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What is the difference between open and closed back headphones.

post #1 of 3
1/20/12 at 7:59pm
Thread Starter 

How does the design affect the sound quality?

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post #2 of 3
1/20/12 at 9:31pm

Open-back headphones generally have a larger soundstage and instrument separation than their closed counterparts. Closed-backs tend to have more bass. 

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post #3 of 3
1/20/12 at 9:34pm

For me it's not generally a larger soundstage, but they do a better job at separating the layers of a soundstage.  Center image to ambient sound for example.  

 

Also since they're open, they usually don't have to worry about slower decay times as often, meaning things will at times sound crisper, cleaner and leaner from an open headphone.  There's exceptions of course.

 

Closed backs usually offer less bass rolloff and better bass impact.

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