The voice in your head: Hi-Fi sound and Hi-End quality

Sooner or later, each person comes to the conclusion that life is too short to fill it with mediocre things. To truly live is to breathe deeply, to enjoy bright colors and wonderful sounds. And if you are still not alien to music, then this article is definitely for you. In it, we will consider Hi-Fi and Hi-End headphones. They will teach you to hear.

What is a hi-fi headphone?

The literal translation of the phrase Hi Fidelity (abbreviated as Hi-Fi) is “high accuracy”. Thus, Hi-Fi class headphones are the devices with the sound quality that is closest to the original. In order to belong to this class, the headphones must meet the minimum technical requirements (DIN-45500 standard). We list the most important indicators:

• amplitude distortion characteristic (AFC) - a parameter that determines the purity of sound. In Hi-Fi devices, the amplitude distortion should not exceed 4 dB, and the lower this number, the closer the headphones to the absolute ideal;
• the sound range that the human ear perceives ranges from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The harmonic distortion coefficient (or harmonic coefficient) of Hi-Fi headphones in this range should not exceed 3%;
• the noise level in dB is the ratio of the useful sound to the noise created by the playback device itself.

Often, manufacturers of professional equipment and high-quality equipment instead of the name of the standard indicate these three main parameters in the accompanying documentation.

Are Hi-Fi and Hi-End the Same?

No. If Hi-Fi is the correspondence of sound quality to a certain standard, technical standard, so to speak, “soundness” of sound, then Hi-End is rather the quality of the equipment itself. For a better understanding, you can draw an analogy with cars. A modern production car that meets all classes of safety, environmental friendliness, reliability, which is ideal for the main thing - practical driving - is Hi-Fi. A luxury limousine with a chromed nameplate on the hood, a leather interior and ebony and ivory trim, designed to emphasize the status of the owner, is the Hi-End. But, despite the difference in price, both cars find their customers.

Thus, Hi-End headphones are exquisite, made of high-quality materials, possibly even hand-assembled, piece and expensive products, made primarily to indicate the individuality of the owner. Of course, such headphones can have Hi-Fi sound quality. And they may not reach it. Depends on the integrity and desire of the manufacturer.

Device type

Most music lovers think that good, high-quality headphones for a Hi-Fi and Hi-End player can only be massive and full-sized. In fact, this statement is incorrect. Even ordinary inserts can be executed so qualitatively and soundly that they will not yield at all in the sound level or in the sophistication of the design. For a more complete understanding of which headphones are ideal for you, it is worth considering their various types according to the main parameters.

How to choose?

First you need to decide what purpose you need them for, where and how often you plan to use them. Separate preferences and features of each specific person gave rise to a lot of headphones of various shapes, parameters and functionality on the market. Let's see how they differ from each other.

By design type there are:

1. Plug-in. They are also called "liners." The most common and common type of headphones.
2. Intracanal. The popular name is "plugs" or "vacuum". Do not confuse them with plug-ins, their landing is much deeper. They are placed directly in the ear canal, which provides better sealing and sound concentration.
3. Overhead.They fit over the auricle, the sound source is at some distance from it.
4. Full sized. They completely cover the ear, allowing you to create the best sound insulation from external noise.

Acoustic design:

1. Closed. Their case is devoid of a perforated grill, which allows you to isolate sound from external sources.
2. Open. The speakers of such headphones are equipped with slots or perforations, which allows you to get rid of the effect of "air cushion". However, sound from outside becomes more clearly audible.

By the method of signal transmission:

1. Wired. The signal from the playback device to the headphones is transmitted by wire. The most common. The common trouble is that the wires tend to get tangled and broken periodically.
2. Wireless In turn, they are divided into infrared, radio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The most common currently, of course, is bluetooth.
3. Hybrid. Combining the capabilities of both the first and second.

By the presence of an intercom:

1. Without a microphone. Used only for receiving a sound signal.
2. With a microphone. They also allow you to transmit an audio signal. The microphone can be located both in the headphones themselves and on their cable.

Active noise reduction system

A few words should be said about the active noise reduction system. It is used mainly in closed-type headphones. Inside these devices are microphones that invert an external audio signal. Thus, the new signal acts in antiphase to noise and reduces its value to zero. Eardrum reaches only the desired sound signal coming from the player.
Most listeners rate this feature positively on their devices. However, there are people with individual intolerance to active noise reduction for one reason or another. If headphones with such a system are the first in your life, try to test them before purchase or make sure that this function is disabled.

Best Hi-Fi and Hi-End Headphones

It's time to introduce some of the most popular specimens.

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over-Ear (M2 AEi)

Full-size headphones. The type is closed, but despite this, the owners note the excellent volumetric sound of the “scene”. No serious flaws were noted. The price in Russia starts at 12,000 rubles, which is significantly lower than in the EU countries.

AKG K 181 DJ

Also full-sized, gated. The listener's excellent isolation from the effects of external sounds is noted. Rugged construction allows you to enjoy music for several years. Headphones can be purchased in Russian stores starting at 8,000 rubles.

Audio-Technica ATH-EP3

These are already in-ear headphones, but the sound quality is at an excellent level. Suitable for those who do not like to wear heavy devices on their heads. Included are 4 ear pads for replacement, as well as a case. The cable has a length of 1.1 m, however, it is possible to add an extension by another 0.25 m. The price is quite budget - 5500 rubles, which is very attractive for a device with Hi-Fi sound quality.

Technics RP-DJ1200

This device is especially popular among professional DJs who note excellent sound insulation, sufficient cable length for freedom of action and high sound quality. At a price very inexpensive - from 6500 rubles.

Focal listen

Universal in terms of choosing a musical genre. Users especially note the deep bass sound. Easy to fold, which allows you to easily take them with you on the road. They have an additional adapter for the aircraft. The best choice for the traveler. Prices start at 10,000 rubles.

Dunu titan 5

Made of steel and titanium, as evidenced by the increased, compared with plastic, weight. Thanks to this, they are very comfortable in the ears. Replaceable wires, which ensures their interchangeability. Ideal for listening on mobile devices. The price is about 7,000 rubles.

Pioneer SE-MS7BT

The main advantage is the wireless headphones, complete freedom of action. However, if the headphones are discharged, it is possible to directly connect them through a cable to the playback device. Do not lose any sound quality when used via bluetooth. Users note a large margin of volume. The price varies around 10,000 rubles.

Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless

They have incredible functionality and compactness without loss of playback quality. Appearance of 10 out of 10. Quick charge. A very interesting functional solution is the simultaneous connection to 2 devices at once. 12,000 rubles is not such a high price for this original and high-quality device.

JBL T450BT

Bluetooth wireless technology allows you to feel comfortable and free in such headphones. However, the main advantage of this model is its cost. This is the most budget instance of our rating. With quite acceptable quality, you can purchase them for only 2.5-3 thousand rubles.

Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H5

Vacuum bluetooth earphones of the highest quality. This is a synthesis of Hi-Fi sound and Hi-End performance. Unique design, many features, including voice dialing, call hold, last number redial, etc. Definitely a premium segment with a corresponding price of 18,000 rubles.

Summing up, it should be noted that all the models presented in the review will allow you to most closely hear exactly what the music artist wanted to convey. However, choosing the best model for your player, do not forget about the quality of the sound source itself - this is also important.

Title	Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over-Ear (M2 AEi)	AKG K 181 DJ	Audio-Technica ATH-EP3	Technics RP-DJ1200	Focal listen	Dunu titan 5	Pioneer SE-MS7BT	Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless	JBL T450BT	Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H5
Device type	headphone with mic	headphones	headphones	headphones	headphone with mic	headphones	Bluetooth earphones with microphone	Bluetooth earphones with microphone	Bluetooth earphones with microphone	Bluetooth earphones with microphone
View	full size, closed	full size, closed	plug-in (plugs), closed	closed invoices	full size, closed	plug-in (plugs), half-open	full size, closed	plug-in (plugs)	closed invoices	plug-in (plugs)
Frequency Response Range	16 - 22000 Hz	5 - 30000 Hz	18 - 18000 Hz	8 - 30000 Hz	15 - 22000 Hz	10 - 40,000 Hz	9 - 22000 Hz	15 - 22000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity	113 dB	120 dB	100 dB	106 dB	122 dB	108 dB	96 dB	112 dB	106 dB	90 dB
Impedance	18 ohm	42 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm	18 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm
Membrane diameter	-	50 mm	11.5 mm	40 mm	40 mm	13 mm	40 mm	-	32 mm	6.4 mm
Price	from 11900 rub.	from 9650 rub.	from 5550 rub.	from 7400 rub.	from 9750 rub.	from 7500 rub.	from 8000 rub.	from 10000 rub.	from 2150 rub.	from 13000 rub.