Hello! I am relatively new to the audio hobby and I was looking around for a pair of Closed Back headphones, to complement my Open Backs that I already have ( cover all the bases, y’know?). My main options were the AKG K361 or the Sony MDR 7506. Both are relatively affordable and I have heard a ton of praise for their sound. I read around and I seem to see the AKG being the less reliable one, with regards to possible construction issues or difficulty achieving a proper seal.
What would u guys go for? Either of these, some other recommendations? Hit me up!
Don’t know anything about reliability issues with AKG. They’re build with plastic but usually the quality is good. A friend of mine have the K361 BT for over a year and has zero complain. I had it for some time also and can say I like the sound, and that it is a very comfortable can.
Can’t say anything about the Sony though, never heard it.
I would spend anywhere under 200 bucks I think. Am open to discovering new things. Wouldn’t really throw the money for a pair of Meze 99 Classics though, that is a bit too expensive for me.
Very interesting… I am kinda wanting to buy it. The Sony are being used in proffesional environments, so I think Sony would be more for the “accurate” sound, and AKG for the “fun” sound?
My experience with Sony has always been with more bass, so I kinda doubt about the neutral tonality. But since I haven’t listened to it, can’t say for sure.
The AKG is a little dark, with warmer mids and bass, but not quite the sub-bass. I think is a very safe, relaxed headphone. It does miss some sparkle for the high frequencies I like with big band metals and strings, but it’s not something really bad.
I’ve seen you’re in Romania, so maybe Europe folks like @Deleeh can help you out better with the other options.
The cheapest but very solid would be the Emu Purpleheart from Massdrop, which I find above the Dt770 when the Meze is almost too expensive again.
Otherwise it is quite difficult to find something in this price range.
The Meze would certainly also be a good choice and not even wrong.
You could try the meze neo for under 200€ with a more warm sound
The Sony’s are more neutral if I remember correctly but don’t pin me on it
Also heard good things about the sivga sv006
Use the included velour pads (I bought hybrid HiFiMan-like perforated ones off AliExpress after a while because these babies are worth it) and tape up 4 out of 6 holes in the plate around the driver when you change the pads. Maybe also add a single layer of paper towel under the pads if you find the sound too bright. With these simple modifications you can get sound quality that would cost like 2-4x the price. If you also EQ in some more energy at 250 Hz they get damn near reference-grade.
Just don’t expect these to isolate too well. I’m recommending them for pure fidelity/price ratio.
I usually rely on Rtings to dictate the sound signature when I haven’t personally listened to that set of headphones. They say its relatively ok. Another option would also be something like a QC 35 II which i use wired when needed, and wirelessly otherwise, for a dual-use item. I am still very much undecided.
Thanks for the imput!
I have a pair of HD 598s already, and I dont think the Superlux really provide any meaningful difference in quality. They should be more closed than the Senn, but still not quite what I am looking for I think. Very interesting idea though, for someone starting out in the Audiophile hobby and doesn’t wanna spend a fortune
I am a co-coutryman with Meze but I still cannot quite consider the 99 quite in my price range. I was sort of looking for a closed back to see how they go, and have a pair around. I am not sure I wanna jump so high on my first taste into the real Closed back headphones, and I would rather invest the residual cash into something like a Sundara to get some big sound upgrade?
Not sure if closed back headphones really do provide much for the cost, since I don’t quite need the isolation while also having a wire. If I want isolation I go with a wireless ANC pair, and if I want sound, I go Open-back headphone.