Office Headphones - non fatiguing over-ear isolating

I have no doubt the answer I'm seeking can be compiled from many threads here, but I was unable to find a single thread that has what I'm looking for. Apologies in advance if one exists - please direct me there.

I'm looking for a new office headphone. Currently using MDR-7506, but they're both fatiguing and not that comfortable.

Since my "office" is a cube, my requirements are the following:
-Closed with decent isolation (nearest person is ~8ft away)
-Over ear & comfortable
-Non fatiguing
-Optional inline mic would be a bonus

My HD598 checks all items except isolation. The HD598CS looks appealing, but reviews say they're brighter than the open model and likely more fatiguing as a result.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

EDIT: I don't wear glasses, so no seal concerns.

 

What's your budget?

 

Oppo PM-3 for $400. Easy to drive meet your criteria decent sound. Pretty comfortable. I use mine when the neighbors are noisy.

 

Let's just say I'm good at justifying things...

But, since the primary purpose of these is to drown out office-place noise in addition to enjoyment (HD6XX & Crack at home for that), $100-300 ish is probably where I'd like to stick for now.

Thanks for the replies

EDIT: Dang, PM-3 looks interesting. Willingness to spend more $ increasing....

 

If you wear glasses, the Meze 99 Classics is fun and breaking the seal (with glasses) decreases the bass a good bit, down to less eccentric levels.

 

Currently computer direct (Spotify or Google Music), could be phone. Android.

Open to DAC/Amp if justifiable.

 

I was also going to suggest the PM-3. The B&O H6 isn't in the same class in terms of sound quality, but it's a cheaper alternative that meets your requirements.

 

I ended up with a pair of LCD-XC, but of the cheaper stuff I thought the Momentum 2.0 were fun, you can pick up a used pair right here on SBAF (also tried the AptX wireless version which is not too far behind although quite a bit more pricey).

Didn't like the PM-3 one bit, maybe it's just me or maybe a bad pair.

 

I liked and recommend this option
Momento over year is the best choice for me.
You can add a schiit Full or audioquest dragon fly to enhance a little bit

 

I use the Aeon Closed, and they work great for the purpose -- very comfortable, very easy to listen to, good isolation, convenient carrying case. The one caveat is that they effectively require separate amplification, and they are above the price range you're looking at.

 

I'd recommend the ATH-m40x. But that all depend on your personal preference and/or budget. I use mine at the office all the time and have zero issues with sound quality or fatigue.

 

I tried out a bunch of closed headphones for an extended period of time for around your price range.

I really liked the Meze 99 Classic for a fun and easy to listen to sound. I also found them very comfortable. I didn't like that the headband was a little microphonic and cable was very microphonic. Replacing the cable helped a little but it was still microphonic. Also the stock cable jacket starting fraying at the connector way to easily.

The Oppo PM-3 is a very impressively built headphone that has very good SQ but I found it a little boring sometimes. Personally I didn't find it quite as comfortable as the 99 Classic but comfort is a very personally thing and I could still easily wear it for a decent amount of time.

The B&O H6 V2 is a fun headphone that I found extremely comfortable. I don't think the SQ is near the level of the above two though.

I also tried the Beyer T70P (comfortable but too bright), Master & Dynamic MH40 (super uncomfortable for me), Momentum 2.0 (decent but I didn't find it to stand out), AKG K271 MKII (meh), Shure SRH1540 (I found it to be way to V-shaped for me), V-Moda M100 (the less said about that one the better IMO), ATH-M50X (too boomy for me).

So I guess my suggestions would be either the 99 Classics or PM-3 depending on the sound signature you are looking for.

 

I'd like to add that depending on what headphones you get, adding something like a Fulla 2 ($99) would really improve your chain. I use mine at work from time to time and works great. Small enough to be easily transportable.

 

A good closed headphone that required very little amplification is the Audioquest Nightowl. It's got a warmer, friendlier/fun signature and isolates quite well. One of the Dragonfly USB amps for $99 will drive the shit out of the Nightowl and was used in the tuning process.

 

I’ll also recommend the PM-3. Very comfortable, isolates well, nice sound. I never found it boring although that is a complaint some have made. Easy to drive as well. Get a refurb pair from Oppo to save some cash.

 

I wouldn't describe them as markedly brighter than the open ones - but I've only listened to an open pair (SE) briefly. I think it's more that the Cses roll off in the upper midrange/lower treble, giving the impression of a relatively higher mid & upper treble. For the rest, they do indeed check your boxes. They're lighter than the open 598s, comfortable (but not quite as much), and have a 1-button mic/remote that'll work with your Android phone. Easy to drive, too, and at the lower end of your price range (potentially lowest, if you wait 'til around Black Friday).

For a closed 'phone in your range I prefer the NAD HP-50 (impressions thread here) but they've been reported as uncomfortable for long sessions and/or on big heads/big ears. I haven't heard the PM-3 or Meze.

598Cs impressions thread here, dodgy measurements and more comment here.

 

A sincere thank you to all who've replied thus far. Lots of good suggestions, I have been and will continue to read up on each.

This was actually accidental good timing, I'll have my black Friday work cut out for me.

 

Although I'm enjoying my PM-3 in the office, there's probably better choices for comfort and a more relaxed sound. It's just a little heavier and with quite high clamping force compared to other circumaural headphones.

 

hello,

MrsForBin loves her NAD HP 50's for this very application. USD$179 on the NAD site.