# Reference open-back and closed-back headphones! **URL:** \ **Category:** General Headphone Discussion\ **Created:** [February 26, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496 "2020-02-26T17:20:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 8:53pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/21 "2020-02-27T20:53:12Z")
this will for sure change with time… Elegia for closed back Ananda for open back - just don’t own it yet my 6xx is to new for me and does not extend, is for my preferences still a bit warm(for reference) and the imaging/staging is not on the level of modern designs my DT 1990 Pro would be close to reference, if … would think of the “new” Sundara as a sub 500 reference these days - did not audition the upgraded design yet. Maybe still a bit bright? the HEDDphone could be close to a reference ---
**Author:** ![generic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/generic/32/61169_2.png) [@generic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/generic)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:12pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/22 "2020-02-27T21:12:33Z")
> [@MartinTransporter](#): > > my 6xx is to new for me and does not extend, is for my preferences still a bit warm(for reference) and the imaging/staging is not on the level of modern designs I was astounded by the improvement in clarity to my HD-600s after switching from single-ended to balanced amps and cables. I sometimes forget it’s not my Focal Elex… However, there’s nothing to be done about the warmth of 6XX. ---
**Author:** ![Wes\_S](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/wes_s/32/11378_2.png) [@Wes\_S](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Wes_S)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:13pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/23 "2020-02-27T21:13:15Z")
Man! All this talk of the Elegia is really peaking my interest! I am an “audiophile basshead”, but as I grow older and get further into this hobby, I am really starting to appreciate a well balanced sound. I think I see some Elegia, in my future, and my bank account thanks you guys! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![jukaforever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ba0ec/32.png) [@jukaforever](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jukaforever)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/24 "2020-02-27T21:18:13Z")
Focal clear for all dynamic driver headphones and higher-end headphones. I love it for the tonality and the bass has just enough punch to it. The HE-500 is the headphone I use for a baseline sound quality for lower priced headphones. The soundstage is not wide so I use it for closed headphones as well. I prefer the bass to be flat for closed or planar headphones and this headphone is just about right for my tastes. The mids are the same for both headphones and is the first thing I evaluate with new headphones. The treble is the last thing I evaluate and this where most headphones vary in quality the most and this is where I figure out their character. I don’t really have preference. I like the airiness of the Focals clears but I also loved the darkness of the Audioquest nighthawks. ---
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/25 "2020-02-27T21:18:48Z")
The Elegia takes EQ or analog Bass boost like a champ make it your own 😉 ---
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:21pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/26 "2020-02-27T21:21:02Z")
@generic I did not use the 6xx a second single ended yet. Maybe I get some quality time with it out of the RME at the weekend it’s not that I would not like it. I have to get used to it ---
**Author:** ![TylersEclectic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tylerseclectic/32/8751_2.png) [@TylersEclectic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/TylersEclectic)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 11:15pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/27 "2020-02-27T23:15:11Z")
I also think the Focal Clears are excellent as a reference open back headphone! If it wasn’t for my preference for my Aeolus I would still have my Clears ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 11:19pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/28 "2020-02-27T23:19:54Z")
> [@Andrew\_Davis](#): > > What’s your number one? Hi Andrew @Andrew_Davis My number one headphone right now is my Ananda’s. As I really enjoy the sound of them. Somewhat surprisingly is the synergy with the Bifrost 2, Mjolnir 2, and Ananda it is a very good pairing atleast to my ears. ---
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 11:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496/29 "2020-02-27T23:32:05Z")
This is a dream pairing in my imagination, not knowing the BF2 nor the Mjolnir 2 and your special tubes Like we both spoke about some very similar preferences before, Jeremy… simply wow 🤩 [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/reference-open-back-and-closed-back-headphones/5496.md?page=1)