[ecosse_011172]

Hi, I'm looking for some closed headphones that provide good isolation and the best sound quality possible. I'm currently using Etymotic ER-4s but find that they become uncomfortable when used for long periods. I don't want to spend more than the equivalent of $200.

I've been reading reviews but most models seem to have on really weak point e.g. Sony CDR3000 - poor Isolation, AGK K501 - Very little bass

What about Beyer DT440? They seem to receive mixed reviews.

I'll be using the headphones with my work PC (either the bog standard soundcard or I'll install a Creative Audigy 2 card) listening to CDs ripped with Apple Lossless and sometimes AAC files (256Kbps VBR).

Any advice?

 

[db597]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecosse_011172 /img/forum/go_quote.gif e.g. Sony CDR3000 - poor Isolation, AGK K501 - Very little bass

Close headphones won't provide as much isolation as IEMs. But of course it's better than open ones - and sound leakage doesn't disturb other people.

If it's bass you want, the DT770 is what you need.

 

[commando]

I compare a lot of closed cans in the review in my sig - take a look. You can also look at my recommendations or the top ten cans in various categories as rated by many headphone reviewers. Sony V6 is a good value option, the Audio-Technica A900 or A700 are better but quite large.

 

[ecosse_011172]

Quote:

Originally Posted by db597 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Close headphones won't provide as much isolation as IEMs. But of course it's better than open ones - and sound leakage doesn't disturb other people. If it's bass you want, the DT770 is what you need.

Wouldn't they be too difficult to drive?

 

[commando]

I like my bass, and I found the 770 way too much, and unballanced. I settled on A900s with the EQ boosting the bass (using subtractive equalisation - remove the highs, don't boost the bass).

 

[krrm]

I find DT770 quite comfortable. They have a little too much bass for my taste, but with a little EQ they are not bad (actually quite good, but not exactly DT880 either). They isolate enough to take out most noises, while you still have a chance to hear people laugh behind your back.

 

[db597]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecosse_011172 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wouldn't they be too difficult to drive?

There are 3 versions I believe. The 250Ohm version maybe difficult to drive from a portable. But the 80Ohm, which incidentally is the version that sounds the best, should be ok.

 

[rodbac]

Quote:

I like my bass, and I found the 770 way too much, and unballanced. I settled on A900s

[sic]

++

 

[rodbac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by db597 /img/forum/go_quote.gif There are 3 versions I believe. The 250Ohm version maybe difficult to drive from a portable. But the 80Ohm, which incidentally is the version that sounds the best, should be ok.

I had the 80ohm version and they were still one of the toughest drives I've owned.

 

[krrm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodbac /img/forum/go_quote.gif I had the 80ohm version and they were still one of the toughest drives I've owned.

Mine (DT770 PRO /80) is driven just fine from a standard IBM Thinkpad (T42). A colleague use his (250 ohm) also directly from a Nano (but not very loud).

 

[ecosse_011172]

Quote:

Originally Posted by commando /img/forum/go_quote.gif I compare a lot of closed cans in the review in my sig - take a look. You can also look at my recommendations or the top ten cans in various categories as rated by many headphone reviewers. Sony V6 is a good value option, the Audio-Technica A900 or A700 are better but quite large.

Thanks, the Audio-technica A700 or A900 sound quite promising, they're not easy to find in Europe though..

 

[rodbac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecosse_011172 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks, the Audio-technica A700 or A900 sound quite promising, they're not easy to find in Europe though..

We (USA) pretty much need to get them from Audiocubes. They don't ship to EU?

 

[ericj]

I also don't find my 770/80's to be too bassy or hard to drive.

 

[Inkmo]

as long as you don't plan to walk around with them on, the ATH-A900 is hands down one of the best closed cans for 200USD. Also, they don't need an amp.

You might consider the Beyer 250 or Senn HD25 as well?

 

[Jaska]

I very much like Inkmo's suggestions of the Beyerdynamic DT250 or Sennheiser HD-25-1.

I would say that the DT250-80 would be the way to go. They're easy to drive, not nearly as huge and awkward as other full-size closed headphones, sound quite neutral, have a detatchable coiled cord (a huge plus in my opinion), etc.

HeadRoom likes them enough that they include them on their "The Headphone as Reference" page.

I'm looking to round out my listening options with the ER-4S, by the way, as I think they will provide a pretty similar sound while I'm on the go (about two hours of driving every day).