Closed headphones: the best models for listening and production

The best closed headphones for listening, production and enjoyment

Headphone listening is a universe apart. And this is even more true in the case of closed headphones. Devices that allow you to really enjoy an all-personal, private sound experience, protected from prying ears.

It is rather difficult to determine a priori which are the best headphones in an absolute sense. Each pair of earphones gives a different sound quality. Not to mention, then, all the talk related to value for money, technical parameters and even aesthetic ones.

In this article, however, we want to point out five proposals that in our opinion can benefit those who want to listen to music without compromise, but also those who want to have fun, or those who are engaged in production at more or less professional levels.

Denon AH-D5200EM: premium audio for exciting listening

The Denon AH-D5200EM are closed-back headphones that deserve all the attention of enthusiasts.

They are supra-aural devices with a 3.5 mm cable, ideal for connecting virtually any type of audio device on the market. In any case, a 6.3 mm adapter is also available, which can come in handy in a large number of situations.

The configuration hinges on the presence of 50 mm FreeEdge drivers, capable of delivering dynamic sound with minimal distortion. The pads are Denon Original Memory Foam, guaranteed to be comfortable and long-lasting. Aesthetically, the sense of elegance and sophistication is strong. The earcups are Zebrawood, making for a very distinctive design.

The sound is full-bodied, ideal for those who are looking for well-present bass and a nice timbre in the mids. Therefore, they are headphones at ease with a wide variety of musical genres. Denon confirms itself among the leaders in the hi fi industry with these must-try headphones.

Denon AH-D5200EM closed-back headphones can be purchased on the Hi-Fi Prestige shop

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BC: audio quality even without wires

We find it virtually impossible to set up a discussion about closed (or open, actually) headphones without mentioning at least one Sennheiser product. We wanted to surprise a little by going for a model in our catalog that is rather inexpensive, offers good sound performance and, above all, is Bluetooth.

So we chose the HD 4.50 BT, which is slightly more expensive than the HD 4.40 BT but has the NoiseGard external noise cancellation feature, which can come in handy when listening on the move.

In this headset, everything seems to be devoted to fun and speed. The earcups are foldable for easier transportation. The absence of wires, as well as NFC connectivity, prove ideal when using smartphones or other similar devices.

The technical data offer welcome surprises. Frequency response ranges from 18 Hz to 22 kHz, with impedance of 18 ohms and peak sound pressure at 113 dB. Battery life is up to 25 hours; weight is relatively low.

A model designed for mobile listening that does not necessarily sacrifice sound quality.

Ultrasone PRO 480i: entry-level professional headphones

Professional models don 't necessarily have to cost a lot to offer great performance.

Take the example of these closed-back headphones, the Ultrasone Pro 480i. A model designed to meet the needs of those who perhaps want to do mixing and production, but do not have the need or ability to spend high amounts of money.

The internal drivers are supported by S-Logic Plus technology, which increases spaciousness, while the EMF reduction function increases overall cleanliness.

Connections are via the 2.5 m cable with 3.5 mm jack, for headphones that are perhaps unoriginal in appearance, but still relatively comfortable.

The sound is accurate and capable of picking up all the nuances of the range, with a frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

While not the ultimate studio headphones, Ultrasone offers a nice entry-level alternative.

Klipsch Heritage HP-3: top price, top performance

Klipsch is a brand that never ceases to surprise and excite audiophiles. Not only valuable speakers and subwoofers, but also personal listening devices, such as this pair of Heritage series headphones that shine in virtually every field.

One realizes the quality of this product just by reading the materials used in its assembly. Die-cast steel, milled wood, leather and machined aluminum. And added to this is the 52 mm KG-520 biodynamic driver, for a sensitivity of 98 dB and impedance of 25 ohms.

Royal headphones, you might say, but they do not prove particularly "picky," and can be driven by just about any kind of equipment, from hi-end amplifiers to ordinary smartphones.

Meze Audio 99 Classics: a cult model for audiophiles and headphone lovers alike

When it comes to the choice between open or closed headphones there are many examples that can be brought to support one's arguments. If one is a fan of this type of device, it is likely that in the discourse at some point the name of Meze Audio with its 99 Classics.

At a decidedly competitive price, they offer a complete proposition, both sonically and aesthetically, given the satin-finished wooden earcups.

These are not monitors or a necessarily professional model. What these earphones offer is pure, simple and exciting listening. The dynamic driver is 40 mm, the frequency response is between 15 Hz and 25 kHz, and the sensitivity is 103 dB.

Very attentive headphones that enhance quality recordings but also prove benevolent with slightly less precise recordings. Warm bass and precise mids complement crystal-clear highs.

A choice of high workmanship, for earphones that are undoubtedly worth considering.

The Meze Audio 99 Classics are available at Hi-Fi Prestige

The best closed-back headphones are on Hi-Fi Prestige

Whether open or closed headphones matters little: on our store you will find the proposal that suits your taste, with a collection of the best headphones offered on the market.