The question of choosing headphones for many music lovers remains difficult: what characteristics to pay attention to, what model is the best, at what price to focus. In this article, we will talk about the basic rules for finding the perfect model for your ears.
Contents:
General classification
The modern market offers a huge variety of headphone models of different shapes, configurations and specifications.
By shape:
- Droplets - earmolds;
- Vacuum with a rubber nozzle (earplugs);
- Monitor, covering the whole ear;
- Earbuds - pads with different attachments to the ear (staples, ear loops, etc.).
By the method of connection to the music playback device:
- Wired with a 2.5 working jack (iPhone, iPod or iPad);
- Wireless, connected to the playback device via Bluetooth channels, infrared port, radio wave connection.
Some models of headphones have their own base, which is inserted a flash drive with music or a connection to a computer, tablet via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Such a device is convenient for use in the home.
Headphones can be adapted for telephone conversations: they have a microphone and a call answer button. This is the best solution for winter communication on the street and for drivers of cars, when you can not use your hands to communicate.
True, in the latter case, wireless headsets in one ear are more often used, but they can also be used as a means to listen to your favorite music and Internet radio channels.
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Characteristics
Now for the numbers. On any package of headphones, you can find various designations of characteristics that are not always clear. How can we find our way around them?
Frequency range, Hz
The frequency range will tell you how surround sound will be. The quality of reproduction of acoustic tones depends on the diaphragm, which vibrates at different frequencies. It is believed that the higher it is, the better. But our ears can perceive only a certain range of vibrations, so it is optimal to choose the parameter 15 000...20 000 Hz.
In the characteristics of some brand models there are also other ranges, increased in a smaller or larger side - it is marketing and nothing more. Your ears simply will not hear these sounds, although the manufacturer, most likely, does not cheat and the device really corresponds to the parameter.
Power, mW
This parameter reflects the ability of the device to transmit sound from the source in full or insufficient volume. The ideal situation is the resonance of the power of the headphones and the player. That is, for the phone, player and computer, the listening device should be selected individually, taking into account the megawatts produced by the source and the receiving units of the headphones.
You can not allow the situation dissonance in favor of the source - the working mechanism in your favorite drops or earplugs will fly out after the first listening.
The power of the headphones is indicated on the packaging and is in the range of 1...5000 mW. A similar value should be listed in the specification of the playback technique (tablet, phone, etc.).
Sensitivity
Like your music louder? Choose headphones with a sensitivity of about 100dB, but no more than that - intense wavelengths and loud sounds damage your hearing rapidly, which leads to corresponding health problems.
Sensitivity determines the volume of playback. The lower it is, the clearer and safer the music is, the clearer it sounds.
What the sensitivity of a headphone affects and what is the best
Impedance
Simply put - the impedance of the whole device, the parameter includes the performance of the sound reproducing device itself, and the wires.
In order for the sound to reach the ear normally, you need to pick up the headphones, again, according to the characteristics of the source - its power must be sufficient. Recommended impedance:
- For phones, various players and computers, other mobile equipment is optimal to choose headphones 16-80 ohms;
- 200-300 ohms - these are devices to work with professional equipment, giving out a high output power.
If you choose the wrong impedance, you will not get a good sound: studio headphones with a phone, computer and player will sound quiet, and ordinary studio headphones will sound unclear, you will need an additional amplifier.
You should know: the more Ohms, the clearer and louder the sound at the corresponding source power.
Distortion
In the pursuit of headphones that transmit sound exactly as it was in the recording studio or at the chamber orchestra, many music lovers are ready to move mountains. But all they need to know is the amount of wave distortion - it should be listed in the specifications of the product.
The cleaner and more accurate the sound is, the lower the percentage of distortion. The ideal picture is 1-5%, more is cheaper, but it is also audibly different from the original.
For the case of.
Wireless earbuds or powerful monitor headphones to choose? Here is a brief overview of modern models.
Earbuds
In-ear headphones have a flattened speaker output surface. The compact membrane is usually not strong in the transmission of low frequencies. The devices are inserted into the ear, held in the shell by the elasticity of the skin. It is important to select the size of the device - very large ones will fall out of small ears and deliver pain.
Pros:
- Low price is the main argument in favor of earmuffs.
- Compactness - the headphones are almost invisible in your ears.
- Versatility - they are suitable for listening to music both at home and outdoors.
Disadvantages:
- Occasionally fall out of the ear.
- Often transmit not a wide range of sound.
- Low noise isolation. If you like to listen to music loudly, people around you will know what song is currently playing in your player.
Where to wear: oma, outside while walking. For jogging and sports are uncomfortable because of the frequent falling out.
Vacuum
Vacuum in-ear headphones get their name from the way they are fitted to the ear--the silicone ear-tip has an empty capsule that partially evacuates air when inserted into the ear and "sucks" into the shell. This also provides excellent soundproofing and full immersion into the music.
Pros:
- Autonomy of sound without discomfort to those around you.
- Secure fit in the ear for most people.
- Powerful bass that makes the sound three-dimensional.
- Average price category (depends on the manufacturer).
Disadvantages:
- Danger of hearing damage when listening loudly. Waves directly enter the ear canal without filtering and extinguishing the sound power naturally, so you should not overdo the volume. The number of music sessions should be limited in time.
- The need for care (earwax accumulates in the capsule, which must be removed).
Where to wear: ideal for listening to your favorite tracks in a noisy city. True, there is a danger behind it - loss of space sensitivity due to complete immersion in the sound. The earplugs will not fall out of your ear while playing sports.
Overhead
These are headphones that are placed on the ear and are held by fixing the spirits on the ear or on the back of the head. They are convenient for home use or for listening to music outside in the warm season - in winter it is inconvenient to wear them under a hat.
Pros:
- Enlarged diaphragm provides a wide range of sound.
- Do not injure the hearing organs.
- Average noise isolation.
- Comfortable sound.
Disadvantages:
- The cost of the pads is higher than the earmolds.
- In budget models the fixators are made of unstable plastic. If the earpiece breaks, you have to twist with the repair or change the accessory.
The 5 best overhead headphones
Where to wear: suitable for home and outdoor use with any portable equipment.
Monitor headphones
Full-featured headphones with large overlays are mainly used at home when listening to music from the computer, to communicate via Internet telephony and social networking channels, any self-respecting gamer has such devices.
Pros:
- The best technical characteristics thanks to a powerful internal device and a large membrane.
- Maximum sound isolation with soft contour pads. There are models with holes in the ear cushions.
- Good models have a built-in sound director that corrects basic sound characteristics for comfortable listening.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
The 5 best full-size monitor headphones
Where to wear: home and studio use.
With or without wires?
All types of headphones come in two versions:
- With a wired connection;
- With a wireless connection.
Wired headphones have a plug that plugs into your phone, player or tablet, or computer jack. The advantage of such - reliability and zero power consumption.
Wireless accessories have a big advantage over the classic - they do not bind your movements and do not tie you to your computer, tablet. They have a range, usually at least 10 meters.
Wireless headphones are connected to a central device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, rarely via an infrared port. To do this, their structure provides an electrical power source: it can be batteries or rechargeable batteries, which must be recharged. In a long trip headphones can run out of power. In addition, transmitting the signal takes a charge from the phone/tablet.
Choosing headphones with or without wires is purely a matter of preference and need.
Review of manufacturers
There is a huge selection of headphones of different designs and types from well-known and not-so-known manufacturers in stores in real and virtual showcases.
Beats
Monster Beats are headphones from the American brand created by the famous Dr. Dre, now owned by Asian HTC.
Original accessories from the manufacturer cost a lot:
- Drops will cost from 1,500 rubles;
- Solo 2 earbuds from 2014 - about 7,000 rubles, new ones - at least 10,000 rubles;
- Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless earplugs with fixation on the back of the head - 10700 rubles.
Original Beats equipment cannot cost cheap, in this case the quality fully corresponds to the price.
Xiaomi
Increasingly popular Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi offers relatively budget and at the same time high-quality gadgets, including headphones.
- The simplest headphones with a vacuum attachment Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Basic will cost about 400 rubles.
- More serious and "sounding" Xiaomi Hybrid Dual Drivers Earphones (Piston 4) cost 1300 rubles.
- Serious headphones Xiaomi Mi Headphones for studio work and computer surfing will cost about 5000 rubles.
Xiaomi is the perfect solution for those who want good sound quality at an affordable price.
Sony
Japanese Sony are focused on playback with a good bass, for this purpose they have a reliable and high-quality mechanism. The price of the products varies:
- channel Sony MDR-EX15LP - about 450 rubles;
- For audiophiles and gamers Sony MDR-ZX220BT - 2350 rubles;
- Studio headphones Sony WH-1000XM2 - 27 000 rubles.
Sennheiser
German quality equipment Sennheiser loved by modern audiophiles, the brand's products strive for leadership in the segment, despite the high prices:
- Sennheiser CX 300-II earplugs with high sensitivity 1280 rubles;
- Budget headphones closed type Sennheiser HD 180 - only 1000 rubles (!);
- Sennheiser HD 600 studio headphones with high impedance will cost 19,290 rubles.
Shure
The headphones of the Shure brand are created for extraordinary personalities. The unique design of the accessory impresses by its uniqueness and price:
- Vacuum Shure SE215 - 7 000 rubles;
- Studio Shure SRH 1540 - 40 000 rubles;
- Shure SE846 transparent channel headphones - 65,900 rubles.
Popular brands also include Koss, Audio Technika ATH, JBL and many others from around the world.
Original or copy
How to distinguish the original Beats headphones from the fakes
When choosing branded headphones, you do not want to overpay for a fake, which can occur even in large chain stores. What to pay attention to:
1. Price. Before you go to the store, visit the official website of the manufacturer - it is certain to have the prices of the products. The cost of the seller's products should not differ significantly from that indicated in the source. Especially to a lesser extent.
2. The quality of packaging. Fonts and seams should be smooth. Particular attention to the text - in the originals it is even, without grammatical and spelling errors, letters and numbers do not "jump".
3. Visual assessment of the appearance of the headphones: the wires do not stick out, there are no cracks in unexpected places.
4. Sound quality can often only be tested after purchase. Often the original and the fake can be heard even with a non-professional ear.
5. The seller, who has nothing to hide, will provide documents for the goods.
More profoundly, you can distinguish the fake from the original only in the laboratory of an independent examination.
"Nameless" headphones
If the pursuit of delirium - not your story, it is possible to get by with inexpensive headphones of unknown brands, these markets represent a lot. Basically these products are native to China. In this case, it is sufficient to get acquainted with the characteristics of the model, listed in the manual or on the website of online stores.
If you want to buy equipment in the online space be sure to familiarize yourself with the reviews - real customers leave an opinion about the product, on the basis of which you can decide about the honesty of the seller and the consumer quality of the goods.
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