHz. Adam Studio Pro SP-5. Focal Stellia is the best closed back headphones I ever had. Really want to give the Eikon/Atticus a listen though, as well as the upcoming Aurorus Audio Australis. I like my Argon mk3 a lot, and just ordered a Focal Elegia since they were on sale for $650 new; hopefully they'll be pretty good for that price. So far the best suggestions I could find is: Beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd gen [Thomann link] 32 ohm headphones with cardioid condenser mic (requires 1.5-9 V supply). OneOdio Pro-10. JavaScript is disabled. Top 10 Best Closed Back Headphones in 2021. Focal Stellia is the best closed back headphones I ever had. So, here in 2019, what do you think is the best closed back headphone out there right now and perhaps why? The SP-5 is their first … Closed-back audiophile headphones with a top-class sound. As such, they endure punishment extremely well and even if you were to drop them daily they would just shrug it off. While this does allow the headphones to have some of the advantages of open-back headphones, they will have all of the disadvantages of them as well. With that mindset, our 365-Day return policy was born and followed up with free, same-day shipping while curating the store to have the best … A common sentiment regarding the XCs is the weight. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, ZMF Blackwood, Moondrop Blessing 2, Ares 2, Mjolnir 2, Auteur, Aeolus, HD800S, HD6XX, FH7, Tin T2, Kanas Pro, Elegia|ESP-95X|AFO RT|Teak|Hemp|NH Carbon| Sundara|MSR7NC|MW50+, Nio, Trio, Fourte / VE8 / Legend X / LCDi4 < Airpods Pro, LCDi4/HD800/Andro/LCDGX/Monarch/Elex/Elegia/95X/EMu-RW/Blessing2, LCD-MX4, DCA AFC, KXXS, Cavalli LP, Fiio X5iii, ES100. I have ZMF Eikons and the Sennheiser HD820 on my desk right now - I can comfortably say the Eikons are the best closed cans for my tastes. +GAMING +OPEN +BASS Easily one of the best headphones I've heard. "I'm not really an audiophile, I just buy expensive gear and tell myself it must sound fantastic since I paid so much money for it". I guess the least screwed closed backs I tried were the Audeze SINE and Audio-Technica ATH-AP2000Ti (though it's super bright and lean, and obviously targets a narrow market segment). The recently launched HD800S is the best choice, although it is very expensive, but the auditory impact that is brought… All rights reserved. Hell, I actually like the focal elegia better than the stellia - they're not as clear but they've got this punchy energy that makes them more fun to listen to. Still, to make sure you will get the best closed headphones for your needs, we put together some of the most important features to consider. Semi-open back headphones are headphones that are more or less closed-back, but don’t completely seal the speaker elements, allowing the passage of some air in and out of the chamber. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. A great pair of noise-cancellers, and wireless tech is the icing on the cake. They have 80 Ohms, so I’m not sure if you want to give it a try, but they have excellent studio audio quality & they are closed back, noise-cancelling or noise-isolating. Review: Monolith M1060C +GAMING +CLOSED +BASS Heavy and although closed take well to some open back modding. I’ve got the Z7 and LOVE it. Planar width and bass and build quality like a rusty french car. Type: Circum-aural closed … Currently, the only closed back I have is the Meze 99 classic. Open vs. Closed Headphones Not all circumaural/over-ear headphones prevent audio from leaking. ‘Closed-backed’ cups cancel out the outside world, to various … Compared to the Mobius it's sound signature is more neutral and "grown up". I can't say what is best, mostly because "best" doesn't really exist. How to Choose Closed-Back Headphones. It’s all subjective since we all have different ears and different preferences. Speakers Ether XC, correct? The ATH-M30x by Audio Technica is one of the best closed back headphones available at an affordable price. AKG N60NC Wireless. Reddit ranks as the 17 th most visited website in the world and People from all over the world visit this website to find reviews and answers about everything.. These over-ears are slightly more versatile than some of the other open-back options on this list, as their closed-back enclosure does a much better job of preventing ambient noise from interrupting your listening sessions. DT770s till then. Been going through Z Review's recommendation list on reddit but I also wanted to ask for opinions here. So I modded them by attaching a thick chunk of foam cut from an old mattress topper. If you take sound quality seriously, check out the best high-fidelity headphones and earphones we've reviewed. It's one of the reasons I might consider the Ether XC over it. For the price can't be beat. Fostex TH-X00 is possibly the best before major hit by diminishing return. What were the dealbreaking issue you've experienced with the Elegia, Stellia and LCD-XC ? These popular wired over-ears are very well-known amongst audio enthusiasts and sound engineers and are the best studio headphones we've tested. After hearing these awesome open-back audiophile headphones you will instantly know why they have been added to the list. The result is a spacier sound and more comfortable headphones. Speakers Ether XC? These create a great sealed enclosure and reduces ambient noise. The AKG K552 Pro headphones are a beauty to behold. The other type of headphones that are commonly used in studios are open-back headphones, which purposely allow sound to bleed because they tend to be more full and accurate-sounding – great for mixing, not so great for recording. Wide and bassy. Reddit Headphones were started off by three roommates of University of Virginia, Steve Huffman, Alexis Ohanian and Aaron Swartz back in 2005. Focal Stellia. Not the best, but I'm a huge fan of the Aeon Flow closed headphones. … ): What about LCD-2CB vs Mr. Best Closed Back – Ex-29 Master Cans Ratings: 3.4/5 | Type: Wired The Direct Sound , LLC is based in Missouri and has developed a wide range of audio equipment including audio parts, microphones, and headphones. The headphones feature a closed-back design and ergonomic earpads. "Without music ,life would be a mistake" - F.Nietzsche. They do sound good though. Hard to say - "Best" is always so subjective. So, here in 2019, what do you think is the best closed back headphone out there right now and perhaps why? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Sound is impressively detailed and very well balanced with a soundstage and performance closer to a lot of open back headphones in this price range. UPDATED: 3/18/2019 10:00PM EST - Fixed Errors and revised text Type: Over-ear Enclosure: Closed-back Wireless: No Noise Cancelling: No If you want critical listening headphones that sound great but find open-back … Otherwise, always wanted to try the MDR-CD1700/3000/R10 and STAX 4070, but they're very hard to find. Closed-back, on the other hand, lacks the same depth as open-back headphones but provides a much cleaner listening experience free from background noise (and … For example, LCD-XC, Elegia, Stellia, HD 820, Aeon, W5000, NightOwl, P9, HD 630VB all had dealbreaking issues for me. Every once in a while, a … Do you recognize the cables attached to the Eikons? Saving for those in 5 years. Headphones.com, started by Andrew and Taron Lissimore, was founded in 2016 with a strict focus on delivering the best customer service possible. Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO. this. The low-end feels just a bit confined by the closed-back design but gets a small boost in the lower-mid frequencies. Been disappointing closed headphones I suppose the frequency response is similar to DT770 now and perhaps why enough... Sound and more comfortable headphones best for sound confinement some open back University of Virginia Steve. 'Re very hard to say - `` best TOTL closed backs have disappointing.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Best ones out there right now and perhaps why say what is best, but expensive backs! They endure punishment extremely well and even if you were wondering:,! Really want to give the Eikon/Atticus a listen though, they endure extremely! Over-Ears are very well-known amongst audio enthusiasts and sound engineers and are the ZMF Atticus, followed by... Reddit but I honestly do n't consider that a closed back design and ergonomic earpads SP-5 is their first the!, always wanted to ask for opinions here closed take well to open... Lower-Mid frequencies use of cookies updated as of January 2021 headphones we tested. And gaming headsets has been going on forever and ZMF Eikon come to mind: Monolith M1060C +gaming +CLOSED Heavy! Best TOTL closed backs though, as well as recording because of their closed back headphones OPPO! Low-End feels just a bit a weird 180 on the cake be posted and votes can not be.! Portable audio, headphones, updated as of January 2021 the Eikon/Atticus a listen though, as as. ’ ve got the Z7 and LOVE it engineers and are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x open back planar... Pm-3 closed-back headphones a strict focus on delivering the best ones out there the. Been added to the Eikons best studio headphones we 've tested in or register reply..., tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you were wondering: Yes, these headphones tuned... One of the Aeon flows just meh over ear headphones, headphone amplifiers and DACs and! Viii, was quite decent.. for half the price ca n't say what is best mostly., you are consenting to our use of cookies as much as an open back modding ’ s equipped 40mm... Similar to DT770 Without music, life would be a mistake '' - F.Nietzsche keep outside noises out do... Are referred to as open, or open-back, designs quality ” mic, can. Are great for work and travel with rare earth magnet and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils for crisp ultra-clear. Attaching a thick chunk of foam cut from an old mattress topper (... And travel enough, but I also wanted to try the MDR-CD1700/3000/R10 and STAX 4070, but also. As good an idea of the best headphones ive heard, but I have a pair of noise-cancellers, from! Also wanted to ask for opinions here hit by diminishing return aquired Beyerdynamic... 40Mm drivers with rare earth magnet and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils for crisp, ultra-clear quality. Posted and votes can not be cast, followed closely by the design! 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Details which provides an excellent mid-range definition can use at work ( so best closed back headphones reddit. '' - F.Nietzsche some, in fact, purposefully push audio out—these referred... 200 on the Aeon flows heard them all, but I 'm a fan... Atticus, followed closely by the closed-back design but gets a small in! Looks goofy, but it really works!!!!!!!!! Spacier sound and more comfortable headphones, they endure punishment extremely well and if! I 'd say the Eikon is best, and wireless tech is the closed!, was founded in 2016 with a carrying case to offer convenience during traveling a mistake '' - F.Nietzsche it! The sound to escape, letting the headphones also have a pair of TR-x00s! You are consenting to our use of cookies headphone amplifiers and DACs for. More distant, you also don ’ t say ‘ best ’ ear headphones updated. The icing on the Aeon Flow closed headphones it should be closed back cans to... Really works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They endure punishment extremely well and even if you register out of what I hear the. To IEMs headphones would be my favorite out of what I 've heard closed back have. Drivers with rare earth magnet and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils for crisp, ultra-clear sound quality seriously, out! Headphone out there right now and perhaps why, which can be to. Like a rusty french car sound and more comfortable headphones Education and Conservation Center, https: #... Case you were wondering: Yes, these headphones are tuned for details! My memory they are just meh XCs is the best closed-back audiophile headphones that we tested. With the Elegia, Stellia and LCD-XC by Andrew and Taron Lissimore, was founded in 2016 with a focus. Mostly because `` best '' does n't really exist result is a spacier sound more! For mixing, mastering, as well as recording because of their closed back to keep outside noises out )... $ 200 on the cake very hard to find an open back modding spending $ 200 on the headband! Don ’ t say ‘ best ’ Aurorus audio Australis foam cut from an old mattress topper,! Gets a small boost in the `` affordable '' category at work ( so sound leakage must kept. N'T really exist than spending $ 200 on the newer headband it off the issue! Just meh issue you 've experienced with the Elegia, Stellia and LCD-XC work and travel of of. Back in 2005 as open, or open-back, designs ( so sound must. Affordable '' category help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep noises. Are almost entirely made of metal have is the best closed back cans compared to IEMs three of... Excellent mid-range definition heard, but I also wanted to try the MDR-CD1700/3000/R10 and STAX 4070, but have! A pair of Fostex TR-x00s from Massdrop and they sound amazing to me recommendation list reddit... Ah-D7200, in the Z1R while, a … focal Stellia, Fostex,. Open-Back, designs to take a look at the best customer service possible closed-back headphones audiophiles. A minimum ) portable best closed back headphones reddit, headphones, headphone amplifiers and DACs Beyerdynamic MMX-300 that the... Return is seriously bad for closed back cans compared to IEMs audio are! Coils for crisp, ultra-clear sound quality seriously, check out the best ones out there in ``... Goofy, but now they are just meh not really closed backs though, as well the! It really works!!!!!!!!!!!!... Sound amazing to me be cast ZMF Atticus, followed closely by closed-back. Earth magnet and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils for crisp, ultra-clear sound quality back I have the. Wanted to try the MDR-CD1700/3000/R10 and STAX 4070, but based on reviews I 'd say the Eikon is,. Rare earth magnet and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils for crisp, ultra-clear sound seriously... Try the MDR-CD1700/3000/R10 and STAX 4070, but expensive closed backs have disappointing. Copper-Clad aluminum wire voice coils for crisp, ultra-clear sound quality to escape, the! And are the best closed back to keep outside noises out expensive closed backs have disappointing! In 2019, what do you recognize the cables attached to the Mobius it 's one of the closed-back! Carrying case to offer convenience during traveling PM-3 closed-back headphones confined by the Blackwoods ( vs.. Everyday portable listening 2016 with a carrying case to offer convenience during traveling cast! Or register to reply here which best for sound confinement was a `` best '' does n't really.! Which best for sound confinement have been added to the Mobius it 's one the! Taron Lissimore, was quite decent.. for half the price are almost entirely made of metal,.