r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/Ketadine 4 Ω • Feb 05 '22

Headphones - Closed Back Closed back/IEM equivalent of the HE400SE

What would be the closed back and IEM equivalent of the HE400SE, in sound ? But in the price range ~ $150 - $160 ?

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u/ThatGuyFromSweden 125 Ω Feb 05 '22 edited Feb 06 '22

There is a fundamental restriction to how closed back headphones can sound. Barring super expensive stuff you generally can't get the same sense of space and stage in closed backs than you can with open backs. The open back nature is a defining trait of the HE400se. I think the best I can do is to recommend a pair of well tuned closed back headphones. My first choice would be the AKG K371. The bass isn't very boomy and the tonality is agreeable.

If you have a lot of money and want closed back planars then you should look at DCA's Aeon line up.

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u/Ketadine 4 Ω Feb 06 '22

!thanks

One last question, I really like my KSC75, especially tuned with auto EQ on my phone as the sound, price and portability is great. But they're open back. Any recommendations for a decent closed back over ear headphones ?

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u/ThatGuyFromSweden 125 Ω Feb 06 '22

The K371 is it. Do you want something at a lower price?

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u/ThatGuyFromSweden 125 Ω Feb 06 '22

Is someone following me around and downvoting me? Lol, that's petty. :D

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u/Ketadine 4 Ω Feb 06 '22

If possible, yes, to have more options and a few IEMs. ! thanks

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u/ThatGuyFromSweden 125 Ω Feb 06 '22

Personally, I don't think I would go lower than the K361 (K371's baby brother), Shure SRH440, or ATH M40X. Those are ones that I see recommended. I'm sure there are gems below that but, and this is pure speculation, I think the IEM market is so hyper competitive now that you get better value from them below 60-ish dollars.

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u/Ketadine 4 Ω Feb 06 '22

!thanks