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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 soix

soix
9,962 posts
 

I’d highly recommend these Hifiman Arya Organics. I have the prior Arya Stealth version, and with their elongated ear pads that do a great job distributing pressure they’re very comfortable and I can wear them for hours without fatigue. They’re also light, which helps further and they’re also fairly easy to drive so you’ll have lots of amps (including tubes) to choose from. I’d term my ‘phones as neutral, but I think this newer version has some added heft of their pricier models so may work well for you sonically, and you can certainly adjust the sound through your choice of amp. Anyway, just one option to consider.
https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-Arya-Organic-Full-Size-Audiophiles/dp/B0C5RFXMM5

Here’s a review that does a nice job describing their sonic characteristics in case it helps…

https://soundnews.net/reviews/headphones/hifiman-arya-organic-review-comparison/

While I greatly enjoy my HeadFi system, it’s really not a substitute for my big rig so if I’m you I’d do everything possible to keep a dedicated listening room in downsizing. Hope this helps, and best of luck.

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