openback headphones how loud are they?

SkeeterUK · 8 Aug 2011 at 13:15

I live in a block of 4 flats on the bottom, and upstairs (old fart) occasionally annoys me saying i am loud (i am not).

Was wondering if i went with open back headphones, how loud would they really be, would the sound go through the ceiling and annoy him upstairs or would he not hear it at night?

Im thinking he wouldnt but i have no idea how loud open backs are as im pretty new to headphones and was gona head for closed backs but if open backs are nicer but leak sound i might get a pair if its worth it and he couldnt hear it upstairs or complain about noise if i wear em.

I realise i might be over estimating the loudness of headphones lol as im probably right thinking no way he could hear em through ceiling but like i said i know nowt about headphones or how loud they really can get with open backed ones.

saitrix · 8 Aug 2011 at 13:29

If it helps you I have open back headphones and my parents have never complained. Their room is right next to mine too. They are loud enough for someone else in the room to be able to tell what's playing through them. Go demo some and get the assistant to wear them so you can hear how much sound leaks out?

BinnsY · 8 Aug 2011 at 21:58

They wont leak anything like enouh sound to be heard through walls. Its only in libraries or sat next to someone on the bus etc they become an issue.

danza · 9 Aug 2011 at 07:49

I occasionally have complaints from my wife in the next room when using open-backed headphones (Sennheiser HD650s), and that's through 2 closed doors. Sirens/alarms/screeching guitars are the worst for it. I don't listen at stupid volumes either.

Since buying Denon D2000s, I've not had a single complaint (but they still leak a bit of sound when worn).

David_VI · 9 Aug 2011 at 11:05

Sorry to ask what may seem a stupid question but what are open back headphones? How are they different from other headphones?

Participant · 9 Aug 2011 at 11:26

If your neighbour can hear your open backed headphones through wallls, then your walls are made of paper. You'll be fine.

Shamrock · 9 Aug 2011 at 12:49

David_VI said:
Sorry to ask what may seem a stupid question but what are open back headphones? How are they different from other headphones?

The drivers in open backed headphones are not covered. This means they let external noise in (poor isolation) and allow people to hear whatever you are listening to since they act like mini speakers to those around you (high leakage).

Closed backed headphones have covered drivers which isolate better generally, but may still leak depending on the design.