[steelgtr]

Closed Back vs Open??
 
If isolation and leakage are not a factor, Is there any reason to go closed back?
 
It seems most of the reccommendations here are for closed back,  and that there are a lot more choices?  Correct me if I'm wrong?

 

[ruinevil]

Quote:

Closed Back vs Open??
 
If isolation and leakage are not a factor, Is there any reason to go closed back?
 
It seems most of the reccommendations here are for closed back,  and that there are a lot more choices?  Correct me if I'm wrong?

I think that most opinions given in this forum are for mid-fi phones, and other than Grados the first decent open mid-fi phone is the ATH-A900(x).
 
Also most people listen to a lot of bass-y music, and closed phones are usually better at that.

 

[jhelsas]

Just out of curiosity, 300€ for a HD600 would be a good price?
 

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

I think that most opinions given in this forum are for mid-fi phones, and other than Grados the first decent open mid-fi phone is the ATH-A900(x).
 
Also most people listen to a lot of bass-y music, and closed phones are usually better at that.

 
You may be correct--at least to a large degree--that many folks that have popped in for the last couple of months or so often prefer basshead-ish cans.  It is also correct that most bass heavy cans tend to be closed.
 
It is certainly not correct that decent--and much better than decent--open (including semi-open) cans are limited to Grados (even if you include the 3 Alessandros) and one AT model.  AKG cans alone have demonstrated this to be incorrect.  In addition to the outstanding Q 701, they also offer the K 701 & 702, K 240 Studio and AKG K240MKII--just for starters.  Then there are the three Goldring cans, topped by the DR 150; the very affordable Superlux HD668B; Beyer DT 880 & 990 (+/- Pro); Ultrasone HiFi 2400 & Pro 2900.  Let us not forget the Senn HD 518, 558, 598, 600 & 650.   As I am just scratching the surface, I hope that you'll take my point.

 

[Soundfreak33]

I see a load of information on this site, but trying to get answers to specific questions seems very hard, i have had questions go unanswered for days with no reply.

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

I see a load of information on this site, but trying to get answers to specific questions seems very hard, i have had questions go unanswered for days with no reply.

 
If that's true, maybe it's the nature of the question. 
 
If you ask for a comparison between very different (type, price, sound signatures, etc.) headphones x and y--not many folks may have spent time with both.  For example--I can tell you something about the Ultrasone Pro 750 but I have never heard the significantly more expensive and not very commonly owned Pro 900.
 
If you ask for a mind blowing headphone with great sound stage, great build quality, detachable cords and velor ear pad for under $40, such a can may not exist.
 
However, if you ask for a good can--open or closed--with a certain sound signature or for certain musical genres (that are not 180 degrees apart); in a certain and reasonable price range; you will get an answer.  More likely more than one.

 

[Soundfreak33]

That mus be it

 

[xilw3r]

well, hello again people.
 
im (still) looking for some full sized closed headphones with reasonable isolation. i like velour pads, so thats a plus (also if they are pleather can be replaced, thats also great)
 
the sound signature may be a little tougher to find under my price range (up to 150$ tops)
 
i love clarity in my music, but i really love huge amounts of punchy bass (and ofcourse sub bass, gotta love the feeling). the mids can be a bit recessed, thats no biggie, since i lean towards a V shaped eq, but not to the point where you cant hear vocals clearly where you need to. catch my meaning ?
 
oh and another thing, it would be just super if it has a portable length cable ..for obvious purposes. and if not, detachable cables or a DIY way of recabling the cans is kinda necessary, who walks around with 3m of cable :/
 
and i almost forgot, since im going to use these with my phone, good sensitivity is a must
so far ive had my eyes on:
sony mdr-v6 (but none of the xb 500 types..too big)
numark phx pro
jvc ha-m750 black series
pioneer se-mj751 (this would be my choice if not being on ear >.<)
ultrasone hifi 580 (seems great so far, except the cable length..)
 
thanks a bunch guys and sorry for the long read

 

[Ora M]

Quote:

well, hello again people.
 
im (still) looking for some full sized closed headphones with reasonable isolation. i like velour pads, so thats a plus (also if they are pleather can be replaced, thats also great)
 
the sound signature may be a little tougher to find under my price range (up to 150$ tops)
 
i love clarity in my music, but i really love huge amounts of punchy bass (and ofcourse sub bass, gotta love the feeling). the mids can be a bit recessed, thats no biggie, since i lean towards a V shaped eq, but not to the point where you cant hear vocals clearly where you need to. catch my meaning ?
 
oh and another thing, it would be just super if it has a portable length cable ..for obvious purposes. and if not, detachable cables or a DIY way of recabling the cans is kinda necessary, who walks around with 3m of cable :/
 
and i almost forgot, since im going to use these with my phone, good sensitivity is a must
so far ive had my eyes on:
sony mdr-v6 (but none of the xb 500 types..too big)
numark phx pro
jvc ha-m750 black series
pioneer se-mj751 (this would be my choice if not being on ear >.<)
ultrasone hifi 580 (seems great so far, except the cable length..)
 
thanks a bunch guys and sorry for the long read

I'm just gonna let you know that velour pads on a closed back headphone is a bit redundant. They decrease isolation quite a bit. So, I wouldn't recommend these for a portable application. 
 
Also, another headphone you should keep an eye on is the Audio Technica ATH-M50.

 

[Soundfreak33]

Ok i will try my question again.  Im looking for a open or semi closed headphone for music and movies.  I have tried the HD 558s, and my take is there pretty decent on movies but on music i was wanting more, they lack crisp clean bass.  I know have the AKG K550, and after playing with them for 3 days i love them musicly, but movies sound like trash, and they dont fit worth a crud and become uncomfortable after 20 mins.  Im finding that getting a pair of headphones to fit my bill may not be as easy as i first thought, i didnt know that they all sound so very different.
 
 
I have had a few suggestions from a few knowlegable people on here and i think i have narrowed down my choice to Denon D 2000, Sennhieser HD 598, but am also considering the Ultrasone Pro 750 or 900.  Now the HD 558S and the AKG K550s i was able to buy at a store here and bring them home and play with them, the others on my list i dont think i can do that, so im hoping my next set is a KEEEPR.
 
So now my question is listening to Pop, Techno, Zepplin, Stones, Plimsouls etc, and watching alot of movies, what would be your top choice for me, i did learn in this process that i want more bass than i though i did at first.  I dont want earth shattering bass, but i want to hear it, and not to metalic of highs, i like treble, but not ear ringing treble.  My budget is around $300, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and steer me in the right directions.
 
 
Update, also what is the difference between the Ultrasone pro 750, 900. 

 

[jjacq]

Hello guys. It's been a while! Can anyone recommend me a good open can for an E17/E9 combo? Thinking of Grado SR325i but not sure because I've never tried it. My budget is $250 new or used. I need a good all arounder, I listen to rock, kpop, house and other random stuff.

Thanks!

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

Ok i will try my question again.  Im looking for a open or semi closed headphone for music and movies.  I have tried the HD 558s, and my take is there pretty decent on movies but on music i was wanting more, they lack crisp clean bass.  I know have the AKG K550, and after playing with them for 3 days i love them musicly, but movies sound like trash, and they dont fit worth a crud and become uncomfortable after 20 mins.  Im finding that getting a pair of headphones to fit my bill may not be as easy as i first thought, i didnt know that they all sound so very different.
 
 
I have had a few suggestions from a few knowlegable people on here and i think i have narrowed down my choice to Denon D 2000, Sennhieser HD 598, but am also considering the Ultrasone Pro 750 or 900.  Now the HD 558S and the AKG K550s i was able to buy at a store here and bring them home and play with them, the others on my list i dont think i can do that, so im hoping my next set is a KEEEPR.
 
So now my question is listening to Pop, Techno, Zepplin, Stones, Plimsouls etc, and watching alot of movies, what would be your top choice for me, i did learn in this process that i want more bass than i though i did at first.  I dont want earth shattering bass, but i want to hear it, and not to metalic of highs, i like treble, but not ear ringing treble.  My budget is around $300, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and steer me in the right directions.
 
 
Update, also what is the difference between the Ultrasone pro 750, 900. 

 
The D5000 (when properly amped) is probably what you want, but it's above your budget.  Consider the open Ultrasone HiFi 2400.

 

[Soundfreak33]

Thanks for your reply, that Denon 5000 looks really nice, but its a little steep on the wallet for me right now, best price i could find is $400.  I will look at those Ultrasone HFI 2400s.
 
 
What kind of AMP would you recommend for the D5000, right now everything goes thru my X-FI Titanium HD computer soundcard.

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

....
 
What kind of AMP would you recommend for the D5000, right now everything goes thru my X-FI Titanium HD computer soundcard.

 
My $160 hybrid HiFiMan EF2A (which also includes a dac) works very well with the D2000, D5000, D7000 and many other cans for that matter.  I'm listening to the 2400's through it as I type.
 
Just so you are aware, I am not a major music through the computer guy--so others can best advise you on sound card matters.

 

[Soundfreak33]

Im guessing i will have to run a cord from my soundcard to the amp, then hookup my headphones, but i have no idea how these amps even are, but from my reading they help drive the headphones and improve sound, so im guessing i will need one.
 
Just one other question, how do the Ultrasone  PRO 750, PRO 900 stack up against the Ultrasone HFI 2400 ???? just curious, thanks again.