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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 travelinjack

travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
218 posts
 

The swing wing system on some of the ATH models like the one you mention are very comfortable. I have it on my ATH-W1000 and it is nice. For full size headphones, the best balance of comfort and performance for me was the Senn HD-800. I am assuming that the newer HD-800S carries on this tradition.

That being said, I now use Custom In Ear Monitor style devices. I had custom in-ear tips made of the 64 Audio U10 and I also have an older pair of Lear (in Hong Kong) custom in-ear monitors. In terms of comfort, isolation, and performance, I feel like custom in-ear monitors really fit the bill.  They weigh almost nothing so there is no weigh or pressure issues on the top of the head or the ears for long listening sessions.

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