Best Private Retreat Using Closed Headphones

Or, there are two AT versions - one open and one closed - which differ only by a letter or two in the model number.

The comparable closed model appears to be the ATH-A700.

The main spec differences relative to the ATH-AD700 appear to be that the closed model has slightly greater sensitivity, higher impedance, greater extension in the ultrasonic region, and different cable materials. I have no experience with either model.

I would second the suggestions, though, that you consider the Sony MDR-7506. It is a headphone of choice among many professional videographers, among other applications. See the many user comments on it at B&H's site.
I have a pair which I use for non-critical purposes, primarily amateur videography and voice recording, and I've been very pleased. I haven't tried them in my main system, though.

Regards,
-- Al

I am on my third pair of the Sonys. I love them. 90% of my listening is done on them.

Hey Cwlondon, I have a pair of the ATH-A700s, and I really like them. I, too wanted closed cans for the same reasons you do. I can only compare them to the Grado 325i, which I just got rid of, and which is open. But, I found myself going for the closed Audio Technicas every time, and soon the Grados collected dust. Sure, if you're in a silent room, the Grados can sound quite good, but that didn't happen much in my life. So the ATH-A700's sound . . . it's just involving and non fatiging and warm but detailed. And it's a very comfortable fit, too. I'd like to upgrade to the ATH-W5000 some day when I've got some extra dough, but for now, these are headphones I can live very comfortably with for long time. And it looks like the ATH-A700s have the same drivers as the extra fine W5000! Can't comment on how they compare with the Sonys as I've never heard them. Sorry if this rambled. For the price, I think you can't go wrong with these.

For some reason B&H in NYC does not sell the ATH A700s but has the ATH M50's which are also closed back and seem to be well reviewed.

Can anyone add to the debate regarding the ATH M50's?

Further to closed headphones, has anyone tried the Phiaton MS 400's?

They were well reviewed in the recent Stereophile summary of recommended components, so I thought I would give them a try.

An interesting style, the headphones have a Ferrari like carbon fiber and red leather finish.

I find them a bit small and more on the ear than around the ear. Also, my wife told me she could hear them, so apparently not 100% closed.

Still, very detailed and revealing, a bit bright at louder volumes to my ear, but makes them nice for low level listening.

Is anyone else familiar with Phiaton?