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.
Open or closed headphones – which is better?
Each person prefers to listen to their favorite tunes differently. Some people want to completely abstract themselves from extraneous noise, for example, cars, screams, conversations, extraneous sounds. But for others, on the contrary, the ability to hear what is happening around and talk with friends is of great importance. To provide different acoustic properties, there are different types of accessories for listening to music. Thus, manufacturers produce open and closed headphones, the difference between which is precisely the type of sound. You should understand the features of each type in order to understand which headphones to choose for a particular person.
Open models
Openness means slight isolation during listening, on both sides. The melody that is being played will be partially audible to others, but at the same time the user will be able to hear the sounds of what is happening around.
In this case, if the devices are full-size, then the cups do not fit tightly to the user’s head.
It is also worth remembering that there is no specific connection between the design and the type: open or closed. Any option can be of different types. By design there are:
- in-channel options;
- inserts;
- full-size options;
- monitor varieties;
- on-ear headphones.
Open headphones are characterized by the absence of resonating components that can protect against sound penetration. Most often, in accessories of this type, the outer side part is implemented in the form of a mesh or has a huge number of holes. The design ensures free penetration of sounds. Open devices are most suitable for drying the work at high and medium frequencies. Thanks to the design features, sound is filtered from microscopic interference typical of confined spaces. These models are perfect for lovers of classical works.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO open-back headphones
Features of closed accessories
Accordingly, closed accessories are characterized by higher isolation, both for the listener and others. Such devices have their own unique features:
- closed models are most often equipped with ear pads, which ensure a tight fit to the head;
- in full-size or monitor models, there is a complete fit around the ear;
- The side edges of the cups do not have holes so that the sound does not go beyond the accessory.
These headphones are most attractive to people who prefer to listen to music at low frequencies, such as rock or metal. The bass that is present in such melodies is the most noticeable.
Speaking about closed models, it is worth clarifying that the quality of sound insulation is ensured not only due to the design features of the type; this parameter largely depends on the material of the case. For example, wooden or leather headphones will transmit sound better than metal ones.
When buying closed devices, you should remember that using them for a long time can lead to fatigue and headaches, since they create quite high pressure. The listening time of such devices should be limited, since the pressure of the sound flow is quite strong and strains the hearing organs.
Professional closed headphones Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
What are the significant differences?
The difference between open and closed headphones is represented by the following key points.
- The main difference: in open models there are no components that will provide insulation from noise, while the latter, on the contrary, reliably protect against the penetration of any sounds in both directions.
- Devices with no sound insulation will be the best option for classical-style melodies that use high and/or mid frequencies, and soundproof options are best purchased for fans of compositions using low frequencies - rock, metal.
- Open devices are good for home, on vacation - in places where using such an accessory, as well as listening to loud music, will not disturb others. But closed headphones will be an ideal solution for public transport, offices, and city streets.
When choosing an accessory, it is worth remembering that only high-tech headphones can provide high-quality sound insulation. Budget options will provide adequate playback quality only in rooms with low or medium noise levels.
To understand for yourself what type the selected accessories are, you should pay attention to two key points.
- Appearance. Closed headphones almost always have a solid outer casing, but the open type of accessory has a mesh or various holes on the casing.
- Device weight. Accessories without protection are much lighter and often have a lighter shackle.
Lightweight open-back design
Reasonable compromise - semi-open type
You can go the other way and look for models that have qualities of both types. They are called half-open or half-closed devices. In their design, they are still closer to the open type, since they are not characterized by a solid body - it will have holes or a grille, which does not provide complete sound insulation.
Semi-open options are most often used by professionals who need to listen for a long time. They provide fairly good sound insulation, and the ears are not so tired from their presence.
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.
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.
Comparison
The main difference between open and closed headphones is that the former do not have elements in their design that provide sound insulation, while the latter are designed precisely to achieve its maximum level.
Open-back headphones are optimal for listening to high and mid frequencies typical of classical instrumental and orchestral music. Closed ones are best adapted for playing songs that contain a significant percentage of bass. This is usually rock music, metal.
Open headphones are ideal for listening to music at home or on vacation in places where this way of spending time will not disturb others. Devices classified as closed are better suited for use in the office, on public transport, and on city streets.
It is worth noting that only the most high-tech models of closed headphones can provide complete sound insulation. Budget devices are most often designed for this function to be performed only at a moderate level of sound volume or environmental noise.
Likewise, the user can expect reference quality sound quality for melodies at high and mid frequencies only when using open-back headphones of the Hi-End category. Budget model devices, as many music lovers note, are not always able to reproduce songs at the appropriate frequencies so that they sound disproportionately better than when using closed headphones.
Having determined what the difference is between open and closed headphones, let’s add our findings to the table.
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.
Open and closed headphones
Open headphones
usually chosen for listening to music at home and in the absence of external noise (they practically do not reduce it). These are large, but at the same time quite light headphones. There are no dense ear pads made of leatherette or memory foam; usually the choice is made in favor of a lightweight design: a small headband, the cups hardly press against the head and the ear pads are made of fabric or velor. You will hear high-quality sound, but if you don’t live alone, everyone else will hear the sound too - this is worth keeping in mind.
Closed-back headphones
also called monitor speakers because they duplicate this function of studio audio speakers. Due to the design (and primarily due to it), they almost completely cut off external noise. There is also a more massive design and ear pads made of leather or leatherette filled with memory foam. The bowls here have no holes; non-resonating materials are used (ABS, metal, composite materials). These headphones are characterized by high detail and powerful sound.
It is important to note that closed-type headphones can be both wired and wireless solutions, while “monitors” can be both large and small.
It is interesting that the most accurate sound picture is produced by open-type headphones, while closed headphones are more demanding of the signal source.
The Z-Project Musicdealer XL headphones are worth a look here
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Sony WH1000XM3
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