Forget those crappy headphones or earphones that were included with your MP3 player. With the right pair of headphones, you can enjoy music on another level. Whether you're listening to it at home or on the go, consider investing in a high-quality pair of headphones (or earbuds) to get the most out of your music.
Steps
Step 1. Choose between earphones and headphones
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Headphones 5034 Headphones are best for those with limited space, but still want to find a way to listen to their music. Better quality earbuds, like Sennheiser or Ultimate Ears, usually have a small pouch for storing them when you're not using them, so they don't get damaged or dirty at the bottom of your bag. If you have a very small purse and want to keep your iPod Nano and earphones in it, or you usually have small pockets, earphones are probably the best choice. They are fine even if you don't have much to spend, as there are plenty to choose from and they tend to be cheaper. The cheaper ones often have problems like falling out of their ears, hurting them, or simply getting dented from poor plastic. With higher prices, (but still affordable when compared to quality), from about 15 to 40 €, you can have more comfortable earphones, which are worth the money you spend. However, if you are an audiophile, you should consider these other possibilities: the most suitable are a pair of Sennheiser earphones (like the CX 500, around € 100), Shure (SE 115, around € 100), EtyMotic Research (HF5, € 115), or even Ultimate Ears (minimum Super.fi 4).
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10 June 1448 Headphones are perfect if you like to hang them around your neck as you walk from place to place, or if you just wear them like that. You could also opt for thicker cables and fun options like wireless / bluetooth headphones. The bad is that good headphones within your budget may be hard to find. They take up more space than earphones, and DJ-style ones even more if you don't have a big enough bag. They also get dirty easily because most are sold without a case.
- DJ-style headphones are just like that. Huge, bulky, with a fantastic look reminiscent of what a professional DJ would wear during his performance. The structure lends itself to good sound containment, but actual use is restrictive due to the size. And many music fans use them for their better sound quality and less pressure on the eardrum of the ear, which leads to longer listening time and less damage to the eardrum.
- Behind-the-neck headphones are also exactly what they sound like, headphones with a headband to keep them running around the neck instead of over the head. Recommended for those who go for a run or for those who wear hats a lot. Also for sunglasses fanatics. So if you have long hair and hate headphones crushing them or bothering you with the piercing, this type would be a good choice. Aside from that, there are very few features that set them apart from "normal" or DJ-style headphones.
Step 2. Remember you get what you pay for
Typically, the most expensive headphones are made of better quality materials and specially designed for better sound rendering. $ 20 headphones will sound good, but not as good as $ 50 headphones. Coming to around $ 60-70 you can hear instruments you've never heard in your music. The $ 9.99 earphone deals can last up to a year, and they won't sound like much from the start. So spending at least € 20 ensures you at least a good basic music quality. A good principle would be to spend € 50 for portable headphones and € 250 for those to use at home. Anything in that price range will do just fine.
Step 3. Find the frequency range
A wider range means you can hear the music better; wide ranges such as 10 to 25,000 Hz are recommended. However, the range of frequencies audible to the human ear is only 20 to 20,000 Hz - so anything that falls within this frequency range is fine.
Step 4. Don't look for noise reduction features unless you want to spend a lot
Anything below around € 200 is fine. Even if you travel a lot, noise canceling 90% of the time simply isn't worth the price you pay. In addition, some of the music may be suppressed along with the noise, forcing you to turn up the volume. If you really need noise reduction, however, look for brands like Etymotic or Bose, which have spongy earbuds that fill the ear canal. An inexpensive way to eliminate background noise might also be to simply add some ear protectors to eliminate most of the ambient noise. Panasonic (only one among many) produces a noise reducing headset for only around € 40.
Step 5. Finally
.. use your ears! You are the one who will use these headphones day in and day out. If a $ 50 pair of headphones sound like a $ 1000 pair, buy them, the sound quality won't change just because they're more expensive! The only thing to remember is the build quality of the headphones - will they last a long time? Does it matter if they are that cheaper?
Advice
- Once you buy quality headphones, you will see that you will never be able to go back to your old € 15 headphones. You will definitely notice the difference.
- When you put your headphones on for the first time, don't forget to turn the volume down.
- If you buy good quality headphones, there is no need to take an extended warranty. Some brands, such as Skullcandy, provide a lifetime warranty. Although, knowing that you will always use them, a guarantee would not be a bad idea.
- Noise canceling headphones actually block outside noise, but they also reduce audio quality. These types of headphones may not sound as good as others in most listening environments.
- Do your research. Don't go to non-specialized audio sources. Search audiophile forums and specialty stores to find what's right rather than going to a general electronics store.
- One of the most difficult challenges is finding the right headphones to use when playing sports. Gyms are known - sadly - for their not-so-happy, loud music choices. Headphones are simply too bulky, while most earbuds don't do much to eliminate outside noise. Do a lot of research before you buy anything, mainly through user reviews. Some stores will let you try the headphones, but only an online search and real users will give you correct information. Active Background Noise Reduction earphones have a reputation for creating interference and noise from electronic activity. Passive earphones do not have this drawback, but not everyone likes to have their ears "plugged" and it can be a very strange experience to listen to your heartbeat and breathing amplified by the headphones.
- If you always use your MP3 player in a pocket near your chest, you won't need a half-meter cable. There is a way to shorten the length of the cable a bit so that it doesn't get caught in things; some headphones with very long cables have cable wraps, or you can make your own. In general, having it too long is better than having to buy an extension cable.
- If you regularly listen to MP3s of less than 192 kbps quality, high quality headphones will just be a waste of money, as you try to hear details that are not there. MP3s compress music into a smaller file by eliminating part of the track.
- Wireless headphones may tempt you in terms of convenience and practicality, but you may have background hiss and / or dynamic range compression that flattens the sound, not to mention the very likely interference from other equipment. If you decide to get wireless headphones, however, look for digital models with the highest frequency in hertz and multiple channels, so that you can switch to another frequency in case of interference.
Warnings
- Be especially cautious with noise canceling headphones (but also with headphones in general) while you are driving, biking or even just walking down the street. Aside from the intended distraction provided by the music, you could missing alerts of imminent danger.
- In general, it is not safe to use headphones for a long time, as pressure waves travel directly to the eardrum, causing a long-term cumulative hearing loss. Moderate volume and frequent breaks are recommended.
- Some people get headaches with heavy headphones. This could be caused to begin with poor build quality or simply because you are listening to music at too loud a volume.
