Looking for closed back headphone advice


So I haven't purchased headphones in many years. I just recently updated my home stereo and am very happy with what I have. However, I'd like to relax with some headphones and I'd like to ask about some good, quality closed back headphones. My budget is around $700. There's only one audio store in town and they don't carry very much and they tend to have poor customer service. I'd like to purchase from a dealer who has a 30-60 return policy in case I don't like them and need an exchange. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!
bluorion

Showing 3 responses by tonykay

I have used Stax headphones for years, most recently a pair of 009s with a Stax SRM-T1S. I love them, but missed the intimacy and isolation of closed-back phones. I found a used pair of Audeze LCD-XC phones here for around $800. They are not quite as transparent as the Stax phones, but my Benchmark DAC1 improved them. Now, I find myself listening to them more than my Stax setup. Just my two cents.
With your $700 budget, I would look to Sennheiser, Denon or Beyerdynamic. There's a pair of Beyerdynamic T-1s for sale here now. You decide.
There are exceptions to every rule, but in general dedicated headphone amps are superior to headphone jacks on integrated amplifiers. Also, CD sound can be further improved by the addition of a quality DAC which often includes headphone output with a volume control. You won’t believe it until you try it.