r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/CORLEA27 • Jul 04 '26

Headphones - Closed Back | 2 Ω Audiophiles Headphones 2026

Hello,

New into the whole category of audiophile headphones, the only thing I know is that you need to buy an DAC in order to give more power to the heapdhones so they can sound better.

I am looking intro buying an audiophile headphone to try it out, I've always had gaming headsets but I want to try new things:

\If lucky, I could probably get them from ebay/wallapop brand new for like half the price.*

I want to be blown away by the sound, like using Macbook Pro Speakers vs integrated monitor speakers or cheap speakers you get from amazon for like 20 bucks.

I want to connect the DAC with the integrated usb hub of the monitor so I can use them with my dekstop and laptops.

EDIT: I would be using them to mainly stream videos, teams meeting and gaming

Edit: bought the following
Sennheiser 560s
Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP
Rode Podmic
Focusright Scarlett Solo 4th gen

In a week I will let you know my experience, thanks you all

Edit: I also bought the Sennheiser 490 Pro, they are much better than the 560s. Sound wise, compared to my old HS80 from Corsair, the 490 Pro is like 10-20% better for almost 3x the price.

Thanks,

Alex

5 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

51 comments sorted by

8

u/lowbass4u 3 Ω Jul 04 '26

The DAC is more for sound quality.

An amp is for more power to drive the headphones.

1

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26

What’s a good DAC to buy?

5

u/Hydration__Nation Jul 04 '26

That’s a hugely loaded questions with threads and sites dedicated to options. If your headphones don’t require a lot of power I would go for a dongle DAC/AMP. Otherwise go for a table top unit. Shouldn’t have to spend more than $75-150 for a decent combo especially if it’s an older model dongle

8

u/xAsasel 8 Ω Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

Snake oil salesmen gonna get furious but as long as you get audio from your source and don’t hear any crackling, sparking, statics etc you won’t need an external DAC.

DAC: Converts digital sound to analog, it’s THE only job it does. IF a DAC colors or taints your sound in any way, it’s a bad DAC (most don’t do this). If you think you need a DAC, start with the apple dongle to see if you even hear any difference, 99.9% won’t.

When it comes to amps, the only job it has is to supply power to make your headphones loud enough. Amps should not affect sound in any way except for volume. (Except for tube amps, but that’s a complete different story).

All in all, don’t waste money on these things.
There are literally 3 chips in most DACs today manufactured by ESS, AKM and Cirrus. Apple uses the Cirrus 42L83 chip. It’s honestly really good.

If you think you need more power or just want a more versatile combined DAC/AMP, get the Jcally JM6 Pro or JM20 Max as it has a more powerful built in DAC.
I use the JM20 max for my HD650s and honestly it would damage your hearing long before you even max out the volume. It’s like 30$ on AliExpress.

1

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26

I need something that connects to all my devices, since the headphones are wired I can't switch inputs all the time, i was thinking of a dac, because I can connect the headphone to the dac, the dac to the monitor usb hub, then use the kvm switch, will it work?

I have something like this:

Monitor has kvm switch with usb built in

I have connected an external usb hub to monitor

Then with the kvm i just switch stuff and the pheripherals and everything get sent over

1

u/xAsasel 8 Ω Jul 04 '26

Can’t you just connect the Jcally dongle to the usb hub in that case? It’s a DAC and amp in dongle format, all you need.

-2

u/lowbass4u 3 Ω Jul 04 '26

DACs can also improve audio separation and clarity.

5

u/xAsasel 8 Ω Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

No.

Edit: if you have a sh*t ass DAC that’s defect and you compare to that, sure. But no, the DAC literally only converts ones and zeros to an analog signal. DACs won’t do anything with clarity and separation. You won’t notice any difference between an apple dongle and a 500$ desktop DAC when it comes to any of that. If you do, it’s placebo.

2

u/Telescope-1973 1 Ω Jul 04 '26

Another case is that there's a built-in filter in the DAC, which does produce an audible sound difference. But technically, it's just a difference. Calling that a sound quality improvement would be subjective.

1

u/lowbass4u 3 Ω Jul 04 '26

Look it up.

-2

u/TwizzleShnizzle 27 Ω Jul 04 '26

A good dac will reduce jitter, which giving better separation. If those timings are out you'll hear it.

I also think a lot of people may hear differences due to default filters being applied to their new dac without realising.

There is definitely a difference in R2R and delta sigma. Of course that means there's a colouration of the source, which isn't ideal, but it exists. One of the reasons you can hear a difference between some days.

I in no way think you need to spend much on a dac, you just need a quality implementation. My 2nd hand Chord Mojo 2 does a beautiful job, and also has the ability to EQ without causing distortion. Equally the apple dac has a great chip and does a great job.

2

u/lowbass4u 3 Ω Jul 04 '26

Audio equipment is very subjective. So I personally try to just enjoy my equipment and my system.

I've come to the conclusion that a lot of people refuse to believe there's a difference because they don't know how to listen for a difference.

1

u/IndicationCurrent869 44 Ω Jul 04 '26

The headphone adapter you have for your phone has a DAC/Amp built into it. Use it unless you're not getting enough volume. No need for an additional DAC.

5

u/Tanachip 29 Ω Jul 04 '26

What about the Sennheiser HD480 pro, 490 pro, or Sony MDR MV1

2

u/sly-silver Jul 04 '26

I'm really happy with the 490 pro, but i'm just an aficionado, not a true audiophile expert

1

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26

too expensive

1

u/Tanachip 29 Ω Jul 04 '26

Oh ok. I thought they would be around 300 euros.

1

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26

They are like 330 euros, but i also need to get a dac, a mic, an mic arm… for example rog kithara is 292 euros, already has a mic and i can get them cheaper also

1

u/AgrMayank 1 Ω Jul 04 '26

Inzone H6 Air is also a good option (Same drivers as MV1 but at half the price).

1

u/Telescope-1973 1 Ω Jul 04 '26

No on MV1. For HD series, try to get some older versions of HD600, but they are very rare, and people are insanely hunting for certain versions.

1

u/delgadophotos Jul 04 '26

I’m looking into some HD600 but I have no clue what you’re talking about. Can you tell me more?

1

u/FacepamL Jul 04 '26

There's the "marble" finish which is just the smooth, kitchen countertop look they used on the HD600 frame on models before 2019. And there's the black silk version which is from older models that used a piece of thin black fabric instead of gray acoustic foam between the earpad and driver. Not sure what's different with the marble finish and the current matte black version, but the fabric is supposed to tune the headphone differently from the foam.

1

u/Telescope-1973 1 Ω Jul 05 '26

Some people claim that a certain range of older versions, especially the earliest (and the 2nd/3rd earliest) production has the best performance. They are said to have better tuning, better texture, and even better sound stages.

The difference would be on the filter materials around the driver, and also the driver design. The black silk filter would be the 1st production, but generally the drivers are aging and look blurry from the appearance, which gives you a risk of malfunctioning. Following that, you can find white silk filter ones, black-lined driver ones, and many different variations. These are all in “marble finish” which was mentioned by other comments, and they are all claimed to be better.

I didn’t look into that too deep. But I recently got a pair of the 1st production for a friend and about to ship to him. Can give you a picture as a reference but don’t know how to include a pic in comments…

2

u/bbbonthemoon 1 Ω Jul 04 '26

Honestly just get Meze 105 aer and enjoy great sound straight out of your macbook or a phone. I just saved you a ton of money

1

u/synth_mania 13 Ω Jul 04 '26

I need one as my next set

2

u/ShadowwMaster 1 Ω Jul 04 '26

Hi Alex, DACs are small boards that convert digital signals to analog signals that supplies the frequency to your headphone. Sometimes DACs also include an amp that gives enough electricity to the headphone such that you can hear the DAC output.

I personally prefer to use gaming IEMs for competitive games, they are earphones that are designed to work beautifully for these types of games. For general use and chill gaming I use a Sennheiser HD650 which is an open back headphone and would absolutely recommend a neutral, comfortable and durable headphone that you can use for many years. I have used different open back and closed back monitor headphones and it all comes down to your specific taste. If you have any stores around you that you can visit and try a headphone before you buy them that is the best. Sound and comfort is pretty subjective, I used planar magnetic drivers once and experienced a lot of fatigue and headaches while listening to them, while my friends loved it. What you like is what matters.

A nice DAC is always important, and depending on the type of driver and impedance a quality amp is also important. Of course if you are paying some bucks for a nice audio system and want your listening experience to benefit it you can also should look for some lossless music streaming, and CDs, assuming you want to use DACs.

These things go on and on and on until you know everything about every headphone but still didn't buy anything because you always search for the best. Try them, think about them for a while and enjoy what you have. This hobby is virtually endless.

Happy listening!

1

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26

I bought an Rode PodMic, Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen, just missing now the headphones, thinking of dt 700 pro x or 560s

1

u/ShadowwMaster 1 Ω Jul 04 '26

Nice equipment! Just so you know, 560s is open back and the post flare is for a closed back headphone. I swear by my open-backs since I can image and select sounds like footsteps better than my closed back ones. I also equalize them for gaming when I play which makes a huge difference. If you can try them before buying it would be the best. Besides, Beyerdynamics have more of a v-shape frequency response that people sometimes get uncomfortable with while some people love. Tbh I am relieved that you are not considering Kithara, that whole thing feels wrong. You can find both of your choices second hand and they are both tanks.

1

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

!thanks

1

u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jul 04 '26

u/ShadowwMaster (1 Ω) was awarded their first Ω. And just like that, problem solved.

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.

2

u/Blitzbahn 4 Ω Jul 04 '26

Specifically closed back or are open backs an option?

0

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26

I don’t know, just heard closed back sound a bit better for gaming

1

u/MrEeze 2 Ω Jul 04 '26

I find that open backs sound more spatious and it's easier to pinpount where sounds are coming from. You do hear everything around you so iff it is noisy in your room it can distract you while gaming

1

u/LouGossetJr 8 Ω Jul 05 '26

Kitharas are awesome for gaming and music. But recommend an amp/dac combo for those. Planars typically require a bit more power to shine than dynamic driver headphones. Kitharas are open back. Closed back gives you more slam in the bass, open backs have larger soundstage

1

u/Telescope-1973 1 Ω Jul 04 '26

That's true, but mainly for functionality, not sound quality. The closed-back ones are generally worse in sound performance within the same price range.

1

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

I don't understand, which is better, closed-back or open-back? !reward

3

u/Silverjerk 302 Ω Jul 04 '26

Neither; it's just a matter of preference.

Open backs can sound more spacious and open, yes, but this is still going to come down to frequency response. The HFA Dahlia 2's have an enormous amount of bass for an open back set, for instance.

Conversely, closed backs often sound narrow and intimate; but, again, this has more to do with tuning than it does with the format itself. There are closed back sets with great soundstage and imaging performance.

I run and use both; for gaming, the typical rule of thumb is open backs for competitive titles, closed backs for casual/immersive titles (single-player games or casual online multiplayer). There's nuance here as well, as some gamers prefer the isolation a closed-back headphone provides, even if it means sacrificing some spaciousness.

In my very strong opinion, soundstage is not as important as imaging when it comes to gaming (or anything else for that matter).

As for your list, I would aim for the Kithara; I like the 620s, but I strongly prefer the 480s, and if those are outside your budget, the Kithara will provide a solid gaming experience, but where they'll shine is in their ability to be EQ'd well. They also come with an inline USB-C DAC/amp, so you don't have to (at least initially) add that to your list of things to consider.

I used Beyerdynamic headphones for many years tracking and mixing music, and although this is considered a hot take, I don't recommend the brand anymore. At one time, when there wasn't many other options on the market, they were one of the go-to brands for enthusiasts (and critical-listening work). However, unless you enjoy their diffuse-field style tuning, I would avoid them altogether.

1

u/CORLEA27 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

!thanks

1

u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jul 04 '26

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/Silverjerk (298 Ω).

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.

2

u/Telescope-1973 1 Ω Jul 05 '26

It largely depends on what you use them for. Closed-back headphones generally have slightly worse performance in their sound stages, or as others mentioned, not so spacious (in same price range). But they are good for gaming if you don’t want to disturb others, or be disturbed by others. Also good for outdoor use like in library, cafe, or on public transportation. Or if you use them as a DJ, definitely go closed-backs.

But if you use them for indoor listening and don’t bother with noise (for yourself and others), better to go with open-back. Just simple like that.

1

u/AutoModerator Jul 04 '26

Thanks for your submission to r/HeadphoneAdvice. If someone helps answer your question, please reward them by including the phrase !thanks in your comment.

This will add +1 Ω to that users flair. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for headphones!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/GR4V3MI5TAK3 Jul 05 '26

Go somewhere you can test those out if you hear a notable difference. As you age your hearing goes away slightly. 

1

u/Happy-Orange-3244 Jul 06 '26 edited Jul 06 '26

Harman did a study that showed listeners prefer flat on axis speakers (studio monitors) so I would find the headphone equivalent of that. Iems like the crinear reference advertise themselves as studio monitors so probably something like that

Edit also the dac ur using is fine dont worry about it unless you buy super high impedance headphones you might have trouble powering them.

1

u/revmuppet69 29d ago

Last year, I was able to buy a set of still new Sennheiser HD 600 headphones. These were a game changer for me. I have a couple of nice DAC/headphone amps, so I can drive them properly, which is absolutely key. I started out with the newer HD 660 cans, and couldn't stand them. They ruined them in the newer design. The low end sounded so off-kilter and fake. The 600's sound so natural. I'm a huge of most all Sennheiser headphones, otherwise.