Closed back headphones

[ef37a]

Suggestions please for a pair with good sound isolation and good sound quality.

Yes, I know those two parameters are at some odds with each other but I have a dim recollection of a couple of reviews of closed back cans that were really pretty good soundwise? Old brain cannot of course remember WTF they were!

Budget is around £120 but will to go a bit more if there is a significant leap in sound quality.

Dave.

[shufflebeat]

Shure sh840 is nice.

It's a bit heavy and loose so I add a little "Spanish Footballer" headband if I'm listening while doing a Jane Fonda workout.

They always seem to break in the same place but I think I've worked out that is down to how you store them, further info available on this.

[Mike Stranks]

When I was doing a lot of 'have to be in the same room' location recording I used Sennheiser HD280 Pro closed-back headphones. I bought them in part because of their excellent attenuation figure - better than some headphones billed specifically as external noise attenuation cans.

I was always pleased with them from a quality and isolation point of view. Not in the same class as my open-back AKG K702s, but certainly 'good enough'.

[Drew Stephenson]

In that price range it's definitely worth looking at the Beyerdynamic DT770.

[MarkOne]

Another vote for Shure

I use the SRH440 extensively to monitor our live stream mix and I've always been pleased with the sound. Comfortable too.

I'm sure (see what I did there?) the 840s would be a step up in quality.

[Fishnish]

Another very happy Beyerdynamic DT770 user here.

[ef37a]

Thanks for all your suggestions chaps. I am torn between the Beyers and the Sennheisers, probably will go for the latter.
Got to be wary of the impedances, a deal looked good until I noticed "250 Ohms" and as these are a birthday present for son in Feb he will need 80 Ohms min' because, in addition to a mixer and an AI he will I am sure need to use them on a tablet and phone.

I can find the Sennies at £75 so might treat myself to a pair as well!

Dave.

[Bob Bickerton]

Beyer DT770 80 Ohm here (x4) - good isolation and comfortable for long periods. They replaced my Sennheisers FWIW.

Bob

[ef37a]

Beyer DT770 80 Ohm here (x4) - good isolation and comfortable for long periods. They replaced my Sennheisers FWIW.

Bob

Thanks Bob, that helps a lot (not!)
Only kidding. I think I shall let this run a few more days and then have another think.

Dave.

[Sam Spoons]

Nobody has mentioned Beyer HD-25 amongst the best in class isolation, durable and IMO they sound good. I find them pretty comfortable too but as they are on ear rather than over ear so some find them uncomfortable for extended listening.

[Bob Bickerton]

I think Sam means Sennheiser HD-25. Yes, good isolation, a little bass heavy and some folk find them less comfortable for long periods. Very portable though if that’s a factor.

Bob

[Nazard]

Sennheiser HD300 Pro, perfect (at least for me), closed back. But I did buy them when on 1/2 price offer.

Very neutral and great bass. Not an HD 600, but the best closed back I've used, (including the DT100 and variants).