closed vs open headhpnes?

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blakostructor

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#1 blakostructor
Member since 2008 • 1536 Posts

The main concern I have is sound leakage with open headphones, how much of a problem would this be since I will be living in a dorm room with a roommate? Three models I am considering are: Shure SRH440 (closed), Sennheiser HD280 PRO (closed), and Sennheiser HD555 (open). I notice a lot of people on this forum recommend the HD555, but would these be better than the other options I listed? Do they sound better from being open rather than closed?

Also if it helps, the things I will use headphones for are: TV, movies, video games (xbox), music (mostly metal) from ipod. I plan to get the fiio E5 amp as well unless someone has a better idea.

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edinsftw

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#2 edinsftw
Member since 2009 • 4243 Posts

Open headphones actually let alot of sound out and in. I have the AKG 702's and they do let quite a bit out, halfway with an amp(which is pretty loud) i can hear quite clearly even the lyrics

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DJ_Lae

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#3 DJ_Lae
Member since 2002 • 42748 Posts
Open headphones generally sound a bit better than closed ones (although it does vary), but it also makes them completely unsuitable for private listening when you have other people around. You'll hear them and they'll hear what you're listening to.
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Avenger1324

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#4 Avenger1324
Member since 2007 • 16344 Posts
If you are in a dorm room, the closed headphones would probably be better, as you can shut off other sounds from your room / roommate.
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DivergeUnify

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#5 DivergeUnify
Member since 2007 • 15150 Posts
Both are good. Closed headphones might tend to have tighter and deeper bass, but sound a little bit more congested. Open headphones sound a bit more effortless with better detail. Open design allows for larger soundstage and instrument separation
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simplyderp

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#6 simplyderp
Member since 2009 • 266 Posts

Avoid the HD555 then - it leaks a lot of sound at reasonable volumes.

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VoidQuake

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#7 VoidQuake
Member since 2011 • 39 Posts

I've had quite a few headsets over the years but the Sennheiser PC360 I have now is probably my favorite out of them all. Great sound and comfort and due to the open design my ears stay a lot cooler too. Just buy your roommate some earplugs to counter the leakage!

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Gambler_3

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#8 Gambler_3
Member since 2009 • 7736 Posts

Where ambient noise level is high, closed headphones are better.

Where the room temperatures are high, open headphones are better.

In case of both noise and hot temp, it all depends on if you prefer sound quality or comfort.

In a perfect environment open headphones are generally better.