Type

Used closed-back headphones

A closed-back headphone seals each driver in a cup, so less sound gets out and less noise gets in. That's why broadcasters, drummers and recording engineers wear them for tracking and monitoring. The seal does part of the work, so the pads matter more than on an open-back. A pad that has gone hard, flat or cracked lets the bass leak away. Used, check that the pads are soft and whole, that the headband still clamps, and that the cable is sound where it enters the cup. Ask whether both sides play at the same volume.

5 models we cover.