I’m a video editor and wanted to take my audio setup to another level, so I got my ATH-M50x (excellent sound, lousy comfort). I tried some Bose Quietcomfort 45s, looking for a balance between good sound and comfort (didn’t work). I had headaches with both headphones because of the pressure of the headband, and although I tried to stretch it in both cases, I didn’t manage to finish a full work day using either one. I usually wear headphones for more than 12 hours a day, so I just had to go back to my old Sony Mdr-zx110, they didn’t have the best sound, but at least I didn’t end up with sore ears and a sore head.
Which headphones would you have chosen? I would like to hear opinions from knowledgeable people on the subject, since I am a novice in everything related to sound.
You must log in or register to comment.
I tried a few headphones available at my local store and the DT 700 Pro X (also the DT770) were the most comfortable of all. I bought the DT 700 Pro X because of comfort to wear them for extended period of time throughout the work day. They can be a little too tight maybe, but they don’t really hurt my ears. I expect them to loosen over time.
I don’t see these come up often so I’ll share since they are by far the most comfortable over-ear headphones I’ve ever worn: Shure SRH1540. They’re closed-back, so if you want open there’s the 1840.
Second this. My 1540s are in the ‘dreamy’ category of comfy.
Thank you very much, I had not heard of these options.
I found the SRH1540 headband to almost immediately create a hotspot on my head, quicker than other headbands. Those alcantara earpads were really plush and comfy though.
They’re so light I never have even noticed the headband… Also I’ve had them for so long the headband started flaking so I removed all the padding and I still wear them for hours every day without issue.
But I’ve never tried the HD6xx line so that’s what I’d look at if not these.
Beyerdynamic DT770s have been excellent over the last few years for me.
Thank you. It was one of the options I had in mind. But I see that many prefer sennheiser when it comes to comfort. Would you say the DT 770 would be a good choice?
Imo, all sennheisers besides the hd700/hd800 dont come close in comfort to Beyers offerings
Thank you very much. Would you say that beyers are more comfortable than, for example, a 560s? Right now I’m thinking about taking a chance again, but it seems that the 560s is more comfortable. I’m afraid that the Beyer is too heavy and the clamping force is too strong for what I’m looking for.
I dont have the 560, but i do have the pc363d, have had the hd660s and hd599 and tried the hd600. Theyre basically all the same and new they also have loads of clampforce, comparable to the dt 900 pro x i had. But thats easily solveable by slowly stretching them over a bunch of books
Thank you. I heard that the HD600 has a somewhat strong clamping force, that’s why I ruled them out. If the DT 770’s have similar strength, I don’t think they would be for me. I used the book trick with the ATH-M50x, and although they improved, they are still annoying. They weigh too much for the amount of time I use them, and in fact, I don’t get to use them for more than 1 hour without them bothering me. Would you say the holding power of the HD599 is similar to that of a DT 770, 990 or a DT900 pro x.
The 600, 990’s and 900’s are the only ones i bought new and they had similar clamp force, but the 990 and 900 was tolerable due to their padding
Thank you very much. I will keep that in mind when choosing another pair.
do you live in the USA? A lot of Guitar Centers carry those beyers, and a lot of Best Buys carry the HD 560s.
Thank you very much. I do not live in the USA. I am just thinking of taking a chance between the beyer and the 560s. But I heard that the 599 are more comfortable than the 560s and are better for listening to movies, which is more associated with my work. I have doubts with the beyers. It seems like the clamping force is too hard for what I’m looking for.
A good choice, for sure. I can’t speak on a comparison to Sennheiser, I’ve not owned any of their high end options.
My best so far has been the Sennheiser HD 800S with a lambskin headband pad. The stock one caused a hot spot, but with the lambskin I can wear these things for hours and they disappear.
Thank you very much for the advice. I had heard of these and the 599’s. I think in comfort they have a good review. Thanks for your advice.
I had the 598 before (predecessor to 599) and they too were wearable for hours on end. Being light and open back makes a world of difference, and is healthier for your ear as well.
Great, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ve tried looking for them on Amazon, but there doesn’t seem to be any options available at the moment.
I have an average sized head and ears I’d say. Sennheiser HD 5-- and 6-- series are the best for me in terms of comfort (though not so much in terms of sound quality).
I understand. Right now I’m not looking for impeccable sound quality, but something that sounds decent. Would you recommend the sennheiser HD 560 S over the 599?
560S by far.
Thanks for the advice. I will take it into account. I think I will finally go for the 560S.
You’re welcome.
Is there a massive difference sound quality/signature between the two? I’ve used the 599 for the past 6 years, but never tried the 560s
I use the AKG K553 Pro as my work headset. I’ll sometimes spend all day on Teams calls, and they’re extremely comfortable. I bought them used and upgraded the pads, so I can’t speak specifically about the stock pads though.
HD 560s and HD6xx. Cant go wrong with either.
If you want a bit budget friendly that still sounds good. SHP 9600. Its more comfortable than the Sennheiser because its bigger and its great for someone who wears glosses (I got this as a gift for my brother and thats what he said).
Everyone’s head and tolerances are different.
I know this isn’t helpful to hear, but this can’t be answered for you.
Only you will know the answer when trying them.
Sure, I understand. The point of this is not to have someone vouch for me. It’s to see other people’s experiences.
Comfort wise the HD800S have the be (one of) the best. Probably the lightest TOTL headphone on the market, low clamp force, big earpads (nothing touches your ear)
Some people report problems with the thin headband, but as a owner myself i think this only applies to people with very thin or no hair, if you’re affected by this you need an aftermarket headband thing, that should fix the problem
I personally prefer Shure SRH-840 in terms of comfort and accuracy. It’s a bit bulky still (It’s from 2010s, so yea, it’s got that bulk), but I find it quite comfortable and not a head crushing vice. And whatever you hear from these tend to translate well across most media.
If you like the fit of the SRH-840. I would recommend the 2nd gen SRH-840A. Upside of the new one is that the headband is lighter so the overall weight is less. Downside is the flexibility of accommodating larger heads is reduced because the headband can’t be extended as far. I also think the headband cushion has become thinner, but I’m not sure.
ATH R70X are so lightweight that you barely feel them (they are like half the weight of HD600s) and the wing system also prevents a pressure point. No excessive clamp either.
Different people have different comfort issues with headphones.
Some people dislike high clamp force but don’t mind some weight from the headband. Others have no problem with high clamp force but are sensitive to headband pressure.
I personally can’t wear headphones with a lot of pressure from the headband for more than a few minutes without getting a headache. I had this problem with the Focal Clear. The HD 800 S, with a different headband, were only (barely) bearable for a few hours.
Headphones with high clamp force that I own(ed) include the Sennheiser HD 650 and HIFIMAN Arya. They are super comfortable on my head due to their high clamp force. On the other hand, I’ve seen people here complain about the HD 600 series’ clamp force.
Not sure if they can be open-back for your purposes…. But if they can be, the Beyer Amiron Home Wired are by far the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn. They don’t sounds as good as my 1990s, but I almost always reach for the Amirons because of the comfort
Thank you very much. I am actually considering open ones. I guess the feel of closed headphones is not my thing. I’ve heard good things about the DT line (770, 880, 990) from beyer. Have you tried any of these? On the other hand, I’m concerned about them being too heavy. The ATH-M50x’s are and that’s one of the reasons I can’t use them for very long.
I can wear my Sennheisers HD600 for hours upon hours. Had to slightly bend the metal stripes to release some pressure when I got them - but I do have fairly large head. After that - pure bliss. They’re light like feathers.
They are open, so it adds a lot of comfort too as my ears don’t get hot. But they leak a lot of sound.
Ive borrowed/owned around 50 headphones and every time i will go beyer for comfort.