Headphone Buying Guide

You are likely to make a considerable investment in a headphone so you want to be absolutely sure that you will get the best possible device in terms of sound quality, comfort and convenience. I have been in the position of a buyer just like you many times as a fan of these gadgets and a sound engineering student. That is why I decided to lay a helping hand to shoppers who are less experienced and knowledgeable than I am.

The result from my efforts is this headphone buying guide. It contains all the information and advice which you require to make the best choice. This is actually simpler than you think. All you have to do is to pay attention to the details.

Types by Design

There are two main design options that you need to consider when buying headphones. Each one has its own pros and cons.

• Over-ear headphones (circumaural) -

These have ear cups that go over and around the ear. The follow the contour of the ear closely and ensure a perfect seal. That way, they create a better acoustic environment for your audio experience. They work to reduce ambient noises quite well. The ear cups are fairly big and may cause warmth and sweating if you wear the headphones for a long time.

On-ear headphones (supra-aural) -

These have ear cups that go on top of the ear. They do create some kind of seal, but it is not as efficient as that of their circumaural counterparts. However, they the ear cups are lighter and more breathable. You can wear them comfortably for a long period of time. 

Types by Technology

It is important to note that many top of the line headphones come without the types of technologies that I will describe below. However, these technologies are important for buyers as they give new functionalities to the devices. Let’s take a closer look at them.

• Active noise-cancelling headphones -

These are equipped with tiny microphones which capture ambient noises and produce their frequencies out of phase in order to reduce them. Most models have circumaural ear cups to enhance the effect of the microphones, but this is not always the case. Generally, these headphones are useful for people who travel a lot and for those who work in noisy environments.

• Wireless headphones -

These come with a transmitter which allows them to get signal wirelessly. The wireless technology is designed for home use as there is a limited signal reception range.Gamers and movie fans find it most useful as it gives them perfect flexibility when enjoying their hobby. Currently, there are three main wireless technologies to select from infrared, radio frequency and Bluetooth.

Sound Reproduction

The most important criterion for selecting a headphone, at least for me, is the way in which it reproduces sound. I will help you with evaluating the sound reproducing capabilities of the various models by explaining what technical features and specs to look for.

• Technology -

You should consider a headphone with a bigger driver as the larger size contributes to sound quality. The driver should be 40 mm at least. Additionally, you must ensure that the model uses neodymium magnets.

• Frequency response range -

The larger this range is the more tones it can capture. You would certainly want to enjoy very low bass and great highs. For this, you should look for a headphone with frequency response range from 20 to 20000 Hz or larger.

• Total harmonic distortion -

The lower the THD is the more accurate the reproduced sound is. It is best to go for a headphone with THD lower than 0.5%.

• Sound pressure level -

This measure shows how efficiently headphones use the power which they receive. The higher the SPL is the more effectively the headphone works with sound producing devices with various outputs. You would want to look for SPL of 100 to 110 dB.

• Impedance -

This measure reflects the amount of power which the headphones require to produce high audio levels. The lower the impedance is the better. In general, any impedance between 25 and 70 ohms is highly satisfactory especially for non-professional models.

Design

The design features of headphones define their functionality, comfort and convenience. That is why they deserve your full attention too.

• Size and weight -

The smaller and lighter headphones are certainly more comfortable to wear and carry around. Still, it is up to you to decide whether to sacrifice features like circumaural ear cups and noise-cancelling component for these benefits. It is best to consider your individual needs and requirements and to look for the golden mean for you.

• Ear cups -

You can readily select their type depending on your needs. When it comes to functionality, there are headphones with folding ear cups for compact storage. You can also find models with pivoting ear cups. These are particularly popular with sound and music professionals like DJs as they allow for greater flexibility.

• Ear cup padding -

The padding is really important as well. It should be dense enough to reduce ambient noises. It should be breathable. It should feel soft and smooth against the skin. Headphones with removable ear cup padding are easier to maintain and more hygienic and have a longer useful life.

• Headband -

It is important for the headband to be adjustable so that it can fit around your head no matter how big it is. It should be padded for extra comfort.

• Controls -

The controls of headphones are typically integrated into the ear cup or into the cable included in the package. It is up to you to decide which option is more convenient for you. It is important for the buttons to be sufficiently big and textured, in case they are on the ear cups.

Accessories

• Cables -

The headphones should come with at least one cable. It can be straight or coiled. You can pick its design based on your comfort requirements. If you work in a room with lots of sound equipment, you should look for a longer cable.

• Adapters -

Standard cables have 1/8-inch connectors. That is why it is best to go for a headphone which comes with a 1/4-inch adapter. That way, you will be able to connect the device to large pieces of audio equipment. If you travel a lot, you should look for a model with a fight entertainment system adapter as well.

A Final Word

Finally, you should know that it is always best to go for a headphone from one of the top brands in the market. That way, you will get a high quality product with sufficiently long warranty plus excellent customer support.