Why do most open backs lack bass?

[droopdog7]

By lacking bass, I mean that many frequency curves seem to drop considerably below 100 hz or so. I mean, I get the open back nature of the headphones means you don’t get bass bouncing around in your head. But if bass can be added via eq or bass boost, I imagine it can be built into the design? Or maybe it can’t?

Perhaps lacking bass is indeed “better” for listening to most genres? But again, if eq can add bass it should be able to remove as well.

Just a random question that was floating around in my head.

 

[baskingshark]

One needs a good seal to give the sub-bass frequencies.

So open backed gear is a double edged sword in having a better soundstage (in general), though as the expense of seal/isolation, which affects sub-bass.

 

[Uebelkraehe]

Looking at headphones like the Hifiman Edition XS and the HEDDphone, a lack of sub bass doesn't seem to be an unavoidable consequence of the design type.

 

[FastAndClean]

if you want deep bass on a open back you should look into planars, they have larger drivers with heavier frames that can push more air down low, there is plenty of planars that can go down to 20hz without any drop off

 

[tudedude]

By lacking bass, I mean that many frequency curves seem to drop considerably below 100 hz or so. I mean, I get the open back nature of the headphones means you don’t get bass bouncing around in your head. But if bass can be added via eq or bass boost, I imagine it can be built into the design? Or maybe it can’t?

Perhaps lacking bass is indeed “better” for listening to most genres? But again, if eq can add bass it should be able to remove as well.

Just a random question that was floating around in my head.

Nah rolled off bass isn't better, it's a faulty sound signature that requires EQ to fix. A headphone that mutes or unnaturally quiets the bass section of a song isn't reproducing music as the artist intended.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

By lacking bass, I mean that many frequency curves seem to drop considerably below 100 hz or so. I mean, I get the open back nature of the headphones means you don’t get bass bouncing around in your head. But if bass can be added via eq or bass boost, I imagine it can be built into the design? Or maybe it can’t?

Perhaps lacking bass is indeed “better” for listening to most genres? But again, if eq can add bass it should be able to remove as well.

Just a random question that was floating around in my head.

Do you've heard a good (great) open back planar?
There you'll get your needed low bass in addition to a wider headstage.
It's all about the air moved by the driver (excursion or driver size).

 

[droopdog7]

Do you've heard a good (great) open back planar?
There you'll get your needed low bass in addition to a wider headstage.
It's all about the air moved by the driver (excursion or driver size).

I own Sundaras, my first pair of open back headphones and I think they’re awesome overall. To be fair, I don’t miss bass on the majority of what I listen to. They really shine with jazz and instrumental music. I can feel quick punch from drums as well.

What they can’t do imo is modern hip hop. Can’t really do justice to a always there baseline.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

I own Sundaras, my first pair of open back headphones and I think they’re awesome overall. To be fair, I don’t miss bass on the majority of what I listen to. They really shine with jazz and instrumental music. I can feel quick punch from drums as well.

What they can’t do imo is modern hip hop. Can’t really do justice to a always there baseline.

Do you've some examples of modern hip hop at which the Sundara seems to struggle?
I'll have a listen with my Era-1 to.

Tia.

 

[droopdog7]

Do you've some examples of modern hip hop at which the Sundara seems to struggle?
I'll have a listen with my Era-1 to.

Tia.

Most newer songs, the bass too low/light:

Tyler Herro - Jack Harlow
Having Our Way - Migos
Whoopty - CJ
95 South - J. Cole

 

[Angel III]

Equalized Avantone Planar or Austrian Audio hi-x65, sub-bass and bass are there and of great range.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

Most newer songs, the bass too low/light:

Tyler Herro - Jack Harlow
Having Our Way - Migos
Whoopty - CJ
95 South - J. Cole

Thanks.

You're right.
This music doesn't fit well.
I've switched back and forth between Era-1, D9200 and FD5.

Neither of the 2 full sized headphones comes close to the FD5 on that genre.

Only with the FD5 I've that deep (bloomy?) rumble someone is reaching for with that kind of music.

Both, the Era-1 and D9200, sounds somewhat bass light, despite they aren't.

Guess the direct hit on the eardrum counts in very much with the FD5.

Edit.
All w/o eq straight from the Mojo feed by Tidal on the Surface Pro 7 via USB.
Can't say how the 2 will sound with eq applied, bc i never use it.

 

[droopdog7]

Thanks.

You're right.
This music doesn't fit well.
I've switched back and forth between Era-1, D9200 and FD5.

Neither of the 2 full sized headphones comes close to the FD5 on that genre.

Only with the FD5 I've that deep (bloomy?) rumble someone is reaching for with that kind of music.

Both, the Era-1 and D9200, sounds somewhat bass light, despite they aren't.

Guess the direct hit on the eardrum counts in very much with the FD5.

Edit.
All w/o eq straight from the Mojo feed by Tidal on the Surface Pro 7 via USB.
Can't say how the 2 will sound with eq applied, bc i never use it.

First, thanks for taking the time; really appreciate it.

And yeah, that sort of rumbling (manufactured?) bass sound is mostly unique to modern hip. I don't listen to EDM music but I've tried just about everything since getting the sundaras last month. I think the open backs to fine with EDM, as the bass is more quick punchy-type (as opposed to what you get with hip hop).

Oh well, I'm still really enjoying the sundaras. I can switch to something else when I'm listening to hip hop, or, maybe I can try to eq (if I buy something to eq with).

 

[Chris Kaoss]

With songs like

James Blake - Limit to your love
Celine Dion - Ashes
Evanescence - Far from heaven
Terje Isungset - Fading sun

the Sundara will show its capabilities, i think.

For hip hop, I'd heading to the FD5 all time, now. ^^

Thanks for this unintended comparison.

 

[droopdog7]

With songs like

James Blake - Limit to your love
Celine Dion - Ashes
Evanescence - Far from heaven
Terje Isungset - Fading sun

the Sundara will show its capabilities, i think.

For hip hop, I'd heading to the FD5 all time, now. ^^

Thanks for this unintended comparison.

Thanks. I'm listening to Limit To Your Love, which I've never heard, and I'm like, okay. And then, boom!

Fading sun is awesome too. Wow. Been listening lots of similar instrumental stuff (jazz, classical, ambient music) and the headphones sound great.

I'm also partial to 70's music, which IMO is the best era for popular music. You don't get the loudness of todays music but I can hear the instruments like I hadn't before.