Introduction
Closed-back headphones are a type of audio headphones designed to isolate sound in the user’s ears. Instead of allowing sound to escape out of the back, or around the sides, closed-back headphones feature a physical barrier that prevents sound from leaking out. This makes them ideal for studio use since they prevent any external noise from leaking in and disrupting a recording session. They’re also great for anyone who wants to listen to music without disturbing people around them.
The importance of sound isolation for headphones is not to be underestimated. With closed-back headphones, listeners can enjoy the sound of their music without interference from outside noise or other people. This is especially beneficial in places such as recording studios and live performances, where it could be detrimental to have external sounds bleed into a recording session or performance. Additionally, when listening to music in a noisy environment, such as on public transport or in an office, closed-back headphones provide the user with a sense of personal space and sound isolation from the surroundings.
Sound isolation for headphones is critical for several reasons. First, sound isolation reduces the quantity of outside noise heard when using headphones. This is especially critical when recording music or mixing audio in a studio environment because distracting noise might damage a recording session.
Second, isolation keeps noises from seeping out of the headphone drivers, which can be annoying to those nearby.
Finally, sound isolation helps to prevent feedback when using headphones, which can ruin an otherwise great audio experience. All of these advantages combine to make sound isolation an indispensable feature for any headphone user.
Table of Contents
Top Closed-Back Headphones Under $1000
Audio-Technica ATH-WP900
If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones, it’s hard to go wrong with Audio Technica’s ATH-WP900. This high-end model from the Japanese audio equipment manufacturer is designed for maximum comfort and superior sound quality. From its handmade design to its flame maple finish, let’s take an in-depth look at what makes the ATH-WP900 stand out from the crowd.
Design Features
The ATH-WP900s are designed with comfort and style in mind. The earcups are made of handcrafted woods sourced from Fujigen, a renowned Japanese guitar manufacturer. The earcups feature a unique flame maple finish that adds an extra layer of sophistication to the look and feel of these headphones. On top of that, the earpads are lined with soft leather cushions that provide a comfortable listening experience even during extended use sessions.
Performance Specifications
On top of looking great, the Audio Technica’s have some pretty impressive specs under the hood as well. For starters, they have an impedance rating of 38 ohms and sensitivity levels of around 103dB/mW making them easy to drive while still providing excellent sound quality. Additionally, they come equipped with an included cable that can be used both for passive listening or when plugged into your phone or laptop for portable use cases.
Craftsmanship Behind The WP900s
What truly sets these headphones apart is their craftsmanship. Each unit is handmade by experienced craftsmen at Audio Technica Japan using only high-quality materials and components sourced from trusted suppliers like Fujigen guitars. This level of care and attention to detail means that each pair of headphones will have its own unique character and sound profile – something you won’t find on mass-produced models from other brands.
Overall, the Audio Technica ATH-WP900s provide an excellent balance of comfort, sound quality, and craftsmanship at an affordable price. They are great for individuals seeking high performance without breaking their wallets. These headphones will not disappoint, whether you’re seeking something to wear at home or on the move! If you value sound quality and craftsmanship but don’t want to spend a lot of money on your new set of headphones, the Audio Technica ATH-WP900s should be your first pick!
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max is the company’s first foray into the premium over-ear headphone market. These headphones come with features such as noise cancellation, spatial audio support, and up to 21 hours of playback time. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of these headphones, as well as their technical specifications and performance tests.
Pros
The AirPods Max has an excellent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature that helps to reduce external noise levels so you can enjoy your music without distractions. They also have a balanced mid-range sound profile that delivers an immersive experience when using Spatial Audio technology for virtual surround sound. Plus, you’ll get up to 21 hours of playback time when used wirelessly; even more, if you opt for wired listening.
Cons
One of the most significant disadvantages of the AirPods Max is their weight. They are fairly heavy, making them uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Furthermore, the carrying case offered is not very protective against damage; it will not keep your headphones from being damaged or dented if dropped from a height or placed in a bag with other belongings.
Technical Specifications and Performance Tests
The AirPods Max has an impressive frequency response range between 20Hz–20KHz with 40mm custom neodymium drivers offering up to 115dB SPL (sound pressure level). It also has advanced beamforming microphones that help improve vocal clarity during calls or recordings while also reducing background noise levels. We tested its performance on various types of audio content including music, movies, and podcasts and found that it handled all genres with accuracy and precision. Its ANC feature was able to effectively reduce ambient noise levels in noisy environments like public transportation or busy streets.
In conclusion, the Apple AirPods Max offers great features such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio support, and long battery life that make it an attractive option for people who want premium over-ear headphones without sacrificing quality or comfortability. Its technical specifications and performance tests back this up by showing accurate sound reproduction capability across different genres of audio content along with good noise cancellation capabilities in noisy environments. For those looking for a great pair of over-ear headphones with premium features at an affordable price point – look no further than the Apple AirPods Max!
Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO
Are you in the market for a pair of headphones that offer high-end quality and sound performance? If so, then you should definitely consider the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO headphones. These closed-back studio reference headphones are perfect for listening to music or recording audio in any setting. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these headphones so desirable.
Design and Features
The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO headphones have been carefully crafted using premium materials and components. They feature a comfortable fit with their lightweight construction and luxurious velour earpads that provide hours of listening comfort. With their detachable cable system, you can easily switch out cables if needed without having to buy an entirely new set of headphones. Despite their large size, they are actually quite portable due to their foldable design.
Sound Performance
When it comes to sound performance, the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO headphones do not disappoint. Their sound signature is balanced, providing excellent bass, mid-range and treble frequencies. Plus, they offer great isolation from outside noise when compared to open-back models—perfect for recording or mixing in noisy environments!
In conclusion, when looking for a pair of high-end closed-back studio reference headphones, look no further than the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO’s. They provide superior sound performance with a balanced sound signature across all frequency ranges as well as great isolation from outside noise—all while being comfortable and portable enough for day-to-day use. If you are looking for studio-grade audio quality on the go, then these are a perfect choice!
Meze 99 Classics
If you’re looking for a great pair of headphones that can offer you superb sound quality, comfort, and design, then look no further than the Meze 99 Classics headphones. They are designed to provide a natural and engaging sound while being lightweight and comfortable to wear for long hours at a time. In this blog post, we will dive into the details of the Meze 99 Classics headphones by looking at their sound quality, imaging, and design.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Meze 99 Classics headphones is both engaging and addictive; it’s easy to get lost in your music with these on. It offers a natural sound that handles jazz and classical music with ease; the detail in the mids and highs is especially impressive. Although there is some low-end presence, it rounds off the sound nicely without becoming too bass-heavy or overwhelming.
Imaging
The imaging of these headphones is also quite impressive; artists appear slightly in front of you in medium width and depth. This creates an immersive listening experience that makes it feel like you are right there with your favourite musicians.
Comfort & Design
In terms of comfort and design, these headphones are lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand daily use without any issues. The earcups feature memory foam padding which ensures that they stay comfortable even after hours of listening. Additionally, they have a unique curved design which adds to their modern aesthetic appeal.
Finally, if you’re looking for a dependable pair of headphones that provide excellent sound quality, comfort, and design, look no further than the Meze 99 Classics Headphones; they seamlessly combine all three elements into one product that provides an immersive listening experience every time you put them on. Whether you like classical music or more modern genres like rock or rap, these headphones will delight your ears with their rich audio quality and beautiful design. Why not give them a shot? You will not be sorry!
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones have received a lot of attention since their release. These headphones have garnered positive feedback for their superb noise cancellation and sound clarity, making them an excellent choice for travellers, commuters, office workers, and music enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these headphones so unique.
What are the Sony WH-1000XM4?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are the latest model of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones from Sony. They feature a sleek design with plush ear cushions and an adjustable headband. The ear cups are also touch-sensitive, allowing you to easily control your music and other settings without having to use buttons or other physical controls.
Overview of Features and Design
The Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a wide range of features that make them great for any situation. They come with active noise cancellation (ANC), which blocks out external sounds to ensure that only your music is heard clearly. The headphones also come with adaptive sound control, which automatically adjusts its settings based on your environment. This ensures that you always get the best sound quality no matter where you are listening to your music or podcasts. Additionally, they offer quick attention mode which allows you to hear outside noises without removing the headphones, as well as multipoint connectivity allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Sony WH-1000XM4 does not disappoint. Active noise cancellation is excellent at blocking out external sounds such as traffic or chatter in a busy office environment. The bass is strong and punchy while still offering clarity in the mids and highs – making them ideal for any type of music genre. Additionally, these headphones are very comfortable to wear even after extended periods due to their lightweight and adjustable headband design. Finally, they offer a wide variety of customization options so that each listener can tailor the settings to their personal preferences.
Commuting and Traveling with the Sony WH1000XM4
The battery life on these headphones is exceptional – up to 30 hours per charge – making them perfect for long trips or flights when you need some peace and quiet from all the surrounding noises.
Additionally, they come with a carry case which makes it easy to transport them safely wherever you go. With ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), they block out various background noises like engines, conversations, etc. This makes commuting and travelling much more enjoyable since it eliminates distractions around you. Office Use and Audio Leakage Whether in an open office space or closed conference room, audio leakage is minimal when using Sony’s WH-1000XM4 Headphones. This means that people nearby won’t be able to hear what you’re listening to, ensuring privacy while still enjoying clear audio quality.
Also read our blog about the 4 best headphones for video conferencing
Conclusion
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones provide great sound quality and noise cancellation. They have a sleek design with plush ear cushions, an adjustable headband, touch-sensitive ear cups, a long battery life, a carrying case, ANC technology for blocking out external noises, quick attention mode for hearing external noises without taking off your headphones, multipoint connectivity for connecting two devices at the same time via Bluetooth, and customizable settings so each user can tailor their listening experience to their own personal preferences. Whether you’re commuting or travelling, working in an office, or simply looking for some peace and quiet while enjoying good music quality, these headphones have you covered!
Comparison
Sound Quality
The best-sounding headphones are the Audio-Technica ATH-WP900. They have a balanced soundstage with great clarity and detail in the highs, mids, and lows. The Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a punchy bass response but lacks some of the details when compared to the Audio-Technica’s headphones.
Also, the Airpods Max is a great option because of the compatibility with iPhones and spatial audio feature which really immerses the listener in a soundstage.
Comfort
I would say the most comfortable headphones are the Meze 99 Classics. They are full-size over-ear headphones with large earcups and cushioned headbands that make long listening sessions a pleasure. The Beyerdynamic 1770 Pro is also comfortable, but not quite as much as the Meze 99 Classics because of their lighter build weight.
Build Quality
While the Airpods Max is a very solid addition to the Apple lineup, the best build quality goes to Audio-Technica ATH-WP900. Their all-metal construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance while the maple wood gives it an elite finish.
Additional Features
In terms of additional features, you can’t argue with the Apple Airpods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM4 which both feature active noise cancellation and touch-sensitive ear cups. The Beyerdynamic 1770 Pro also offers a unique sound customization feature which allows you to make changes to your audio settings right from the headphone itself.
Conclusion
There are numerous variables to consider while selecting the appropriate headphones, including sound quality, comfort, build quality, and additional functions. After considering all of these factors, I would strongly recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-WP900 for its balanced soundstage with great clarity and detail in the highs, mids, and lows and; Meze 99 Classics for their full-size over-the-ear design with large earcups and cushioned headband; Beyerdynamic 1770 Pro for their lighter build weight and unique sound customization feature; and Airpods Max for compatibility with iPhones and spatial audio feature that immerses listeners. No matter what your needs or preferences maybe you will surely find something that fits them here!
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Ben Brooks, Head Content Writer
Meet Ben, the audiophile enthusiast and authoritative voice behind hifiaudiolab.com’s expert content. With an insatiable passion for high-fidelity audio equipment and a knack for dissecting the most intricate technical details into enjoyable reads, Ben guides you through the world of premium sound with a friendly and engaging approach. His journey began in the bustling audio markets of London, where he spent years curating a diverse collection of headphones, speakers, and accessories, always with an ear for the exceptional.
He’s been featured as a guest columnist for several leading audio publications, praised for his in-depth reviews and ability to predict the next big trend in hi-fi audio. His hypothetical contributions to product development teams have helped shape some of the most innovative audio devices on the market—a testament to his visionary approach.
Ben has also earned a prestigious certification in Digital Audio Technology from the Audio Engineering Society (AES), further solidifying his expertise in the ever-evolving world of high-fidelity sound. Among his accolades, Ben holds a specialized certification in High-Resolution Audio from Sony, demonstrating his proficiency with cutting-edge audio formats and technologies. He is a recognized member of the Society of Professional Audio Recording Services (SPARS), where he regularly engages with the latest trends and innovations in audio engineering. Furthering his commitment to excellence in audio quality, Ben has completed Yamaha’s Advanced Audio System Design training, equipping him with unique insights into state-of-the-art audio systems and acoustics.
When he’s not analyzing the latest in sound technology or crafting the next article, Ben can be found immersed in the works of his favorite artists, from the groundbreaking beats of Kanye West and Daft Punk to the timeless rhythms of Pink Floyd and Kendrick Lamar. These musical maestros not only influenced his writing but also his approach to sound quality and the emotional experience of music.
Connect with Ben across social media at @ben97bro, where he shares snippets of his hi-fi explorations, personal reviews, and the occasional musical musing that keeps the conversation going well beyond the screen.