Question about open-backed headphones - Overclock.net

darkcloud89 · 08-20-08

I think when I bought my Zune I was a bit spoiled by the sound quality compared to my previous iPod. So now I find myself more concerned about the quality of the sound than I used to.

And so, I also want to get some better headphones. Currently, I'm just using a pair of Sennheiser PC151's with integrated audio. I was looking at getting a pair of HD555's, however I do have a concern about the open-backed type.

I'll be moving into college shortly, and I would rather not have the sound that I'm listening to be audible to my roommates, so that I can listen whenever I want. So, in general, are open-backed headphones "leaky" in that other people can hear clearly whatever it is I'm listening to?

If so, what would be a good closed-back model? (HD280 Pro?) My budget is around $100 because I also need to get another sound card as well. I'm thinking the Xonar 7.1 (not the D2X, too pricey), so any suggestions there would be helpful as well. (Preference should be given to music quality over in-game sound quality).

I'm pretty much a noob to this stuff, so I apologize if I don't know what I'm talking about

sgtdisturbed47 · 08-20-08

HD280 Pro keeps the sound in very nicely. I can blast games and music with my wife sleeping and no problem at all.

ImmortalKenny · 08-20-08

Yes, open-style headphones will leak sound out, and in. They're good for producing a big sound-stage, which makes the music seem like it's throughout the room, rather than right in your ears. Closed style headphones will not leak much sound out and will block most of the noise coming in. Closed style headphones are known for producing lots of bass, because the lows won't leak out as they do in open style headphones.

I would recommend the Sennheiser HD212Pro's for closed headphones. They're not big, and you can easily wear them in public without getting stared at. They can dish out massive bass for those dance/techno/rap songs.

For open headphones, I would recommend the Audio-Technica AD500/700's. I can't personally say much about them, never listened to them before, but they will get a lot of recommendations here. The 700's will run a tad over your budget, the 500's will be within your budget though.

[PWN]Schubie · 08-20-08

i have only had one pair of open style cans, my sr-225s and they leak a LOT of sound (in and out).

so not great for anyplace noisy or that you want to keep people from hearing what you are listening to.
so you will want to go the route of closed cans, as for in that price range i would look at the HD212Pro's that were recommended.
or if you could splurge a little maybe some ath-a700s would do nicely. (~130)

sgtdisturbed47 · 08-20-08

Yeah I just jumped on a pair of A700s on eBay for $123 shipped. The reviews that I have read say they have the soundstage of the AD700's but with fuller bass, which is nice. I haven't received them yet, but I am sure they will perform better than the HD280's.

H3||scr3am · 08-20-08

my suggestions are as follows, for headphones check out some DT770 pro 80s on ebay, and for a sound card again check out ebay or the forums for an X-Fi Extreme Music, or Extreme Gamer, both are basically the same card, although the Extreme gamer is half the size... but together they'll make you one happy man, also the zune should have little problem driving the DT770s by itself as well as they're fairly low impedance...

phospholipid · 08-20-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImmortalKenny

Yes, open-style headphones will leak sound out, and in. They're good for producing a big sound-stage, which makes the music seem like it's throughout the room, rather than right in your ears. Closed style headphones will not leak much sound out and will block most of the noise coming in. Closed style headphones are known for producing lots of bass, because the lows won't leak out as they do in open style headphones.

I would recommend the Sennheiser HD212Pro's for closed headphones. They're not big, and you can easily wear them in public without getting stared at. They can dish out massive bass for those dance/techno/rap songs.

For open headphones, I would recommend the Audio-Technica AD500/700's. I can't personally say much about them, never listened to them before, but they will get a lot of recommendations here. The 700's will run a tad over your budget, the 500's will be within your budget though.

Yep.

Closed back - AKG k81 Dj's, Sennheiser HD212 Pros, or if you got the cash, ATH-A700's [but they're huge, beforwarned]

Opened back - not good if you plan on being in a dorm, trust us. but anyways, SR-80's, HD555's or ATH-AD700's.

Namrac · 08-20-08

I went my first few months in my dorm with my HD555s, wasn't a big issue. Just lower the volume a little bit so you don't disturb your roommate.

31337 · 08-20-08

I second the A700's and the Xtreme Music. Combine those with some FLACs and an ASIO setup, and it's awsome!

phospholipid · 08-20-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Namrac

I went my first few months in my dorm with my HD555s, wasn't a big issue. Just lower the volume a little bit so you don't disturb your roommate.

lucky, dorms here at UCSD people never shut up.
sound = leak in

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Question about open-backed headphones

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