Open Back Headphone for Daddy to Hear Baby

[Dex41]

I just had my first child last week (Mom and baby are doing well). I am looking for some high impedance neutral open back headphone that will let sound in so I can hear the baby--any recommendations? The headphone will be used for Netflix, video games, and music. Anticipated budget less than $250 but not firm. Please note I use a hearing aid in my left ear. Thanks.

Current Gear:
Topping DX7 Dac and amp
AKG K702
Balanced 250Ω DT770
Shure SE215
Grado SR80e with a cheap tube amp (awesome combo at work)
Single ReSound LiNX ITC

 

[serman005]

An HD600 might do the trick. 300 ohms. Neutral. Very leaky. Should fit your hearing aid just fine. Maybe read about it and see what you think. It is possible it could work for you. Just remember, if you are playing your music loudly it is possible you will not be able to hear the baby, even though the headphone is open-backed. Sure you know this, just had to say it.

BTW--Congratulations!!

 

[Dex41]

Thanks for the suggestion. I was debating going for broke and looking at the HD650. Do they leak a lot? How do they sound at low volume? More importantly, are they worth the $100 difference?

 

[serman005]

Yes, the HD650 leaks a lot (equal to the HD600). ---) It is more bass-robust than the HD600 and in my opinion also more detailed. Not to say the 600 is not very good--it is. I just think the 650 is a bit better (I own both--just now listening to my 650). Soundstages are about equal, IMO. Intimate.

Is it worth the difference? Depends on how important more bass extension and more detail are to you. For me, it's a 'yes.'

 

[ProtegeManiac]

You already have the SR80, why not just use that and save money that you might need to spend on the baby's healthcare?

 

[Dex41]

You already have the SR80, why not just use that and save money that you might need to spend on the baby's healthcare?

For the following reasons:
Technically, the 32Ω impedance of the headphone is a poor match to the 10Ω output of the DX7 amp; the difference accentuate and colors the low mid in an unpleasing fashion. Otherwise, I love those headphone and they are have a space on my desk at work.
My budget for headphones and other toys is small and I am very frugal and particular with expenditures to that line item. The budget for baby needs, medical expenditures, household expense, etc is magnitudes bigger and the little bit I choose to frivol away with does not impact my bottom line.

 

[Dex41]

Yes, the HD650 leaks a lot (equal to the HD600). ---) It is more bass-robust than the HD600 and in my opinion also more detailed. Not to say the 600 is not very good--it is. I just think the 650 is a bit better (I own both--just now listening to my 650). Soundstages are about equal, IMO. Intimate.

Is it worth the difference? Depends on how important more bass extension and more detail are to you. For me, it's a 'yes.'

Thanks for the reply. I have been looking at the HD650 for a while and think I will get them soon.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

For the following reasons:
Technically, the 32Ω impedance of the headphone is a poor match to the 10Ω output of the DX7 amp; the difference accentuate and colors the low mid in an unpleasing fashion. Otherwise, I love those headphone and they are have a space on my desk at work.

Your "cheap tube amp" is probably having some impedance mismatch on it though, just not as severe. An impedance adapter can help a bit and it won't cost a lot.

If you still prefer trying a different headphone maybe try the HD600. At 300ohms it won't have a problem with the impedance and open back, but the problem is the fit with your hearing aid.

Practically all other headphones that have a similar earcup shape has other issues, like markedly lower sensitivity (HE400i, Sundara), lower impedance (HE400S), not actually have enough space in the opening (LCD-2, due to the earlobe cut out following the rectangular driver shape than the round ear cup shape), likely the same isolation level (K612), or too expensive not just for your budget but for a headphone that wouldn't be your reference headphone (HD800, HD800S, Elear, Clear), and that's despite how the HD800(S) would be rather close to the K702 while having more space around your earlobes in some ways.

 

[kendosperling]

My 2ct
If you like your DT770 why not choose the DT990 250 ohm? These are Open and i use them in the same szenario which works great. Another plus is the moderate price.

 

[AxelCloris]

Let's please keep the thread friendly, everyone. Thank you.

 

[squee116]

My 2ct
If you like your DT770 why not choose the DT990 250 ohm? These are Open and i use them in the same szenario which works great. Another plus is the moderate price.

990s don't sound at all like 770s I thought?

Can recommend the 650s/6xx, and you can save money on the 6xx.
Another sadly forgotten option is the ATH-r70x. I think it's in the same realm as the 650, perhaps a touch more comfy, and I think it benefits from more power. Used them for all your purposes, and loved how I could still hear things around me. Being scared the bejeesus out of by roommates tapping my shoulder is plain unpleasant. Never had that problem with r70x or the 6xx. I would have also thrown out the k712, but the impedance is probably too low for you.