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.
Best Private Retreat Using Closed Headphones
To avoid competing with other distractions around the house, I am reconsidering the use of headphones.
For years, I have had a few pairs and headphone amps around: Etymotics, Grados, and Sennheiser 580's to name a few, but rarely used any of them.
I don't like the claustrophic, inside my head feel of the in ear designs, other than maybe on airplanes or my motorbike where I sometimes listen to books on tape.
And I notice that with open phones, they get much louder from the outside than I would like. I don't want to distract anyone, or broadcast whatever I am listening to.
Are there any audiophile, closed headphones that you have tried? Would these permit a bit of escape without bothering or waking anyone else?
Thanks for thoughts.