Why open-back for Reference Headphones ?

[AdiT]

I noticed that in all the discussions when is asked for advice about reference headphones, are recommended only those models with open-back. What have these and those with close-back don't ?

[Hugh Robjohns]

I noticed that in all the discussions when is asked for advice about reference headphones, are recommended only those models with open-back. What have these and those with close-back don't ?

It's quite hard to avoid the inherent 'boxy' colourations that arise when the headphone driver is put into a small sealed box, as it is in closed-backed headphones. Open-backed headphones are therefore inherently less coloured, which is a key attribute for 'reference' quality. The downside, of course, is that some sound leaks out of open-backed headphones and some external sound leaks in -- both of which may be unacceptable in some situations.

There are some relatively uncoloured closed-backed headphones around now, and they are generally a lot better today than they were twenty years ago, but the vast majority of headphones considered 'reference grade' are open-backed.

H

[alexis]

I noticed that in all the discussions when is asked for advice about reference headphones, are recommended only those models with open-back. What have these and those with close-back don't ?

It's quite hard to avoid the inherent 'boxy' colourations that arise when the headphone driver is put into a small sealed box, as it is in closed-backed headphones. Open-backed headphones are therefore inherently less coloured, which is a key attribute for 'reference' quality. The downside, of course, is that some sound leaks out of open-backed headphones and some external sound leaks in -- both of which may be unacceptable in some situations.

There are some relatively uncoloured closed-backed headphones around now, and they are generally a lot better today than they were twenty years ago, but the vast majority of headphones considered 'reference grade' are open-backed.

H

Thank you for that, Hugh. This discussion was also just started on the Cubase forum as well, interesting to see!

Would you (or anyone ) please list a few of the closed backed ones that would be considered "reference grade"? Would that list include the Beyer DT 770s?

Thanks!

PS - does "boxy" have a quantitative or semi-quantitative description, in terms of the frequency or time domain?

[Hugh Robjohns]

Would you (or anyone ) please list a few of the closed backed ones that would be considered "reference grade"? Would that list include the Beyer DT 770s?

Interestingly, we've just had this discussion at SOS. I'm not really the best person to ask as my experience of current closed-backed headphones is quite limited. However, the DT770s should certainly be on the list, and I understand there are some very good Shures (don't know the model numbers though). I use either Sennheiser HD25s or Sony MDR7509s for closed backed, but prefer to use the open-backed AKG K812 or K701s when possible.

H

[alexis]

Would you (or anyone ) please list a few of the closed backed ones that would be considered "reference grade"? Would that list include the Beyer DT 770s?

Interestingly, we've just had this discussion at SOS. I'm not really the best person to ask as my experience of current closed-backed headphones is quite limited. However, the DT770s should certainly be on the list, and I understand there are some very good Shures (don't know the model numbers though). I use either Sennheiser HD25s or Sony MDR7509s for closed backed, but prefer to use the open-backed AKG K812 or K701s when possible.

H

Great, thanks!

"Boxy - emphasis 250-600 Hz" (random definition off the internets!) ... is that the effect you had in mind when you described closed back headphones as tending to sound boxy?

[The Elf]

Stick your head in a cardboard box and have a brief conversation with yourself. That 'I sound as if I'm in a box' effect you will hear is 'boxiness'!

[Hugh Robjohns]

... is that the effect you had in mind when you described closed back headphones as tending to sound boxy?

It's a combination of things -- the Elf has it right with his cardboard box sound (not surprisingly)! It's a combination of mid-frequency resonances and cancellations plus comb-filtering caused by short internal reflection delays.

H

[AdiT]

Would you (or anyone ) please list a few of the closed backed ones that would be considered "reference grade"

I use the Focal Spirit Professional by a year, I don't find any issue till now.

[The Korff]

The Focal ones are very good, with great isolation to boot. I think I might slightly prefer DT770s, but more for comfort reasons than sound (and the Focals are better at isolating, from what I remember).

Cheers!

Chris

[alexis]

Thank you, everyone!

[Mixedup]

I'm now using closed-back Audio Technica ATH-W3000 ANV in preference to my open-backed HD650. Not a current model, but I believe the ATH W5000 is similar (though I've not tried them so can't be sure).

[Pete Kaine]

In comparing my HD25s and Focal Pros the boxiness of the HD25s is astounding. I mean I can understand how they excel at their intended use (location recording if I'm not mistaken?) but I really was staggered at the difference in more general use.

Currently lusting after the budget Audeze open backs in shape of the EL8s. The's a closed back version due too and if they get it half as right as the opens, then I can't wait to demo them.

[Zukan]

Currently lusting after the budget Audeze open backs in shape of the EL8s. The's a closed back version due too and if they get it half as right as the opens, then I can't wait to demo them.

+1

[sos4andy]

Stick your head in a cardboard box and have a brief conversation with yourself.

Something I find myself saying to some of my colleagues from time to time

[johnny h]

In comparing my HD25s and Focal Pros the boxiness of the HD25s is astounding. I mean I can understand how they excel at their intended use (location recording if I'm not mistaken?) but I really was staggered at the difference in more general use.

The HD25s are the industry standard DJ headphones. They are a lot more rugged than they look, have great isolation and just the right amount of bass. Also they sound good enough to listen to on your travels.

[Pete Kaine]

The HD25s are the industry standard DJ headphones. They are a lot more rugged than they look, have great isolation and just the right amount of bass. Also they sound good enough to listen to on your travels.

Yeah, but AFAIK they weren't designed as that in the first place, although the durable design was easy to adapt to having record boxes dropped on them on a regular basis. I had my first pair last 8 years of regular gigs before the cables needed replacing and still ramain a fan of them, but they've been relegated to a secondary comparison pair over recent years.