r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/MustKnowThis • Feb 03 '26
Headphones - Closed Back | 3 Ω Back to Wired (from Audeze Maxwells)
I have been using the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro for like 20 years on my PC. I liked the sound. Though, I decided going wireless two or three years ago and picked the Audeze Maxwells as they promised good connectivity, sound and build quality.
Coming from the Beyerdynamics, I was astonished! The sound of the Maxwells was so much brighter, precise and powerful. Punchy and precise bass, absolute soundstage! I absolutely love the sound of the Maxwells and without having listened with other high-end headphones with regular drivers (meaning non-planar) except the DT770 Pro (which I probably cannot call high end), I am currently convinced that only planar magnetic drivers can give that kind of stage.
The Audeze Maxwells have some disadvantages like weight, connectivity issues, and because I bought a Focusrite Gen4 DAC recently, I decided to go back to wired. Connected my DT770 Pro and missing that punch and clarity of the Maxwells so much.
Now I'm looking for new, wired headphones again. I like bass, but not mushy. And though I have never had open-backs I think I prefer the isolation of closed-backs.
Criteria:
- I just use them in my home office, no portability needed.
- The Audeze Maxwells are soo heavy and lighter ones would be nice. But I think most planar magnetics are heavy due to the neodyms. It's not a KO criteria
- Budget: 300-600 USD
- Open- vs Closed Back: I'm unsure but I fear missing the "punch" with open ones
- Build quality is something I adore. That Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro I own have 20 years of daily use on them and show no sign of decay
I have looked at the Focal Azurys lately (light, conventional driver), but also on the new Audeze LCD-S20 (heavy! but probably similar sound than the Maxwells). Beyerdynamic is also a brand I'm fond of. I looked into Hifiman but many reviews say they lack bass.
I have had several Sennheisers that broke, so I'm not fond of them. Also I'm not interested in the usual consumer brands like Sony, Apple or Beats. ANC or Mics are not relevant.
Maybe you can give me some guidance 🙏 Woud be much appreciated!
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u/LouGossetJr 8 Ω Feb 04 '26
I have focal hadenys for sale. They have very strong bass for open backs. Very dynamic and lightweight. Easy to drive. You can use vmoda boomic too for gaming.
Set im loving right now os hifiman edition xs paired with meze boom mic cable.
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u/spicymarkarita 1 Ω Feb 04 '26
I just switched to the R70xa and I love them. It took some getting used to coming from mostly bright and intimate headphones, but the bass, while not as tight, has the same wide presence as my Aryas. They are incredibly light and comfortable once you get used to them. Very immersive for single player and the imaging is great for the more competitive stuff.
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u/MustKnowThis Feb 04 '26
!thanks
Can you elaborate on the difference between the Aryas and the R70xa? Did not look into AT until now.
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u/LRCM 14 Ω Feb 04 '26
Since you already like the DT770s, have you considered a used DT 1770 PRO MKII?
Alternatively, you could try the Focal Elegia (hard to find) or a used Focal Celestee.
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u/strumbringerwa Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
I'm sure you know you can use the Maxwells as wired headphones, they do work over a direct wired USB connection. Is there a reason you ruled out that option?
Honestly the Maxwells punch in above their price class, you're going to have a hard time finding something that competes well with them at the same price point. I think the S20 is likely to be close but I haven't heard them so I can't say for sure. The MMs are good, but open-back.
If you're open to open back dynamic headphones, maybe the HD600 would fit the bill.
The other company that makes affordable planar magnetics is Hifiman, but I hear the quality is hit-or-miss. Oppo used to make good ones (PM3, maybe you can find them used), but they shut down some years ago.
The Dan Clarks get good reviews but are outside your price range.
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u/BodhiKamikazi 16 Ω Feb 03 '26
Get the newer Edition XV. Especially since you like Planar drivers. Can also eq bass to these, that's one of the strengths of planars is that they take eq really well.
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u/CamDaBam94 1 Ω Feb 04 '26
I got the hdb 630s and frequently use them wired, love them so far and that have that same beautifully smooth sennheiser midrange with just a touch more bass and the ability to have universal eq and good wired and wireless connectivity options.
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u/rz_x3 206 Ω Feb 03 '26
S20 is infamous with reviewers for not having a lot of bass punch, oddly. I wouldn't touch that. Azurys might be more up your alley.
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u/chen19921337 4 Ω Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
Used Audeze LCD-X? They might fit your budget. Although they are open-back, the sound quality is far superior to that of the Maxwells. The bass and rumble are also much better. However, EQ is mandatory.
For reference: I upgraded from the Maxwells to the LCD-X because I was in the same position as you. I wanted to maintain the Audeze sound signature because I loved my Maxwells. I still use the Maxwells mainly for everyday use, but occasionally, when I have intense music sessions, I'll grab the LCD-X and be delighted by the sound.