Closed back headphones that mute outside sounds

Etymotic series of IEMs. If you can get used to how deep into the ear canal they go...

 

The 280s and 380s both sound super thin and bright to me. They were also uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time, in my opinion. They work great as studio headphones, but I never enjoyed them for pleasure. I would opt for my personal favorite set of studio phones, Beyerdynamic DT770. I feel like you get way more than you pay for and the isolation is pretty good. Way more enjoyable to listen to compared to the Sennheisers. At the $500 price point, he could make the jump to the DT1770.

 

Which impedance of the 770's do you like? Are they the "Pro" version?
IIRC, @timind also likes the DT770's for a closed back set but specifically the non-pro version, which seems to be all they make now?
My apologies for any mis-remembering.

 

They're at my brother's right now, so I can't physically check, but I'm pretty sure I see Professional stamped on the headband in pics and my gut tells me they're 80 ohm. I've had them for forever. Pretty sure I bought them in like 2006 and still goin strong (besides an earpad replacement after the old ones turned to dust, lol). If you never plan on using them without a decent amp, go for 250 ohm. If you need to get a lot of use out of it plugged right into your phone or computer, I'd get 32 ohm. If you might use them for both, go 80 ohm.

 

With good amplification the HD280s absolutely sing for me and didn't appear super bright. The 380s did. Yes, clamp force might be an issue.

 

To be fair, I am going off memory from a long time ago with the 280, so I could be wrong. I own the 380 and they seem real ice picky, even though the Beyers actually show a bigger bump in the highs on the frequency response graph. I have powered them with a variety of audio interfaces which I assume have decent amps, but I've never spent big money on a dedicated headphone amp. Apogee Duet and Apollo Twin X are decently high end interfaces that should be good enough. Anyway, I just don't think the Sennheiser's are for me. A little too in your face. The Beyers bump and sparkle Probably less accurate, but they hit the spot for me.

 

I wonder if I just like the sound of the big dip at 3.5khz. I think that's the "ice pick" frequency.

 

I love the Bose 35ii and 45. (I own the 35ii and tested the 45)…

 

I'd say most over ear closed backs cut most outdoor noise, upgraded pads do so more depending on the material and comfortable tightness of the seal, or simply find any headphone with "ANC" technology in it. ANC looks like it's the new trend especially around the consumer markets, so I think you will be pleased with anything ANC. I haven't seen any high quality cans use ANC, but I think this could be a trend on the horizon who knows!

 

I'm not a fan of active noise cancelation myself. I have a decent pair of Sennheisers with ANC. When music is going, they sound alright, but in quiet passages and between songs the weird whooshing of white noise being injected is both obvious and disorienting for me. It's like it throws off my inner ear balance and makes me feel floaty, like when my head is all stuffed up. Plus, they require battery power at all times to operate, even when plugged in. They've been relegated to the junk bin, haha.

 

I finally bought the Sony XM4 NC headphones but returned them immediately for the XM5’s. I figured if i am going to do this I might as well go with the XM5’s. I think they are ok and sound fine for the price. Happy with the purchase. Thanks everyone for the recommendations.

 

For others who may be in the same boat as the OP, the Focal Elegias are now priced under $400 as they try to eliminate stock (its been discontinued): https://www.amazon.com/Focal-Audiop...al+Elegia&qid=1659373880&s=electronics&sr=1-3

 

Hope it all works out for you, but if this office-like environment with loud music playing through loudspeakers that you’re trying to cope with is your workplace, I would bitterly complain to management! Or bring a huge boom box and go to war.

 

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

I took the XM5's with me and the loud music has been significantly toned down to the point where I probably don't need them. Looks like the joke is on me. Like the headphones tho and I do travel from time to time.