Closed-back Headphones: Picking The Best Wireless Headphones For Music. Open Vs Closed Headphones - What's The Difference?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Today everyone is passionate about music, so on the street you can meet not only teenagers, but also elderly people with headphones. Despite the fact that manufacturers offer headsets of various types, ranging from ordinary plugs and ending with cool audiophile versions, closed-type headphones are in great demand among music lovers. To choose them correctly, you need to take into account not only the size, design, but also the technical characteristics of the device.

Peculiarities

Closed-back headphones are a modern type of device for personal listening to music, which is characterized by a closed volume. Their ear cups seal the rear of the speakers, preventing sound from escaping . This means that these headphones provide excellent noise cancellation. The design of most of these devices has a semblance of phase inverters, their lower frequency level is 8Hz. Closed-back headphones don't have a very wide stage depth and stereo base.

To improve these indicators, you need to choose the right damping.

This type of headset is usually purchased by computer players, musicians and sound engineers , as they are capable of transmitting sound at a high level. Closed-back headphones are also considered the best choice for listening to your favorite tracks in public and on long journeys. Now on the market you can find a huge range of closed-type headsets, and each model is characterized by its own technical features.

How do they differ from open ones?

Many music lovers are lost when choosing headphones, because they do not know which is better - open or closed accessories. There is a significant difference between them, which you must be aware of.

• Open models are not able to provide complete isolation from external noise , closed, on the contrary, are produced with sealed cups that prevent the penetration of extraneous sounds. Therefore, the first option is ideal for listening to classical music, and the second for rock and metal lovers.
• Open headphones are recommended for home use , where you can calmly listen to tracks and not disturb others. Locked ones are considered the right choice for offices and public spaces.
• There is also a difference in the appearance and weight of the devices . Closed models are heavy, since they are supplied with a one-piece body, open ones are light, their design is made up of nets and holes.

Top Models

Closed-back headphones allow you to fully focus on the music, "disconnecting" from the outside world. Today the market is represented by a chic assortment of closed-type headsets, but wireless models deserve special attention. Their ranking is presented as follows.

Sony MDR-7506 … These are over-ear headphones that are affordable and of good quality. They are great for long-term listening to music of various genres. Pros: budget option, functional design, smooth sound. Cons: poorly played from a weak source, the sound of the tracks is "academic".

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 . On-ear (monitor) headphones with good noise reduction. Available in both wired and Bluetooth connectivity. The main advantage of this model is that it is not demanding on the sound source, as it has a fantastic volume. You can buy them for recording vocals. The headphones are characterized by high quality and reliability in use. Disadvantages: long-term wearing of the headset may cause discomfort; over time, leather ear cushions lose their attractive appearance.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro . These are professional, closed-back headphones designed for both studio recordings and enjoying your favorite music at home. They have high sound insulation, practicality and ease of use. Ideal for smartphones and media players for an unforgettable immersion in musical nirvana. Pros: solid body, excellent value for money, great sound. Cons: you can often find a fake on sale.

Sony MDR-XB950AP . Semi-closed, isodynamic headphones with microphone, their earbuds have a noble design. This acoustic accessory provides smooth sound without pronounced splashes and dips. Due to the fact that these headphones are foldable, this makes them easy to transport and store. Advantages: the presence of a built-in remote control, microphone. Disadvantages: Permanently fogging ear pads, not suitable for listening to hard rock.

Axelvox HD272 . This is a budget wireless headset that sounds good. This model can be chosen for both studio and home use. Pros: comfortable fit, extended frequency range. Cons: boring design, monitor sound.

Vacuum headphones can complete the review of the most popular models. Campfire audio jupiter (recommended for jazz and chamber music lovers) and AKG K141 MKII semi-open headphones.

They are wireless, but they are heavy due to the built-in batteries and additional circuits.

How to choose?

Headphones are considered one of the most important items on the list of items that a person carries with him every day. To play music, they can be connected to an audio player, computer and smartphone, while you can enjoy your favorite tracks while playing sports, in transport and at home. Despite the huge selection of the acoustic headset lineup, closed-back headphones are in great demand. In order for this device to reliably serve for a long time and please with excellent sound, during its purchase, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics.

• Sound vibration frequency . Its permissible value is considered to be from 20 Hz to 18 kHz.
• Sound pressure . This indicator indicates the loudness of the sound. For safe listening to music, you need to choose headphones with a sound pressure of up to 130 dB. If it is higher, it will lead to gradual degradation of hearing.
• Power . This parameter should be paid attention to bass lovers who use stationary amplifiers to listen to musical compositions. The higher the power, the brighter and richer the sound will be. If you plan to listen to tracks from a smartphone, then the power level can be ignored.
• Resistance . This indicator has a huge impact on the quality and volume of sound. When connecting the headset to stationary equipment, models with a high resistance of 32 ohms are suitable, for smartphones - from 16 ohms.
• Appointment . Wireless closed-type headphones, which consist of a receiver and a transmitter docking station, are well suited for computer technology. In addition, the device must provide surround sound with simulated 5.1 and 7.1 configurations. If you plan to not only listen to music, but also communicate on the Internet, by phone, wireless models with a microphone will be an excellent option.

Sports fans should give preference to closed-type vacuum headphones that are resistant to moisture. To listen to music on the road, you need to purchase models with active noise cancellation, closed headphones in this case can be both wired and wireless. Before you buy this or that headphone model, it is necessary not only to study its technical characteristics, but also to check the sound in a test mode.

Special attention should be paid to the design features; foldable headphones are considered a good option. They are easy to transport (take up little space in the bag, are completed with a special case).