Choosing headphones, you can come across many technical parameters that characterize the sound quality. Power, electrical impedance (impedance), dimensions, weight. Among them, a consumer property stands out - sound volume or, technically speaking, the sensitivity of headphones.
Technical specifications, general concepts
The main physical and technical parameters that influence sound quality and volume:
- Reproducible frequency range.
- Impedance (resistance).
- Power.
- Non-linear distortion (degree of distortion).
- Sensitivity of the headphones.
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Range
The human ear mainly perceives the frequency component in the range of 20~20000Hz. Some more, some less, depends on the anatomy of the auricle and the sensitivity of the hearing organs. As you get older, the ear gets nerfed, especially at the upper limit.
On the other hand, a full range of frequencies is important for people associated with music - composers, sound engineers, artists and audiophiles. These features are common to professional or high-end consumer products. The spectrum is 5~42000Hz, allowing you to reproduce sound with the highest possible clarity.
Resistance
Or impedance, is a measure of the nominal impedance at the input of headphones. The full parameter is made up of two components, resistive and reactive. The value is directly related to the resonant frequency.
The impedance of the headphone is related to the output parameters of the signal source. That is, portable equipment (smartphone, player, tablet) is limited in the value of the output voltage, but is loyal to the current level. Therefore, it is advisable to choose low impedance headphones.
Stationary equipment, with a more powerful signal, allows varying the value of the voltage. Hence, it is preferable to use high impedance headphones.
Power ratings
The generalized power rating of headphones is in the range of 1~5000mW. Inconsistency with the parameters of the electrical signal source - exceeding, can lead to failure of the reproducing device.
A few milliwatts is sufficient to produce quality sound from a smartphone or radio player. The use of higher values will lead to a rapid drain on the battery. In addition, the sound will become defective in frequencies, there will be significant distortion of the signal. Hence, the high sensitivity of the headphones compensates for the seemingly insufficient playback power.
Powerful designs can be safely used with stationary signal sources. Built-in amplifier will provide the necessary level. The sound will be clear and of high quality.
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Degree of distortion
The design of headphones can not provide one hundred percent sound quality. A deviation of less than 0.5% from the normative figures is considered high quality reproduction. A figure of 0.5~2.0% indicates average and mediocre sound.
Sensitivity
The characteristic reflects the loudness of the headphones. It is measured in decibels (dB). The upper threshold is in the range of 100~120dB. The strength of the sound is determined by the size of the magnetic core, the larger it is, the more sensitive the headphones are.
It is clear that with mini devices, the size of the core is small. Hence, earmolds, tablets, and vacuum headphones have a low sensitivity threshold. The sensation of loud sound is achieved by placing the membrane close to the eardrum. Overhead and full-size designs have a larger core and a more flexible eardrum. Accordingly, they have increased power and sensitivity.
The same signal applied to different types of headphones will not play back the same way. Louder at higher sensitivity, quieter at a lower threshold. In the accompanying documentation, the manufacturer, as a rule, reflects the values of the parameter. But, there is no unified standard. Therefore, the same devices, at first glance, sound with different loudness from different manufacturers.
Selecting headphones by sensitivity
Loudness is necessary for a fuller perception of the entire frequency range and the ability to hear the sound signal in places with increased external noise - subway, streetcar, busy thoroughfares, etc. In addition to the technical capabilities of headphones, you need to consider the source of the signal. The most common ones are:
- Phone (smartphone).
- Audio player.
- Personal computer.
- TV.
Headphones for a smartphone.
Gadget has a compact size. Accordingly, the size of the headphones and the technical capabilities of the device should be adapted to each other in terms of power. An additional clarification - a headset can be selected for a cell phone, to be able to talk on the phone line.
Therefore, the sensitivity is determined by the purpose of the headphones. Either for cell phone conversations, or a combination with listening to music. Speech quality can be the same, but the music signal will be limited. Hence, you should pay attention to the indicators given by the manufacturer in the accompanying documentation.
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Headphones for the player.
Usually, the player is offered in a set with headphones. But, with the excellent characteristics of the signal source, the playing device may not transmit the entire range of the sound signal, have poor sensitivity.
The optimal design, - earmolds (vacuum) with a power up to 40mW. For a powerful (in terms of power supply) player will be suitable overhead headphones with a score of 300mW or more. Good sound quality will provide sensitivity in the range of 100dB. Resistance in the range of 16~32 ohms, no more is required - the sound quality will remain the same.
Computer
For a personal device, headphones are chosen for participating in electronic games and listening to music. Type, - overhead or full-size (monitor). Frequency range at least 20~20000Hz. Sensitivity from 100dB and above. Power over 300mW. But, it is not recommended to turn on full sound. Otherwise, you can quickly damage your hearing.
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TV
The signal source is a stationary device, so the headphone power can be brought up to 600~800mW and higher. The impedance is no more than 64 ohms. The most convenient - overhead or full-size kinds. In addition to listening to movies, educational programs, are used to watch music broadcasts. Hence, the frequency range is 20~20000Hz and wider (for music centers), the sensitivity is not lower than 100dB.
To summarize
The most optimal sensitivity of headphones is around 100±1%. And is the best for devices paired with mobile signal sources - smartphones and players.
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