Over ear, Wireless, Open-back Headphones?

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GreenOrbs

Gawd
Joined
Jun 7, 2017
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I'm wondering if anyone knows of a good pair of wireless (preferably bluetooth) open-back headphones. I'm looking for the following characteristics but am having trouble finding models that have all these features:

  • Open back headphones
  • Wireless preferably Bluetooth
  • Over ear/comfortable
  • Mic would be nice but not required
Desired sound qualities:
  • Good directional sound/expansive soundstage
  • Sparkly treble without recessed mids
  • Precise bass (don't like too much bass)
I tried Sennheiser HD 558's with an external mic but did not like the very thick wire dangling down. Additionally, the treble sounded a bit muffled in my opinion. Ended up returning the HD 558's. Suggestions would be appreciated.
 
I used Astros A50 for a little while - a couple weeks. I returned them because the Bluetooth - ugh - frustrating enough that I went wired :p

Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT. Wireless for the same cost of a 558. Closed Back.
 
HammerSandwich said:
Tyll's Wall of Fame includes 3 open Senn RS models.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I knew someone would have some idea of what to look for. The RS 220 looks exactly like kind of thing I'm looking for but is a bit out of my price range ($600). It's wireless, open back, and according to the website you linked it sounds like a HD 600. I've listened to a pair of HD600's before that a friend had and was pretty happy with the sound. The $70 HD 558's didn't match the kind of sound I prefer. I just blew most of my discretionary spending on a 1080 Ti...

Was wondering if the massdrop 6XX might be a good choice pair with some sort of battery powered bluetooth receiver I could clip to my belt. I already have a external mic I can clip on when needed (usually don't use voice comms but like to have the option).

EDIT: Alternatively might look at the RS 185's around $200. Would you recommend the 6XX with a portable bluetooth receiver (plan to plug in when listening to music but prefer wireless when gaming or walking about my apt) or the RS 185s?
 
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I know you're looking for open back, but I have some of the Sennheiser HD 4.40's on the way to me. I'm pretty much strictly a gamer, and I too wanted open-back Bluetooth but ended up going with the above because of pricing.

I'll let you know what I think of them sometime on Saturday after I've had them for a day.... as long as I don't forget.
 
Cheapest I think would be rigging up a portable Bluetooth receiver to the headphones of your choice. You could mod something on the headphone or as you said just clip it on your person somewhere.
 
I think I found a cheap solution that will work for me. I've decided to buy the Philips 9500S as reviews seem to state that it is a bright, open back headphone with great treble which sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. They are supposed to have pretty insane price/performance. Bass is a bit less emphasized but as I previously mentioned I'm not fond of too much bass. In any case, for $50 I can afford to just give it a spin and see how I like them. (https://www.head-fi.org/f/showcase/philips-shp9500.20549/reviews)

I've decided to pair it with a Creative E3 (portable DAC/AMP) that I can clip to my belt since that offers both wired and bluetooth connections for an additonal $70. Should give me better audio when plugged in wired vs the audio on the motherboard and can be switched to bluetooth if I want. For a total of $120 I'm willing to give this a try and upgrade later if need be.

Edit: The E3 also has a mic input that I can stick my modmic into so I have a wireless bluetooth headset for gaming that is open back. This gives me maximum flexibility going from wired usb to DAC/AMP for better sound quality to a wireless gaming headset for comfortable gaming. I can also use the portable DAC/AMP to improve my cellphone listening experience.
 
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E3 is a great choice. I have one and it's a solid little DAC/amp. For the features, can't be beat at that price.
 
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