Open vs Closed Back Headphones for GAMING - Which Is Best?

[@fohhee]

I think the best headphones is the one you use in the Guardians Of The Galaxy

[@danielp121]

lol

[@ilikeualot8667]

lol

[@zliksdesigns4179]

lol

[@ugestacoolie5998]

lol

[@NemesisOfficial]

lol

[@randomfrankp]

Team open-back 👊🏼

[@darknesschm]

randomfrankp did u recommend the M50x or not?

[@paul2609]

@@darknesschm M50X has absolutely no soundstage. It's mainly used to monitor radio, podcasts or imperfections in music, not sure why people use it for gaming or mixing.

[@jorgel2029]

@@paul2609 maybe because they like the bass, maybe...

[@sqlevolicious]

@@jorgel2029 That means absolutely nothing. Bass does have range and in order to experience that range you HAVE to have open-back. Closed-back is like tying someone to a chair and putting a ball gag in their mouth and then trying to have a sophisticated conversation with them. The M50X is designed for one specific use, it's literally stupid for a consumer to buy them.

[@Ghettochild.2600]

DT 1990 Pro + Sennheiser GSX 1000 + Magni 3 here.

[@StanAllDay]

Thank you for still making headphone videos! I truly appreciate.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

it does sound excellent, but ive heard better

[@Kamex]

Currently rocking the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro (80ohm version). Used to use the Audio Technica ATHM50x and even have a Grado SR80e pair for the times I need an open back experience like live streaming with commentary. I've only had the DT770s for a few days and I'm loving them so far, but I have to crank my interface up almost all the way to get it to around 85db for when I'm producing. Absolutely loving the sound though and I don't regret my purchase.

[@Impossible_Fishy]

How am I the first to reply

[@max_feels]

So you are able to get good sound without an amp? I'm looking at getting the dt770 pro and I have the komplete kontrol audio interface.

[@impartial6119]

@@max_feels depends on which one. 32ohms you don’t need a amp. 80 ohms your gonna need some power to get the most of it. 250 ohms You definitely need a amp if you want to hear

[@amasterdaone2316]

Is it good for gaming?

[@FrederickW]

@@impartial6119 great explanation, Couldn’t of said it better :)

[@jpmudkip1870]

Massdrop is such a better name than Drop

[@Syn741]

they "drop" the soap...

[@byte.me_original]

Word.

[@wisefries4205]

Multiple words.

[@9yearoldepicgamersoldier129]

Couldn't agree more. I have no idea why they changed it.

[@TheGodlike300]

@@9yearoldepicgamersoldier129 i feel like "mass drop" has that "mass production" feeling to it. Maybe just me though

[@drjones694]

Once you go open back it's hard to go back for gaming But if are playing next to someone.... Closed back is better for their sanity lol

[@ZRay507]

Yeah, I had to sell my open back audio-technica bcs it was too loud for my roommate

[@andrewilliams2139]

You can hear footsteps better in closed backed though.

[@kimkong86]

Andre Williams no you can not...

[@Someone-ci8wf]

@@kimkong86 I think that is also down to preference. As open headphones usually have a bigger soundstage footsteps can sound further away enabling you to judge the distance better. Headphones with a really close soundstage put the footsteps directly into your ear giving you the direction of footsteps but not necessarily the exact location.

[@andrewskaterrr]

@@kimkong86 yes you can and it's stupid simple science. The noise floor is lower with closed back. That gives a larger range of dynamics to hear the footsteps and judge distance. It also keeps out other random sounds or the noise floor itself from muddying/interfering with the footsteps. It's literally science. While the soundstage of openback is typically wider, I highly prefer closed back due to isolation allowing better clarity of the sound.

[@NemesisOfficial]

Can you do a top 5 mice video again? I think it's time for a refresh.

[@HardwareCanucks]

True. It's time. -D.

[@abdullah44925]

HardwareCanucks but can you collab with RJN? Because of ya know handsize etc

[@js-gc2hk]

@@HardwareCanucks yeah make sure to buy that new Final mouse on the 28th

[@thatdudeuhate6649]

I actually own both. Openback is fantastic for soundtracks, jazz, and movies. Closed back is good for when you're in a noisy room or don't want people to hear your music. Bass response is usually better in closed back too.

[@reyalPRON]

hear hear

[@spakentruth]

Oddly enough, I'd actually recommend open ear headphones for gaming. It's almost like an extension of your ear and because the acoustic signature can be a little more opened up so can the range. You can get a better sense of positioning and sound localization in some games like battlefield in a open ear setup over a closed back because it's easier to convey the ranges of targets within the game in relation to your player character. The biggest downside tho, they WILL irritate people in very close proxitmy to you because of sound leak. My setup: HiFi man he-400i, got them used and people with these types of headphones take good care of them usually

[@Xerathful]

Still have the same opinion? How comfy and durable are hifiman he-400is?

[@spakentruth]

@@Xerathful yes I would, they're showing their age and have taken several nasty knocks. It's still going.

[@CptnCobblestone]

I was honestly thinking this. I also want to hear myself when chatting with friends to make sure I’m not too loud. Sound bleed is fine because it’s just me in my own house/office room. I might have to give those a try. Thanks!

[@kaiseyvon4477]

I was searching this exact question, then I saw the notification that you guys uploaded! Awesome video

[@HoloScope]

Ikr me too

[@lostpopcorns]

I started out with closed backs and came to love the open back of my sennheiser. I really don't wanna go back from that

[@Manakuski]

Same! I got the Game One and Sound Blaster Z, just an awesome combination :)

[@hmzh94]

mind asking, what sennheiser are u using?

[@lostpopcorns]

@@hmzh94 I'm still using the PC360. never upgraded it because most Sennheiser headsets that came after are basically the same thing.

[@outerheaven1000]

I got the GSP 550 about 7 months back best headset I have currently bought

[@Rodz88]

Same!

[@TenMoogles]

I bought the PC37X thanks to your video back when "Massdrop" first released them! I had just built my first gaming rig to use them with. Over a year later and I am still LOVING these headphones. They are extremely comfortable, the sound quality is great and the mic they put on these suckers is fantastic. I feel like my voice sounds just as good (if not better) than a lot of streamers/KZbinrs with fancy external microphones and I'm not using any additional software/hardware, just my Realtek audio drivers and the headphones. The only "complaint" I have is that I do wish the bass had more oomph when listening to music. But, I did not buy these for music consumption and just use my speakers that have a woofer when I want to really jam out, so it's not a big deal for me. Plus, that's really due to personal preference - some people prefer the muted bass (and I think for some games it's actually "better"?).

[@eniojurko]

i was thinking of going 37x route, then dmitri reviewed 58x and i was sold on it. spectacular sound and bass, they sound so fun you just want to listen and listen to them..

[@CrimsonJelly]

At first I bought myself DT770's 250 ohm version for 2 years. Then recently I bought myself the HD 660s. It's a real joy to have open back headphones.

[@nordiga]

I had the HyperX Cloud at first, great headset for the price... Then i switched to open back for a change with Philips SHP9500 and a V-Moda Boom Pro for a mic. Insane combo, around 130 euros, seriously you never go back to closed.

[@mrfairycake4333]

Haha I had the same and did the same and as you and will never go back. It's a "game" changer ;)

[@kayshell66]

I go back and forth. I use my HyperX Cloud Flight for multiplayer shooters, and I use my Sennheiser Game One for open world games. It helps that I connect both headsets to my Sennheiser GSX 1000. It makes the Flight headset sound 1,000 times better.

[@kyleeaton2717]

Can't we just take the backs off the Cloud and melt a bunch of holes into them?

[@kyleeaton2717]

How do you connect the mic to the SHP9500 when the cable needs to go in the same spot?

[@ajharris1984]

@@kyleeaton2717 cable is removeable. Just buy a vmoda boom mic n plug it in

[@paskowitz]

I've been rocking the 598 SEs + mod mic 5 for years now. Saving up for a Senn reference headphone or planar magnetic with a proper dac/amp.

[@kyleeaton2717]

How do you connect the mic?

[@spakentruth]

598s are amaizing, I gave them to my mom though, but I upgraded to a pair of HIfi 400i magnetic planars, never going back lol

[@thingsido6067]

Just ordered the PC38X, couldn't endure the talk-with-fingers-in-your-ears. Thanks for the intel, fantastic quality vid!

[@NorthernLaw_]

This is impossible, trying to chose a headset is purely impossible, can't do it Edit: Tried more, still can't find a good one. Corsair needs to make a good, comfortable, wireless, good looking pair of headphones, or any company please. Steelseries I don't like, HyperX Cloud Orbit S I tried, so many

[@198719971997]

@Pantomath same... to many options, been searching for a week or so

[@Ayrantime]

Yeah i am thinking of going with the hyperx cloud 2

[@stewpadass9826]

@@Ayrantime I used the clouds for two years, loved them but one earcup is starting to crackle (it was my fault) I would definitely recommend them though. I’m personally thinking about switching to some open backs though.

[@anyau]

yes, too many options ahha

[@NorthernLaw_]

@Pantomath I've gone through 6 man can't decide just got HyperX Cloud Orbit S, it's uncomfortable. Don't get Corsair Virtuoso either

[@Nick-tc1xy]

You guys are the reason why I got my 58X Jubilee and I've never regretted it.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Such a good pair! Love mine everyday 🎧 -D.

[@BoostedBill96]

Also I have no idea how u guys run 70% audio, I have my games on like 5% and it's so mf loud lol

[@itsProRookie]

Same

[@BoostedBill96]

@degru5091 Damn that's nuts, I just have a set of Kracken V2s

[@kayshell66]

The quality of the drivers is what matters. Like when you go to a concert, the music is insanely loud and you can literally feel the music and vibrations without feeling like your head is going to explode because the speakers and sound system being used is exceptional. Good headphones work the same, where you can listen to things at a louder volume without the drivers getting screechy or tinny, so even though the volume itself is very loud, it doesn't hurt your ears because the sound quality is perfect. For example, I can listen to the same music/games louder out of my Sennheiser headset than I can out of my HyperX Cloud Flight headset, because the drivers in the Sennheiser are better.

[@coachqip]

FORREAL

[@Sinsanatis]

@@kayshell66 huh. thats pretty interesting. i noticed that now that i have a pair of sennheisers pc37x and a schiit dac/amp. especially since i kinda have sensitive hearing, but i can still crank up the vol and it doesnt really hurt

[@goldmannation]

Timeless video. 4 years later and you helped me with my decision. Thank you for your service.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Awesome to hear 🥰 what did you end up choosing for your next set of headphones? -D.

[@goldmannation]

@@HardwareCanucks PC38X. My current headset is the Corsair Virtuoso. I am excited to hear the difference, this will be my first pair of open back.

[@Amber_Square]

​@@goldmannationcan you share your impressions? Is there any option to use open back in a noisy environment? Think no(

[@goldmannation]

@@Amber_Square I like the open back because i hate when people come into the room and i am not able to hear them. while wearing closed back, i used to get jump scared all the time.

[@goldmannation]

@@Amber_Square I like the open back better because I can be more aware of my surroundings. My PC faces a wall and a door is behind me, when people come into the room I get jump scared (while wearing closed back)

[@TheGizmoGarage]

The best one is the one that you can hear your wife yelling at you for playing video games, and you must stop immediately to avoid potential war. For that reason and on a tight budget, I choose Koss Porta Pro with inline mic for gaming

[@HardwareCanucks]

You sir have our respect for rocking those on a daily basis.

[@Mark-xw5yt]

Ayee I use koss ksc75x

[@LiquidSion212]

This is why I'm looking at open backs my wife is always coming in and talking to me while gaming and honesty it would be nice to not stop remove my headphones to hear her plus Everytime I make her repeat herself she gets mad 😂 my only concern is that I have a blue yeti and I'm afraid the mic might pick up the noise bleed

[@SpaceRanger187]

She could always wait til your not playing

[@LiquidSion212]

@@SpaceRanger187 You're not married are you? 😂

[@BTaesthetics]

Bro you make the best tech videos!

[@HardwareCanucks]

Thanks 🙏 dude! -D.

[@Retro_Savior]

SHP9500 + Syba Sonic DAC/AMP, great for an entry level open back setup. That's what I use and for $95, it's amazing. But if you're using a condenser microphone, it's going to pick up the sound at higher volumes, so I would recommend to set up a Noise Gate for that.

[@bestbabyyoda9520]

I recently got myself the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones paired up with Focusrite Scarlett 2nd Gen audio interface and I use them daily for listening to music, watching movies and if I'm playing solo games, but whenever I need a microphone I use my Logitech G430.

[@falsecatalyst3936]

what a downgrade coming from the dt 770

[@cvdvds]

Been using the Sennheiser RS185 for almost 4 years now and I can't see myself ever going back. I always preferred open back, mostly alone in my room so sound leakage isn't an issue. I tried a few others in the meantime, closed back, earplugs, earpods, none of them came close to the comfort of my RS185's. Also gives me some peace of mind so I know whether the house is burning down around me or not, closed back makes me uncomfortable for that reason as well.

[@mouadbouzaid7174]

burning down hahahahahaha :)

[@TheMelodicNightmare]

I use the RS175s and they're way better than any "Gaming headset" I tried before settling on these. The only headset that had way better was the ROCCAT Kave XTD the surround was the only surround that didn't ruin the sound; all virtual 7.1 sounds to me like the sound just has a load of artificial reverb put on it and it's super noticable in Discord and general programmes. I still don't use the surround on the Sennheisers but the sound quality more than makes up for it.

[@luckyqualmi]

Still rocking two RS180 here. My wife uses her pair for ~3h a day, mine are used 12-16h a day. Awesome headphones, although the range is a bit short in massive buildings like they are common in Germany.

[@squishygel]

Btw for csgo, there is a command (voice_loopback) that lets you hear the mic input.

[@itspandito]

its also a windows feature to be able to hear mic input

[@Fischi29]

THANK YOU for that video. I was asking myself the same question because I want to buy new headphones

[@BlackAera]

I basically see it as buying a pair of shoes. Different styles and (sound-) colour for different scenarios. I have closed back and open over ears, open on ears and in ears with dynamic and balanced amature drivers.

[@michaelwerner5049]

My friend sits between 2 huge speakers on each side of him. Does that count as open back?

[@ZuckerbroTx3]

Why not go for 7.1 😂

[@SaadGolandaz]

Oh yeah, definitely

[@ZZNESSA77]

I have huge speakers, as well. Nothing beats that. I'm getting claustrophobic with my headset on. Using it only for a 3 hour ESO session with friends.

[@RennieAsh]

The speakers are most likely closed back but with really bad ear seal ;p Open back (Open Baffle) speakers can sound pretty nice. Most speakers don't use this due to efficiency especially on bass frequencies due to cancellation.

[@michaelwerner5049]

@@RennieAsh I think you missed the joke

[@syamorable]

It's kinda sad....but I need closed one for "culture game" since my little sister is just above me.

[@snowrhino675]

If your music is annoying others, just use lower volume.

[@numb950]

The first time I used my dt990's it scared the shit out of me because I thought someone was standing behind me and talking to me it's amazing

[@aleksandardabic1107]

i just switched the earcups on my cloud 2 headset and its like i have new headphones. from leather to the spongy stuff. i no longer need to use an equalizer so the high end wont hurt my ears, no heat building up anymore. the only drawback is the bass isnt as punchy as it used to be and i dont need a speaker anymore :D great video.

[@Ayrantime]

Is it a good headset

[@nickc259]

Biggest issue I have with my Jubliees is something you sort of touched on, hearing your surroundings. When I'm playing Siege and I need to hear every little detail, my own keys sometimes sound louder than the actual gameplay. Something to keep in mind if you aren't used to hearing your own keyboard when playing.

[@kraM1t]

Sennheiser Game One open back, best purchase I ever made, orgasmic

[@kayshell66]

Did you pair it with the Sennheiser GSX 1000? It's a literal EXPERIENCE when you do that instead of just using the onboard audio from your mobo

[@GP-qb9hi]

This is the single best advice you need to hear when shopping for headphones...

[@urabaka27]

I love my Philips SHP9500 open-ear, have served me well for years

[@Markelijk]

Man, your video production really is on point. Keep it up!

[@Deletistjerk]

Phillips SHP9500, for those looking for an entry-level open back headphones They’re very light, and comfortable for long gaming sessions

[@braendo]

you can't buy those anymore

[@tydon19]

@@braendo you can on aliexpress

[@cthomas025]

@@braendo I just got them on Newegg a few months ago and it was just a flash sale again last week.

[@SirCharles824]

sorry for the noob question but is there a way for me to add a mic to it? will be using it for COD mobile and PS4.

[@mikealstom0631]

@@SirCharles824 modmic

[@innoplaying]

I'll just leave this here 2:40 I also using a Samson SR850, and I have to say, other than the sound leaking out, even if you turn the volume up a bit high, it doesn't hurt your ear the same way if you're using close-back headphone

[@HardwareCanucks]

Agreed!

[@Condred]

How much sound leakage is there in a semi-open headphone like the SR850 compared with a fully open headphone?

[@innoplaying]

@@Condred i would say not too different, probably a slightly more quieter with a semi-open, but since having a semi-open back vs and fully open back is still an open back headset, I'm not too sure

[@krisjacobsen6747]

I personally use open back headphones for gaming and music. I use the HD 598SR combined with a Fiio E10K DAC with dolby atmos to change the sound profile for gaming or music. All these combined give a phenomenal experience when playing a game, but I would only recommend it if you have a quiet environment or if you're not worried about soundbleed. Other than those factors, these have given me the greatest immersion and experience while playing games. I also tried Alien Isolation and it was really immersive and a scary but fun experience.

[@typhon1861]

Gotta say, I love your B-roll more than any other youtuber's. MKBHD, LTT, Kyle or Jay, neither make the b-roll as AESTHETIC as you do. Just want you to know I appreciate it.

[@johnjoshuadelacruz1939]

Loving my Sennheiser PC37X best gaming headphone that I've used so far

[@BIGEUROtv]

I love mine. But seem to use my Philips SHP9500 + Boompro mic more ... I think they are more comfortable with my glasses. But man the PC37X sound excellent.

[@IkaraPopsicle]

Star lord from guardians of the galaxy personally reviews his collection of drivers to listen to his favorite mix

[@XxOptimusCRIME]

The Sennheiser Game One is absolutely amazing. Highly recommended.

[@rhaikh]

In 3 years mine has had 3 separate failures related to build quality issues: - Volume control knob is poorly wired causing audio drops - Mic plastic completely broke in half at the base - Cord is unraveling and permanently twisted Which is why I watched this video

[@Patchveek]

Just upgraded my audio setup to a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro’s, paired with the Schiit Magni and Modi amp and dac. Couldn’t imagine going back to older gamer sets, now I know what games are supposed to sound like. Thanks for being the inspiration to get serious about my sound, Dmitri! You that boi

[@mrhappyfaq32]

Have the 58X as well. Best purchase so far (Headphone/Headset)!

[@NightElveee]

I'm torn btwn 58x and Dt 770 80ohm

[@mrhappyfaq32]

@@NightElveee can't help you with that decision. All i can say is that i was blown away by these and had no idea what good audio really meant. I use them as a daily driver (Gaming) which is like stated in the video very comfortable and the sound is just amazing. I did not think that 200$(Tax) spent on headphones can give me such an eye opening experience. When i received them i was listening 12hrs straight to my playlist, and i'm usually a "5-10 songs and i'm good" guy. Maybe this can help you, let me know!

[@sqlevolicious]

@@NightElveee Depends on the source. Pushing high impedance and ohms? DT770. Pushing just above average ohms (like 50-80ohms)? 58x.

[@hectorcarias6476]

Is it just me, or this is the best intro ever?

[@DOOM8976]

I, for one, Love that Intimate feeling in a game and, for two, Have never in my life been In a living situation where there is not someone else In the room also doing things. I'm also an avid music listener (Where I'm in more situations with other people doing their own things) and cannot afford multiple pairs of headphones; so being closed is a requirement for me when I'm able to look for headphones.

[@Darkslide2AR-FE]

Here are my thoughts for open back vs closed back for gaming. I use both for situational uses if I'm going to be gaming with friends and talking on voice I go for the open back because as said in the video you can hear yourself as you speak plus I use them for music as well because you get a wider soundstage with open back headphones. I go to my Closed backs when I'm gaming alone and I just want get lost in the game without noise around me to bother me at all. Also I love my closed backs for watching videos, movies, anime etc. But these are my uses and I love having both and using them in specific situations rather than one over the other.

[@thetoster7]

Where is MH751/ MH752 review? I am still waiting... :/

[@TheMrBlanky]

lol just got mine today . Heard way too many good things about it on r/Gaming_Headsets

[@paul2609]

Just watch ZReviews

[@thetoster7]

i've already watched it but i want to compare it with all this headsets that he has, like gsp300, g pro x etc. @@paul2609

[@HardwareCanucks]

FRIDAY at 11AM EST. :) :) Already scheduled sir!

[@hubble-scope]

@@paul2609no. not Zeos. He overhypes everything. Stay away from him at almost all costs(unless you just like to hear someone talk about headphones, which is fine, i do that too) but i would not watch him for a legit review.

[@ZephyrDavid]

I use mainly a Kingston HyperX Cloud headset. But I have a Sony PS4 Wireless Pro headset too. I've never used open headphones, but after this video I became very curious to have one!

[@Peaches-yj8xk]

For gaming I recommend the audio technica ath ad700x or the philips shp9500. Both solid choices under 100 with great imaging

[@sqlevolicious]

Those are all open back headphones, fyi. Closed-back is a huge difference, like having toilet paper rolls stuck into your ears. The difference is that you are using low-quality audio drivers, which get the job done, but you may not be getting to experience lower impedance and higher ohms that whatever your source can put out (if it's a ps4 or other game console, 60ohms is max, so find a pair of headphones that have 60 or more ohms).

[@Peaches-yj8xk]

@@sqlevolicious yes I know there open back. Why would I recommend closed back headphones to someone who wants open headphones. The impedance for both are under 40 which are fairly easy to drive even for a ps4. And why would you get headphones with higher impedance that the ps4 cant handle?

[@prodj.mixapeofficial6431]

even 35$ semi open can's makes a big difference if you just wanna try it out cheap. and save money to buy expensive one's if your interested.

[@ifrgot1]

I would love to use open backs, but I just can't have the sound leakage :(

[@marzukhasan7984]

SAME! I was looking at the Beyerdynamic dt 770 pro because I have an external mic(The fifine 30 dollar one, amazing). I saw a video where the sound leakage under 50% wasn't that loud. Personally, I set my volume super low, so I might get open backs like the dt 990 pro!

[@ifrgot1]

@@marzukhasan7984 Hmm, I still think I would pick the 770 pros because they will leak almost no sound

[@KleskReaver]

Perfect timing on this video been trying to figure out which way to go for myself

[@KleskReaver]

Forgot to add I’ve used both in the past, but have been closed back for a while now looking to go back to open

[@uneven5622]

Open back > virtual 7.1 Change my mind :) I can definitely recommend the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pros for everyone with a "smaller budget" who wants to try open back headphones Edit: tbh almost everything is better than virtual surround sound ^^

[@nickrufe3746]

As someone who has gamed on both the DT990 Pro (Open Back), and also on the DT770's (Closed Back), I can definitely say that for gaming the open back headphones absolutely smash the closed back ones as far as spatial awareness and player location is. I run my headphones through a preamp to maximize the full usage of the 990's 250 ohm stage and ultimately find that the two are designed for entirely different uses. Recording should almost always be done with closed backs to understand volumes better, and mixing should be done with open back to identify and separate sounds.

[@pablogonzalezhermosilla4210]

If you live in a industrialized area like me, open back doesn't do you any favours.

[@mm-rw3hi]

And here i am with multiple driver iem's having both the soundstage and the closed back

[@paul2609]

I'd say Audio Technica's Art series closed back are better than more open backs in terms of of spatial awareness. My ATH-A500Z has more soundstage than my open back SHP9500S. I upgraded to the ATH-A1000Z and there is even more soundstage.

[@paul2609]

@@pablogonzalezhermosilla4210 If you increase the volume you will honestly drown out the noise around you. I live next to a busy highway and don't notice the noise the moment I play music or a game at normal listening volume.

[@JasonStorey]

I use a HD6XX as a daily driver but switch over to the 598s with a ModMic 5 for gaming because of the insanely open sound stage.

[@iliba]

Take everything with a grain of salt. Everything audio related is personal preference.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

There are audio statics in equipment that are not "preferential" like THD and SNR values. Though I guess how much you care about them is a preference (though you could apply that to anything at that point).

[@LRRPEXILE]

Correct it’s subjective.

[@SpaceRanger187]

But does what you hear or how well you hear something change from wearing open

[@djsubliminalreeve]

yeah you could pick the top 5 best gaming headsets and depending on your ear shape each one will sound drastically different to some people.

[@NorthernLaw_]

I need a pair of headphones

[@BigMikeGuitar]

Great information and description of the audio characteristics of open back headphones - I have never heard about those natural surround sound and wider sound field qualities identified and explained before - very useful information for making a purchase!

[@gabut1839]

Epic gamer use speaker

[@romano5785]

1 speaker in mono, not 2.0 now that's hardcore

[@Djuntas]

Thats what I do, I dont like headphones. Just buy a yeti mic too

[@jackamtg]

@@Djuntas don't buy a USB mic

[@Djuntas]

@@jackamtg Its realiable, good and no fuss. If I just renembered to use my mic properly (distance) and bought a pop filter it sounds great.

[@MIbra96]

At first I thought when the heck did I comment under this video?

[@robertstrobel7338]

If you like those Fostex headphones now, you will love them with the Lawton dampening mod, for like $30 it's a game changer. And the ZMF suede pads is a nice addition for comfort.

[@ShawnPhillips2007]

I just got the HD 6XX recently and I absolutely love them.

[@pumpe19]

Always nice to see or hear the HD800 mentioned in a gaming context. This and the modmic wireless,...literally spoilt for live!

[@steelrarebit7387]

I chose closed back and I prefer my headset to give a nice treble when watching pron. GSP 302 for the moment.

[@michaelatkinson8542]

This video was right amount of information for me to pick out a new headset, thank you for the help!

[@hunterthompson5596]

My preference is open back, in my everyday use music, movies, and games is seems almost superior to closed back. I have full awareness of whats around me with that almost surround sound feel you get from speakers. If they are a little loud for people around me I can normally just turn em down and everything is fine. I personally have not experienced a problem with audio leaking into the mic when in games, and enjoy being able to hear my voice, simply for not hearing a muffled version of my self when playing a game with others.

[@dreadlock17]

The only channel which ad I watch completely

[@Arbiter099]

Personally, I use a (closed) Beyerdynamics DT770 Pro 250 ohm as my daily drivers at home and I love them.

[@Arbiter099]

Just a regular old Schiit stack

[@433honda334]

Once you go open back, you don't go back unless forced to. The gym even, later in the evening (around 12:00-1:00am) I will pull up with my HiFiMan HE400i's and workout. Not enough people there to bother with my noise, and the music is low enough that I can get lost in my own music. It will drain your phone battery pushing higher Ohm headphones, but I can usually go 2-3 hours at the gym no problem. My daily drivers are HiFiMan HE560v2 and its probably the best headphone I have ever purchased.

[@termi_925]

Having the open style headphones doesn't the mic pic up everything ur hearing then?

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

At times, for sensitive mics

[@AmandaWoolsey]

I would’ve loved to see the Massdrop Focal Elex compared into the lower end cans from Drop

[@exarkunn69]

Even easier to explain: open for fun big open world storytelling. Closed: footsteps footsteps footsteps FPS

[@lurk7757]

Closed would be more fun with more bass

[@exarkunn69]

Open back can get lower in some cases than closed back. Good example are the Philips Fidelio X2, they are ultra wide but heavy hitting bass.

[@zyntax81]

@@exarkunn69 huge soundstage, zero imaging and bassy mess of low end. Horrible for gaming .

[@gandacious21]

FPS = Foot stePS?

[@Thatguy301]

It's so refreshing to see someone give a complete opinion based on their experience and preferences rather than falling back on "Well, it really just depends..."

[@LazyGibbon]

Personally I've always used closed back headphones so when I tried open back (Sennheiser HD 598) I was kind of disappointed to be honest, I was missing depth, not in range but in warmth and the feeling that sound just consumes you if that makes sense. Maybe I just have to get used to it but I didn't like it at all. Steelseries Arctis Pro and Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 over-ear is what I normally use. Also, while heat may be an issue for some people it never has been for me but that might just differ a lot from person to person. And if you say in your video that closed back is great for games where you rely on audio queues which is one of the main selling points I'd say, don't skip over it in the conclusion. I know I'm biased, but so are you so let's make it fair for everyone :)

[@chintimin]

If you want to try something new and thrummy, go to a Fostex TH-X00. They're. epic. Also fun for bass shenans: Beyerdynamic DT770 80 ohm

[@Remmy0930]

Completely agree. I personally LOVE noise cancelling.

[@The_Real_Frisbee]

@@Remmy0930 Yeah I live near train tracks, so having noise cancelling is a must for me.

[@Magnulus76]

Most open-back headphones I have tried have been tilted towards treble somewhat, so the observation of lack of warmth is correct. Most have an analytical type sound signature and some can even be harsh (KCS75 or Grado for instance).

[@stoobe]

Wow, impressively detailed video! Thank you!

[@stefpats]

Plz do a review on Beyerdynamic MMX300 gen2.

[@klotzey]

there is nothing to review. it's the best gaming headset out there.

[@Katjaneway]

Sennheiser just sold it's headphone division and after watching the WAN show about it, I had to pick up a version of Luke's Senheisser HD599s for my first open back headphone before I couldn't find anymore of their products!

[@hehexd69420]

Yeah Dimitri, but I can’t afford the HD800s and the Fostexs... 😐

[@darwintruong4161]

SHP9500

[@hehexd69420]

츠론그다윈 You must be a fellow Zreview follower 😎

[@paul2609]

ATH-AD700X

[@HardwareCanucks]

@@darwintruong4161 If only they still made these. :( The S model seems to be a replacement but not the same.

[@PrisOwner16]

@@HardwareCanucks They are still available on AliExpress.

[@luisnavarrete1602]

I have a pair of Fostex as well and the only thing with that headset is I can't tell where i'm being shot from in some games. I end up playing with my 6XX for most games, it's amazing. Also one thing you didn't mention is having an amp with some of those headphones is a must.

[@ScrattleGG]

Philips Fidelio x2 hr every single day of the week. Though I used m50 when living at home.

[@FeelLikeGastly]

that’s what i use. been using for 6 years

[@adamjensen5015]

The Sennheiser HD58X/600/650/6XX have some of the narrowest soundstages for open back headphones. The HD800 you used to use are extremely wide.

[@boomboomjr92]

Thank you for this video I have wondered why I could not get a better surround feel. This video answered all my questions before making a purchase. Cannot wait to try open back headsets.

[@heisenbergvk]

Wait since when does Chris Pratt have a youtube channel?

[@AsthmaQueen]

Something I've debated for awhile myself having a Sennheiser Game Zero for awhile, its openness was increased a bit later when the pleather pads wore out and I got fabric ones to replace them. But I've honestly wondered if I'd love alot of that fine sounding definitions etc, if I switched to like a 6xx or similar. The Game Zero was revolutionary for me over my G920's at the time, the level of detail that you could tell exactly where an enemy was when they fired or moved was incredible.

[@ShawnStrickland]

After having my Astro A40's for a few years now I could never go back to closed back.

[@tuckerhaven4357]

I have a40s am with a mix amp pro.... the only reason I don’t use my a40s is there getting heavy... Then I reluctantly switch to my razer krakens

[@anishbhadani6512]

Great video! Really helped me out :)

[@naifpc6557]

all what u need is RGB

[@misterio10gre]

to this day I still cringe when I see RGB on a headset/monitor... and this is coming from the guy that bought the lian li Razer case lol

[@armerschluca2576]

@@misterio10gre There is nothing more useless than a RGB Headset man...i feel with you

[@roboactive]

@@misterio10gre Yeah who the fuck wants an rgb monitor, black and white ftw.

[@Mark-xw5yt]

@@roboactive lmfao

[@Hextin]

@@misterio10gre shut the fuck up

[@chris9874]

I just got the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro as my first open-back headphone. I love them for mixing and gaming!

[@Freddepadd]

What amp/daq/audio interface do you have? If you dont mind me asking

[@chris9874]

@@Freddepadd I actually don't use any interface. I will buy one in the future when I can afford to upgrade/expand my setup. For now, I get a great experience without an interface.

[@azriel84]

Audeze Mobius and Hifiman Sundara. Always planar, best of both worlds.

[@neillabendia]

Deym! You're killing it in terms of quality content.

[@wannabetechnician7451]

whether open or closed, pick decent headphones + a seperate mic, just don't waste your money on gaming-labeled headsets

[@paul2609]

You can buy $2 clip-on mics on Ebay that sound just as good or better than headsets' mics.

[@ii9368]

Clip on mics don’t sound that great

[@مهرجانالمدينةالدوليللتمور]

As someone who is currently prohibited by the ENT to wear any kind of headphones and probably going for surgical treatment I strongly advise all of you to use Open Back headphones, I used to play COD for around 4 hours a day wearing highly expensive famous closed back headphone, and off course high base volume to hear the enemy footsteps, now I suffer from high air pressure on both ears due to constant lack of air in the middle ear damaging the canal (something like that), the main and only cause was explained by the doctor is the headphone blocking the air, adding to that the bad habit of high volume. Be safe, and if you already using a closed back headphone make sure to take breaks, let your ear breathe.

[@DaBomb5309]

the fostex arent fully closed. they are semi open headphones, which i think would be fair to attribute to that large soundstage u mentioned

[@klotzey]

Well and there you have the weak point of that video. A mesh on the outside doesn't mean headphones are open back. On the other hand a Headphone that looks close doesn't has to be closed back. (as the fostex) The statement that open/semi open back headphones don't have encapsuled driver is correct tho.

[@DaBomb5309]

@@klotzey yah. i mean he did his best in making the video tho as most of what he was saying is true from experience. just some minor details here and there. also on point B-roll lmao but yah i wouldnt consider dimitry an "audiophile" by any means, and he even said the same about himself in the past. he's just an appreciator of the hd 800 he has lmao. so to that end i understand why some minor details were either wrong/misguided

[@klotzey]

@@DaBomb5309 sure man, i'm with you on that one :) it's just a bit... unlucky if you buy a headphone because you see mesh and think it's open back and you do get a narrow soundstage. if you know what i mean ^^

[@DaBomb5309]

@@klotzey yah i blame corsair for that. their gaming headsets are closed despite that mesh look

[@allenamores292]

Thank you! This really helped me decide what type of headphones to buy

[@sonickiller360]

I've found that my ears aren't in pain when I use open back.

[@djsammyb1023]

My go-to headset was SHP9500 & V-Moda boompro. The mic would pick up everything played on the headphones. Now I'm stuck using an SM48 on this mic arm thingy and I hate it, but at least my teammates aren't hearing feedback 24/7.

[@Ossion8]

With my GoXLR, no feedback issues here while using a good level of noise gate. The SHP9500 + V-Moda boompro is a great combo.

[@IcyPwnage94]

I had a 1st gen Hyper X Cloud. Got a Cloud Alpha when I handed those down to my wife. Both are awesome headphones.

[@letthatbe]

I am wondering if there is any problem with open back headphones and mic since openbacks leak sound and microphone easily catch it. Mic is very important to me as well as soundstage

[@egekaya007]

Sorun olmadığı söyleniyor. Ancak gece odamda açık kulaklıklar odamın dışına kadar sesi çıkartır mı bilmiyorum. Şu an Philips kulaklık amazonda indirimde alsam mı diye düşünüyorum. vmoda mikrofon ise aliexpress de kargo dahil 10 dolara bulunuyor.

[@Astat1940]

I´m listening on music on a DT990 Pro 250 Ohm, also great to game on with a dedicated soundcard

[@arafatmalik6047]

Bro same, I use the dt990 premium 250's with the strip soar 7.1 sound card, works wonders both listening to music and gaming

[@sqlevolicious]

Those are some good kit, I have the dt1990pro and always wanted to compare on how much bang-for-the-buck those dt990pros are.

[@fairysardhana8795]

Is shipping from the massdrop website only for US or do they ship to EU too? Because the PC37X is only available from that site

[@edwinmunoz123]

Cant you make any closed headphone into an open headphone by cutting off the back?

[@Pringa]

i think astro a40 offers open and closed back, just remove the back plate

[@fzt1411]

You could but they would probably sound awful, most the time drivers been tuned specifically being enclosed.

[@YouLikeBosch]

I went with open backs the last 6 years and I'm in market for another pair of headphones. I wanted to go closed back but I think you convinced me to stay on the open back path. Now to find something that'll fit my big, dumb head.

[@marcelosyd]

Open vs Closed is really a choice based on the ambient u play. If quiet go open, If noisy Go Closed. Thats it

[@793Force]

Wrong.

[@marcelosyd]

@@793Force enlight me....

[@paul2609]

Not really, if you live alone but in a noisy environment, you can still benefit from open back because even at moderate volume it would cancel out the outside distraction anyway. I live next to a highway for instance.

[@marcelosyd]

@@793Force the benefits of open over closed are too good to not use open. But noisy ambients do require noise isolation