All Hifi Corner FAQ's are non technical and represent often asked questions by our customers. There are more technical sites elsewhere which cater for those requiring in depth knowledge. If you have any questions or points you think we should add please email us here . Closed' headphones are really 'closed backed' headphones where the speaker capsule is enclosed. This prevents some, but not always all, of the sound escaping.
Open headphones let more sound escape.
The advantage of closed headphone is that they are quieter to other people in the room, unfortunately given a free choice the majority of listeners prefer the openness and spaciousness of 'open' headphones. Headphones are as individual as loudspeakers. It is recognised within the industry that the two leading value for money brands are Sennheiser and Beyer. The added difference between speakers and headphones is the 'comfort' factor. Cheaper headphones do not have the same design quality of their more expensive counterparts.