6 Best Open Back Headphones – Experience The Full Spectrum of Sound!

The HD 800S comes with a 56mm ring radiator dynamic transducer system which leverages the air displacement feature of its large diaphragm to give you an immersive experience during use. The cables (right and left) of 6.35mm and 4.4mm jack plug respectively, give you the flexibility of assuming different positions without wire entanglement.

On a physical note, the HD 800S is a plus over the HD 800 in that it comes with an additional cable with a balanced XLR4 connector to give a significant boost to the amplitude of the sound signal/wave. On the technical aspect, however, a higher frequency response band of 4-51000Hz serves you with a wider soundstage with balanced highs and lows. Moreover, the major gain of HD 800S over other models lies in the balanced treble and sound amplification, thus, the model is better suited for music producers and sound engineers.

Why is it special?

• In our opinion, there isn't much of an upgrade over other models of Sennheiser headphones, but the restoration of balance to the treble provides the immersive-listening experience that is typical of open-back headphones. That said, the highs on the HD 800S are rounder and easier to listen to, a consequence of its balanced bass sound.

What are the flaws?

• Verily, a flattened response frequency of 4Hz to 51kHz doesn't look a good fit for an upgraded model over the HD 800 which responds to a frequency of 6Hz to 51kHz, thus, a more flattened frequency band could make up for a major upgrade. Also, an increased frequency response range would have given the HD800S the edge in the Mid-sound comparison with the traditional HD 800 version.

The AKG K701 Ultra is top of its class and a delight for audiophiles who desire quality and cost-efficient stereo headphones. Its Varimotion ultra-precise 2-layer diaphragm and the custom-built flat-wire technology helps to deliver a unique and dramatic sound that places its users in the right location with optimal precision. The adjustable headband, bi-wiring, and 3D-form ear pads provide for a truly comfortable experience during use.

The K701 is a considerable upgrade over the Brand’s popular models: The K240 studio variants, following the introduction of the revolutionary flat-wire voice coil which gives the device a higher frequency-response bandwidth of 39800Hz for a clearer and crispier treble. Also, the technology gives the K701 a sound pressure of 105dB/mW as against the 104 dB/mW of the K240 variants, giving a generally loud sound when supplied with any given audio source.

What makes it special?

• As a "studio reference" headphone, designed for audio mixing and sound production in studios, we were impressed by the treble, which is a consequence of the moderate frequency-response bandwidth of the model. The driver unit of the K701 is also a considerable upgrade, given that the bigger driver units of the piece are more powerful and can produce better bass. Also, the K701 has a minimum frequency of 10Hz at which the lowest sound can be picked, giving a strong and sumptuous bass in the ear.

What cons did we find?

• However, we were able to pick out some deficiencies in the K701. The passive-noise-reduction quality of the piece is abysmal, giving off sound to the environment. In addition, the active-noise-cancellation feature is absent but can be improved by sealing the diaphragm tightly. Despite producing one of the best basses, A neodymium magnet would have been better off in giving a better bass than its custom-built ferrite magnet. Since low impedance guarantees better sound quality, the K701 would have been the ultimate deal if it had a reduced impedance (currently have 63ohms).

This is a solid, high-end headphone with an excellent audiophile sound. Structurally, the headphone was built to offer comfort and its wide padded headband and soft velour cushions are evidence in that regard. Though, not a wireless device, its two detachable cables of 3 meters(6.3mm jack) and 1.2mm(3.5mm jack) offer you the flexibility required to connect to devices distance away.

Compared to its predecessor; the Sennheiser HD 598CS, the Neodymium magnet, and a higher highest-frequency-response of 38500Hz look a significant upgrade, giving a stronger and clearer treble and bass; which are Stark contrast to the output of the ferrite magnet and the 28000Hz highest-frequency bandwidth of the HD 598CS. Ferrite magnets are heavy and not powerful enough to improve the bass in records hence, the introduction of the Neodymium magnet in the HD 598 SE, which lightweight nature makes the headphone light in weight. The high highest frequency of HD 599 SE makes it a better fit for musicians and sound engineers to practice their craft.

What makes it special?

• In our opinion, the technical changes are not as pronounced as the physical touches given to the HD 599 SE as the custom-built magnet of the headphones makes up for an effortless handling and transportation experience. Also, the 3.5mm male connector cable makes the headphone suitable for use with all Mp3 players and computer sound cards. Moreover, the appealing design is also complemented by an Over-the-ear foam that surrounds the pinna and stereo speakers that deliver sound from independent channels on both sides, creating a better and immersive listening experience.

What cons did we find?

• Nevertheless, the headphone would have been a perfect fit over its other model variants if enough work was done on their technical properties. A high lowest-frequency of 12Hz compared to the 10Hz in the HD598CE is no good for bass production. Also, the passive noise reduction feature is abysmal and should be improved if the device is to be used in a crowded space. Moreover, the voice coil system gives the headphone a relatively low sound pressure (106 dB/mW), thus, it cannot give loud sounds than the HD598CE (115 dB/mW) when both are connected to a weak audio source.

From the Outlook, the DT 990 pro looks cut out for professional use, and this impression rings true with the headphone as it comes with a three-dimensional sound capacity and an incredible tonal depth that are crucial in music mixing and delivering high-quality studio sounds. With the DT 990 pro, there is little room for discomfort as the soft velour ear cups on the adjustable steel headband ensure that long-term use strains you.

The DT 990 pro betters the DT 990 edition in having a more balanced treble and bass. A low impedance is critical in balancing the bass through the speakers and the 250ohms impedance in the DT 990 pro is a considerable upgrade over the premium DT 990 edition with an impedance of 600 ohms. Its unique tonal depth is unmatched by all DT variants and it owes this to the custom-built V-shaped sound profile which provides extra space and boom to mixes while vocals and lead instruments remain bright. Thus, the headphone suits musicians, music producers, and even DJs.

What are our favorite features?

• Accordingly, after a keen observation, we were impressed by the tonal depth of the device as it delivers a pleasurable listening experience in the mid-high tone. Needless to say that the aesthetic of the device is superb as its soft velour ear cushions don't strain the ear any bit. Though the driver unit is similar to other DT variants, the 250ohms impedance makes even the lowest sound increase in depth with incredible bass.

What could be better?

• However, the DT 990 pro would make a perfect choice for those who favor DT variants of headphones if more work had been done on the physical appeal. With a clamping force of 35 newtons, the headphone's grip on the head is sometimes not ideal for long-term use. Also, the addition of a mic would complement the tonal-depth feature as professionals like radio presenters would favor it over other products. Moreover, the appalling noise cancellation function of the headphone can be improved when the drivers are sealed in a tighter space. Otherwise, it can't be used in a noisy environment as the diaphragm would let in too many sounds from the surrounding.

Do headphones get cheaper with increasing sophistication and sound quality? The ATH – AD 700X looks like a blend of moderate cost and sophisticated technology as its CCAW voice coils ensure an excellent sound quality, delivering outstanding treble and mid-range sound. On top of this, the mini self-adjusting 3D wings and the flexible earpads cap an impressive display of aesthetics and comfort.

With a higher high-frequency of 30000Hz, the AD 700X is a 5000Hz upgrade over the AD 500X with 25,000Hz. The higher the highest frequency, the clearer, and juicier the treble. Thus, the AD700X gives a more sharp and high-pitched sound than the AD 500X. Also, the 38ohms impedance in the AD 700X is favorably okay compared to that of the AD500X (48ohms), given that the lower the impedance of a headphone, the easier it is to get higher volume since there would be very little electrical resistance in the headphone.

Why is it special?

• In addition to its CCAW voice coil, its Neodymium is another feature that we are pleased with as it makes the headphone light and powerful enough to leverage on the integrated voice coil in delivering more bass and clear high notes. To cap it all, the in-built stereo speakers can deliver sound from independent channels without interference, giving a better and immersive listening experience.

What are the flaws?

• Nevertheless - in our opinion - the overall design of the headphone is far from ideal because the absence of a passive noise reduction technology would lead to sound leakages which can be prevented by creating an acoustic seal around the device. Moreover, an in-built noise cancellation technology would make the device a good fit for professional or personal use in crowded spaces as you won't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.

The AKG pro audio K240 headphone spots a classic design that has set the benchmark for measuring standard and quality. It comes with a self-adjusting headband for maximum fit. Also, it is no surprise that the model is AKG’s most popular professional headphone as it houses a Varimotion XXL capsule for studio sound at home, a custom-built semi-open air design with highly accurate dynamic transducers for naturally open sound quality, and around-the-ear pads for hours of wearing comfort.

Crafted in China, the K240 looks like a major upgrade over the AKG K 92 in that it has a lower low-frequency of 15Hz and a higher high-frequency of 25000Hz, a 3000Hz difference from that of the K92. Accordingly, the low lowest frequency gives a clearer treble. As a studio headphone, a loud sound is essential to complement the bass and the K92 falls short of this standard because of its relatively low sound pressure of 104 dB/mW, making the headphone highly selective of audio sources.

What are our favorite features?

• In our opinion, however, the structural details of the K240 are its major plus as it comes with a detachable cable that can be switched should the need arise. The tangle-free cable also gives you the flexibility of working around your space while connected to an audio source. Also, the built-in stereo speakers can help deliver sounds from independent sources, creating a better listening experience. Additionally, the headphone offers the potential for maximum sound as its comfortable full-size form earcups help to increase sound isolation and lower sound leakage.

What could be better?

• On the flip side, however, the device lacks certain technical details to complement its structural appeal. Firstly, the lack of a passive noise reduction feature means that only the physical barrier provided by the earcups will stand against sound leakage. Also, the bass and clear high note could be better if a Neodymium magnet is favored over its ferrite magnet. Moreover, an active noise cancellation technology would have provided more sound isolation as you will not have to crank up the volume of your device to the fullest to overcome background noise.