Yeah the 177x Go is probably more accurate, but the Argon is just plain wider if you like that sort of fun.
(So much of what I say feels like I just parrot Zeos lol.)
Oh and sorry to double post, but the Neumann NDH20 is a really good closed back to. Nothing super elevated or anything, they are very good for monitoring and mixing. Zeos did say they can get uncomfortable after about 30 minutes.
Unless you don’t like bass. A lot of people in the official thread returned their pairs because they were expecting a neutral/natural sound and got rumbling bass instead.
I would probably like the NDH20s because huh, “Harman neutral” doesn’t sound natural to my ears. But everyone’s different. And they’re still detail monsters anyway (apparently).
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I like Harman neutral ish headphones cause the bass bum is just nice much prefer it over any straight up flat headphones
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It has a bit more bass than it should for a Harman tuning
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Perfect for Zeos 
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Seems to me… that without exceeding $500 the most common denominator for closed back is the 177x. The NPH20 seems to be plagued with comfort issues, where they may have won the crown. In addition some people rave about the Argon while most think they’re overrated.
Bonus is that 177x can survive off your phone for portability. Thank you all and hopefully this helps the next person that comes along.
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I would also say that the focal elegia and DCA aeon 2 are very very good closed back contenders under 1k (but not mentioned because they are higher than 500)
177x Go is a very good closed back. That would be a great choice.
Apologies… last comment modified. Now I’m looking at the Focals as they’re just barely out of range right now… thanks M0N. You did this to me.
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Lol, just something else to consider
And just like that… I nabbed a pair of the Elegia on sale on Amazon for $565… M0N told me to do it.
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Woah hey just checking but you did some research right lol. That’s a very good price imo but I’m assuming (and hoping) you did some research lol
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Wait, research??
Of course, I see them as a commonly admired headphone on here but quickly scratched them off due to the reg price of $899. Is there a better headphone in this range?
Well I mean you want to make sure they match your preference. I think they would but still it’s good to not buy blind and see if it’s something you would like. They are pretty good imo, and I would rate them higher than the ndh20 and 177x go, but they might not be as immediately exciting. I think they can be run just fine off of a phone which is nice. They have a fairly wide sound for being closed back, isolate pretty well, come with a nice case, and are pretty comfortable (but not as comfortable as the beyers but they are both pretty comfy). They have very good sound but are more even responding so not as v shaped or warm as the 177x or ndh20. Cable is kinda janky though so you may want to get an aftermarket later on. Overall something I really enjoy but that doesn’t mean its going to be loved by everyone. But I think you will like them for what you are looking for for sure
i dont like closed backs but if i needed to get one it would be the elegia
Never tried Elegias, but they are also detail monsters. And also in my “do-it-all closed back endgame” list.
…Elegias as a gaming headset is fucking endgame indeed lol. Congrats.
From what I’ve read the Campfire Cascades should be on the list too. I’ve been eyeing them as I’m in the market for some closed portables but I haven’t heard how they sound compared to the 177x
They are pretty great imo, I really liked mine when I had them for sure. I would take them over the 177x go imo, but they are more costly for sure
I think they have better low end compared to the 177x, as it was thick, great impact, good detail, and also fun yet controlled. The 177x is good for bass but it’s not as fun and refined as the 177x. Midrange wise the cascade has a more organic timbre with more detail and a more enjoyable sound to me, where the 177x is more even responding but also not as detailed. For treble I actually think the 177x might be ahead for some as it’s a bit more prominent and work with a wider range of genre, but I still end up preferring the cascade in the end. Build wise the 177x feel more solid than the cascades, but I think they are similar in comfort, but the cascades are more portable. Also think the cascades might be a bit more amp dependent but not by a ton
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My beloved ZMF Atticus never get any love, lol.