Headphones--The Grado sound in a closed design?

"What is the benefit of open headphones?"

It is like having a larger room for your speakers. The mids are more open and the bass is more controlled (less lumpy), but closed headphones have come a long way and there are a growing number of closed heaphones that sound as good as open.

I want to try some of these Planer Magnetic Headphones, Maggies in a can....

Yes, I have noticed the planar headphones and would love to give them a try too.

But to me, one of the main benefits of headphones should be privacy.

For in ear, I have tried expensive Etymotics, expensive Shures, cheaper Shures and I have just ordered a pair of Sennheisers.

But they all sound claustrophic to me, with an annoying, "orchestra inside my head" lack of imaging, not to mention generally uncomfortable.

For other closed phones, apparently Sony makes a decent pair for not too much $$$.

As posted in another thread on closed headphones, I noticed the Phiaton MS 400s are well reviewed in the latest Stereophile survey.

Having just tried them, they do leak a bit of sound, but are detailed, revealing and efficient for use with a laptop or a portable device.

How much of a factor is size? Sennheiser HD280 Pro sound nice for closed cans. They are somewhat bulky, though, if you plan on using them in an active setting. For that purpose I suggest IEMs like Etymotic, etc. However, be aware that that kind of complete isolation can be annoying and in some cases dangerous.

Have custom wood covers made for your grados! I was drpping off a pair of headphones I sold to guy who was a real collector of phones and amps and I wanted to experience some of his cans to see what the best really were. He had a pair, I no longer recall the brand, but they may have been Grados that he had custom made wood covers for open backed headphones.

of all the phones he had, some in the $5K range, these were my favorites. I can't tell you more about his design for he closed caps, but they sounded awsome. If you really are interested in this, e-mail me and I can likely find his contact info. in old e-mails and get it for you.

Also, check out headfi, you will likely get the best advice there. Good luck