[joesuburb]

Curious question for other members. Where do you use your high-end open back headphones?

I just spent way too much money on what I consider the ultimate closed-back headphone because I mostly use it in an open environment at work and don't want to annoy everyone.

I haven't even considered an open-back headphone. Is the noise leak really not that big of a deal, or do you listen at home? I could probably get a lot more bang for the buck if I went open-back.

 

[Amish]

Depending on volume level it can without a doubt bother others. My wife comments on this all the time if she is in the room. I don't use headphones away from home so no worries for me.

 

[bflat]

It has been scientifically proven that low volume sounds that the brain can't fully make out, can cause a great deal of anxiety because the brain is designed to identify everything it senses. So no leak is better than "a little leak".

 

[serman005]

I own mostly open headphones but never take them out of the house. Even a little bit of leakage can be a big annoyance to others and I don't want to deal with that.

 

[wink]

Double post for full stereo effect.....

 

[Spareribs]

I prefer the sound of open back headphones (in general) so it’s usually rare that I use closed back headphones. But I do have an old pair of Sony studio monitor closed back headphones that I may take out in public maybe like once in a blue moon.

Since IEMs are getting better, out of convenience I think it’s easier,

 

[joesuburb]

Since IEMs are getting better, out of convenience I think it’s easier,

I gave up on IEMs because they seem to keep breaking. Have the UE IERMs and I'm so sick of sending them in for repair.

 

[blackdragon87]

I mainly have open headphones for use at my desk at home. I have a pair of 99 noire for portable use when I go out to use with my phone

 

[yyzpam]

Even at home I go with the closed back.....love the privacy and intimacy of just me and MY music.

 

[SilverEars]

It's not pure high fidelity unless it's open-back. I don't like any reflections or enclosed like sound. I like sound to decay outwards to nothing-ness. I do however use iems due to practicality. I'm obviously not into full-sized closed backs.

iems don't break on me on their own.

 

[herya]

i really dont like when other persons listen to my music, then they look at me funny so closed back all the way when im not home alone D:

 

[Headphones and Coffee]

I'm definitely a fan of open-back headphones but in outdoor situations I think that closed back is the only option unless you're listening really really loud, honestly I prefer noise cancelling when I'm out and about.