Introducing Some Recommended Headphones by Price Range! [Closed-Back Edition]

2021-10-22

Hello!
Kaoru the composer here!

This time, I would like to introduce closed-back headphones, which allow you to enjoy music conveniently without worrying about your surroundings.

Recently, they’ve become particularly popular for:

Telecommuting
Music listening
Instrument practice
Music production
DJing

As there is growing demand for these headphones in various settings, it seems that their popularity is rapidly increasing!
With this rise in demand, there is now a wide range of products available, but for beginners, choosing the “right” one can be challenging.

So, this time, I’ll be carefully selecting and recommending headphones by price range!
I have a couple of choices here based on your budget.

But before I dive into the recommendations, let me first explain the characteristics of closed-back headphones.

What are closed-back headphones?

As the name suggests, closed-back headphones have a sealed design.

Here are their key features ↓

Unless the volume is turned up to an extremely high level, they do not leak sound, allowing you to use them in public places like trains or on the street without disturbing those around you.
With a wide variety of products available, you can choose from many different price ranges.
Since no external sound can enter, you can fully concentrate on the music.

[Up to 10,000 yen]

SHURE / SRH240A-BK-A Closed-back Monitor Headphones (New Package)

These headphones are made by SHURE, a well-known brand for headphones and earphones, as well as a variety of audio equipment.
The simple form and black-based design make them easy for both men and women to use.

They feature 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers, which gently surround your ears, making them perfect for long listening sessions!
These deliver deep bass, rich mids, and clear highs, creating a well-balanced sound.

The plug is a 3.5mm stereo mini jack, and it comes with a standard stereo adapter, so it can be used with a variety of audio equipment.

[Up to 20,000 yen]

audio-technica / ATH-M50x MO Metallic Orange Closed-back Headphones

In this price range, the SONY MDR-900ST is a classic choice, but I highly recommend the ATH-M50x!

This model is one of audio-technica’s most iconic headphones, with users all around the world.
Its sleek design allows it to be compactly folded, making it convenient for portability.

The newly adopted ear pad and head pad materials provide high durability, ensuring it can be used for a long time.

Additionally, the detachable cable with a bayonet lock mechanism makes it easy to maintain, so even if the cable breaks, it can be quickly replaced.
This headphone is designed to handle everything from composition to mastering.

Given its popularity, limited edition colors are frequently released, so this is a model worth keeping an eye on in the future.

[Up to 40,000 yen]

FOCAL / LISTEN PRO

These headphones are from FOCAL, a brand known for their high-end models.
With their advanced technology, you can enjoy the signature FOCAL sound for around ¥35,000.

The headphones deliver a balanced, flat sound across all frequency ranges, allowing you to hear the true sound of the music.
They come with a dedicated hard case, making them safe and easy to transport.

[Up to 70,000 yen]

NEUMANN / NDH 20 Studio Monitor Headphones

These headphones are from NEUMANN, a company renowned for its professional microphones.
With a silver-based design that exudes luxury, these headphones are truly unique.

The thick memory foam ear pads provide excellent sound isolation and comfort.
The sound is so clear and well-defined that it creates an illusion of listening to studio monitor speakers, with superb imaging.

They are foldable for easy storage and portability.
Additionally, the detachable cable allows for easy replacement in case of breakage.

These high-performance headphones are perfect for everything from music production to music listening.

[Up to 90,000 yen]

beyerdynamic / T5 3rd Generation Closed-back Reference Headphones

This is a high-quality flagship model from beyerdynamic, known for its exceptional sound and solid, luxurious design.

The housing cover is made of lacquered stainless steel, offering excellent durability, and the yoke is crafted from brushed aluminum with anodized processing.

The velour ear pads ensure there is no uncomfortable pressure, reducing fatigue during long listening sessions.
Nearly all the parts are made in Germany and meticulously assembled by skilled engineers.
These headphones are truly a professional-grade model!

Additionally, beyerdynamic offers replacement ear pads for these headphones:

beyerdynamic / EDT T5P Ear Pads

*Note: Ear pads may be discontinued without notice, so it’s a good idea to keep a few spare pairs on hand in case they become hard to find. They will come in handy when you need them!

That concludes my introduction of closed-back headphones.
If you’re considering purchasing one, I hope this guide will help you make an informed decision!

*Prices are as of October 2021.

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