Each person has their own preferences when it comes to listening to their favorite tunes. Some people like to be aware of what is happening around them. Others, on the contrary, strive to completely escape from everything. That's why different types of accessories were created. The type of sound is the main difference between closed and open headphones. But it’s worth understanding the characteristics of each group. FP headphones, for example, have their own characteristics.
Description of open models
With the open type, they mean not very much sound insulation. This refers to both sides used for listening. At the same time, those around you can partially hear the melody inside. And the owner himself perceives some of the surrounding sounds. The acoustic design may also change.
There is no definite connection between the design and type of accessory.
Based on design features, the following types of headphones are distinguished:
- Invoices.
- Monitor.
- Full size.
- Inserts.
- Intrachannel. They have their own differences from invoices.
Each of these models can be open or closed, it almost does not depend on the headset.
Open headphones with their own design features are distinguished by the fact that they do not have so-called resonating elements. That is, there is no complete protection against sound penetration from the outside.
The side part in most cases has the form of a mesh, or is available with holes in large quantities. With this design, sound freely penetrates the product. The acoustic issue in this case is solved effectively.
For listening to works with high and mid frequencies, it is the open types of models that are most suitable. At the same time, sound is filtered from microscopic interference that occurs inside confined spaces. The models will be the best choice if the owner prefers to listen to classics. Another thing is closed headphones with good sound insulation.
Closed accessories and features
The isolation in this case is higher. This applies to both the listener and those around him.
The devices have unique features:
- The side edges of the cups do not have special holes. Thanks to this, the sound does not escape beyond the accessory.
- Full ear fit in full-size options. The difference is significant.
- The presence of ear pads - parts that ensure a tight fit. This is the difference between open and closed models.
The models are suitable for lovers of melodies with low frequencies. This is especially true for rock and metal. Then the bass, which has become an integral part of the composition, will be most felt by the owner. That’s why many people choose closed headphones with good sound insulation.
Not only design features provide high sound quality in this case. The parameter also depends on what materials were used in the production of the case. For example, metal transmits sound much worse than wood or leather. Depending on this, closed headphones with good sound insulation may have different characteristics.
Important! Long-term use of a closed headset often causes headaches and fatigue. After all, models help create additional pressure on organs. Because of this, operating time should be limited to the maximum.
Description of significant differences
The following key points will help you understand the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones.
- Open models do not have components that provide insulation. The second option serves as additional protection for both the owner and those nearby at the time of listening. Each type of acoustic device has its own advantages.
- For classic-style melodies, open-back headphones are the best choice. This means that high or mid frequencies will be transmitted with better quality. Low frequencies are better reproduced inside closed headphone options.
- Open-back headphones are suitable for home and leisure. Closed models are relevant where there may be a large number of people nearby.
Only high-tech headphones provide the highest quality isolation, so it’s worth remembering when choosing. Budget models only work well if the noise level around is medium or low. But the best closed-back headphones do not require such careful attention.
It is worth taking a closer look at two main points in order to independently determine which variety a particular model belongs to. How monitor headphones differ from others is easy to understand.
- Appearance. Closed headphones are almost always equipped with a one-piece housing. Open headphones are equipped with meshes and various holes.
- Device weight. If there is no protection, the accessory weighs much less. The bow of such devices is itself lighter. Therefore, it’s easy to understand how monitor headphones differ from their closest analogues.
Home or portable headphones?
First of all, you should decide what type of headphones you need, home
or
portable
.
Home headphones
are full-size models designed for home use. They are usually large, comfortable and have a long cord. The cord length is most often 3 meters. The external finish can be very beautiful and at the same time require careful handling of the headphones. Home headphones often have medium or low sensitivity (due to the use of large speakers) and will benefit from an additional headphone amplifier to unlock their potential if your DAC, sound card or other home system does not have a corresponding output. It is worth remembering that sometimes the headphone output can be mediocre for simple compatibility if it is located in a receiver or audio-video player.
Portable headphones
, as a rule, are compact and are overhead or plug-in models. The most common now are in-ear headphones. Portable headphones usually have a lightweight meter cord (or a shorter one with an extension to fit in a shirt pocket). In-ear headphones are especially appreciated by girls because... there is no bow that can hold the hairstyle. Portable in-ear headphones in most cases have high sensitivity and play quite loudly from modern phones and pocket players. More modern models are headsets with four-pin jacks that are perfectly compatible with both the iPhone and conventional players.
If you are going to use your home headphones as portable ones, you will be faced with an excess length of the cord (which will not only require you to remove the cord somewhere, but will also add extra weight). The ergonomics of home headphones are not conducive to intense movement, and they may not hold very firmly on your head while walking. But most importantly, a phone or player can simply play quietly with headphones and you will have to buy a portable headphone amplifier that runs on batteries or a built-in battery.
What are the challenges of using portable headphones at home? You will probably need an extension cord, because... 1 meter is not enough if you are not sitting in them in front of a laptop. The design of the headphones, designed for active movement, is inferior in comfort to home headphones and you may not be able to sit in them for a long time. Many portable models are overly bassy, which is great for the street, but tiresome at home. All this should be taken into account if headphones are purchased for both home and outdoor use. When buying headphones for two purposes at once, take an extension cord for portable headphones, or a portable amplifier for full-size headphones.
Regarding the purchase of a semi-open type
Half-open or half-closed devices combine the properties of the two types described above. The design is not equipped with a solid body. There are holes or grilles, due to which there is no complete sound insulation.
Semi-open options are suitable for professionals who spend a lot of time listening to melodies. Closed-type headphones will then not be very comfortable.
About additional tips for choosing
Among Russian consumers, models produced by the following brands have gained popularity:
- Philips.
- A.K.G.
- Sennheiser.
- Beyerdynamic.
- Koss.
- Samsung. This manufacturer also understands the difference between on-ear headphones and monitor headphones.
- Sony.
But there are other manufacturers whose product quality is in no way inferior to the leaders. Each buyer will be able to choose the best option, suitable closed-back headphones.
Regarding wireless models
The absence of wires makes operation especially convenient when it comes to public places, sports activities, jogging and similar events.
There are several options, with different operating principles:
- In the infrared range.
- Via Bluetooth. Almost everyone knows what it is.
- By radio channel.
Closed-back headphones may work fine, but the sound quality still won't compare to wired models.
About full-size models
The design has several features that it is recommended to take a closer look at before making a purchase. What makes headphones different from other types of headsets is their convenience.
- Full-size models are equipped with a headband and ear pads. Both parts are made of highly durable materials. This is usually leather or leatherette. Models are intended for stationary use only.
- Models with the general name Street also have a headband . They have increased resistance to environmental influences. Can also be used outdoors.
- Street mini – with a headband and one speaker located opposite the ear canal. The sound goes straight into the ear due to the fact that the ear pads are made of foam rubber.
- Sports options, or overhead models without headbands. In any case, the mount will stay on the auricle. Open and closed headphones are available in equal numbers.
- In-ears are always the easiest option.
- Ear Bud - literally translated as ear bud. It looks a lot like earbuds, but it stays more stable inside the ear.
A country
Many well-known European and American companies are engaged in the production of headphones designed for computer games. Popular brands are represented by the following countries:
- USA – Kingston, V-MODA, JBL;
- Europe – Sennheiser (Germany), Logitech (Switzerland), Roccat (Germany), SteelSeries (Denmark);
- China – ROG (owned by Asus brand), A4Tech, Thermaltake;
- Japan – Audio-Technica, Sony, Denon.
Recently, the Russian brand Qcyber has also been gaining momentum, producing not only headsets for different platforms, but also other equally relevant equipment for e-sportsmen.
Review of several models
Open – Sennheiser HD 650
Many music lovers were captivated by the high sound quality of these headphone models. They belong to the premium class.
Here are just some of the benefits that these open-back headphones offer:
- Solid body.
- Velor ear pads.
- The sound quality of full-size open headphones.
Literally any frequencies are readable, both mid and low. It is necessary to use high-quality equipment to fully realize the potential of the device. But even without this, open-back headphones can show excellent results.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Open Monitor Headphones
This is practically a professional tool that can also be used for studio work. For avid music lovers, open-back headphones will also become an indispensable assistant.
Among the main advantages:
- High detail.
- Stage width.
- A wide range of reproduced frequencies, which open-type headphones can boast of.
Sony MDR 1A – closed type
Rich studio sound remains the main advantage for the model. Manufacturers have taken into account everything to ensure that operation brings maximum comfort. The headphones are sold with a microphone, so they can also be used while gaming online. The soft headband makes it possible to use the model for a long time without any discomfort. Not all open-back headphones have these properties.
Songs will be reproduced with maximum accuracy, as intended by the original creator. It doesn’t matter what the signal source is - the device is capable of revealing its full potential under any conditions.
Impedance
In reviews of headphones you can sometimes see phrases like “you need a normal source to pump them up.” What we mean here is that the headphones have a high nominal impedance; therefore, the device into which they are plugged must have a powerful amplifier.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 with 600 Ohm impedance needs a good source
The nominal resistance is often called impedance. Consumer headphones typically have an impedance of 16 to 50 ohms. Even a smartphone can rock these. But if you connect headphones with an impedance of 300 Ohms to your smartphone, they will sound very quiet, dim and without low frequencies. These need to be connected either to an audio interface or to a headphone amplifier. The advantage of high-impedance headphones is that with them the amplifier produces less distortion.
