Closed back headphone choices

Posted by: Julian H on 19 November 2011

I would like to buy my Dad a new pair of headphones for Christmas, his old pair [about 30 year old Pioneers] being somewhat past it with numerous repairs over time.

I want to stick to wired and closed back type. They will either be driven by his laptop [itunes or internet radio], Pure internet/DAB radio and, occasionally TV.

I have been looking at the Senheiser HD448/449 model, seems well designed and good quality. Are there any others I should seek out before I push the "BIN" button? Comfort is as important as absolute sound quality, since Dad is no audiophile but appreciates quality. Budget say up to around £125 but would pay more if it was the right thing to do.

Thanks for any help since headphones are well outside of my knowledgebase..

Cheers, Julian

Posted on: 19 November 2011 by Jeff Anderson

Originally Posted by Julian H:

I would like to buy my Dad a new pair of headphones for Christmas......

I want to stick to wired and closed back type. They will either be driven by his laptop [itunes or internet radio], Pure internet/DAB radio and, occasionally TV.

Thanks for any help since headphones are well outside of my knowledgebase..

Cheers, Julian

Hi Julian

I have been using a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770 for the past few years, closed-back, very comfortable, very balanced sound. Comes with a mini-jack plug and a screw-on adaptor for 1/4 in phono plug. Seems to be several models of these now, selling for approx. US $200.00.

regards

Jeff A

Posted on: 19 November 2011 by Julian H

Hi Jeff,

Thanks, they sound a possibility. I notice after a brief web search that they are available in 80 and 250 ohms versions and that 80 should be preferable for this application?

I also note they have been "upgraded" to a PRO version; i wonder if the accountants have been at them.

Cheers, Julian

Posted on: 19 November 2011 by winkyincanada

Sennheiser HD25-1 II are worth a look/listen. (Not the cheaper SP version). I have had a pair for many years for travel. I beat them up but they don't break (haven't broken?) and sound good. Very good ambient sound isolation, too. On-ear style, and comfy for my head/ears, at least.

My wife has the PX200s and she really likes those. Cheaper and more compact than the HD25-1 IIs. They fold for travel, which is a nice feature for iPod use.

Yes, the 70-80 ohm models are the ones for iPod and laptop use.

Posted on: 19 November 2011 by Jeff Anderson

Originally Posted by Julian H:

Hi Jeff,

Thanks, they sound a possibility. I notice after a brief web search that they are available in 80 and 250 ohms versions and that 80 should be preferable for this application?

Cheers, Julian

Sorry, I don't know what ohm rating mine have. The DT770 would be for home use, I don't see them being good for travel.

Jeff A

Posted on: 19 November 2011 by Felix H

Originally Posted by winkyincanada:

I also like HD25-1 for closed back, the only shortcoming being they're too loud with most sources. The separate Sennheiser passive attenuator helps with that. SP is not too bad either and doesn't need the attenuator (I got them for my grandma).

Posted on: 19 November 2011 by spacehopper

Hi Julian

Beyer make some great headphones - I have the DT770 600ohm, with leather earpads. They sound very balanced and detailed and can be worn for hours!! Be careful with the 'pro' label. There are lots of versions its confusing, but if I'm not mistaked, the 'pro' is for professional applications and have more of a clamping effect to avoid falling off! 80ohm would be best for a laptop.

Posted on: 20 November 2011 by Julian H

Hi Jeff and spacehopper

I have been trawling through the information on the internet about the DT770's. Blimey, how confusing was that. There appears to be four versions of these headphones, two PRO's [I'll include the M version as a PRO] which appear to be unsuited due to impedance and/or different headband for tighter fit for stage/drummer use. The Premium edition and the Consumer edition 2005 are the other two I have found, neither of which are on on the BeyerDynamic website so I guess are old models and I can't even check the spec. so I would be fearful of ordering the wrong type. The Premium ones ok Amazon UK are 250ohms so not suited, and no luck in trying to find a pair of the Consumer 2005s, I guess they are now discontinued?

Fedor / Winky - I looked at those HD25's. They don't appear that they would be as comfortable as the bigger 'phones because they are "on ear" so must push in tighter? Do you think they would be as comfortable as the big Beyers [or Sens I mentioned]?

Any more advice gratefully received.

Cheers, Julian

Posted on: 20 November 2011 by Iver van de Zand

I own the Beyerdynamic DT770 too. Excellent choice with a very strong, relaxed and rhythmic sound quality. What does it for me, is the additional comfort of "wearing" it. Iver

Posted on: 20 November 2011 by Jeff Anderson

Originally Posted by Julian H:

Hi Jeff and spacehopper

I have been trawling through the information on the internet about the DT770's. Blimey, how confusing was that. ]?

Any more advice gratefully received.

Cheers, Julian

Looking at the North American Beyerdynamic site, the DT660 would appear to be the current model equivalent ie: closed-back, for home use. They cost around US $205.00.

An email or call direct to Beyerdynamic might short-cut the confusion if you decide they are in the final choice consideration.

regards

Jeff A

Posted on: 20 November 2011 by Felix H

Originally Posted by Julian H:

For me the HD25's have felt comfortable even when wearing them for several hours in some recording sessions. I did compare them with some Beyerdynamics several years ago (can't remember which models) and HD25's provided better isolation & IMO better sound quality.

BTW Sony also make some phones with good isolation and reasonably ok sound quality.

Posted on: 25 November 2011 by Julian H

I had a word with the BeyerDynamic UK importer today. They confirmed that the non-pro DT770 250ohm model was now a "2010 edition" and is available so I am waiting for a localish dealer to come back to me with availability and a price. The importer advised that the 250 ohm version would be right for laptop and portable radio use, there no longer being a lower impedance non-Pro model.

Showed Dad some pics of the "25" and he said he didn't like them, preferring "over ear" rather than "on".

Can you recommend a Sony model, Fedor? Thanks.

Cheers, Julian

Posted on: 25 November 2011 by winkyincanada

I find the 25s very comfy even with extended use, but it is really personal preference. Over-ear 'phones are large for portable use, IMHO.

Posted on: 25 November 2011 by pfm20532

I find some of the Superlux options really interesting, they cost next to nothing but may need AKG velour pads

Also some JVC 700 or 900 looks like a bargain and quality made