In parallel with the growing popularity of portable devices for listening to music, the demand for devices that transmit sound is also growing. Today their market is so wide that anyone can find a model of headphones, suitable for technical requirements and finances.
The devices are divided by technological features, which affect both the quality of the sound received at the output, and the convenience of use.
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Design varieties
The headphones come in 5 form factors:
Overhead .
According to the name, they fit over your ears from above. Because the speaker does not directly penetrate the ear canal, it takes a lot of sound wave power to make listening to audio comfortable. These headphones are available with either behind-the-ear arcs or with a single, wide, arch-shaped jumper on top of your head.
The 5 best over-the-ear headphones
In-Canal .
The variety is popular right now, especially among smartphone users. In-canal (or vacuum) headphones maximize penetration into the ear canal, eliminating outside sounds from entering there. In addition, it eliminates the oscillation of the membrane, and therefore the distortion of sound.
The 6 Best In-Canal Headphones with Bass Boost
In-ear .
Also inserted into the ears, but do not penetrate deep into the ears. The cheapest type of headphones, it is often put in a set with a smartphone or MP3 player. These models have been known to users since the 1990s.
Monitor
Their speaker cups cover the entire ear area. The models are usually very massive, with thick cables and powerful sound. They are also distinguished by a considerable price, because they are used for professional work with sound, not for domestic needs.
The 5 Best Full-Size Monitor Headphones
Full-size .
Also cover the entire ear, providing noise isolation. The premium devices available today have a compact (often foldable) form factor and a not very long cord. They are comfortable enough to use with mobile gadgets.
Transmitter design
Sound quality is directly dependent on this parameter:
Armature
Are not used everywhere, but only in the most expensive in-canal headphones. Have limitations in sound at low frequencies, but excellent performance. At the same time are sensitive, with accuracy reproduce the fine details of the sound track.
The 8 Best Armature Headphones.
Iso- and Orthodynamic
They have two powerful magnets, between which there is a complex radiator made of a special coated film. In this way it was possible to achieve high power and clarity of sound. Typically, this technology is used in the full-size form factor.
Electrostatic
These models are rarely found in the free sale. The transmitter in them is a thin membrane located between a pair of electrodes. This design is able to completely get rid of sound distortion, but you will need a special docking station (a device with connectors for various electronics) for connection.
Dynamic
The most common option, but not the best. It is a diaphragm placed in the case, to which a magnet and coil are connected. The electric field thus created acts on the diaphragm and creates the sound. Because of its simplicity, this device can be placed in a wide variety of headphones.
Signal transmission method
This factor affects the usability of the headphones.
Wired
Devices of this kind still hold the position of the most popular and cheapest. Professionals also note the improved sound quality compared to wireless. Connection is through a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack (newer models may also have a USB or 6.3 mm jack).
Wireless
A variety that saves the user from constantly tangled wires. Sound transmission technology can infrared, radio (these options are almost out of use).
At the peak of popularity are models with Bluetooth, but in the near future may come to the leadership headphones-owners of WiFi - they can not only play music at an impressive distance from the source, but also do it directly from the Internet. Wireless devices are powered by a rechargeable battery.
Sealed acoustics
This setting affects whether the sound coming from your headphones can be heard by those around you:
Open .
The cups of these headphones have perforations on the outside, through which some sound escapes to the outside (and external noise can enter your ears).
Closed
The cups have no perforations, so the sound is completely directed into the wearer's ear, while ambient sounds cannot be heard.
Microphone Attachment
Many models of headphones are equipped with a microphone, which is used for phone calls, video calls or sound recordings. Headphone microphones come in the following types:
Built-in .
Convenient for talking on the phone, but in street conditions is excessively sensitive to extraneous noise.
Fixed
Optimal for work, for example, with a stationary computer. But it can also be connected to a smartphone via a special connector.
On the wire
Option for those who hardly ever use a microphone. The disadvantage is that the speaker creates unnecessary noise, hurting your clothes.
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