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Physically Comfortable Headphones

I anticipate that in the near future, I will have a greater dependance on headphone listening. I have a separate listening room at this time, and do not have to worry about affecting others as I listen, even into the night. But if/when we downsize, I am almost certain to not have this luxury again. 

I like headphones. But they never seem to like me. I can't find one that I don't want to rip off my head within a half-hour. My head is probably a bit bigger sized than average, but not outrageous. My temples, the source (or at least, location) for my frequent headaches, are sensitive to pressure. My ears get really hot really quickly.

I have owned Grado G1000's, Audeze LCD-2's, Meze 99's, Sennheiser 650's, Stax SR 80's, and the most comfortable of them all, the Audio Technica Air ATH AD700's. And while the AT 700's are the most physically comfortable, the sound is too thin, and not good enough for front line music listening. 

Does anyone know of headphones that fit slightly larger headed people? That have a lower "clamp-force" around the temples? I favor a fuller sound, with good bass, like my Audeze LCD-2's (pre-fazor). My budget is probably around $1500 or less.

Thanks for any suggestions...

David 

dtorc
travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
185 posts
 

The swing wing system on some of the ATH models like the one you mention are very comfortable. I have it on my ATH-W1000 and it is nice. For full size headphones, the best balance of comfort and performance for me was the Senn HD-800. I am assuming that the newer HD-800S carries on this tradition.

That being said, I now use Custom In Ear Monitor style devices. I had custom in-ear tips made of the 64 Audio U10 and I also have an older pair of Lear (in Hong Kong) custom in-ear monitors. In terms of comfort, isolation, and performance, I feel like custom in-ear monitors really fit the bill.  They weigh almost nothing so there is no weigh or pressure issues on the top of the head or the ears for long listening sessions.

kerrybh
148 posts
 

I’ve own several different brands of headphones and finding one that is comfortable for a long listening session is very difficult.
you might consider ZMF, they sound great and are more comfortable than most I’ve tried

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
755 posts
 

I also find it difficult to get headphones to fit me. Two that I've found to be comfortable are

Sennheiser HD800 - much more comfortable than the 650s and extremely light.

Audeze LCD-XC - I need closed back phones for recording and while the XCs are heavy, they are incredibly comfortable.

larryincmh
69 posts
 

I have not compared dozens of models, so my sample size is not large, but the Focal Elex headphones (open back) I ended up with I find I can wear for long stretches with no issue.  I often will have them on much of the day if listening while working, and do find them non-obtrusive and comfortable. 

terenthia
12 posts
 

Sennheiser HD800 for maximum comfort with clarity and ok bass.

 

Meze Empyrean for maximum comfort, bass, less clarity

 

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