Help with Open vs Closed Back Headphones

[GamesByEVOLV]

So I'm planning on getting a new pair of headphones for primarily sound design and gaming but I have trouble deciding if I should pick open back or closed back headphones. The headphones I have in mind are the Beyerdynamic Dt 700 Pro X and the Dt 900 Pro X.

What are the differences between open back and closed back, which type would you choose and why?

[filpo]

Just now, GamesByEVOLV said:

What are the differences between open back and closed back, which type would you choose and why?

it depends on preference, if you want to hear your surroundings get open backed, if you want more of an isolated feel get closed back. Beyond that there may be other differences so correct me if i'm wrong

[191x7]

Open means the sounds leak out and the outside sounds leak in. Literally an open shell (holes) in the earcups.

Closed means the sounds don't leak out and the outside sounds are physically blocked. Closed shell, with no holes.

 

Open usually gives a wider sound stage. Closed-back gives better bass.

 

For competitive shooters, the DT 900 Pro X is one of the best headphones one can get. 

If the sounds will not bother other people, get those.

[CTR640]

Some closedbacks do have excellent and wide soundstage but they are not really cheap unfortunately. 

[Omon_Ra]

3 hours ago, CTR640 said:

Some closedbacks do have excellent and wide soundstage but they are not really cheap unfortunately. 

The soundstage is kind of relative. Yes, open-backed gives you a 'broader' or 'airy-er' soundstage; but closed-back, it can almost seem like the audio is coming from inside your head..or that you're 'inside' of the music itself. Which is its own kind of 'wide soundstage' in a sense. It's kind of hard to explain, but it pretty much comes down to personal preference. For me, it breaks down as simple as if I'm home, open-backed; in public, closed-back.

[CTR640]

2 hours ago, Omon_Ra said:

The soundstage is kind of relative. Yes, open-backed gives you a 'broader' or 'airy-er' soundstage; but closed-back, it can almost seem like the audio is coming from inside your head..or that you're 'inside' of the music itself. Which is its own kind of 'wide soundstage' in a sense. It's kind of hard to explain, but it pretty much comes down to personal preference. For me, it breaks down as simple as if I'm home, open-backed; in public, closed-back.

Yes, that's what I mean, broader or airy-er soundstage. Closedbacks can do that too. I had the Beyerdynamic T5p 2nd and its soundstage is really impressive. But yeah, like I said, they are not really cheap. Personally I don't have preferences, be it openback or closed, I love all the headphones in my sig. So far the only closedback I have is the Amiron Wireless Copper. Excellent headphones, smooth sound and great soundstage too.