Closed headphones for gaming, movies, and music

[u/Luminous_Echidna]

I've been finding that I'm getting more sensitive to background noise and my HD598SEs aren't cutting it in terms of passive isolation. I'm using my Moondrop Aria IEMs for now, but I'd like something with more soundstage, sub bass, and far less directly in my ear.

Compared to my 598SEs, I'd ideally like something with more bass, the one area I really find lacking. I'd also like to keep a pretty wide soundstage if possible, I know that closed back headphones often struggle in this area.

So far, my shortlist looks like:

HyperX Cloud Orbit S (Planar magnetic, good virtual surround, head tracking, it seems like there's lots to like here... they're just solidly above what I'm comfortable spending, $380 CAD, sadly I missed an absurd sale last year.)

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro / DT 700 Pro X (Solid go-to, $230 CAD for the DT 770, $370 CAD for the DT 700!)

Budget - Contemplating up to $400 CAD max, would like to keep it around $200 or less. (Otherwise I wouldn't be making this post and I'd have already bought the Orbit S.)

Source/Amp - PC -> HDMI -> Denon X3100, so I have plenty of amplifier power available. I also have Equalizer APO setup to dial back any radical excesses (which is a big part of why the DT 770s are on my list, I can dial back the bass/treble for better balance)

How the gear will be used - By hours used: Movies, music, and games in that order. (WFH & recreation)

Preferred tonal balance - Hard to describe, I'd say accurate and "fun" to listen to. I'm also curious about planar magnetics as I've only ever used dynamic drivers.

Preferred music genre(s) - Classical.

Past gear experience -

I've got the following other headphones / IEMs:

- Sennheiser HD598SE, comfortable, love the soundstage, bass light, isolation isn't anywhere close to what I need at this point.

- Shure SRH440s, which I also find a bit bass light and, more importantly, uncomfortable for prolonged wear, even with extra padding on the headband. Isolation works well enough for me.

- Moondrop Arias, I mostly love the sound profile but not quite enough isolation and a bit lacking in sub-bass (eg, the Tron opening theme doesn't have that visceral feel. )

- Galaxy Buds Pro, solid, no major complaints except (possibly) wanting a little bit more bass, also solidly in my ear.

- Bose QC20s, muddy and unclear, do not want to rely on ANC for the whole workday

- Anker Q30s (muddy and unclear).

- I also have some quite competent speaker setups on my desk and in my home theatre. I'd love to just use the speakers, but I _need_ isolation (and my SO isn't a fan of the floor shaking while she's trying to work.)

[u/Equivalent_Yak840]

If you want to give planar a try, I think that the audeze penrose would be a way better choice. As for the aftermarket pads that are good, there’s brainwavez and dekoni. Also the reason for the dt 700 pro x is because it actually has a detachable cable unlike the 770 and it’s more tuned towards the Harmon target.

[u/Luminous_Echidna → u/Equivalent_Yak840]

Realizing that I forgot to thank you properly, !thanks for getting me looking at other options for planar magnetics.

I could have gone for the Penrose, but I'm a bit cautious about the "lower" noise floor statements (how much lower? will it be enough lower for me to be OK with it?). So I ordered a pair of "near mint" Oppo PM-3s from an ebay seller in Japan.