Our test on various market segments showed
that over-ear headphones (cover the ears) are rated higher price in-ear (ear
insert) on sound quality and ease of use.
In-ear
or over-ear headphones?
Cnet Technology site performed test to
compare in-ear and over-ear headphones. The first is the comparison between
in-ear C5 model and on-ear P3model. Both are products of Bower & Wilkins
manufacturers.
The 2 earphones are evaluated in the same
segment of the price (from 150 to 200 USD) as well as quality segment, there is
little difference between the two lines of headphones. However, in-ear C5 model
brings solid and detailed bass at mid sound range. Meanwhile, on-ear P3models
has better sound balance and rich warm bass tone. In addition, the received
words are more natural than C5 model.
In terms of design, P3 is also more
comfortable and convenient to wear, especially when using in long time, because
in-ear C5 model sometimes is not really fit and very easy to fall out when
moving.
Next is the comparison between two
different headsets for about $ 100, Thinksound ts02 (in-ear headphone) and
Audio Technica ATH WS55 (full-size headphone). Generally, Ts02 brings good
sound quality with rounded bass. However, ATH WS55 is excellent with precise
tone balance, extended sound with higher natural levels.
Finally, the high-end in-ear headset, Jerry
Harvey JH-13 (price is about $ 1,099) connected to a headset amplifier ALO Rx
MK3B ($ 649) and an adapter DTA Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm ($ 579), is compared to
the full-size headphones Audeze LCD-2 ($ 995) combined with AudioQuest
DragonFly amplifiers.
JH-13/ALO/Cypher Labs headset can solve the
sound in detail. While the Audeze/Red Wine/AudioQuest brings further and deeper
expansion, especially when playing the album “Live ‘69”, it has true music
sound like “live” music. In terms of convenience, both headphones are bulky,
however, the JH-13s still gets higher score.
Thus, the sound quality of over ears
headphones is rated higher than in-ear headphones in many segments. However,
there is a fact that in-ear headphones are usually more portable and suitable
for moving due to the advantages of compact size and lightweight. Besides, if
you have a limited budget, you should select a suitable in-ear headset.
Audeze
LCD-2
