Closed-Back

Perhaps the most ubiquitous acoustical principle, one of the primary advantages of closed-back headphones is minimized sound leakage. Whether in an on-ear or over-ear design, the closed-back headphone prevents music from spilling into your surroundings and keeps ambient noise from penetrating the reproduction. The resulting effect is described as sound isolation and is defined by a reproduction that is minimally colored by ambient noise.

Because they are among the best suited for quality reproduction even in noisy environments, it is of little surprise that sealed headphones are among the most common. Closed-back headphones are particularly well suited for studio engineers and DJs who demand a focused sound despite loud surroundings and are also of great benefit for travelers and office use.

Of course, for all the benefits of being able to listen to high quality audio in raucous environments there are some trade-offs. Most notably, the acoustic character of sealed headphones can have a constricted quality with a compressed sound stage leading to less resonant high and mid frequencies. Nonetheless, the limited space of the chamber does have some advantages particularly for enthusiasts of lower frequencies and robust bass. For such individuals, closed-back headphones may provide the most satisfying experience.

Open-Back

Open-back headphones are the inverse of closed-back headphones. Unlike sealed headphones, open-back headphones allow sound to flow freely through the drivers allowing more sound to emanate from the headphones. The effect of this acoustical principle is to achieve a broadened sound stage with organic and realistic sound character. While bass frequencies are not particularly accentuated, they tend to be properly balanced with higher frequencies which are allowed to ring and develop over time and space because of the free flow of air through and around the transducers. To many listeners, the freedom and natural development of the sound waves offers the highest quality sound.

While the convincing realism of the open-back sound stage can be impressive, it practically relegates the open-back headphone to the private and silent rooms of a home. Not only might people nearby find the sound leakage of the open-back headphone distracting, open-back headphones also allow ambient noise into the transducer resulting in sound so tainted by noise that it is hardly enjoyable.

Semi-Open

Certainly one of the most polemic principles available, semi-open back headphones attempt to reconcile the opposing acoustical principles by blending certain qualities of each. The semi-open headphone offers some sound isolation without fully enclosing the chamber and allowing sound to develop organically. While this certainly creates a more dynamic sound character, semi-open headphones might still leak enough sound to be a nuisance to others and should be considered as open headphones with better isolation.

In other words, semi-open headphones are more than likely to be a better fit for private listening than something one might use in a quiet library or office.

Conclusion: Choosing Yours

Knowing the distinct characteristics of each acoustic principle, it is time to think about what your demands are from your headphones. When choosing, be sure to consider the environments you are most likely to be in while enjoying your headphones.

If you know that you will be in busy and loud environments, DJ-ing the next block party, or monitoring a live performance, no other type of headphone will better serve your purposes than a fully closed, enclosed ear design. On the other hand, if you wan to unwind after a long day at work to the immaculate sound of your headphones in the privacy and quiet of your favorite lazy chair, open-back headphones might be the perfect companions (as I know they are for me!).

Most importantly, the acoustic principle of a pair of headphones is meant to help you get the most out of your music. Be sure to consider the types of music you are most likely to listen to. For instance, if you prefer classical or acoustic performances with balanced and rich sound textures, perhaps a semi-open or open design will be your best fit; whereas if you are into electronic and bass heavy music, a closed principle may better reflect the robust bass frequencies you are seeking.

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If you are looking for an upgrade in the field of home, DJ, or studio Professional Headphones now is the time to act. For a special limited time only Sonic Electronix will be offering a 15% discount on all of our Professional Headphones. As the holiday season comes around the corner now is the perfect time to purchase those high quality headphones you have always wanted. With manufacturers like Audio Technica, Grado, Sennheiser, Kicker and many more you are sure to find exactly what you want and need.

Professional Home Headphones

The want for high-quality sound reproduction is what sets the true audio listener apart from your average every day listener. Headphones like the SR60i and SR80i from Grado offer a fuller sound reproduction that is almost never seen in your standard pair of headphones. Here you will get cleaner, crisper and more accurate highs, mids, and lows. Kicker’s HP541 headphones also provide that higher-quality that makes listening to music a whole new experience.

Professional DJ Headphones

With professional DJ style headphones not only is sound quality important but aside from that they must feature some sort of swivel of the ear-cups and extreme flexibility. Pioneer’s HDJ-500K, and HDJ-1000 offer unique folding housing and joint movement that allow for flexibility during performance which allow for easier use when mixing. The same goes for the Shure SRH750DJ and SRH550DJ headphones. These headphones excel in low and mid frequency reproduction which is essential to a good DJ. A DJ is only as good as his equipment, and these DJ style headphones will allow for true artistic presentation.

Professional Studio Headphones

Studio monitoring headphones are a complete different ballgame in the professional headphone category. These headphones will pick up a very wide range of frequencies which is needed for proper monitoring and mixing. Audio Technica’s ATH-M50, Sony’s MDR-V600, and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones all offer a very dynamic sound reproduction and are able to reproduce frequencies that are not always heard but play a significant role in the overall sound quality and production. Studio monitoring and mixing professional have a great sense of hearing but even they need a reliable pair of professional studio headphones to get the job done as accurate as possible.

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Grado iGi

The Grado iGi in-ear headphones use a proprietary bandwidth dynamic design that provides a very warm and precise sound that is unrivaled by any other ear-bud in its price range. The small medical-grade silicone earphone tips allow for a tight and comfortable fit that nestles within the ear canal. This tight fit produces superior noise isolation and improved bass reproduction. These Grado ear-buds offer a full-bodied range of vocals to really bring out the best in your music listening no matter what genre of music you are listening to. The Grado iGi also feature a raised Dot side indication so you will never have to confuse the right from the left and to make sure you are using your headphones properly and to their full potential.

AKG Q350-BLACK

AKG is known for manufacturing some of the best pro audio and personal audio listening devices. These AKG Q350-Black special edition Quincy Jones Signature Line in-ear headphones provide that quality that comes with the name AKG. The closed-back dynamic design reproduces deep and rich bass that is not found in your standard pair of headphones. The sound reproduction is clean, crisp with amazing highs, mids, and lows. These headphones really and truly do offer a full range of sound that gives a complete listening experience every single time with just about any genre of music. Their ultra light-weight design ear-buds offer extreme comfort for long listening sessions a long with high-quality noise-isolation for increase quality and performance. The in-line microphone provides complete music control while on your iPhone. AKG provides three different size silicone sleeves to get the most perfect fit that better suits your ear-canal. There really is not much to say about these in-ear headphones when someone like Quincy Jones puts his name on a brand like AKG the name really does speak for its self.

Monster Cable iBeats-BLACK

Last but not least are the infamous Monster Cable iBeats-Black by Dr. Dre in-ear headphones. These ear-buds offer the iconic Beats style and bass producing sound in a more compact design than its predecessor. The sealed in-ear construction and multiple design offer unsurpassed external noise blocking and improved bass and sound reproduction to truly enhance your listening experience. The single-billet machine-precision metal housing reduces vibrations to decrease interference and provide the best possible sound without interruption or cord brushing static. A hard chrome earphone finish provides rugged durability making them perfect for travel or when on the go. A built-in Control Talk Mic allows for hands-free calling and online chatting, and also offers track seeking capabilities without the need to touch your listening device. The iBeats are specially designed for iPad, iPhone, and iPod but will provide deep bass, enhanced highs, and clear mids on any listening device. With a company like Monster Cable and a name like Dr. Dre you know that you are getting some of the best stuff on the market.

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By David D. – Product Specialist

Grado is known to manufacture some of the finest sounding headphones you will ever hear, with the introduction of the SR80i, their reputation will not be diminished. When I had a chance to try the Grado SR80i Prestige Series Headphones, I was quickly intrigued by the lightweight, on-ear design with spongy, supple ear cushions and a soft, fully adjustable headband, which provided me with incredible comfort.   The thick copper cable is equipped with a 1/8” plug and gold-plated connectors, this is perfect for today’s music lovers because it provides a connection for iPod, portable music players, laptops or any other electronic devices that have a mini-jack audio output. A large, screw on 1/4” plug adapter is also included with the headphones for use with studio or DJ equipment, which make the SR80i a well rounded headphone that can be used in any type of musical environment.

As powerful and as impressive as these headphones are, they will not reach their fullest potential until you implement a Grado Headphone Amplifier to them. This is not a necessity by any means, but will enhance your listening sessions immensely. Grados SR80i Headphones sound magnificent with all genres of music, the highs are stunning and the bass isn’t over powering like some higher end headphones. An improved dynamic driver design with open air operation decreases distortion and provides more control over the upper and lower ranges of the frequency range to enhance sound clarity even more. Grado has also produced replaceable earpads for all of their headphones for an increased life-span. When I first listened to these headphones, I was unaware of the price, if somebody would’ve asked me how much I would pay for them, I probably would say around $200-$300, when I found out they were only $99, I purchased them on the spot and have not been disappointed. No matter what music you listen to, the Grado SR80i will not let you down.

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By Seth Wilde – Product Specialist

The Grado name is a familiar sound among true audiophiles.  For over 50 years, Grado has been the manufacturer and creator of superior audio components.  Today, they are known as one of the premier headphone manufacturers across the world.  Sonic Electronix is proud to carry the entire Grado headphones line and accessories.  As one of their authorized internet dealers, Sonic is able to offer the best warranty, the friendliest service, and knowledge about these headphones.

Manufactured in Brooklyn, New York, the Grado Labs are one of the few audio companies that still create their headphones in the United States.  The engineers at Grado firmly believe in making only the finest sounding headphones and will use whatever means to do so.  Inside the Grado Labs you will find sophisticated CNC production machines, as well as molding presses that date to over 45 years old.  No matter what machines are being used, the importance is always emphasized on sound quality.  This sound legacy can be found in each of their headphones, namely the Grado SR80i, the SR225i, as well as the Reference series RS2i.  As more of an entry level Grado piece, the SR80i offers excellent attention to each and every detail found inside your music.  It is ideal for those that take their music on the go with iPods, iPhones, and other portable music devices.  Moving up a notch in quality, you can discover the Grado SR225i.  These studio-grade headphones utilize high end UHPLC copper voice coil wire and vented diaphragm to replicate the fine accentuations of the music you listen to.  For those that are serious about their music, these prove to be an excellent pair of headphones.  But what about the extreme audiophile?  The individual that wants to head each and every acute detail in their music?  Grado has a released a pair of headphones that can do just this, and more.  The Reference series RS2i headphones are some of the finest, most natural sounding headphones available.  The superb playback is demanded by musicians, editors, sound producers, DJs, and anyone else that demands audiophile grade sound.  As mentioned before, Sonic Electronix is proud to carry a name like Grado and hope to share this professional audio with those seeking the finest headphones.

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