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Physically Comfortable Headphones

I anticipate that in the near future, I will have a greater dependance on headphone listening. I have a separate listening room at this time, and do not have to worry about affecting others as I listen, even into the night. But if/when we downsize, I am almost certain to not have this luxury again. 

I like headphones. But they never seem to like me. I can't find one that I don't want to rip off my head within a half-hour. My head is probably a bit bigger sized than average, but not outrageous. My temples, the source (or at least, location) for my frequent headaches, are sensitive to pressure. My ears get really hot really quickly.

I have owned Grado G1000's, Audeze LCD-2's, Meze 99's, Sennheiser 650's, Stax SR 80's, and the most comfortable of them all, the Audio Technica Air ATH AD700's. And while the AT 700's are the most physically comfortable, the sound is too thin, and not good enough for front line music listening. 

Does anyone know of headphones that fit slightly larger headed people? That have a lower "clamp-force" around the temples? I favor a fuller sound, with good bass, like my Audeze LCD-2's (pre-fazor). My budget is probably around $1500 or less.

Thanks for any suggestions...

David 

dtorc

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,492 posts
 

I have a big head as well. I am sure lots of folks can attest to that.😊

 

I have had a headphone system since the 70’s. Over the last fifteen years I finally went all out to put together a really great system. Among others I have Focal Utopia, Sennheiser 800s, Audez LCD 2, Ultrasond Edition 8, Denon 5000, Grado, AKG…. And many others.

I have had many DACs, streamers and many headlamps with these headphones. While this is off topic… the thing that completely changed the game… after decades of upgrading was the Woo WA5 headamp with Takasuki 300B tubes. Unbelievable power, rich, warm musical sound… every set of headphones were so upgraded it was miraculous… the differences between the sound of the headphones became much smaller because this headamp simply took charge regardless of the quirks of the headphones and made them sound great.

In comparing my headphones in this system (see it under my userID, under virtual systems), I would usually conclude the Focal were a tiny bit better sounding than the Sennheiser and all the others. But over the last three years I migrated again and an again back to the Sennheiser. They sound so good, they are big and open… but not heavy like the Focal, Audeze, or Denon. They are so comfortable… I can wear them for hours and completely forget I am wearing them.

My partner wears Sennheiser 350 all night every night (she sleeps during the day). Now, these would not be for you, because the fit snugly… and she has a small head. But the 800 series are really comfortable without the closed in feel you get with many others.

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