How to Buy Headphones That Won't Bother Your Wife

Tips for Choosing Headphones with a High "Wife Acceptance Factor"

Choose Closed-Back Headphones

Complaint: "I can hear everything you're listening to!"

Pro Tip: A closed-back headphone will keep sound bleed to a minimum.

When thinking about the "annoyance" factor of your headphones, you need to think about sound bleed, or the amount of sound that is audible to people in your vicinity. Nothing will annoy your partner faster than loud music escaping from your open-back headphones while they are trying to read, watch television, or sleep. Likewise, if you will be using your headphones for gaming, particularly at night, you want to ensure that others aren't being subjected to sounds coming from your headphones. If you intend to listen to your headphones while your partner or other family members are nearby, consider a pair of closed-back headphones.

"Closed back" and "open back" refer to the permeability of the ear cups. Open-back headphones allow air to pass through their ear cups from the rear of the driver. On an open-back headphone, the outside of the ear cup will have a pattern that looks like a shade, screen, or series of holes that offer a glimpse of the interior. Because of their open nature, this headphone design will leak sound. Closed-back headphones are completely sealed around the back, only allowing sound out where it can reach your ear. On a closed-back headphone, the ear cup will appear solid. Even if you like to listen at a high volume, closed-back headphones will do a good job of keeping sound leakage to a minimum. As a bonus for the listener, closed-back headphones offer better sound isolation, meaning they let in less ambient noise.

Each headphone type has its own advantages. Closed-back headphones generally offer a more intimate and immersive sound, with better bass, while open-back headphones will give you a wider soundstage and a more open and airy sound. You can read more in our guide on Closed Back vs. Open Back Headphones: Everything You Need to Know.

Now, there are exceptions. Meze open-back headphones (the Empyrean and the Elite) tend to bleed less sound than other open-back headphones. And the Grado GS1000e, while open back, is great for low-level listening, meaning you don't need to turn the volume up very high. Meanwhile, the thinner cups on the closed-back HiFiMan R10P and HiFiMan R10D closed-back headphones do allow some sound to leak. So choosing a closed-back headphone is a general guideline; you can always contact us for more information.

Closed-Back Headphones By Sound Signature

Consider IEMs over Full-Size Headphones

Complaint: "I'd like to look at your head, not your headphones."

Pro Tip: Consider IEMs for their low profile.

IEMs (in-ear monitors, or earphones) provide a range of sound signatures and features that make them a wonderful alternative to full-size headphones. IEMs are small, unobtrusive, and portable. The ear pieces sit in your ear canal, offering a snug fit and intimate presentation. Many IEMs are available as custom models, meaning they are specially crafted for your unique ears. To obtain a custom IEM, a licensed audiologist will make impressions of your ear canals. Originally designed as monitors for professional musicians and recording engineers, IEMs have gained appeal among discerning audiophiles, offering sound quality that rivals their full-size counterparts. Unlike basic, inexpensive ear buds, IEMs come in a range of driver types, including dynamic, balanced armature, and planar magnetic - giving you a range of sound options, from fun to musical to bassy to reference. And the great thing about IEMs is you can wear them lying down/in bed, which you can't always do with full-size headphones.

Pay Attention to Aesthetics

Complaint: "Those headphones don't suit you."

Solution: Consider the style and color of your headphones along with other factors.  

Audiophile headphones come in a range of colors and styles, ranging from more utilitarian and understated to glamorous and quirky. While you're likely not going to be choosing your headphones based on looks alone, it's something to consider, especially if your partner is going to be seeing you in your headphones regularly. As with fashion choices and hairstyles, we tend to make these choices at least in part with our significant other's tastes and preferences in mind. There are several things to consider when it comes to the look of your headphones, such as color, materials, accents, and ear cup size and shape. The truth is, headphones can be seen as an accessory just like sunglasses or sneakers. What looks good on one person may not be another person's cup of tea. Fortunately, there are many options when it comes to choosing the headphones that speak to your (and your partner's) aesthetic preferences.

Consider Portable Components or a One-Box Solution

Complaint: "Your amplifier (or other gear) takes up so much space!"

Solution: Check out portable gear or a one-box solution.

Assuming your headphones are easy to drive (meaning your phone can handle the power requirements), then technically this is all you need. However, as an audiophile, you probably don't want to listen to your high-end headphones using just your phone. You want to maximize sound by using a high-quality DAC/headphone amp or music player. That being said, your partner might not want to have to look at your audio gear all of the time (as absolutely stunning as it may be), or space may be at a premium in your living quarters. If that is the case, you may consider using a portable headphone amp, DAC, or DAP instead of full-size components. Fortunately, there are many high-performance portable options available. And even if you don't plan to use these items on the go, they will help maintain a lower profile in your living space.

Another great option is a one-box solution such as the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition. This petite music streaming system incorporates a DAC, music streamer, headphone amplifier, preamplifier. It's designed to be the ultimate solo listening source; you don't need a separate computer or streaming source. This will save your partner from having to stare at piles of audio gear, should you be inclined to have such a pile in the living room.