I have purchased the THX 789 headphone amplifier on the last drop. I would like to pair it with a nice closed back headphone. Preferably the headphone would be balanced but it does not need to be. I am finding that the clamp on my HD 58Xs is starting to be distracting and looking for another option. I am looking for for closed backs that are not bass cannon and have good mids and highs. However, comfort is a key factor in this new set of headphones. Preferably ones that are not clamping monsters. I am not sure if there is such a headphone out there but would appreciate peoples help in this endeavor.
I would like to spend around $1000 but would be willing to go a little higher if necessary. I know there are two closed back in the ZMF line. I have heard that they are quite comfortable but I am unable to demo them due to where I live. I have also heard of the Ether CX but do not know of their sound or comfort levels. I do not like dark or recessed highs and mids. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Ok for the clean sound of the THX I would recommend the also clean and for a closed back very detailed Focal Elegia. They do not right away sound like closed back and have clean, slightly pronounced forward mids and good treble presence without to harsh edges.
The Elegias have a nice fit and finish and I find them to be alright compfy, even with their 400 grams.
They don´t have a balanced cable, but the cable is crap anyway. So after half a year I am looking for a balanced custom cable myself…
all what Dr. Torf told you+ nice wide soundstage for a closed back. Really a shame that Z, did not review them yet, beiing the reference for closed backs under 1k.
A few days ago, was a sale with 200 discount on the elegia. 699 is a steal!
Elegia is also my next purchase at the end of the year, after recieving the THX 789 and the Beyerdynamic DT 177x Go Drop
Had already saved up and then came these 2 Drops and I could not resist.
There is nothing in the sub 1000 range, like the Elegia.
The Aeon Flow closed has less soundstage
The CA Cascades are bass canons, not my cup of tea…
Maybe the Mr Speakers Ether C Flow as used cans, if somebody sells his. Not that it would make sense.
Because its a wonderful hf.
Ether C Flow and Ether CX are good options. I’ve the Ether C Flow 1.1 and they are very comfortable. The OLLO Audio S4R are also a nice option, and not that expensive. Audeze LCD2 Closed Back are other nice option, but some people don’t like the weight. I personally would go with the Ether C Flow, or Ether CX if you cannot stretch your budget.
Thank you for the quick responses it is much appreciated.
@Dr.Torf I haven’t thought about the Focal Elegia as an option thank you for the suggestion. How large is the hole in the ear pads and the comfort of the clamp? I initially went with Sennheiser due to the oval shape of the ear pads. Do the Elegia have a lot of pressure on the ear because of a round shape and clamp. By alright comfy can you wear them for several hours? I wear glasses and with high clamping pressure found it a bit difficult to wear after a while. I am defiantly interested in the focal sound you described. I am okay with upgrading the cable to go balanced. Does it have proprietary connections or can I get a 3rd party cable to work on these.
@elira and @Martin_Lesch I have not heard the sound signature of any of the Mr.Speaker headphone lines. What kind of sound signiture or quirks does the Ether C Flow have. I know that the pads are supposed to be quite comfortable but besides that I am unsure.
I Have also heard that Audeze is supposed to have a darker sound. I do not really prefer that with my listening. I do tend to listen more light music such as orchestral music and soundtracks.
Once again I truly appreciate the help you guys are providing me. I have seen a lot of options for quality headphones for open backs but quality closed back is another question. From what I am hearing I should avoid the Eikons and Atticus by ZMF? I hear they are comfy but not sure if they are worth the price tag for what you get for a closed back. Well, at least not unless you are using them for critiquing music or mixing. I am unable to demo them sadly to make informed decisions. I also have found the reviews on them have not really provided enough information.I do prefer the more reasonable price options you have suggested.
I am leaning towards the focal option right now. I just worry about the comfort and clamping/pad size. I also have heard at least the Elex have quality build options with the driver in the headphones failing with the Massdrop ones at least.
Eikons and Atticus are nice, not sure if they are worth the MSRP, but you can get them second hand under 1k. If you are in the US consider buying from https://www.headphones.com/collections/closed-back they have a 365 days return policy, that way if you don’t like them you can return them.
As per the sound signature of the Ether C Flow, they are neutral, but you can tune them a little bit with the provided filters. Audezes are a little recessed in the middle range, but highs and lows are good. I would suggest you to try before buying.
I just purchased the Focal Elegia and have been enjoying it this past week. I’m so impressed with it, I’ve decided my next purchase will be the Focal Clear. In my opinion, it is the much better option vs the NDH20 which I replaced it with. It’s much more comfortable vs the Neumann.
I would also go for the Elegia vs the Elex. It has a closer sound signature to the Clear than the Elex.
The Focal Elegia seem to be highly regarded especially considering their price. Audeze LCD-XC May be an option as well. I have the LCD-X which I think are pretty neutral, but I have yet to here the XC variant.
I’m also looking to pick up a closed back, and I’m looking forward to a review on the Sennheiser HD 820 as that’s the one I’m most interested in.
Z’s kind of lagging on that review. Seeing them in the background of the last couple of reviews has been a tease.
@Logarithan They do have some clamping. More than HD800 but less than HD600. But I´m just guessing out of my memory. But I can wear them several hours and I wear glasses myself. The ear holes diameter is about 6.6 cm after quick and dirty measurement. Last but not least, focal uses a 3.3 mm mono connector with a proprietary fixing system. But every custom cable guy I’ve looked for offered those connectors.
@ValentineLuke The HD820 looks soo stunning. But the sound was for me very close to a normal HD800S. I only had an audioquest firefly to power it, so maybe it was just a little bit out of juice, but I could only notice the l slightly better sound isolation.
I’f you’re considering the HD 820, and that upward price point, don’t forget about the Focal Stellia. From everything I’ve heard, the Stellia will be the obvious choice.
Well, I was leaning towards getting the Focal Elegia but after hearing some reviews I am now in Limbo again. I know that it was mentioned on the forums here that wearing with glasses was fine. However, Sifting through multiple reviews online it is mentioned wearing glasses does not seal these headphones properly. They also mentioned that these headphones have very weak bass. I do no require heavy bass for what I listen to but like to have a little present if there are drums in the orchestral music I listen to or soundtracks. It was also mentioned that if you are not a fan of the Focal signature avoid at all costs. I’m not quite sure what their signature is like. I have largely been listening to Sennheiser and have enjoyed their sound signature. Can anyone describe the Focal signature or sound to me as I have not been able to demo it?
I feel unsure what to do at this point. Not sure which headphones to get as a result. Someone also mentioned here about LCD-XC and from what I have heard in the past about their sound is that it is darker and I am not a fan of that. This seems to put me back into the boat of going with the Flows or ZMF Eikons again. I never thought this hobby would get so complicated.
Thanks again for everyone’s feedback and support during my quest for quality closed backs.
I understand your hesitation. None one wants to make a decision to regret. But in cases of tastes, there is no the “single right” or “best thing”. That’s the mess with this hobby. In particular with reviews. Everyone hears different. So if you ask me, I would say Focal sound more mid forward and a tad “thicker” as Sennheiser, but less spacious and “airy”.
If you unsure, try to find a store, bring some of your favorite music with you and try everything you can. Buy online and use the return policy if needed.
And most important: Have fun doing so
Remember that reviewers are talking about subtleties and comparisons to other headphones to give you a basic understanding of what the headphone has to offer. I think the most important comparison to remember is that the Elegia is probably 90% equivalent to the open back FOCAL Clear. Which happens to be a headphone which is considered by many, one of the best audiophile headphones ever made.
I wear glasses that are very close to my head with the Elegia and the sound is the same for me if I have them on or off. The Elegia has more than enough bass for me, and it’s actually nice that the bass isn’t over extended which it usually is in closed back headphones.
I understand that making this decision is difficult, but as Dr.Torf said, if you can, try before you buy. Everyone likes different things. I personally prefer open back headphones but working in an office environment, I have to use a closed back headphone.
Yeah, I think that I will have to drive a couple hours to the nearest city to see if I can demo a few headphones this summer. It is true I could order from Amazon and return them. I just hate to return something if they are fine and just aren’t for me.
But the sound was for me very close to a normal HD800S. I only had an audioquest firefly to power it, so maybe it was just a little bit out of juice, but I could only notice the l slightly better sound isolation. 
