Is it possible to isolate noise in an open ear head phone?

[SAWYER]

I am looking to get another set of Grado 80's but I don't like how the background noise gets in. Would I be better off getting a closed design? if so, what do you recommend around a 100?

 

[thomsbrain]

You can't isolate noise in open headphones without drastically changing the sound. Just placing your hands over the backs of the cans makes a huge difference in the sound quality. Cup your hands around the backs or fronts of your ears and notice how everything sounds different and you'll get the idea.

Lots of people like the Sennheiser HD-280's in the sub-$100 closed-can market. There may be other good suggestions. Some people find the 280's to be uncomfortable because they clamp pretty tight on your head.

 

[cheesehead]

IEMs - like Shures or Westones - are great for isolation. A used pair of AKG K240s or K270s is in your price range, and should last a long, long time - they're far sturdier than the puny Grados.

 

[Oyeve]

If you like the sound from the Grados going to the Senns 280 will greatly dissapoint. IMO I dont know why they are highly regarded. They sound like crap, they clip at even a moderate level and are extremely uncomfortable. IEMs may be for you, cheesehead mentioned a few good sets. I would listen to some other closed cans from Sennheiser and find one that sounds the way you like. One of my favorite cans are the Denon AH-D650 but they havent been made in over 10 years. You could try ebay for a used set. Or if you can, try and find MDR-V6, I think they can be had for under 100 on amazon.

 

[cheesehead]

I have a pair of MDR-V6s. They're not too expensive, collapsible, relatively comfortable, and completely indestructible. However, I'm not too keen on the sound, and will likely sell them soon.

Maybe you could skip up to some AKG K270s?

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: Sawyer
I am looking to get another set of Grado 80's but I don't like how the background noise gets in. Would I be better off getting a closed design? if so, what do you recommend around a 100?

The real problem is how annoyed people get that they can hear everything you're listening to at any decent volume.