Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them)

Some of my favorite headphones in the hobby are closed back, but you and I won't hear them the same. Here's why!
🎙If you want to join the discussion checkout our discord community:

[DMSTV]

Many of my favorite headphones are closed back. E3 is one of the best headphones ever made imo.
But the big point of this video is our experiences will vary a lot more than with open backs.
Happy listening!

[griper]

When measurement worshippers scientifically found out that the "it sound better for me" people were right 💀💀💀

[celstark]

For those “I still love my” or “Is this a good” comments, the issue he’s pointing out is that with closed backs it can have a fantastic FR on your head and a crappy one on another head because of that acoustic impedance.

The trouble w closed is that they vary so much more person to person.

[blainelacross]

A very mild correction around 4:20: active feedback control for headphones actually does lower acoustic impedance, just like it can lower amplifier output impedance. As you say, audiophiles sadly won't accept active headphones, so this isn't pertinent to the video as a whole.

[MrSmitheroons]

Banger video.

On a related note, I hope the folks on the Discord are making progress on finding some way to share info about FR variation for different heads and such. Since it's turning out to matter so much for what you can and can't predict, in terms of how someone's experience will match the next person's. There's preference, and then there's "literally different sound reaching your ears" before preference even has a chance to play into it. If that's going on (definitely is), I hope the discourse can start to include it more.

[WildReefer]

I guess the actual take-away here is "Try before you buy", trust your own judgement - and be more tolerant of others who love headphones that you may swear sound like crap on your ears.

[bobsykes]

I owe you a big thank you for your review of the E3! I bought one, and it is the most enjoyable headphone I’ve ever listened to, yet it’s extremely detailed and transparent like the highest end open-backs I’ve ever owned or heard.

[subbybass]

Good point. Considering variables like hairstyle and the thickness of glasses arms affecting the front volume seal, it’s an even bigger issue than I initially thought. I'm surprised you don't have problems with bass while wearing those glasses.

[michaeljbus]

This video was oddly well-timed for me: after catching up on old headphones show and new Noise Floor live streams, I was wondering about the significance of acoustic impedance, since it keeps getting talked about. Thanks for the explainer, much easier to follow than the papers I was trying to make sense of.

[Sper]

For me closed back have their own unique sound to it and and imo having a good closed back in a collection is a good difference experience to have on hand.
That's why I have my MDR Z1R around to be a contrast to my ADX5000& Clear.

[EzzClan]

My favorite ones are closed, mainly because I play video games, and have for my whole life... So the headsets I've used have always been closed. Never gotten to experience open ones, but I would love to.
The two headphones on my list to buy are Audeze Maxwell and HD600. After watching your video on Headphones Show for finding the best headphone for me, I have added HD490 Pro to the list to get as well lmao.

[GrainOnTheGo]

I love open back stuff but the DT770 80Ohm does hit a little different every once in a while and when I'm travelling I plug it into my Qudelix and get a wonderful travel setup.

[kawag]

Going from glasses to contacts probably helped me appreciate my current closed-back pair more.

[theodorezurla]

I know they’re getting old, but how do you think the Aeon 2 Noir is holding up in today’s closed back market under 1k?

[Morden]

For me.. they suck because my ears get hot and they're all uncomfortable

[GoufinAround_]

If I want a closed in sound, I prefer the intimacy of iems more than closed back headphones. They're just more comfortable because iems, and open back headphones, make my head get less hot than a closed back headphone.

[Ahtisham]

Bro I love you lighting setup and whole background looks so aesthetics

[IrenESorius]

Beyerdynamic DT-250 Pro / 250 Ohm.
A by reviewers heavily slept on headphone, yet very very good sounding and comfy closedback. 🌟

[idrisie]

also happen on iem. especially when people just trashing on some good iem just because they dont want to find perfect fit eartips

[maxhoop]

Fiio FT1 just dropped! Can't wait for your review!