Headphones Question
[651 byte] By [austieoporosis] at [2007-11-9 12:44:31] 
I have purchased a new iPod, but I do not have it yet. In the meantime I am searching for headphones to use with it, since I do not care for the "ear bud" style. After extensive research I have settled on the Sennheiser HD-497 (http://www.sennheiserusa.com/pages/products/headphones/hd497.htm). It is of the "Open Air" genre of headphones, which is where my question comes in. I have read a few articles which describe sound "escaping" from these types of headphones, which leads to better sound quality, but also "shares" the music you are listening to with those around you (i.e. emits noise) Does anyone here know how significant this "sharing" is?
# 1 Re: Headphones Question
No idea myself. You'll prolly have more luck trying this question in the gear forum.Hephador at 2007-11-15 15:28:14 >
# 2 Re: Headphones Question
Ah yes, the joys of opened back headphones. Let me just start out by saying they sound phenomenal. For the money, you really can't beat a nice pair of open back headphones. When you talk about TRUE high end headphones, you are pretty much strictly referring to open back ones. However, there are several drawbacks to buying open backs. First and foremost, if you plan on traveling, working, or exercising with them on, forget it. Everyone around you will hear them. You will also get NO isolation. I cannot stress this enough. You will hear EVERYTHING around you, which is another reason why they are horrible for traveling. Open back headphones are designed primarily for at home audiophile listening. If you are at your computer at home, they're great! But in public, where there will be distracting noise, forget it. There are several great alternatives though. "Closed back" headphones, while more expensive and generally less "open" sounding, will provide great isolation and good sound. I recently purchased a pair of Beyer-dynamic dt-250's and they are REALLY nice. REALLY REALLY nice. I would also suggest looking at a pair of "in ear canal" headphones. They provide amazing isolation, and are MUCH more comfortable then the "ear bud" style headphones. I also recently acquired a pair of Shure E2's, and they sound ALMOST as good as my Beyer-dynamics. They have about twice the isolation of the BD's, and are extremely comfortable. I'm sure that most everyone who owns a pair on the board can vouch for me when I say that they are a terrific value. My advice would be to head over to www.headphone.com, and check out they're selection. They have great customer service, and give a full review of all of the headphones that they carry. I have dealt with them twice and cannot recommend them enough. I hope this cleared some things up for you.phatboy444 at 2007-11-15 15:29:14 >
# 3 Re: Headphones Question
Interesting comments you make there phatboy... But although I find my more expensive open phones to be very good, both my true high-end dynamics are closed. Electrostatics are a different matter.Anyway, to digress. The best way to judge how open the HD497 is to you is to go and try it out if you can. Block the earholes with your hands and hold it out at arms length while playing something from your portable. From my experience, although the HD497 is an open design it's not horrendously leaky nor very open. They're super value and the sound can't be beat for the money. They're not that comfortable, but for $50 you can't have everything.
If you can't try them out, as phatboy suggested headroom offers a return service if you think you made a bad choice.
columbo at 2007-11-15 15:30:23 >
# 4 Re: Headphones Question
I'd strongly recommend the Grado SR60's--they are fantastic, at $69.00, and felt by many to be the best set of cans (these are open air too) you can get for a portable without adding an amp...dmt1 at 2007-11-15 15:31:18 >
# 5 Re: Headphones Question
Originally posted by dmt1 I'd strongly recommend the Grado SR60's--they are fantastic, at $69.00, and felt by many to be the best set of cans (these are open air too) you can get for a portable without adding an amp...
Except they're very open.
columbo at 2007-11-15 15:32:16 >
# 6 Re: Headphones Question
Yes, that's the whole point of their design...:Ddmt1 at 2007-11-15 15:33:27 >
# 7 Re: Headphones Question
Thank you all for your help. However your answers have only led to more questions for me. I find the "ear bud" style of headphones uncomfortable. I plan on using my iPod almost everywhere, from walking around campus to in the library to in my dorm room. What kind of headphones would ya'll recommend? I do not like the idea of people being able to hear my music, especially my roomate or people attempting to study within a close proximity of me. That almost defeats the purpose of headphones. Sound quality is important as well. And also, I would like to keep the price under $100. Thanks again. [After reading through this post, it seems as though I am attempting to describe the "perfect headphones" (the utopian headphones, if you will), and I am beginning to doubt their existence. :) ]austieoporosis at 2007-11-15 15:34:19 >
# 8 Re: Headphones Question
austie,i'm not sure if you've ever tried "ear phone" style headphones, but they are slightly different from "ear buds" in that they sit inside your ear and usually have some sort of squishy foam or rubber which expands to fill your ear canal. that may or may not be more comfortable for you than ear buds, but you should give them a try. they are the most practical because they have virtually no leakage - and in fact isolate you from external sound, are very portable, and good for sports too. i have owned Etymotic ER-6's and Shure E2C's and love the E2C's. anyway, check out www.headphone.com. they are great and have a very liberal return policy so don't be afraid to try out those Senn's!
tonicboy at 2007-11-15 15:35:21 >
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