Semi-open air Headphones

[ypeich 0]

Hi guys, this is my 1st post in e forum.

Local collector too, mainly headphones (not much of earbuds for me).

So pls guide me along in this new hobby & interest of mine i started in Dec 2010.

 

I understand e basic differences between Open & Closed cans,

but came across e AKG K 142 HD & K 242 HD,

which are "semi-open" cans.

What do they mean by "semi-open",

& do they combine e properties of both Open & Closed air,

where we can enjoy a better acoustic vocals due to semi-open-airy feel,

& also can enjoy abit of sharp punchy bass with semi-closed portion, holding in e lower-end Bass?

 

Does it also mean e K142 & K242's semi-open design is e answer for those

who wants open-cans on public transport, but w/o ppl ard to hear clearly wad we're listening?

 

cos i alr own a Senn HD 515 (open) & Pioneer HDJ 500 (closed)

to cover both spectrum of vocals/acoustic as well as heavy bass,

with some others like Bose A.E triport, HD 465, PX200II for in-betweens;

& now looking for something in e middle, so seriously considering e K 242 HD as my next purchase.

 

Thanks for advices in advance.

[kchew 0]

Semi open is halfway between open and close. While they do not isolate from external noise like closed headphones, they do not leak as much as open headphones. I own the K240 Studio which is the predecessor of the K242HD, and while there is a slightly open feel to them, they do not have much bass punch but have plenty of midbass. Another semi open headphone, the Beyer DT880, is pretty neutral depending on the model and amplification, so semi-open headphones do not really have a defining characteristic.

 

I use my K240 Studios in the office as I need to be able to hear my colleagues calling for me, but do not want to disturb them with my music. I wouldn't want to use them when taking public transport though, I'd rather use IEMs.

[ypeich 0]

Thanks for e clarification, pal.

I'm more clear regards to semi-open issue now.

 

Yep, i understand tt the bass is not as much as closed cans, cos they leak.

For me, i'm using FiiO E5 amp now, as a starter.

Outdoor/MRT use, i'm on SonyErissonW995 (source), to FiiO E5, to ATH-WM55/Bose A.E Triport currently.

For this setup, e WM55 has quick & punchy bass, maybe due to its low impedence, compared to my other cans.

 

So now i understand open/semi-open cans slightly take on e characteristics of its

source & amplification.

 

Think my next purchase is clear now

[metrablue 0]

hmm.. with regards to bass.. Semi-closed/open may not mean bass is not as much, Beyer DT990 and Senn HD650 has quite a bit of bass being semi-open and open cans; while audio technica has closed cans with less bass. Its more of the sound signature of each brand. =)

Edited January 28, 2011 by metrablue

[stevengamel 0]

The Sennheiser HD595 is great. Check them out. They are renowned for their comfortability but their sound is top-notch too.

[woodpecker 0]

if u want semi open, be prepared for sound leakage like open cans.

to say they dun leak is useless in a library for example.

everyone will be eyeballing u

 

i like the akg k271mkii ..closed can.

it sounded very wide like an open can actually.

i love this can.

 

the dt880 leaks sound ...quite neutral though. i sold tat too.