Focal - Stellia

I'm on the same quest. Nothing wrong with the ZMFs or Meze Liric 2, but nothing blew me away either compared to my end-game Bluetooths (Solitaire T) or open-backs (LCD-5, Empyrean). Could be that they require a while to break in. Given my recent experience, I'd jump straight to Dan Clark by process of elimination. Not a fan of Focal Stellia due to strong metallic timbre. Not impressed with Liric 1.

I listen to dozens of headphones every month & have worked in audio/music for 30 years. Im immediately thinking that the Focal Clear MG (1500 USD), may be absolutely perfect for you. They're technically an open back, but I have headphones that are technically closed back which are more open. I recently sold mine but ONLY because I have a silly amount of headphones & I have individual headphones that can do exactly all the things that the Clear MG can, but better (but none are an all rounder and all are 3000-4000 except my HD800 which I use almost exclusively for gaming. That doenst mean they're a jack of all trades, master or none - they're a bloody good set of headphones and are extremely versatile. The ONLY issue with the MG (and this is more than likely a blessing in disguise) is that they will clip if you try & push them loud - esp with sub bass... but you/I/we shouldn't really be listening to music at that level anyway. They're *ridiculously* easy to drive. You absolutely do not need a dedicated dac/Amp - just plug them into anything with a headphone jack and bam, there you go... this is to point that you can even plug them straight into a Playstation 5 controller, and they sound great - you can't say that about many headphones! Great for gaming, great for music... NOT good for travel as music will leak out given they are open back. If you can stretch to 2500, you can get the Focal Stellia, which are usually 3000, but I know moon audio are selling them for 2500 USD right now. I did keep these... they are fully closed back & they are IMO significantly better. Some people still prefer the Clear MG. Good review of the Stellia from a a reliable source - https://youtu.be/WvewtNDXDaI?si=iHLSbhZU2k906ZOD I've never needed to see a review of the Clear MG, so I don't know of one I'd recommend.

I'll write you a long reply, hopefully you read it all :) If you haven't considered it, maybe look into the Sony MDR-Z1R. I've been absolutely enamored by them. I could probably write several paragraphs about just how odd they are but also how tremendously good and fun they are. They do things I've never heard any other headphone do. Bizarrely expansive and layered soundstage, great instrument separation (so easy to pick out bass guitar!), layered, deep and impactful bass. The bass, the layering, it's so unique. You get good extension in the sub-bass, but it remains distinct from the mid-bass, and mid bass doesn't bleed over into the mids. Mids are a tad recessed, but only slightly, and the treble has good energy and sparkle. Resolution wise, they're a cut above the Meze 109s for example. For reference, on the higher-end side of things I've owned Focal Clears, and still own the HD800S, LCD-X, and Meze 109 Pros (they're my wife's now). I recently wanted a closed back headphone with a fun sound signature the Z1Rs absolutely accomplish that. I actually haven't reached for anything else in weeks. The Sennheisers both feel like they're missing so much low-end by contrast, it's fucking with my brain and I don't consider myself a basshead. Besides the sound, they're built very well and can easily be worn all day. The sheepskin pads are plush, deep, and feel great. The one letdown is the headband is pleather, most people get a fabric cover to put over it to keep it from cracking. Otherwise, it uses titanium and wood, and feels super premium in the hand. The box is also nuts, if that matters at all to you. I wanted to up the "fun" even more and recently went from a JDS Labs Atom 2 stack to a Nitsch Pietus Maximus + Mesh DAC and oh boy, the Z1Rs got even better. It's made the bass a little thicker, the mids seem a bit more forward and lush, and treble sparkle is slightly reduced which maybe reduces some fatigue there. If I had to give a brief critique to what you've been considering: Focals; I've owned the Clears and auditioned the Stelias. Gosh, for the money, Focal needs to do more to not make them feel so cheap. They creak a lot. The Stelias did sound really good though. Kind of a big let down for the money. I don't know how to the MGs compared to the OG Clears, but I sold them because the treble was too fatiguing for me and I couldn't move my head without the creaking driving me nuts. As for Hifiman, I won't recommend them until they get their QC issues under control, they seem so grossly over represented when it comes to issues, so in spite of otherwise great technical performance, its a risk I just won't take. The Audeze LCD-X are great. Their bass can be tremendous with EQ (rattle your brain), but I never found the mids or highs to be all that impressive. They were/are best suited for Hans Zimmer or EDM tracks, everything else, meh. I also can't wear them for more than an hour or two before my neck hurts though. As for the Dan Clarks, I haven't tried the E3, but have tried the Noire X. Very impressive neutral tuning and good soundstage for a closed back, but definitely very reference oriented/more analytical. I had comfort issues with them as well, kind of made a pressure point under my ear near my jaw.

It seems you are accustomed to listening to gear with a pretty wide soundstage... In that regard, mostly all closed back headphones will sound disappointing at first. Nevertheless, Stellia and E3 are two of the best sounding closed-backs in my book.

From my collection: HD620S, HD25, Amperior, ATH-M50X. I prefer open headphone to be transparent. Bluetooth ANC headphones are excluded from the list by design. Special mention to Focal Celestee (very good but a bit nasal/shouty in the 1kHz region, not sure they are worth their price because if that) and Focal Stellia (very very good but a bit too warm to be close To perfect, but enjoyable nevertheless). Outstanding Closed wired headphones are quite rare in my opinion, in contrary to open headphones.

Same experience for me, I'm not really convinced by any of the Focals, especially not the Stellia. I'm still extremely pleased with my DCA Stealth after about 2 years and don't see myself finding a replacement for them anytime soon if at all. The Expanse are exceptional as well, easily among the very best cans ever made.