Styles & Features to match your
listening desires
In one sense, all headphones are the same
in that they exist to pipe audio be it music, audio book, podcast, TV show,
movie, or video chat conversation into the wearer's ears. In another sense, two
headphone models can differ dramatically in price, functionality, performance,
appearance, comfort, weight, intended use, and other traits. The following
highlights different headphone varieties and features available.
But first
Why even buy headphones when the new
portable device you just purchased probably included a pair? Because, as most
headphone experts will tell you, the majority of earbuds included with
smartphones, MP3 players, audio recorders, and other devices aren't the greatest.
Beyond sporting a one size fits all design constructed of inexpensive plastic
offering little comfort, they often integrate underpowered drivers that output
tinny, flat, lifeless audio lacking the detail, resolution, and precision
aftermarket headphones provide. Further, buying aftermarket headphones enables
you to match style, performance, price, and extra features to your specific
needs, whether you're an avid exerciser, frequent traveler, audiophile, gamer,
or home-theater fanatic. To that point, hundreds of options are available at
prices starting at less than $10 and soaring past $500. Finding the right pair
can be arduous, but the best advice is trying as many pairs as possible and
selecting the one that sounds and feels best to you.
the
majority of earbuds included with smartphones, MP3 players, audio recorders,
and other devices aren't the greatest
Form factors
Generally speaking, headphones fall into
four form factors: in ear, on the ear, over the ear, and behind the neck.
In-ear
Typically referred to as earbuds, in-ear
models can cost anywhere from under $10 to $500 and up. Models include those
with earpieces resting in the outer ear and those fitting inside the ear canal.
Although most models don't include a headband, some sports-oriented models do
attach the earpieces to a thin band. Lightweight and extremely portable, in-ear
headphones are popular with commuters, exercisers, and other active users,
though they can lack overall audio quality relative to comparably priced
on-the-ear and over-the-ear models due to the use of smaller- sized drivers.
Although extended use of in-ear models can cause discomfort, manufacturers
usually include several sizes of foam, silicon, and other soft-material ear
tips to acquire an ideal fit. Additionally, water-resistant and waterproof
models are available for aquatic- related activities.
Behind the neck
Typically costing anywhere from about less
than $10 to $150, behind the neck headphones are well-suited for users on the
go, including joggers, commuters, and bicyclists. Models are available offering
in ear and on the ear earpieces, and although most models provide a thin,
flexible strap that wraps around the back of the neck, models that do away with
the band in favor of clip on attachments that wrap around the ear can fall into
this category. Although typically comfortable, the thin nature of
behind-the-neck bands can cause the earcups to jostle around. Overall, earcup
models are safer for outdoor use, as they allow more ambient sound to enter the
ear, including passing cars and cyclists approaching from behind.
On-the-ear
Technically known as supra-aural
headphones, on-the-ear models are arguably the most adaptable of all headphone
types to numerous uses. Because their earcups rest on the ear, they usually
wear comfortably over long stretches and don't trap as much heat as over-the-
ear models. Their on-the-ear nature also means you'll hear more of what's going
on around while walking down the street listening to music or watching a movie
on a tablet while a newborn sleeps beside you. Models can vary greatly in price
($5 to $300 and more), performance (general everyday usage to professional AV
production chores), and design (fixed and adjustable headbands, foam- and
leather-based cushions, swiveling earcups, etc.).
Over-the-ear
Also dubbed Circumaural and full-sized
headphones, over the ear models are best for users seeking to block out ambient
noise, as the earcups completely engulf the ear. This design means more audio
remains isolated in the ear cavity but there's less you'll hear from
activities around you. Thus, they're not ideal for street or commuting use.
Over-the-ear models also retain a good deal of heat and are generally larger,
heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than other headphone types. Though models
about $20 are available, high-end models aimed at audiophiles can easily
surpass $250. Those extra dollars do generally buy better construction (ample
leather foaming, adjustable aluminum bands, swiveling earcups, etc.) and larger
drivers capable of delivering more audio details featuring finer precision.
Extras worth considering
Coupled with different headphone form
factors is the vast amount of extra features various models offer for find the
right match. The following are examples.
Noise cancelation and isolation
These features aim to greatly reduce
ambient noise. The primary difference between the two is noise-canceling models
use battery power to generate "anti-noise" that effectively cancels
out ambient noise. Noise- isolating models omit battery requirements by using
earplugs that create a tight fit in the ear canal, much as earplugs do.
Although noise-isolating models can't typically match the effectiveness of
noise-canceling models, they can typically perform at lower volume levels and
don't require wearing over-the-ear earcups.
Communications
Headphones that integrate a microphone
(including mics built into a movable, extending boom) are well-suited for VoIP
calls, in-game chats, video chats, and use with speech-to-text software. Models
are available with USB connectors and separate headphone and microphone
connectors for PC usage and proprietary connectors for game consoles.
In-line mic and remote control
An increasingly common feature on earbuds
is a microphone integrated into a remote control unit built into the cord.
Combined, these let you pause audio to take a call from smartphone, record
voice memos, reverse and forward tracks, and control the volume without
reaching for the portable device.
Wireless
Similar to one-piece Bluetooth headsets,
wireless headphones let users listen to music, movies, game conversations, and
more without wires. Most models use infrared, RF (radio frequency), or
Bluetooth technologies. Some require a base station or adapter that connects to
the audio source. Other models easily pair with Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Misc
Other options include waterproof models
ideal for swimmers and water-sport enthusiasts; washable ear cushions; true and
simulated integrated surround sound abilities; foldable designs ideal for
travel; technologies that emphasize bass reproduction; DJ-friendly designs and
features (mute button, flip-up earcups, etc.); chrome, nickel, and gold-plated
connectors; L-shaped jacks that ease strain on cords; and removable cords.
Logitech UE 9000
Price: $399.99
Website: www.ue.logitech.com
Logitech
UE 9000
Logitech UE 9000 is highperformance Bluetooth wireless headphones that include active noise-canceling
technology and feature built-in button controls and dual microphones.
Sony X Headphones
Price: $299.99
Website: www.store.sony.com
Sony
X Headphones
Sony X Headphones, produced in conjunction
with the Simon Cowell-Sony Music Entertainment venture Syco Entertainment, are
engineered for maximum comfort and sub-bass sound reproduction.
Lindy Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Price: $89
Website: www.lindy-usa.com
Lindy
Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Lindy Active Noise Canceling Headphones
use inverse phase active noise canceling technology to effectively eliminate
background noise so you can listen to audio without unwanted interference.
