You can get a new Focal Elegia for around $400usd right now. I'd say that's an amazing deal, especially with EQ. Currently my favourite pair of headphones I've owned.
@@kyron42 I also have a Focal Elegia that I use with my own EQ, it is close to the EQ profile Resolve shared in his Focal Elegia review like a couple of years ago in The Headphone Show channel. You can look it up and decide if that works for you, in case you prefer not to tune to Harman
Thank you for the video. Yesterday I saw Chrono's review of the DT 770 pro which I immediately ordered (after returning the DT 1770 because it didn't convince me for the money). What I'm missing are the Beyerdynamic T5 and the Sennheiser HD820. I would have a small suggestion to a 'Best Headphone' video. Maybe you can mention which headphones you didn't test and also which headphones you didn't like. Like for the T5 and the HD820. Now I just know that they are not in the best of list. But I don't know if they're not in there because you didn't test it or they're just not good enough. Happy new year to you.
VC, Radiance, and Celestee are 3 that I have enjoyed... I ended up keeping the Celestee and sold the rest because it fit the budget I wanted to stay with and has a nice tuning for work. I don't mind that it doesn't have the VC warmth or Radiance dynamics because those can be distracting. Celestee are good as background music while trying to focus.
I also have the Celestees and for me it is one of the best sounding headphones. It is perfect for Rock, Metal and every bassheavy stuff and also great for gaming. It has not the widest soundstage but the pinpoint detail is realy good and the headphone response great to eq.
Shure 1540's are decent especially for low volume listening and are the best cheap closed backs I've found after trying most things. Balanced in SQ, build, weight and comfort and hard to beat short of dropping 2 or 3 times the price. They change character and get too bassy for my tastes at higher volumes but semi moot point in a closed back because they isolate enough. They've been my daily work desk can since the year they were released, I've modded the headband on mine though to make it like a suspension type fit.
They are great using balanced output from Sony NW-WM1Z and Lotoo Paw Gold Touch. I personally like them better than Meze Empyrean. I also LOVE Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7B headphones balanced out of my Lotoo Paw Gold Touch. I use and love LQI Cables.
@@samuelsong342 I did try those for a while but I wasn't that impressed. Still using Shure 1540 for closed backs. However I have some Denon 9200 coming soon and hoping they will be a step up from the Shure. As others have said the Shure can be a bit bass heavy and lacking in Treble extension.
I love the ZMF Verite Closed, it's the best closed back headphone I've tried. Usually, I've liked more the open ones, but this is something else. Chrono mentioned the 5.5k peak, I was wondering have you measured the VC in your rig? Would love to see the FR for EQ. I think I prefer the VC with the BE2 pads over the Auteur ones.
Good segment! My favorite is the DCA Aeon 2 Noire primarily due to its image separation. I find it intoxicating & I don’t mind sacrificing a bit in the dynamics department. I do find the sacrifice in that area is lessened if you run them balanced which provides more power and current. My sleeper in the budget category is the German Maestro GMP 8.35D Mobile. It sounds like a closed back 600 series Sennheiser. They’re just tough to come by here in the US. I’ve done two mods to my set. 1. Pads: I use Brainwavz Round Sheepskin Pads. They’re deep and push the drives further away from the ears which increases the soundstage. 2. Tuning filters: I use ZMF Acoustic Titan Mesh (Radial) filters. They’re solid, durable & don’t break down like foam. They attenuate frequencies in the upper midrange and lower treble a couple of db’s without affecting air in the upper treble. I haven’t tried them with my Elex yet but I would expect them to have a similar effect on Focal’s and Beyerdynamic’s.
Personally, I like the isolation of closed backs, however, bang for the buck, I think you get a lot more out of IEMs at every price point up to the very high end.
Thats the issue for me as well. IEMs are doing everything better but soundstage in my opinion. The graphs feel also a lot more matured compared to headphone which are a bit wobbly
IMO, it's a much bigger deal to have wireless than even NC. I like the Bathys a lot because I can work at my computer and still walk around and do stuff pretty easily without being tethered to anything. Also love having passthrough at a whim. I lean towards the Sony Linkbuds S a lot too jsut for their size, comfort and convenience. My primary wired headphones are the Focal Clears, but they don't get nearly as much usage nowadays, mainly because I don't want to be tethered to my desk.
Thanks for the vid! Was waiting for something like this. Going to hop on board and ask how the Elegias compare to these other cans?? You can get some mad deals on em right now
Great video! I purchased the Audeze LCD-XC with the upgraded Carbon fiber headband. I also splurged on Kimber Kable's hybrid Axios cable for $3,850. I run them off a Feliks Audio Echo MKII with upgraded tubes (can't believe how good it sounds with tubes when it shouldn't!) and an SR purple fuse. The RCA cables are Kimber Select all copper. I can listen for 4-6 hours sessions and never get listeners fatigue. They are my endgame headphones. But stock, with base cable and solid state amp?...yes they can be a touch mechanical and bright. Thank goodness for tweaks & upgrades! 😉👌🎼💯✨
The Noire with the Forge/Mogwai with 6CA7 tubes are a combo I would never expect to sound so good. It's like you add spice, stage and impact to that headphone. Stellia with the same amp, despite the low impedance, are simply gorgeous
Understanding they are polarizing, I too was surprised they weren't mentioned as I have heard good things about them. I am curious what you like about them, as well as where the comment from @Александр Кардаш comes from. I don't own these and haven't had a chance to listen to them myself.
@@timfederwitz I like the clever construction (earcups and thinnest-material-in-the-world driver center) and the results they give: Best audio separation. Best soundstage on a closed back headphone. Best feeling of hearing the real instrument. Comfortable AF. very realistic timbre. Im still figuring out how to describe them well. The hate towards them makes me confident the level of perfection with these headphones is very high, also i hear them with my TAZH1ES. Lastly they are the best responding headphones when it comes to using EQ.
On the mid tier Denon D7200 and e-mu teaks, and on the top top end DCA stealth seem to be missing as they are good if not great alternatives on their price brackets.
QUICK TIP - for the AKG 371 - I personally found - for audio work - the Brainwavez Hard velour pads corrected the sound just enough to make them more viable than with the stock pads :: Also the ORIGINAL 1980 90's Beyer DT 770 600ohm is way 'better' than the modern one - more natural timbre. Hard to find but highly reccomended :)
@@EricDave05 Ive gone through and searched everywhere but I cant find my receipt but I swear they were called hard velour or firm velour pads and they were separate from the regular velour. Maybe best to email them directly
Hmm, I'm surprised the SONY MDR-Z1R wasn't mentioned here. It is listed about everywhere for being the top closed back headphones. It as rave reviews from other Audiophiles as well. I'd be curious to watch a review from you guys!
I love my ZMF VC. _Aaaand_ Zach will be releasing closed versions of the Atrium & Caldera in 2023.😁 My experience with the new Atrium dampening system leads me to believe that they'll also sound incredibly open (even moreso than the VC which is already superb in that regard).
Very interesting, but I think this video is not really for me when all I can afford is the "budget" headphone 😀 Is there anything else to look for in the "under 200-300" range? Maybe even something extra budget under 100? I would love a video about that, and since there's a lot of headphones in that range, of course they're not gonna be as good, but it would be interesting to get some recommendations on what to get also at that price
I'm so surprised the DT177X GO is never mentioned and rarely features anywhere, I've been using them for years and really want an upgrade but they're a solid pair of headphones and basically an upgraded 770 Pro. Currently I feel like I'm leaning towards the Sony MDR Z1R, but really not sure.
@@ServantofJC Hey, do you mean the 177X GO, or the 1770 PRO? They're two widly different headphones and while I've never owned or tried the 1770 PRO I've heard it's a bit bloated and it's also 250 ohms which isn't good for out and about. The 177X GO is 32 ohms which is good for travel and is better overall than the 770 IMHO with the Leather pads. This one is only available from Drop.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how the Focal Bathys and other 'HiFi' Wireless Headphones compare to the non-wireless alternatives not just other wireless ones as really that's the thought process here. I know they will be better than the equivalent Apple and Sony phones but how do they compare to the wired Radiance, for example. Also for the Focal Bathys please note you can change the EQ with their pre-designed preset to make them more of a flat frequency response, so many reviewers are missing that. Thanks - love the content!
I heard Celestee and Bathys at the dealer store and end up getting Celestee. Yes Bathys sounds best as a BT ANC headphone. Much better than Sony, Apple. But still far behind wired Celestee. Which I am really disappointed.
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 never get any love in these " best closed... " vids. they are so good that I had a balanced cable made for them. they and the HD600 for open are my favorites...
People can hate all they want but you'd have to pry my DT 770 out of my cold dead hands. That price jump tho, between the 770 and the next cheapest one you featured, there really is a void of quality closed backs at mid range "enthusiast" prices. Theres no "HD6XX of closed backs", even Sennheiser cant seem to make a good one, 598 closed was pretty meh. It seems like you need to step up significantly in price to make it worth buying another closed headphone over the 770.
Personal shout-out to two - Sony mdr7506 (with a detachable cable mod, though if you have a soldering iron it's a 10 minute job at most) because of how it folds. More cans should fold like that. Portability matters in a lot of situations where closed backs operate and there simply isn't a better way I've seen. Second is the 1more triple driver. They sound truly incredible for $100 (they're being discontinued and heavily discounted) and their one weird quirk is those on-ear sized pads, but you can just peel them off and throw on some large brainwavez sheepskins for $20. Superb isolation, that ceramic tweeter is intense AF without being shouty and the bass control with the reflector is amazing. Superb detail, very intense and fun without being fatiguing, just not much spacing. I really hope 1more releases a sequel to them with some improvements like the pads. A Bluetooth LDAC ANC version for $250 would blow the whole world up. Overall I didn't really like the price theme of the ranking starting at the high end for beginners and skyrocketing from there. But it's your video, not mine! I just tend to prefer open back when the price hits 4 digits, below that and I'm probably somewhere or doing something that isn't that aggressively condusive to critical listening, but again, that's my anecdotal situation.
Audezes have always sounded “off “to me, just a different sound from what I’m used to. I’m not a fan. But I really like some of the Hifiman headphones, I have the Ananda and it sounds so grand and spacious and detailed, and paired with my Oppo HA2SE, it is such a treat.
Surprised the DCA Stealth wasn’t even mentioned, but I’m assuming that’s because they’re so difficult to get the most out of haha. Still, with the right amp pairing, I personally haven’t heard a better closed back. The imaging is just insane, and it actually has a surprising amount of thump to it.
Even when properly driven, their imaging is still below that of the HD820. Now that's a pair of cans i really do not understand why people don't mention that often. They are amazing and this is coming from someone who loves his planar bass.
My 3 recommendations: 1) Fostex T40RPmk3 - better tuned than Beyers, better build than AKG, comfort is somewhat of an issue - €150 2) Ollo Audio S4X - great tuning, better dynamic and timbre than Aeon 2 Noire, 5 years of warranty, all parts are serviceable - €400 3) Austrian Audio Hi-X60 - great tuning, great comfort, great techs - €370
I am surprised there was no mention for the Denon AH-D9200. This past year I had a chance to listen to the Focal Stellia, Audeze LCD -XC, and the ZMF VC. The Focal and Audeze I listened to before buying the Denon 9200's. I then went to Can Jam in SOCAL and had a chance to listen to the ZMF VC and to me the VC edge out the 9200's but not by alot. The LCD-XC just did not sound good to me but understand now they need EQ and they are heavy on the head.
I wish you guys listened to more budget closed back headphones and told us if they are any good. And I'm not talking about cheapest, maybe something under 1000$. You seem to know more expensive closed back headphones than budget ones.
If I already have Stellia headphones, should I sell and get anything else like the E3? I would only get like $1500 for it used in my estimation. And I’m not sure the use case for Stellia is often enough for me to justify keeping it. The Stellia is not quite portable, for which I’d rather use high end IEMs. It’s not quite what I would use at home as I live alone, I’d rather use a Utopia Gen 3 or a high end planar magnetic. So I am left with occasional use and gaming and podcasting. Should I sell?
I own it. Soundstage okay. Imaging good. Natural tone god tier. Bass god tier. Treble and mids great. Also can handle EQ extremely good. They make your head shake. Literally punching the air into your ears if you want them to, but can be just as smooth and soft too.
I'm a bit surprised that the DT 700 Pro X wasn't in this list as it slots in price-wise between the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm and the next recommendation on this list (DCA Aeon Closed X). Your initial impressions were pretty positive on them so it's a bit weird to not see them in this list (even as an honorable mention).
They don’t offer anything the k371 doesn’t / 770 doesn’t besides a detach cable . They’re super blunted and the soundstage is not even close to the 770
Tbh imo the DT 700 Pro X is only worth it if you really need the detachable cable and want even more passive isolation than the DT 770 Pro provides. With EQ the DT 770 Pro is far superior to the 700 Pro X and I also think the timbre of the 770, even without EQ, is better than that of the 700 Pro X. For some reason the 700 Pro sounds very rough in the midrange and treble, while not providing a lot of detail retrieval. It is also a very "in your face" and intense sound, even though the 770 Pro is brigher in the treble, it somehow isn't as forward as the 700 is.
@@YourCloudyyy They did mention in the original review that it has "better tuning" (I presume this means more neutral/adherent to the harman curve) than the 770. Resolve even recommended them for gaming in one video (as an honorable mention). I was mostly interested because I have the 770 (80 Ohm) for 6 years or so, and I've been considering the 700 to try something a bit different without spending more than 300$/300€ for a closed set of headphones (I'd prefer to spend more on an open-back headphone). However, what you said about the soundstage and the value proposition is true (from what I could gather online). The soundstage is definitely less than the 770 (which might not be bad in some use-cases as long as it's not claustrophobic). I guess it was not included because they just didn't feel it justified the price increase from 770/K361/K371 (even though at it's own price tier it doesn't have much competition which I'm personally interested in).
After listening to a bunch of headphones, I still from time to time go back to the M40x(with the dekoni choice pads) I choose that over the K371 every time (which own as well)
My friend, it can get better than those for not much more money. Though I've owned the 40x and it's better than the 50x, but it's way too small for most people's chrome domes
My friend, it can get better than those for not much more money. Though I've owned the 40x and it's better than the 50x, but it's way too small for most people's chrome domes
I know you didn’t cover specific wireless headphones, but they are getting better. I really like my Sennheiser Momentum 3, especially with the high end tuning setting in the app, it’s probably the best sounding closed back that I have, including the K371 and DT770 you described.
What I'm more curious about is why is Andrew using Galaxy buds pro after outright saying airpods pro is his tws iem of choice. What lead you to make the switch? or was just the battery on his airpods low.
I had a Bose qc35 and focal elegia on my flights throughout Europe for a month and I ended up using the focals the entire time it was the easiest AB comparison ever; regarding your noise cancellation vs passive argument. I was hoping you would have the elegia as a honorable mention :( guess I’ll have to upgrade soon? Bathys may be the bridge I needed..
I would love to hear this channel's thoughts on some of the Kennerton offerings compared to some of these more popular brands. I quite enjoy my Gjallarhorn GH50 JM Edition.
I considered the Shure 1540, but ultimately settled on the Neumann NDH 20. I still love my old Sony MDR-v6 / 7506, but the Neumann NDH 20 is my favorite closed-backed headphone under $500.
I don’t know the Shure and Neumann but am recommended the Sony MDR 7506. For closed back headphones, I only gave my old Sony WH-1000XM2 and the Focal Elegia. Mostly, I use more open backs and I have the Sundara, Fidelity X1S, 6XX, HD800S, Arya Stealth, Focal Clear MG and the ZMF Atrium. Which of these will be closer to the MDR-7506, if you’ve heard any of these?
Would you guys say the best budget headphones that you both offered would be good to use as an electric piano headphone, not from a quasi audiophile angle…. Just something that would give real presence and grandeur and intricate resonance of a top shelf sampled Grand Piano….Thank you for your videos…..🙏👍🤘
I'm going to be getting myself a closed back headphone soon so this video came at a good time. I was looking at the closed x over the noire simply due to price but I feel I'd be good with either now haha.
I had the Stellia on test for 3 weeks against the Meze Emperean and Elites, they were the most comfortable but third in the overall listening experience
@@chamade166 Sony's XM series have great noise cancelation features but in terms of the sound quality, Focal by far outclasses the Sony. This makes sense considering the big gap in price. Sennheiser Momentum is more comparable with the Sony.
wired will be relevant because will sound better for price, and also you cannot change the battery of the BT headphones and ridiculously, won't work turned off wired in passive mode.
One more suggestion for the under $1,000 range is the DCA Aeon Noire ($899.00), which is an improvement over the Drop Aeon X mentioned in the video. I've read a couple of reviews that say the DCA flagship Stealth is not 4x better relative to price! I have yet to hear the Stealth myself, but if true, the Noires are a bargain. DCA says they vastly improved the tuning over the X. I find them to be the least colored phones I've tried. There's a very natural high end. Cymbals are clear and bell-like, not sibilant. This adds a real sense of presence. Of course, flatness isn't for everyone. But they are easier to EQ if desired because of the flat (to the ear) starting point. For example, if the low-end exists on a recording, it'll be there on Noire. But if you prefer even more slam with your bass, you can get there. When EQ'd to taste, the Noires will slam you pretty well, if and when you want it. My takes anyway.
Most of my budget headsets are actually just gaming headsets like ASTRO. Which arn't half bad for watching movies or even casual listening. In the upper The Focal Bathy's are among the best wireless headsets in the $800 range. The best IEM are I would say the 64 Audio Tia Fourte Blanc on the ultra high end. Moondrop Blessing 2 as a runner-up & reasonably priced. The Astell & Kern Campfire Pathfinders are also really good at just under $2,000. The Hifiman Susvara Planar at the ridiculous eye watering high end range. Which retail around $5,000. Although I think you can get something comparable for a lot less. The Focal Raidance is still one of the best headsets you can get for around $1,300 i agree with others here. :)
I have three pair of 770 pros,…they are used in many sound studios for recording musician monitors ..the Beyerdynamic T5s are great for mixing.. .and I just ordered the DanClarks Aeon RT ( re-tuned) for $500.
Hello, in 12:30 you talk about EQ-ing of the Audeze. I am a big fan of EQ-in and use many various concepts and solutions for this purpose, but I am interested on your and Chrono's preference/solution, how do you apply the required EQs in your playback chain (e.g. integrated in Roon or in EqualiserAPO or in any convolution engine or in the PhoneAmp like RMA ADI or...) And ... thanks for very interesting review
Hello, I found the answer to my question in your EqualizerAPO tutorial. It is for me one of the best tutorials ever! The key is that you make aware/consider 3 major aspects:1. function/impact of a particular filter type 2 role of the personal/individual taste/preference and 3. uncernity about what is going on above 4-5kHz. Great!
Just one hint: for non-native english speaker, you are very fast 😀 and some sections are hard to follow. Fortunately, youtube has a slide back function
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #30 ДВА В ОДНОМ [Один человек]• Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nrXy15orKhY/mqdefault.jpg)
01:39 $175 - AKG K371
02:36 $150 - Beyerdynamic DT-770
04:26 $500 - DCA Aeon Closed X
06:00 $900 - DCA Aeon 2 Noire
07:12 $1,290 - Focal Radiance
10:04 $2,000 - Meze Audio Liric
11:42 $1,299 - Audeze LCD-XC
14:16 $2,999 - Focal Stellia
15:38 $3,438 - ZMF Verite Closed
You're the real MVP
thanks
Very helpful thanks alot
Thanks !
Thank God some channels make 'longer' form content. LOVE the conversations, you guys.
You can get a new Focal Elegia for around $400usd right now. I'd say that's an amazing deal, especially with EQ. Currently my favourite pair of headphones I've owned.
That's good to know thanks! It would be interesting to know your EQ settings.
@@kyron42 I use Oratory's settings. Basically Harman Target.
@@kyron42 I also have a Focal Elegia that I use with my own EQ, it is close to the EQ profile Resolve shared in his Focal Elegia review like a couple of years ago in The Headphone Show channel. You can look it up and decide if that works for you, in case you prefer not to tune to Harman
@@kvnngkronos yes I saw that video. It looks like a good starting point but I'll also give Harman a try.
Thank you for the video. Yesterday I saw Chrono's review of the DT 770 pro which I immediately ordered (after returning the DT 1770 because it didn't convince me for the money).
What I'm missing are the Beyerdynamic T5 and the Sennheiser HD820.
I would have a small suggestion to a 'Best Headphone' video.
Maybe you can mention which headphones you didn't test and also which headphones you didn't like.
Like for the T5 and the HD820. Now I just know that they are not in the best of list. But I don't know if they're not in there because you didn't test it or they're just not good enough.
Happy new year to you.
This approach is really excellent, hearing two viewpoints is great.
VC, Radiance, and Celestee are 3 that I have enjoyed... I ended up keeping the Celestee and sold the rest because it fit the budget I wanted to stay with and has a nice tuning for work. I don't mind that it doesn't have the VC warmth or Radiance dynamics because those can be distracting. Celestee are good as background music while trying to focus.
I also have the Celestees and for me it is one of the best sounding headphones. It is perfect for Rock, Metal and every bassheavy stuff and also great for gaming. It has not the widest soundstage but the pinpoint detail is realy good and the headphone response great to eq.
The kennerton rognir is a closed back that, from the few reviews I’ve seen, seems like a great headphone but I would love to hear your opinions on it!
Sad there was only one pick between $200 and $600; I think this is the real 'meat' of headphone price ranges for most people.
Blimey, currently making a shortlist of best closed backs, in order to buy a pair today... This came just at the right time.
What did you buy?
Closed backs are good for protecting the world from hearing my weeb music
when i watching jav as well
This is a very important service indeed.
@@716_ハディくん ( ° ͜ʖ °)
Indeed. I also just enjoy the sound of good closed backs. :)
@Fisher Man I think a safe bet is Kenshi Yonezu's Stray Sheep album
Shure 1540's are decent especially for low volume listening and are the best cheap closed backs I've found after trying most things. Balanced in SQ, build, weight and comfort and hard to beat short of dropping 2 or 3 times the price. They change character and get too bassy for my tastes at higher volumes but semi moot point in a closed back because they isolate enough. They've been my daily work desk can since the year they were released, I've modded the headband on mine though to make it like a suspension type fit.
They are great using balanced output from Sony NW-WM1Z and Lotoo Paw Gold Touch. I personally like them better than Meze Empyrean. I also LOVE Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7B headphones balanced out of my Lotoo Paw Gold Touch. I use and love LQI Cables.
100% agree… I’ve had my Srh 1540 for several years now. They have a beautifully warm but clear sound… so easy to live with and highly underrated!
@@SteveMallenhow about comparisons with dan clark aeon 2 nori?
@@samuelsong342 I did try those for a while but I wasn't that impressed. Still using Shure 1540 for closed backs. However I have some Denon 9200 coming soon and hoping they will be a step up from the Shure. As others have said the Shure can be a bit bass heavy and lacking in Treble extension.
I wish we had more competition in the Closed Back space, luckily its getting better of late
It's always really good to include links and time info. Thanks tho. Nice review. No price to performance comparison. That says helps.
I love the ZMF Verite Closed, it's the best closed back headphone I've tried. Usually, I've liked more the open ones, but this is something else.
Chrono mentioned the 5.5k peak, I was wondering have you measured the VC in your rig? Would love to see the FR for EQ.
I think I prefer the VC with the BE2 pads over the Auteur ones.
I was rooting for the Stellia as that’s the one I own and Resolve’s 15:30 giggle at how good it is made my day.
Good segment!
My favorite is the DCA Aeon 2 Noire primarily due to its image separation. I find it intoxicating & I don’t mind sacrificing a bit in the dynamics department. I do find the sacrifice in that area is lessened if you run them balanced which provides more power and current.
My sleeper in the budget category is the German Maestro GMP 8.35D Mobile. It sounds like a closed back 600 series Sennheiser. They’re just tough to come by here in the US. I’ve done two mods to my set.
1. Pads: I use Brainwavz Round Sheepskin Pads. They’re deep and push the drives further away from the ears which increases the soundstage.
2. Tuning filters: I use ZMF Acoustic Titan Mesh (Radial) filters. They’re solid, durable & don’t break down like foam. They attenuate frequencies in the upper midrange and lower treble a couple of db’s without affecting air in the upper treble. I haven’t tried them with my Elex yet but I would expect them to have a similar effect on Focal’s and Beyerdynamic’s.
Personally, I like the isolation of closed backs, however, bang for the buck, I think you get a lot more out of IEMs at every price point up to the very high end.
Thats the issue for me as well. IEMs are doing everything better but soundstage in my opinion. The graphs feel also a lot more matured compared to headphone which are a bit wobbly
Chrono, bravo for the choice of dt770 pro!
I so glad this video has been made I'm currently looking for a new closed back.
IMO, it's a much bigger deal to have wireless than even NC. I like the Bathys a lot because I can work at my computer and still walk around and do stuff pretty easily without being tethered to anything. Also love having passthrough at a whim. I lean towards the Sony Linkbuds S a lot too jsut for their size, comfort and convenience. My primary wired headphones are the Focal Clears, but they don't get nearly as much usage nowadays, mainly because I don't want to be tethered to my desk.
Thanks for the vid! Was waiting for something like this. Going to hop on board and ask how the Elegias compare to these other cans?? You can get some mad deals on em right now
I've been content with the LCD-XC but always wondered how it compares to Denon AH-D9200...
Great video!
I purchased the Audeze LCD-XC with the upgraded Carbon fiber headband. I also splurged on Kimber Kable's hybrid Axios cable for $3,850. I run them off a Feliks Audio Echo MKII with upgraded tubes (can't believe how good it sounds with tubes when it shouldn't!) and an SR purple fuse. The RCA cables are Kimber Select all copper. I can listen for 4-6 hours sessions and never get listeners fatigue. They are my endgame headphones. But stock, with base cable and solid state amp?...yes they can be a touch mechanical and bright. Thank goodness for tweaks & upgrades!
😉👌🎼💯✨
The Noire with the Forge/Mogwai with 6CA7 tubes are a combo I would never expect to sound so good. It's like you add spice, stage and impact to that headphone. Stellia with the same amp, despite the low impedance, are simply gorgeous
Great video. I think the Sony Z1R can be the best closed backs period. Worth an honorable mention
It's the worst closed-back phones for it's price
@@ololoshevkin Yes, they’re extremely polarizing.
Understanding they are polarizing, I too was surprised they weren't mentioned as I have heard good things about them. I am curious what you like about them, as well as where the comment from @Александр Кардаш comes from. I don't own these and haven't had a chance to listen to them myself.
@@timfederwitz I like the clever construction (earcups and thinnest-material-in-the-world driver center) and the results they give: Best audio separation. Best soundstage on a closed back headphone. Best feeling of hearing the real instrument. Comfortable AF. very realistic timbre. Im still figuring out how to describe them well. The hate towards them makes me confident the level of perfection with these headphones is very high, also i hear them with my TAZH1ES. Lastly they are the best responding headphones when it comes to using EQ.
On the mid tier Denon D7200 and e-mu teaks, and on the top top end DCA stealth seem to be missing as they are good if not great alternatives on their price brackets.
You saved me some typing here 😂
I thought they were noticeable omissions, especially with the Denon’s usually selling for around €550 in Europe !
QUICK TIP - for the AKG 371 - I personally found - for audio work - the Brainwavez Hard velour pads corrected the sound just enough to make them more viable than with the stock pads :: Also the ORIGINAL 1980 90's Beyer DT 770 600ohm is way 'better' than the modern one - more natural timbre. Hard to find but highly reccomended :)
do you have a link for the hard velour pads?
@@EricDave05 Ive gone through and searched everywhere but I cant find my receipt but I swear they were called hard velour or firm velour pads and they were separate from the regular velour. Maybe best to email them directly
Dekoni Choice Suede
Hmm, I'm surprised the SONY MDR-Z1R wasn't mentioned here. It is listed about everywhere for being the top closed back headphones. It as rave reviews from other Audiophiles as well.
I'd be curious to watch a review from you guys!
itll do very well with the walkman, likely better than mest3
cant say anything more, its my reference sound, smth i always aim to tune and comparing
what about the Focal Elegia? $329 on adorama. obviously discontinued, but worth considering at that low price?
I love my ZMF VC. _Aaaand_ Zach will be releasing closed versions of the Atrium & Caldera in 2023.😁 My experience with the new Atrium dampening system leads me to believe that they'll also sound incredibly open (even moreso than the VC which is already superb in that regard).
a12t kind of reminds me of good old phenom cpus that can be unlocked to even 6 cores
Very interesting, but I think this video is not really for me when all I can afford is the "budget" headphone 😀
Is there anything else to look for in the "under 200-300" range? Maybe even something extra budget under 100? I would love a video about that, and since there's a lot of headphones in that range, of course they're not gonna be as good, but it would be interesting to get some recommendations on what to get also at that price
@miki890008 The 32ohm Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is currently $99.99 on Woot. They're a sister site to Amazon, so if you have Prime, shipping is free
Nice video. Budget category, I would have chosen the NTH-100 by Rode. Love the price/quality ratio.
Very bad detail retrieval unfortunately
Would you say the K371 headphones are as good as Neumann NDH 20 Closed-back Studio Headphones?
I love my DENON 9200, such a smooth operator....
I'm so surprised the DT177X GO is never mentioned and rarely features anywhere, I've been using them for years and really want an upgrade but they're a solid pair of headphones and basically an upgraded 770 Pro.
Currently I feel like I'm leaning towards the Sony MDR Z1R, but really not sure.
I have a 770pro which I like and I am looking to upgrade, do you think I will really notice a difference with the 1770pro?
@@ServantofJC Hey, do you mean the 177X GO, or the 1770 PRO? They're two widly different headphones and while I've never owned or tried the 1770 PRO I've heard it's a bit bloated and it's also 250 ohms which isn't good for out and about.
The 177X GO is 32 ohms which is good for travel and is better overall than the 770 IMHO with the Leather pads. This one is only available from Drop.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how the Focal Bathys and other 'HiFi' Wireless Headphones compare to the non-wireless alternatives not just other wireless ones as really that's the thought process here. I know they will be better than the equivalent Apple and Sony phones but how do they compare to the wired Radiance, for example. Also for the Focal Bathys please note you can change the EQ with their pre-designed preset to make them more of a flat frequency response, so many reviewers are missing that. Thanks - love the content!
I heard Celestee and Bathys at the dealer store and end up getting Celestee. Yes Bathys sounds best as a BT ANC headphone. Much better than Sony, Apple. But still far behind wired Celestee. Which I am really disappointed.
Excellent video, as always. Chrono, you've lost some weight in the last year, man. Looking fit! Well done!
revisiting this, looking to buy my 1st Beyer. If you like the Beyer DT - 770 would you recommend the NEW, Limited Edition ver?
Forums say the limited edition has different sounding.
So go on certain
Very informative and enjoyable video. Even more than the content, I like both the guys very very much.
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 never get any love in these " best closed... " vids. they are so good that I had a balanced cable made for them. they and the HD600 for open are my favorites...
I think E-MU Teak is also a gem at 500$ price point, I'm curious to hear your thoughts on them.
People can hate all they want but you'd have to pry my DT 770 out of my cold dead hands. That price jump tho, between the 770 and the next cheapest one you featured, there really is a void of quality closed backs at mid range "enthusiast" prices. Theres no "HD6XX of closed backs", even Sennheiser cant seem to make a good one, 598 closed was pretty meh. It seems like you need to step up significantly in price to make it worth buying another closed headphone over the 770.
Personal shout-out to two - Sony mdr7506 (with a detachable cable mod, though if you have a soldering iron it's a 10 minute job at most) because of how it folds. More cans should fold like that. Portability matters in a lot of situations where closed backs operate and there simply isn't a better way I've seen.
Second is the 1more triple driver. They sound truly incredible for $100 (they're being discontinued and heavily discounted) and their one weird quirk is those on-ear sized pads, but you can just peel them off and throw on some large brainwavez sheepskins for $20. Superb isolation, that ceramic tweeter is intense AF without being shouty and the bass control with the reflector is amazing. Superb detail, very intense and fun without being fatiguing, just not much spacing. I really hope 1more releases a sequel to them with some improvements like the pads. A Bluetooth LDAC ANC version for $250 would blow the whole world up.
Overall I didn't really like the price theme of the ranking starting at the high end for beginners and skyrocketing from there. But it's your video, not mine! I just tend to prefer open back when the price hits 4 digits, below that and I'm probably somewhere or doing something that isn't that aggressively condusive to critical listening, but again, that's my anecdotal situation.
Audezes have always sounded “off “to me, just a different sound from what I’m used to. I’m not a fan.
But I really like some of the Hifiman headphones, I have the Ananda and it sounds so grand and spacious and detailed, and paired with my Oppo HA2SE, it is such a treat.
Surprised the DCA Stealth wasn’t even mentioned, but I’m assuming that’s because they’re so difficult to get the most out of haha. Still, with the right amp pairing, I personally haven’t heard a better closed back. The imaging is just insane, and it actually has a surprising amount of thump to it.
I think its because of hte price and how it compares to the Aeon 2 Noire
If someone is ever comparing stealth and aeon noire, he is not the owner of stealth.
@@이영식-s5l avg Korean chad
Even when properly driven, their imaging is still below that of the HD820. Now that's a pair of cans i really do not understand why people don't mention that often. They are amazing and this is coming from someone who loves his planar bass.
Great discussion guys, thank you!
My 3 recommendations:
1) Fostex T40RPmk3 - better tuned than Beyers, better build than AKG, comfort is somewhat of an issue - €150
2) Ollo Audio S4X - great tuning, better dynamic and timbre than Aeon 2 Noire, 5 years of warranty, all parts are serviceable - €400
3) Austrian Audio Hi-X60 - great tuning, great comfort, great techs - €370
Any recommendation near $150 and more comfortable than fostex?
@@RM50507 Maybe pad swap on Fostex, but it will probably mess the response somewhat.
@@CptMark that’s my fear, last time i tested different pad on an headphone i realized an slight less immersion and worse instrument separation
I am surprised there was no mention for the Denon AH-D9200. This past year I had a chance to listen to the Focal Stellia, Audeze LCD -XC, and the ZMF VC. The Focal and Audeze I listened to before buying the Denon 9200's. I then went to Can Jam in SOCAL and had a chance to listen to the ZMF VC and to me the VC edge out the 9200's but not by alot. The LCD-XC just did not sound good to me but understand now they need EQ and they are heavy on the head.
What do you think about the AKG K553 MKII? I wear expansions so I always look for the biggest earcups...
I wish you guys listened to more budget closed back headphones and told us if they are any good. And I'm not talking about cheapest, maybe something under 1000$. You seem to know more expensive closed back headphones than budget ones.
What about Sennheiser HD 820, Audeze LCD-2 Classic Closed-back (2021), HiFiMAN HE-R10D or Neumann NDH 30?
Surprised Sony Z1R didn’t make this list, when I put it on the sub-bass energy and thump makes me feel like I’m live at a concert.
If I already have Stellia headphones, should I sell and get anything else like the E3? I would only get like $1500 for it used in my estimation. And I’m not sure the use case for Stellia is often enough for me to justify keeping it. The Stellia is not quite portable, for which I’d rather use high end IEMs. It’s not quite what I would use at home as I live alone, I’d rather use a Utopia Gen 3 or a high end planar magnetic. So I am left with occasional use and gaming and podcasting. Should I sell?
8:20 what mp3 player is that? I’ve been considering getting a mobile mp3 that can handle up to 200-250 ohms.
Any good alternative to the AKG with better build quality?
Would you guys pick the K371 / DT770 over the Meze Classic 99 Noir (Massdrop)?
I’d like to hear your takes on the Denon AH-D9200 one day
I own it. Soundstage okay. Imaging good. Natural tone god tier. Bass god tier. Treble and mids great. Also can handle EQ extremely good.
They make your head shake. Literally punching the air into your ears if you want them to, but can be just as smooth and soft too.
I'd love to see a review of the LCD-2 Closed
I'm a bit surprised that the DT 700 Pro X wasn't in this list as it slots in price-wise between the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm and the next recommendation on this list (DCA Aeon Closed X). Your initial impressions were pretty positive on them so it's a bit weird to not see them in this list (even as an honorable mention).
They don’t offer anything the k371 doesn’t / 770 doesn’t besides a detach cable . They’re super blunted and the soundstage is not even close to the 770
Tbh imo the DT 700 Pro X is only worth it if you really need the detachable cable and want even more passive isolation than the DT 770 Pro provides. With EQ the DT 770 Pro is far superior to the 700 Pro X and I also think the timbre of the 770, even without EQ, is better than that of the 700 Pro X. For some reason the 700 Pro sounds very rough in the midrange and treble, while not providing a lot of detail retrieval. It is also a very "in your face" and intense sound, even though the 770 Pro is brigher in the treble, it somehow isn't as forward as the 700 is.
@@YourCloudyyy They did mention in the original review that it has "better tuning" (I presume this means more neutral/adherent to the harman curve) than the 770. Resolve even recommended them for gaming in one video (as an honorable mention). I was mostly interested because I have the 770 (80 Ohm) for 6 years or so, and I've been considering the 700 to try something a bit different without spending more than 300$/300€ for a closed set of headphones (I'd prefer to spend more on an open-back headphone).
However, what you said about the soundstage and the value proposition is true (from what I could gather online). The soundstage is definitely less than the 770 (which might not be bad in some use-cases as long as it's not claustrophobic). I guess it was not included because they just didn't feel it justified the price increase from 770/K361/K371 (even though at it's own price tier it doesn't have much competition which I'm personally interested in).
@@rene837 Thanks for the reply I'll take this into consideration as well. Are you using Chrono's EQ settings (just curious)?
@@DeDovla I’ve used both . 770s image better and sound less muffled. The dampening kills it.
Which one of these headphones can be used by professionals in sound mixing/editing/mastering?
Honorable mention: Ultrasone Signature X. INSANE bass but still clean! Tons of rumble and perfect for bassheads
After listening to a bunch of headphones, I still from time to time go back to the M40x(with the dekoni choice pads) I choose that over the K371 every time (which own as well)
My friend, it can get better than those for not much more money. Though I've owned the 40x and it's better than the 50x, but it's way too small for most people's chrome domes
My friend, it can get better than those for not much more money. Though I've owned the 40x and it's better than the 50x, but it's way too small for most people's chrome domes
What u can tell about sivga oreole? They more detailed thAn 371? Soundstage more wide and deep has wich one?
How does the Denon AH-D9200 compare to some of the other headphone you guys listed here?
Denon ahd9200? Havent seen you guys talked about denon headphones.
Yes please Resolve, Chrono, ... Have a look at Denon AH-D9200
@@linknet904 Yes please.
Can I suggested you the fellowing closed back : Denon AH-D9200, Beyerdynamic T5, 3th gen, Sennheiser HD820, thanks.
I know you didn’t cover specific wireless headphones, but they are getting better. I really like my Sennheiser Momentum 3, especially with the high end tuning setting in the app, it’s probably the best sounding closed back that I have, including the K371 and DT770 you described.
ie900 is great at being sennheiser
Loved it
Hoping for a open back headphones video too
With the DT770 Pro, is there a difference in sound between the 32, 80, and 250? Which is the best, or what are the differences?
Thank You for the video!
What do you think about the Focal Elegia and new Sundara's closed back both over $400?
so far mang dislike sundara closed back
great video, how does the Focal Elegia fit in the closed back world ?
Without EQ they're not well tuned. Dekoni sheepskin pads help a bit but not enough. Aeon X Closed or E-MU Teak are better choices IMO.
You forgot the Audio Technica ATH-MSR7B. I love mine and they has replaced my DT770Pro 80's permanently. I would really like your take on them.
What I'm more curious about is why is Andrew using Galaxy buds pro after outright saying airpods pro is his tws iem of choice. What lead you to make the switch? or was just the battery on his airpods low.
Sony MDR-Z1R, a little forgotten at this stage :(
Have an opportunity to purchase a preowned mint condition Stellia for around $1500. Is it worth it over the Radiance at that price point?
That's what I would like to know. What did you choose?
I had a Bose qc35 and focal elegia on my flights throughout Europe for a month and I ended up using the focals the entire time it was the easiest AB comparison ever; regarding your noise cancellation vs passive argument. I was hoping you would have the elegia as a honorable mention :( guess I’ll have to upgrade soon? Bathys may be the bridge I needed..
I don’t like closed back, buuut ZMF Verite Closed are great. I could use those and not ever complain (with the right pads!).
I would love to hear this channel's thoughts on some of the Kennerton offerings compared to some of these more popular brands. I quite enjoy my Gjallarhorn GH50 JM Edition.
Some people prefer that 361 over the 371 because they're cheaper and also the 371 can have excessive sub bass.
You forgot one of the best midrange closed-backs, the Audio Technica msr7b. They are addictive.
I considered the Shure 1540, but ultimately settled on the Neumann NDH 20. I still love my old Sony MDR-v6 / 7506, but the Neumann NDH 20 is my favorite closed-backed headphone under $500.
I don’t know the Shure and Neumann but am recommended the Sony MDR 7506. For closed back headphones, I only gave my old Sony WH-1000XM2 and the Focal Elegia. Mostly, I use more open backs and I have the Sundara, Fidelity X1S, 6XX, HD800S, Arya Stealth, Focal Clear MG and the ZMF Atrium. Which of these will be closer to the MDR-7506, if you’ve heard any of these?
I'm curious how does ATH-WP900 compare to the others
Why is there not many Wireless Planar Headphones? Is there a particular reason for the lack of?
I'm really surprised the DC Audio Stealth isn't on the list anywhere. They're fantastic. I have the Stellia and VC as well, prefer the Stealth.
Hmm… I would really like to hear your take on Sennheiser HD-25, Beyerdynamic 1770 Pro. Or are they mire of a work tool as you see it?
Would you guys say the best budget headphones that you both offered would be good to use as an electric piano headphone, not from a quasi audiophile angle…. Just something that would give real presence and grandeur and intricate resonance of a top shelf sampled Grand Piano….Thank you for your videos…..🙏👍🤘
Which impedance 770s do you guys prefer?
Supposedly the 80ohm version is nicer sounding one with more even base
I'm going to be getting myself a closed back headphone soon so this video came at a good time. I was looking at the closed x over the noire simply due to price but I feel I'd be good with either now haha.
I had the Stellia on test for 3 weeks against the Meze Emperean and Elites, they were the most comfortable but third in the overall listening experience
you thought the stellia was more comfortable than the meze's? weird.
@@iceflower7004 not really, our heads are all different shapes at the bone structure level, and my brains bulge out 😹😹
I absolutely love the new Focal Bathys BT. It made me wonder whether wired audiophile headphones will be relevant in the next 5 years or so
Wait until you try the XM5. Sony Clearbass baby.
@@chamade166 Sony's XM series have great noise cancelation features but in terms of the sound quality, Focal by far outclasses the Sony. This makes sense considering the big gap in price. Sennheiser Momentum is more comparable with the Sony.
wired will be relevant because will sound better for price, and also you cannot change the battery of the BT headphones and ridiculously, won't work turned off wired in passive mode.
@@cornerxstone You can change the batteries but get out your plastic pry bars and heat gun.
One more suggestion for the under $1,000 range is the DCA Aeon Noire ($899.00), which is an improvement over the Drop Aeon X mentioned in the video. I've read a couple of reviews that say the DCA flagship Stealth is not 4x better relative to price! I have yet to hear the Stealth myself, but if true, the Noires are a bargain. DCA says they vastly improved the tuning over the X. I find them to be the least colored phones I've tried. There's a very natural high end. Cymbals are clear and bell-like, not sibilant. This adds a real sense of presence. Of course, flatness isn't for everyone. But they are easier to EQ if desired because of the flat (to the ear) starting point. For example, if the low-end exists on a recording, it'll be there on Noire. But if you prefer even more slam with your bass, you can get there. When EQ'd to taste, the Noires will slam you pretty well, if and when you want it. My takes anyway.
Do you guys try Austrian Audio Hi-X15 for budget headphones? In my opinion, it sounds much better than AKG one and cheaper than AKG one😊
Most of my budget headsets are actually just gaming headsets like ASTRO. Which arn't half bad for watching movies or even casual listening. In the upper The Focal Bathy's are among the best wireless headsets in the $800 range.
The best IEM are I would say the 64 Audio Tia Fourte Blanc on the ultra high end. Moondrop Blessing 2 as a runner-up & reasonably priced. The Astell & Kern Campfire Pathfinders are also really good at just under $2,000.
The Hifiman Susvara Planar at the ridiculous eye watering high end range. Which retail around $5,000. Although I think you can get something comparable for a lot less. The Focal Raidance is still one of the best headsets you can get for around $1,300 i agree with others here. :)
HD820 not mentioned at all… is it that bad?
I have three pair of 770 pros,…they are used in many sound studios for recording musician monitors ..the Beyerdynamic T5s are great for mixing.. .and I just ordered the DanClarks Aeon RT ( re-tuned) for $500.
Hello, in 12:30 you talk about EQ-ing of the Audeze. I am a big fan of EQ-in and use many various concepts and solutions for this purpose, but I am interested on your and Chrono's preference/solution, how do you apply the required EQs in your playback chain (e.g. integrated in Roon or in EqualiserAPO or in any convolution engine or in the PhoneAmp like RMA ADI or...)
And ... thanks for very interesting review
Hello, I found the answer to my question in your EqualizerAPO tutorial. It is for me one of the best tutorials ever! The key is that you make aware/consider 3 major aspects:1. function/impact of a particular filter type 2 role of the personal/individual taste/preference and 3. uncernity about what is going on above 4-5kHz. Great!
Just one hint: for non-native english speaker, you are very fast 😀 and some sections are hard to follow. Fortunately, youtube has a slide back function
Sony Z1R or Focal Stellia?
i own the focal stellia it's my first pair of headphones and tomorrow i will buy both susvara and lcd-5 from store
The 770 pro are better thab the 700 pro x?