The 5 best stereo headphones

At home, on a walk, in transport - music is with you everywhere. You can't imagine your life without your favorite tunes... But you can only get real pleasure with quality stereo headphones! Do you know what models are most often bought in 2018? Read our review! He will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of popular headphones and choose an option to your taste.

Marley Buffalo Soldier - comfortable and environmentally friendly

Marley's trademark advantage is the use of environmentally friendly materials. The headband, earcups and ear cushions are made of aluminum and natural textile for durability and wearing comfort.

There is a 3-button controller for switching tracks and adjusting volume. The presence of a built-in microphone allows you to wear the headphones with your smartphone and answer incoming calls without disconnecting the headset.

Advantages:

• Quality sound. The headphones transmit the finest nuances of any musical style.
• HD drivers with 40 mm diameter clearly reproduce high, low and medium frequencies.
• Moderate noise isolation. The device masks outside noises but lets you hear your companion.
• Comfort. Soft fabric headband does not cause discomfort even during prolonged wearing. Soft leather ear cushions do not irritate the ears.
• The fabric-braided cord prevents tangling and protects against static electricity.

Drawbacks:

• Flaws in the design of the cups. The headphones are positioned as closed, but the music, turned up to full power, can be heard by others.
• Short cord. The length of the cord is only 1.3 m, which is inconvenient for connecting to a computer.

Sony XB550AP Extra Bass - for lovers of bass

The famous Japanese company puts more than 400 kinds of stereo headphones. The model XB550AP is designed for music with a pronounced bass - electronic, ethnic, rap, rock.

The device is compatible with iPhones, smartphones, players and stationary equipment. It is controlled with an internal push-button remote. The built-in microphone makes it easy to switch to talk mode. Closed dome speakers provide clear, balanced sound.

Advantages:

• Quality cord. Flat shape prevents damage and tangling.
• Good noise isolation. Extraneous sounds are not audible, even when used on public transport.
• Beautiful packaging. The product can be presented as a gift without additional decorations. The branded box is equipped with a handle and finished with velvet fabric on the inside.
• Original high-tech design: the width of the headband is adjustable, soft cups fit snugly around the ears.

Disadvantages:

• Need for tuning. To achieve a balance of high and low frequencies, you have to adjust the headphones with EQ.
• Design flaws. The headband often slips off. The wire is weak in the plug area.
• The lack of a case in the package.

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Sony MDR-XB250/BQ - rugged and inexpensive

Sony is targeting the MDR-XB250 at a wide audience - both for avid music lovers and people who just want to entertain themselves on their way to work. Thanks to the L-connector cable, the headphones are compatible with mobile and stationary devices. 3 frequency ranges are clearly reproduced, with an emphasis on the bass.

The frequency balance is easily adjusted via the equalizer. The speakers are capable of outputting up to 1000 mW, which is optimal even for use in public places.

Advantages:

• Comfort in use. The headband is easy to fit your head, no pressure. The cord is equipped with folding fasteners.
• Durability of the cord. Flat shape and rubber insulation prevents tangling. The cord is thick enough, which eliminates quick wear and tear.
• Good noise isolation.

Disadvantages:

• Narrow treble range. Because of this, the headphones are not suitable for the works in the style of soul, heavy metal, punk rock.
  The short wire. The length of 1.2 m is inconvenient for use with a computer or laptop.
• A rigid headband.

Koss Porta Pro - decent sound and comfort

The products of the American company Koss is considered a classic of audio equipment. The Porta Pro version is a versatile headphone for use at home, outdoors, and during sports. The standard 3.5mm gold-plated plug fits players, computers, and cell phones.

Combined with the suspended design of the speakers, this gives you the opportunity to select the optimal sound. The device clearly reproduces the full range of sounds, but the bass frequencies are the most pronounced.

Advantages:

• Collapsible design. The headband is made of 2 aluminum arcs overlapping each other.
• Headphone cups are equipped with hinges for 180ᵒ swivels.
• Open type. The headphones fit tightly around the ear, but do not interfere with the hearing of interlocutors.
• The long bifurcated cord, folding headband and soft foam ear cushions allow you to wear the device for a long time without feeling tired.
• The original design. The device is made in a futuristic style, with spectacular decor.
• An adapter is included for professional devices.
• It comes with a soft leatherette case.

Disadvantages:

• Flaws in the design of the ear cushions. Foam elements can not be removed for cleaning or replacement.
• Lack of built-in microphone. This makes it difficult to use the headphones as a headset for smartphones.
• Weak fasteners in the folding part of the headband.

How to solder the headphone plug

Philips SHL3160BK - for fans of high frequencies

The main principle of the Dutch company Philips - the unity of functionality and design. The SHL3160BK, compatible with music players, tablets and smartphones, was developed in the same spirit. The 32-mm loudspeakers provide detailed reproduction in any range, with a distinctive high-pitched emphasis.

The closed-cup design reliably keeps out noise. The cushions are covered with breathable textile material, which prevents overheating of the earshells.

Advantages:

• Soft sound. No pressure on the eardrums, even at maximum volume.
• Ergonomics. The device does not cause fatigue, as it weighs only 138 g. The hinged cups help set a comfortable position on the ears. The headband is adjustable to the size of your head, so it won't slip off.
• 1.2m cable with L-shaped plug gives you freedom of movement.
• Foldable design. The headphones are comfortable to carry in your pocket or bag.

Disadvantages:

• Uncomfortable when used with a desktop PC. The cord is short for plugging into the system unit. The plug fits tightly into the computer connector.
• Lack of volume control and built-in microphone.

The choice of stereo headphones depends on many factors - the type of player, musical tastes of the future owner and even the place where the device will be used. The better your knowledge of music, the more carefully you should select the amplitude-frequency characteristics. The "open" models are more acceptable indoors, while for sports and walking it is important that the headphones are comfortable to wear.

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