Open Or Closed Headphones?

CPP said:
Randy, using the 3 pin Bal XLR's really gave the 800s a boost, kinda opened up the bottom in a little..
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Yea, the Bryston only uses half of its amplifier on a SE cable and its full capability using a balanced cable! The HD800S are a very nice headphone. Of all that I have had I would rate them and the Focal Clear as pretty much tied for my third favorites. All of the four that I liked the most are great and I could live with any one of them :).
 
Better (bigger) sound space with open.

I use open in all of my personal spaces. (Focal Utopia in office, MrSpeakers Voce at home)

I have closed back, or IEMs in public spaces (Focal Elegia, Drop Panda, various IEMs)

I have tried many amps over the years. I agree with “balanced is better” if the amp is truly balanced out, not just a single ended amp hooked up to a 4 pin XLR. You can find WAY more than you want to know at head-fi.org.
 
Ah yes, I see :)

What type of flavour and characteristics are you looking for with your headphones?
 
Hey Randy Myers,

Both I guess :D

I've noticed them both now :blush:, I was just looking into setups to recommend more suitable close CANS from the original post.
 
Boy, I dunno...It still sounds like I'd be better served in my application by closed phones. I discussed it again with my wife and she doesn't want to be able to hear music leaking out of headphones. Not that she doesn't like music or anything like that. She wants to be able to use them too. She just doesn't want to hear background noise from open phones while she's reading or watching TV.

I'm thinking Focal Stellias. The reviews on them are glowing and highly complimentary. Anyone out there own these phones? Wha'da'ya think of 'em? Thinking of the SPL Phonitor X for an amp.
 
That is cool, and of course you have to get what works best for you. There is definitely some leaking from open backs; for me and my wife it is very minor.

You still have a choice of dynamic driver versus planar. Focal used dynamic as does Sennheiser. The 820 are closed back. I am just a little worried about that Sennheiser might be selling off their consumer division. Audeze and Dan Clark Audio (formerly Mr. Speakers) both offer closed versions of their outstanding headphones.

I have heard nothing but good things about SPL, however I have heard much better things about HeadAmp. If you are leaning towards Focal then Mike's suggestion of their amp might make good sense.
 
Randy, I was talking (emailing) with Mike about a week ago and he said Focal has discontinued the Arche. I'd be more interested in HeadAmp but I've read some negative stuff about customer service issues. But that was a few months ago and I can't remember what the problems were? Other than that, I've heard nothing but great things about their products.
 
My only issue with HeadAmp was the incorrect misleading information on their website and poor communications. I hear they are very good amplifiers and would have waited for the one if I had not came across the deal on the SimAudio! However I was also looking at the SPL Phonitor X and would certainly not have any issues trying one :). I have had a Bryston and they are top notch. I know Mike carries them as well as he also does with the Pass. He also carries SimAudio, although I am thinking that SimAudio and Pass may push your budget a bit.
 
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