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Closed back headphones and Focal

Hey folks, I am beginning to research closed back headphones. My primary use will be when family is still awake and sharing space so that speakers are off limits while the sound infiltration from my open backs is Less pleasurable .  Secondarily, if I find a good sounding set of cans that do well at passive isolation, I might consider them over ANC for travel. 
I also have an opportunity for a tremendous deal on the Focal Stellia. Does anyone have experience with them or suggestions for other closed back headphones?
dramatictenor

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,560 posts
 
I have not heard the Stellia, but own the Focal Elex and have heard the Utopia.  The Elex are one of my favorites, but are not closed back. 

Of the closed back headphones I own, the Sony MDR-Z1R are my favorites.  They sound almost as good as my LCD-4 and are super comfortable.  The LCD-XC is also a very nice closed back headphone, but they are pretty heavy.  

Obviously the best thing you can do is go audition some different headphones, but I realize that's not always easy.  Check out Head-fi.org and innerfidelity.com for lots of reviews.
big_greg
6,560 posts
 
If you're in Portland, Echo Audio has a pretty good selection of headphones and they often have used Audeze headphones at great prices.  They currently have a pair of LCD-X (not closed back however).  They also have a pair of AKG812's, which are also not closed back, but very nice cans.  They are very detailed and neutral, a different sound signature from the Focals and very comfortable.
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