What are reinforcing headphones? Reinforcing headphones are products that have several design features that differ from other types of headphones. A membrane that transmits sound vibrations is affected by a special anchor that moves only in an alternating electromagnetic field.
Content
The principle of operation of the device
The principle of operation is as follows. An anchor fixed on the back of the sound membrane has a p-shape. It can be made of metal or more expensive alloys, characterized by a softer structure, which contributes to high quality sound.
The main feature of reinforcing headphones is the movement of the armature, which has only an axial direction. When an electromagnetic field occurs, the anchor begins its rotation, while acting on an additional element - a lever. The lever is mounted specifically for transferring force to the membrane. The consequence of such efforts on the membrane are the sound waves that the user hears.
Because of the anchor, the reinforcing headphones have the shape of an elongated object, but more modern models can be flat.
The main differences from dynamic devices
Armature headphones are the next form of development after dynamic devices. To understand their advantages, you should consider the design features of dynamic headphones.
Dynamic products have a permanent magnet and a coil. The coil serves to form an electromagnetic field. Unlike reinforcing devices, in this type of product the coil is fixed directly to the membrane. With this scheme, there is no movable anchor, and the action on the membrane occurs directly, without any additional element.
Pros and cons of reinforcing devices
The main advantage of reinforcing headphones, as you might guess, is the presence of an anchor that can balance the vibrations of the membrane. Accordingly, the sound quality is changing for the better. In dynamic devices, the functionality is slightly different: the mass of the membrane, combined with the heterogeneity of the electromagnetic field, is the cause of too sensitive sound distortion.
But there is one drawback that many music lovers do not like: the lack of a wide range of frequency ranges. This means that some varieties of frequencies (most often low frequencies) are of poor quality or none at all. But there is a solution to the problem, and it is very relevant. Many manufacturers of such devices try to combine reinforcing headphones with dynamic sound emitters. The effect is immediately noticeable: a more complete depth of frequencies and high-quality sound.
What headphone criteria should you know when choosing them
Before buying such a device, you should understand its main technical characteristics:
- Type of device - reinforcing or hybrid.
- Design. Which includes the type of cable insulation, the quality of the connectors, the addition of spraying of precious metals at the joints.
- Sensitivity. Or the ability to transmit sound quality.
- Impedance. A characteristic more relevant to theory means the resistance of an electric current.
The best models
ETYMOTIC HF3
- There is a built-in microphone.
- The ability to reproduce frequencies in the range from 20 to 15000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 105 dB / V.
- Standard mini jack 3.5 mm jack.
- The cable length is 1.22 m.
- High sound quality even at high volume levels.
- A variety of equipment.
- Long term of operation.
- Full functionality only when working with the iOS system.
- The cable transmits a touch sound to the headphones.
Stylish and neat headphones with built-in microphone. The manufacturer provides for additional equipment in the form of 4 interchangeable ear pads and a special case for carrying or transporting products.
Westone w20
- There is a built-in microphone.
- The ability to reproduce frequencies in the range from 20 to 18000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 117 dB / mW.
- Standard mini jack 3.5 mm jack.
- Cable length is 1.28 m.
- Product weight is only 12.7 g.
- A variety of interchangeable ear pads.
- High-quality and reliable sound transmission.
- Included are 2 replaceable cables.
- There were complaints from users about the short operational life of the cable insulation.
- High pricing policy.
When buying a Westone W20 model, a user will find 10 pairs of interchangeable ear pads and 2 cables. A special screwdriver for cable replacement and a cleaning tool are also provided. With the help of the cover, which is also included, the headphones can be conveniently transported with you without fear for their safety.
Sony XBA-A1AP
- There is a built-in microphone.
- The ability to reproduce frequencies in the range from 5 to 25000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 107 dB / mW.
- Standard mini jack 3.5 mm jack.
- Cable length is 1.2 m.
- High-quality sound, without any noise effect. The presence of high-order bass.
- Long cable life.
- The weak point is the rubber part at the bottom of the wire, near the connector. It requires careful attitude. It is better not to get it in the cold.
- Not always satisfied with users who prefer low frequencies.
Included are interchangeable ear pads in the amount of 7 pairs. In the manufacture of wires, oxygen-free copper is used, which increases their durability. The headphone jacks are gold plated. The best reinforcing headphones at this price.
Shure SE425
- The ability to reproduce frequencies in the range from 20 to 19000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 109 dB / mW.
- Standard mini jack 3.5 mm jack.
- The cable length is 1.62 m.
- A wire with a thicker insulation, which allows you not to worry about its safety when carrying or operating.
- High-quality sound insulation that delays all extraneous sounds.
- Optional cable that comes as standard.
- The wire insulation is thicker than other models, but quickly freezes in the cold and loses elasticity.
- High pricing policy.
- Not suitable for long listening due to insufficient quality of low frequencies.
Gold-plated connectors and good equipment, which includes 8 pairs of interchangeable ear pads, case and 6.3 mm adapter. If necessary, the cable is quite easy to disconnect.
Westone UM PRO20
- The ability to reproduce frequencies in the range from 20 to 18000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 119 dB / mW.
- Standard mini jack 3.5 mm jack.
- Cable length is 1.28 m.
- Product weight: 12.7 g.
- High-quality sound detail at all frequencies.
- Universal device suitable for all music genres.
- A variety of equipment.
- Some users advise testing the headphones before buying in order to understand the full potential of the sound, since the quality of the player may not match the quality of the headphones.
- High pricing policy.
The configuration of the model is quite rich: an EPIC cable, a versatile and convenient Mini-Monitor case for carrying or transporting the product, a cleaning brush, 10 pairs of various ear pads.
Xiaomi 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear E1001
- The ability to reproduce frequencies in the range from 20 to 40,000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 99 dB.
- Standard mini jack 3.5 mm jack.
- Cable length is 1.25 m.
- Product weight: 18g.
- Quality sound for such a pricing policy.
- Practical and convenient product design.
- Affordable price.
- The bass is inflated, for some users there was discomfort when listening.
- The wire is non-replaceable and has a short service life.
The cable braid has a fabric base, which is not only practical, but also adds sophistication to the design. The connectors are gold-plated. Included are 8 pairs of interchangeable ear pads and a special adapter for listening to music on the plane.
Sony XBA-Z5
- The ability to reproduce frequencies in the range from 3 to 40,000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 107 dB / mW.
- Standard mini jack 3.5 mm jack.
- Cable length is 1.2 m.
- There is a special ear mount.
- Product weight: 11g.
- High quality sound for any kind of music.
- The perfect balance of bass and treble.
- The presence of a fastener does not create problems with active movement, for example, while jogging.
- Too high pricing policy.
- Inadequate quality of ear pads included.
Only 3 pairs of ear pads that come with the kit, but for the Sony XBA-Z5, you can connect a cable with a microphone or an extra battery. The device is compatible with the PHA-3 amplifier.
Shure SE315
- The ability to reproduce frequencies in the range from 22 to 18500 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 116 dB / mW.
- Standard mini jack 3.5 mm jack.
- The product is an ideal combination of price and quality.
- The cable is made of strong and durable material.
- Reliable soundproofing.
- Warming up is required before turning on the maximum volume. In a cold state, wheezing may occur.
6 pairs of interchangeable ear pads. The connectors are gold-plated. If necessary, the cable can be disconnected and replaced with a new one.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| Title | ETYMOTIC HF3 | Westone w20 | Sony XBA-A1AP | Shure SE425 | Westone UM PRO20 | Xiaomi 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear E1001 | Sony XBA-Z5 | Shure SE315 |
| Device type | headphone with mic | headphone with mic | headphone with mic | headphones | headphones | headphone with mic | headphones | headphones |
| View | plug-in (plugs) | plug-in (plugs) | plug-in (plugs), closed | plug-in (plugs) | plug-in (plugs) | plug-in (plugs) | plug-in (plugs), closed | plug-in (plugs) |
| Frequency Response Range | 20 - 15000 Hz | 20 - 18000 Hz | 5 - 25000 Hz | 20 - 19000 Hz | 20 - 18000 Hz | 20 - 40,000 Hz | 3 - 40,000 Hz | 22 - 18500 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB | 117 dB | 107 dB | 109 dB | 119 dB | 99 db | 107 dB | 116 dB |
| Impedance | 16 ohm | 33 ohm | 24 ohm | 22 ohm | 27 ohm | 32 ohm | 32 ohm | 27 ohm |
| Price | from 9000 rub. | from 20,000 rub. | from 4800 rub. | from 14 900 rub. | from 16400 rub. | from 4600 rub. | from 27650 rub. | from 10600 rub. |
