Best Closed Back Headphones in 2022

It's that time again where we do roundups of our favorite headphones of the year. For this video, Chrono and Resolve give their takes on the best closed back headphones in 2022. This list is by no means exhaustive, nor did it have to be headphones specifically released in 2022, but rather as of right now, the ones they would each pick at a given price point from budget to the ultra high end.

Measurement Index

Resolve's Headphone Ranking:

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How to EQ Headphones

The Limits of EQ

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[thepillowbro]

01:39 $175 - AKG K371
02:36 $150 - Beyerdynamic DT-770
04:26 $500 - DCA Aeon Closed X
06:00 $900 - DCA Aeon 2 Noire
07:12 $1, 290 - Focal Radiance
10:04 $2, 000 - Meze Audio Liric
11:42 $1, 299 - Audeze LCD-XC
14:16 $2, 999 - Focal Stellia
15:38 $3, 438 - ZMF Verite Closed

[imwhatsnew]

Thank God some channels make 'longer' form content. LOVE the conversations, you guys.

[MNL-]

Sad there was only one pick between $200 and $600; I think this is the real 'meat' of headphone price ranges for most people.

[John-wkig]

The kennerton rognir is a closed back that, from the few reviews I’ve seen, seems like a great headphone but I would love to hear your opinions on it!

[vincelongman]

I wish we had more competition in the Closed Back space, luckily its getting better of late

[headphonesuser]

Closed backs are good for protecting the world from hearing my weeb music

[DonHamlin]

This approach is really excellent, hearing two viewpoints is great.

[GiulianoM]

You can get a new Focal Elegia for around $400usd right now. I'd say that's an amazing deal, especially with EQ. Currently my favourite pair of headphones I've owned.

[Favk]

I've been content with the LCD-XC but always wondered how it compares to Denon AH-D9200...

[Bibobabubi]

I was rooting for the Stellia as that’s the one I own and Resolve’s 15:30 giggle at how good it is made my day.

[aceofspades]

VC, Radiance, and Celestee are 3 that I have enjoyed... I ended up keeping the Celestee and sold the rest because it fit the budget I wanted to stay with and has a nice tuning for work. I don't mind that it doesn't have the VC warmth or Radiance dynamics because those can be distracting. Celestee are good as background music while trying to focus.

[sbga]

what about the Focal Elegia? $329 on adorama. obviously discontinued, but worth considering at that low price?

[CheapMessiah]

On the mid tier Denon D7200 and e-mu teaks, and on the top top end DCA stealth seem to be missing as they are good if not great alternatives on their price brackets.

[foldinghomealone]

Thank you for the video. Yesterday I saw Chrono's review of the DT 770 pro which I immediately ordered (after returning the DT 1770 because it didn't convince me for the money).

What I'm missing are the Beyerdynamic T5 and the Sennheiser HD820.

I would have a small suggestion to a 'Best Headphone' video.
Maybe you can mention which headphones you didn't test and also which headphones you didn't like.
Like for the T5 and the HD820. Now I just know that they are not in the best of list. But I don't know if they're not in there because you didn't test it or they're just not good enough.

Happy new year to you.

[rogerhuston]

Personally, I like the isolation of closed backs, however, bang for the buck, I think you get a lot more out of IEMs at every price point up to the very high end.

[radissimo]

I love my DENON 9200, such a smooth operator....

[starfuxer]

Hmm, I'm surprised the SONY MDR-Z1R wasn't mentioned here. It is listed about everywhere for being the top closed back headphones. It as rave reviews from other Audiophiles as well.

I'd be curious to watch a review from you guys!

[MrFL]

Blimey, currently making a shortlist of best closed backs, in order to buy a pair today... This came just at the right time.

[ElvenSpellmaker]

I'm so surprised the DT177X GO is never mentioned and rarely features anywhere, I've been using them for years and really want an upgrade but they're a solid pair of headphones and basically an upgraded 770 Pro.

Currently I feel like I'm leaning towards the Sony MDR Z1R, but really not sure.

[docgonzo]

Shure 1540's are decent especially for low volume listening and are the best cheap closed backs I've found after trying most things. Balanced in SQ, build, weight and comfort and hard to beat short of dropping 2 or 3 times the price. They change character and get too bassy for my tastes at higher volumes but semi moot point in a closed back because they isolate enough. They've been my daily work desk can since the year they were released, I've modded the headband on mine though to make it like a suspension type fit.