What should i expect with "Open" Headphones.

[Holy Wars]

Hello all, I was just wondering what i should expect before getting my first pair of Open headphones. I have never used one in my life, I know people say open headphones gives it a more immerse feeling. Is that true? The specific headphones i'm looking at are Sennheiser HD 518. They are on sale for the Holiday's, for $78.24. Which to me sounds pretty good considering they go for around $130. So anyways, When i'm gaming or listening to music i sometimes listen to it a little loud (not too crazy, but enough to hear things like weapon pickups, as well as foot steps) But i was wondering if my Blue Snowball will pick that up. I just don't want people to hear an echo of sound from me.
Thank you in advance for whomever helps me.
Happy Holidays.

 

[avjguy2362]

Open means that the headphones don't really touch your ears. They play in an enclosed cup that surrounds your ears. I have had many high-end headphones similar to these (much older) and they do tend to have a big relaxed sound. The one thing you have to consider is how you are driving them. I have heard these on a $3300 tube preamp and a computer and they simply don't sound the same. Without going crazy there are some very inexpensive ( $30 to 100 ) headphone amps. So if you get them and they seem to sound good, but they just aren't load enough or the impact seems a little weak, you may want to look into a better headphone amp, they will likely play louder and sound a lot better!

 

[Holy Wars]

Open means that the headphones don't really touch your ears. They play in an enclosed cup that surrounds your ears. I have had many high-end headphones similar to these (much older) and they do tend to have a big relaxed sound. The one thing you have to consider is how you are driving them. I have heard these on a $3300 tube preamp and a computer and they simply don't sound the same. Without going crazy there are some very inexpensive ( $30 to 100 ) headphone amps. So if you get them and they seem to sound good, but they just aren't load enough or the impact seems a little weak, you may want to look into a better headphone amp, they will likely play louder and sound a lot better!

Alright, thanks for the help!

 

[Holy Wars]

Open means that the headphones don't really touch your ears. They play in an enclosed cup that surrounds your ears. I have had many high-end headphones similar to these (much older) and they do tend to have a big relaxed sound. The one thing you have to consider is how you are driving them. I have heard these on a $3300 tube preamp and a computer and they simply don't sound the same. Without going crazy there are some very inexpensive ( $30 to 100 ) headphone amps. So if you get them and they seem to sound good, but they just aren't load enough or the impact seems a little weak, you may want to look into a better headphone amp, they will likely play louder and sound a lot better!

So one more thing, How loud will it be on the outside? since it is an Open headphone. I just dont want everyone to hear what im listening to in my room.

 

[andrew_berge]

How much sound leaks out depends on the set, really. I've heard people say you can't use open headphones in a library. I find that hard to believe. I personally have a set, and a person sitting right next to me can't hear at all.
I don't often crank up the volume, though, so it depends on how loud you like it, too.

 

[Holy Wars]

How much sound leaks out depends on the set, really. I've heard people say you can't use open headphones in a library. I find that hard to believe. I personally have a set, and a person sitting right next to me can't hear at all.
I don't often crank up the volume, though, so it depends on how loud you like it, too.

Ok, i was just worried it was just as loud as it was inside the headphones (if that made any sense) I wouldnt use these anywhere really, just in my room alone. So thank you.
Happy Holidays.