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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
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 

I should mention that the large ear pads I bought (2 pairs for both my Grados) 3rd party as otherwise they're silly expensive. 

marco1's avatar
marco1
519 posts
 

Meze Empyrean have come down considerably in price since the 2nd edition came out. With a bit of luck you may find one for around $1,500. I had Audeze LCD 2 before moving up to the Empyrean’s and couldn’t be happier. Very comfortable too. if you liked your LCD 2’s you’ll love the Empryean’s.

littleman
37 posts
 

Oddly enough...I have a pair of Austrian audio Hi-X25BT that of the 8 plus sets I have (Sony, Sennhiser, AKG, etc)...are the most comfortable for my long / narrow head. Not the very best for listening, but for longer sessions of mid volume listening they are exceptional. 

mcondon
235 posts
 

I have the same problem - headphones are uncomfortable for me. I can tolerate the HD800S reasonably well, but every other headphone is a no-go comfort wise.

I recommend trying a decent set of IEMs. They have come a long way in terms of sound quality, rivaling headphones. I currently listen primarily to the Nightjar Singularity IEM, which has phenomenal sound quality that’s close to the HD800S in terms of enjoyment. MusicTeck and Bloom Audio sell a wide array of IEMs, including ultra-high end ones. Headphones dot com also sells a wide range of IEMs and allows you to return them for a full refund. Thie Audio and Elysian Acoustics are two well-regarded IEM manufacturers that you might want to read about and consider.

dtorc OP
35 posts
 

Thank you to others who have added since I last checked in. When you mention a headphone, I look it up, and read about them. From the humble Pioneer (found on ebay for $100) to the Hifiman, Meze, Dan Clark, etc etc, which are, well, more than that. 

Two of you mentioned IEM's and I sort of realized that amongst my favorite head-fi experiences are my Audeze iSine 10's. My ears don't get hot, my temples do not get pressed, they are not heavy. The iSine 10's are no longer made - in fact, I think that Audeze stopped making that line of in-ear earpphones. I think I would like a more refined version of the iSine 10's as a daily headphone, and will certainly pursue the in-ear solutions. I very much like that the iSine's do not require a seal in the ear canal - the business end simply delivers the music to your canal - it doesn't need to seal it to make deep bass. I like not needing to be closed off from the world quite so much. 

 

Again, I appreciate the suggestions...

David

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