Im looking for a pair of closed backs with a v or u shape sound signature, budget is $300, comfort for long periods of time and isolation is a high priority, so far the dt 700 pro x seems like a good pair, but I would still like to know some other suggestions, these headphones will be powered by my motherboard
Maybe the dt177x when they’re on sale on drop, those should be a bit more v shaped than the flatter 700pro
For soundstage and bass the harmonicdyne Zeus could be a contender
For pure bass lover i think a used fostex or massdrop th 600 or Denon 7000/7200 can also be nice
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Oof…
How hard is that $350?
For just another $20 you could get into a pair of Elegias:
https://www.adorama.com/fofelegia.html?sdtid=15153181&emailprice=t&sterm=RfMTyLVVMxyLR5wwUx0Mo37DUkBUOeyJQyDN2c0&utm_source=rflaid62905
This was Focal’s $990 closed back until they came out with the new model, now new old stock is selling at bargain prices. Really the deal of the decade. From all reviews and comments I can find, this headphone competes pretty favorably in its original MSRP range, and easily outclasses all but the very best in its current price range.
I am listening to a pair of Elegias right now, and I can tell you they sound fantastic. I never knew there was so much information in so many recordings I thought I knew pretty well. These things resolve details like nothing I’ve ever heard, but also don’t lack bass thump, slam, nor definition. If I had to say there was a weak spot, I kinda wish upper mids and lower treble had a little more twinkle to them, but only ever so slightly. Spatially, they’re a closed back, but a very holographic closed back, with awesome separation. Sometimes (pretty rarely) though, I feel like music is coming from behind me that I think aught to be all around or right in front of me.
Maybe the gently V-shaped signature might not be up your alley, but I can also say they respond to EQ fantastically.
Similarly, the T-60 based Argons (a modified pair of Fostex T-60RP) are running for $385. A lot of folk really REALLY like those. I’ve not heard them myself, but the impression I get from the many reviews I’ve read leads me to believe them to be a little more pronounced V-shaped sound signature, and very “fun” to listen to.
If the budget is a hard limit, the T-50 based Argon MkIII is currently running $270:
Again, haven’t heard them, but have noticed how very many people seem to REALLY like them. What I have read leads me to think of them as a direct little brother to the T-60 version (or, more accurately that the T-60 Argons are a T-50 based Argon MkIII, but “more so”).
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I am sorry.
I just re-read your OP. The Argons would likely sound pretty anemic off of a motherboard’s DAC. Maybe not a great recommendation. (most reviews agree this headphone is much more power hungry than its actual impedance measurement would imply).
I still stand by the Elegias though. Very easy to drive.
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thanks for the recommendations, do you know how durable/reliable the elegias are? $380 is a lot and one of the reasons Im considering the 700 pro x is because Ive heard really good things about beyerdynamic’s reliability
177x is a solid choice. Personally, I like it better than the Elegia. Just did a review:
Based get the focal elegia and never look back. They’re amazing. Best focal closed back.
Reliability of the elegia is fantastic. Don’t buy the 177x of 1770 it’s a muddy horrible mess. The DT700 Is undoubtedly the best closed back beyer buy if the elegia is not to your taste.
But the elegia is head and shoulders above the DT700. not even in the same ball park.
Elegia, 177x Go, DT 700 pro are all the better contenders here… but since you mention a motherboard… I would be hesitant on the Elegias… and lean more towards the beyers in that regard…
Same, it didn’t strike magic with me personally. Though in your vid, they come with beyers velour 1770 pads on them with dekonis sheepskins as an extra. Then again, I’d take the dekoni elite velour on them anyday lol
I question the recommendation of the Elegia. The OP wants a V- or U-shaped sound signature, and as an Elegia owner, that’s not the Elegia.
Most people accustomed to consumer-friendly V- and U-shaped signatures think the Elegia lacks bass. And a look at a frequency curve for that can indicates its bass is below the Harman Curve. The bass does have surprising punch and slam when called upon, but the Elegia is NOT a warm headphone at all.
The Elegia is the most genre-specific headphone in my collection, with ease. It’s wonderful with strings, classical, acoustic, piano jazz, vocals – midrange-focused music. It is not good (without EQ) with rock, classic rock, metal, hip-hop, EDM or R&B – anything aggressive or with a bass foundation.
I recommend the Meze 99 Classics. They are a good gateway into audiophilia for people who crave or are used to consumer sound signatures.
The 99 Classics are quite V-shaped, with blooming bass that seeps into the mids without crushing them and surprisingly smooth but present highs. Great build quality. Easy to drive – no amp needed whatsover. $310.
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its a bit pulling at straws but it is in terms of measuring slightly towards a more V or U shape tuning since hte bass and treble do have slight peaks in them. Then again, I still classify this kinda signature as neutral…
its can also be EQ’d to balance it out and achieve a good V shape as well. Something like the IFI amps/dacs with their buttons for bass and space will increase the V shape
Love these headphones, I just wish meze had more soundstage on them… I later bought the drop variation but when I listened to the classics… they were heavily warm and intimate though while it had more treble it sounded like it leaned more into its bass than anything. Not personally my cup of tea but not a bad headphone really
I mean if we are talking cheap big soundstage closed back with a V shape tuning… That’s just the old school DT 770 OP can find those cheap as hell too even in mint if he searches well enough… I have those in my collection, Paid $70 for them… then again this heavily depends on what motherboard in question… the higher end motherboards can drive the 80 ohm or 250 ohm 770 just fine… otherwise one can grab an mm300 which is essentially the same as the 770 just with a mic… 177x go is better(by a good amount) but its another option
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Let me add the Austrian Audio X 60 to that list. There’s the NDH20 as well, didnt get to listen to it, should be decent if relaxed upper mids are tolerable though.
I really enjoy the Sivga Robins. V shaped, closed, great for most music and content consumption, easy to drive, comfortable and dirt cheap. The only issue is they probably aren’t as resolving as some of the other suggestions.