Headphones: Open vs. Closed?

[JujuFish]

I currently use a wireless headset (Logitech G930, specifically) for all things on my PC. However, ever since moving into an apartment complex, the wireless interference gets unbearable at times.

So, I'm looking into buying a new pair of headphones/headset. In my research, it seems open-backed headphones are supposed to offer superior quality. However, I live with two roommates, both gamers, and we all have our PCs set up in the living room (where there is also a TV/consoles). Would it be feasible to get an open-backed headset in this scenario?

I've never used open headphones before, so I don't have a clue what they sound like, or what the leakage is like (both in and out).

Also, if anyone wants to recommend a headset/pair of headphones for gaming, I'm all ears. I'm looking to spend $150-$200 for a quality pair that will last (that includes the cost of a microphone if getting headphones). Oh, and I have a big head, so that's an important consideration.

Thanks.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Yep, the 930's are bad for that. I have a set at work, and the microwave kills the signal anytime it's turned on. They're nice, but the 2.4ghz band is just too busy.

There's a lot of good brands out there, but I'll say I've been using a set of Beyer Dynamics DT770 pros for almost ten years, and they still sound as good as new. Amazing set, super comfy. Amazing sound. You can wear them for 10 hours straight and they still are comfy.

They sometimes, on sale, go as low as $130, which gives you plenty of budget for a decent mic.

Also, they have various versions based on the impedance. If you have a strong headphones amp, you want the higher impedance (250ohm). But if you're just using the headphone jack on your PC, get the 30 Ohm version.

http://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-770-PRO-250-ohms/dp/B0006NL5SM

Looks like the 30 ohm version (you can change it on the page above) is only $160 shipped.

 

[Sabrewings]

G933s here, also with a big head. Absolutely love them.

 

[TidusZ]

I went from G930 to Seinheiser PC 350 SE (about $110 CDN on boxing day) with a Soundblaster Z soundcard. Without the sound card they sounded worse than the G930 but with it they sound equally good to me. I replaced the earpads with some $4 ones from China after a year. The microphone is 10/10 on it and they're a closed headphone... I would prefer open so I can hear TV better. My friend has Sennheiser HD 600 which are open. Other people in the room can hear them at moderate volume. People might think your volume is super loud when its not. It's not that loud though.

Also microwaves >>> G930 :/

I do miss having wireless, so nice having music while I vacuum, changing songs with the gkeys ^,^

 

[Anteaus]

I prefer open, even when gaming with others in the same room. Yes, there will be some sound bleed but in my opinion you get a more balanced sound. I find most closed back headphones to be too boomy. There are some great closed back sets out there that manage to avoid that, but with my ears it is more the exception than the rule.

That's just my take. I love my Grados SR60s but they can be somewhat unconfortable to wear for long periods of time.

 

[Ferzerp]

I like my Sennheiser HD 598 and they can be had for about $150 now. They're open back.

Then you'd have enough left for a mic too. I use them more for music than games though.

 

[JujuFish]

Thanks for all the responses. I've seen many of the names suggested here elsewhere in my research.

Right now the hardest decision for me is whether I should go open back, since I have 2 roommates to consider. I don't know how much my stuff would annoy them or how much their stuff would annoy me. With the G930s I currently use, I can be in my own little world while someone's using the TV, for example.

One thing I've thought about is getting an open-back pair and then falling back to my G930s when I need more sound isolation or when it's late and I don't want to disturb a roommate who's gone to sleep (I don't even know if open leaks enough for this to be a thing), for example.

 

[ControlD]

I prefer closed headphones for gaming, mainly so I am not annoying people around me. I use a pair of ATH M50x and they do a great job. They go on sale quite often as well. I think I paid about $120 for mine.

 

[Subyman]

Get the closed back if you are worried about sound bleed. The bit better quality you get with open back will go unnoticed for the most part, especially if you aren't a well trained ear. If the open back end up annoying your room mates, then you are pretty much screwed.

 

[Fallen Kell]

I like my closed Alpha Dogs. Surprisingly comfortable (a little heavy, but supported very well, so you really don't feel it once you wear them for a little while).

 

[GoodRevrnd]

I second the DT-770s. I would try and get the 80ohm if possible, but probably not if you're just running off the motherboard. These phones have pretty good range, aren't overly heavy in any area although they are bassy, but that's good for games imo. More importantly they have good soundstage for your positional audio. Most importantly they're going to be a lot more comfortable than anything else you can buy in this price range. Velour ear pads!

And get a ModMic.

 

[brianmanahan]

I like my Sennheiser HD 598 and they can be had for about $150 now. They're open back.

wearing my 598's and love them

been using the senn 550's and 590's for 10 years now

 

[Jaepheth]

I went on a little headphone binge awhile ago and ended up with the following:

Open:
Sennheiser 555
Grado SR80i

Closed:
Sennheiser 201HD
Audio Technica ATH-ANC7b (active noise cancelling)
Sony MDRXB700
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250ohm)


My favorites are both closed ones (Sony and 770s), the 770s being my most favorite. I listen to them at work with a nuForce 2 amp. Great sound and great isolation and very comfortable circumaural pads.

 

[JujuFish]

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250ohm)
the 770s being my most favorite. I listen to them at work with a nuForce 2 amp.

250 ohm would mean they require an amplifier, right? (Sorry if that's a stupid question, I'm audio illiterate)

 

[jlee]

I quite like my HD598's, but they bleed a lot of sound. I wouldn't use them at moderate/loud volume if I was worried about bothering other people in the same room.

 

[blurredvision]

I quite like my HD598's, but they bleed a lot of sound. I wouldn't use them at moderate/loud volume if I was worried about bothering other people in the same room.

Agreed. I use the HD598 as well for music and open-back means open, don't diminish that fact at all. If you have your sound even moderately loud, others will be able to hear it very well. In addition, they also obstruct almost no sound from the outside, either, so if you're ever in a loud environment, your headphones have to be that much louder to drown out any outside noise.

 

[Jaepheth]

250 ohm would mean they require an amplifier, right? (Sorry if that's a stupid question, I'm audio illiterate)

My understanding is:

250 ohm should have an amplifier, but if you have a good sound card it may not be required.
Sound may be effected to the trained ear; I notice a difference, and like the amp better, but damned if I can describe it.

600 ohm will definitely need an amp.

 

[TechBoyJK]

The higher the impedance, the more the speakers resist the amplified power, but this means that it requires a stronger signal to move the speakers... which equates to less noise.

A lower impedance, means that the speakers don't resist amplification as much, but it makes them subject to noise.

If you are using the headphones with a mobile phone, it has limited power, so the lower impedance allow you to get more out of the headphones but it carries the risk of introducing more noise.

 

[clamum]

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones that are closed. I too debated on whether I wanted open or closed when I was about to order these. Previously, I always had cheap $20 Walmart headphones so I didn't really know what to get (I guess those cheap ones were considered closed?).

Ultimately, I love the closed Sennheisers. Excellent, clear, non-distorted audio through them. The only complaint I have about them is they can make my ears sore after wearing them for several hours, although I just shift them around my ears a bit (and this may not be an issue particular to these headphones, just wearing headphones for a long time in general).

 

[Fallen Kell]

250 ohm would mean they require an amplifier, right? (Sorry if that's a stupid question, I'm audio illiterate)

Yes, absolutely at 250ohm you need an amplifier. Anything above 30-50ohm will typically need an amp, as each doubling of the ohm's will result in approx 6db less output.

 

[Josh123]

I picked my Logitech G35's from Logitech's site when they had them on sale for $40. I love them.