I am looking for feedback on some closed back headphones. I have a budget of ~$1500. I currently have the Focal Elex I use and a STAX setup for open ear solutions. I have custom IEMs but can not wear them for 8+ hours a day.
I’d like it to simply reproduce what the engineers laid down.
I will be driving them with either a Fostex or Woo Audio amplifier.
Sennheiser HD820 or Focal Radiance, both are within your budget if you can find a well cared for used set. I also like the Beyerdynamic T5p and the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed.
DCA Æon 2 Closed, which I’ve owned for a while, is a solid choice if your amps can drive them: their very low impedance (12 Ohm) requires an amp that can deliver high current.
I’ve just ordered ETA Mini Closed because they had good reviews from people I trust and because I wanted a spare pair of closed headphones for travel. Very curious how they perform with my travel gear (DAP or external DAC/amp).
I 2nd the DCA Aeon2 suggestion, but would suggest the Noire model which is the same except for the color and the perforated pads, which offer improved sound quality.
Solid state putting out minimum 1W at 32 ohms is fine for the Aeon 2 closed. I drive mine from a Topping A90 or a Matrix mini I pro 3, both on balanced. Need to push the volume a bit more on the matrix to get the same drive.
Cracking pair of headphones for the money. I bought mine open box sale and my only gripe was that the stock cable on the A2C was very microphonic. Not sure if it’s still the same design for the Dummer cable on the newer Noire models.
I have a fostex solid state to drive them with a balanced out. Took way more power than my IEMs, but they require a light breeze to power. I also have a tube amp that needed a bump but I’ve been told “loud library” is where I keep my levels. I too got an open box. save $ because it was open? If I must.
I went with a 4 pin xlr connection cable from Hart Audio as it makes swapping ends super simple. I leave the correct connector, balanced xlr, 3.5mm, 2.5mm etc in the proper amp disconnect from amp a → and jack in to amp B. Shop by Brand – Hart Audio Cables