Best closed headphones that won't leak sound?
I need advice on the best 'all-rounder' closed back headphone please. In particular, I need a set of cans that I can use in my office that won't disturb my colleagues so any headphones that leaks out sound need not apply! Having researched a few reviews, I think I would like the sound of the Denon AH-D7000 but I am a little worried that these might leak out sound; any advice other owners of these cans can provide on this would be appreciated. I am also tempted by the new Beyer T5p, which reportedly isolates very well. However, I have read a few reviews that say these are quite bright/lean sounding. I am not a basshead and am very keen to avoid mudddy/boomy bass but I do enjoy a decent amount of bass slam/impact. Does anyone have a view on how the T5p sounds in this regard? Any other suggestions would also be appreciated! A few other comments about my kit/preferences: - I generally listen to lossless files but a headphone that won't render Spotify tracks unlistenable is highly desirable! - I use a separate DAC and headphone amp so driving higher impedance cans is not an issue - I have very broad music tastes but I listen predominantly to vocally driven music, such as rock, indie and accoustic. I also enjoy periodically listening to classical and jazz. Heavy dance/electronic music is probably my least listened to genre (but it does feature every so often!) - I have custom iems that I use for commuting. I don't really like using these in the office because I can't remove them quickly enough if someone comes over to speak to me or if the phone rings! - For home use I also own Grado PS1000 (which I love, except for really bass heavy tracks where it tends to lose control), Sennheiser HD650 (which is great for slower music or when a more forgiving approach is required), HiFiMAN HE-6 (which I generally find a bit too lean/bright and also quite 2 dimensional in terms of soundstage) Thanks in advance for your help!
Selfridges have headphones on show you can try out, but dunno if they have those models mate - check them out.
Otherwise, you could try the Tottenham Court Road electronics district but again not sure those specific models will be stocked.
What's your budget? Personally I use the Audio Technica ES7s currently when traveling and have a pair of ESW9As on their way in from the states currently. The ES7s are pretty good.
I saw this when you first posted it, I think the thing is that since you own three sets of very high end headphones already, and a "custom-made" set for commuting, you are in a better position to judge this than 99% of the rest of us on here, perhaps apart from somone who can specifically advise you on the Denons or T5Ps. Hence, no responses.
Other than that, someone else recommended a shop on Tottenham Court Road on another thread, can't remember the name but I've been meaning to check it out myself. Can't be hard to find.
Oh yeah I have been to that shop on Tottenham Court Road (also can't remember the name but it's on the left as you walk from TCR tube going north), there are a bunch of hi-fi shops set back a bit - a Samsung shop now too. Anyway I recommend checking that out if you can get to London fairly easily. I tried some Sennheiser HD600's and Grado RS1i's in there but they have loads, don't remember if they had Denons though, I was looking for AKG at the time which they definitely didn't have. Loved the Grados (as did my wife, she is a total Grado fan) but I don't think they were driving the Senn's properly. My advice is to take a portable amp if you have one.
Anyway I have since bought the Denon AH-D7000's and really love them!! but I should say that I also want the Grado RS1i's one day to compliment the Denon's characteristics. They are very powerful but the bass, as lovely as it is feels a bit coloured sometimes. I must point out that I wasn't a bass head until I heard these, they convert you I swear
. I mostly listen to soundtracks which vary from Classical to Jazz to Electronic. I also like Metal / Grunge. I would say that the Denons are a great all rounder but I wouldn't want them to be my only pair so maybe you will be ok with them.
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Bump. Come on - someone must have a view please!?
To summarise:
- I want a set of fairly high-end closed back headphones that don't leak out much sound to those around me.
- So far I've narrowed it down to Beyer T5p or Denon AH-D7000; does anyone have any comments on either of these?
- Any other ideas?
- Also, does anyone know anywhere in London I could listen to either of these before buying?