Choosing the best headphones

Today, on the shelves of specialized stores, a large assortment of all kinds of models for individually listening to music or tracks via a smartphone, watching your favorite TV shows. Bright packaging, which contains high-quality headphones, is full of technical parameters, which users pay special attention to.

But we warn you: all this data is nothing but a clever marketing move by manufacturers to attract customers. In fact, there are no strict standards, i.e., the manufacturer tests the products at his discretion, so you should not completely trust these figures. To understand all the nuances and cunning tricks of entrepreneurs, you need to carefully read our article.

Headphone Types

During the evolution of these products, in parallel with them, special wires were improved, which connected, for example, headphones for music with a sound source. Therefore, modern good headphones from a large family of wired products perfectly transmit high-quality sound. Such devices are ideal for music lovers to enjoy listening to their favorite recordings in absolute silence.

Not too demanding on sound consumers choose wireless headphones to listen to music on the go anywhere or stay in touch with friends. Today there are four types of such products: infrared, radio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Many manufacturers produce hybrid models, and users themselves decide which type to use. Here there is such an option: when the autonomous work ends, you can go to the connection using the wire.

Wireless headphones are not used during recording, since they have a delay in sound playback for several milliseconds, and this may already affect the quality. Professionals prefer only high-quality closed-type monitor devices for their work, for example, sound engineers use such headphones for high-quality music recording in order to control the sound of each instrument during a complex process.

Design

All portable devices are divided into different types:

1. Drops are the first on the list - these products are available for the phone, they are included in the package of all budget-class mobile devices. Their design is simple, they are designed to be inserted into the ear and are kept there only due to size, therefore they are not suitable for all users. Their membranes are practically of the same and rather small diameter and are unable to transmit high-quality basses, and they do not have sound insulation. Of the positive qualities, only compactness and low cost.
2. Next are the earbuds, they differ from the droplets in the variety of models, the presence of ear pads made of silicone, for better fixation inside the auricle, and their diameter varies from 8 to 12 mm. Compared with the previous type, they are more convenient to use, durable in construction, because they are made not only of plastic, but also of metal alloys. Sound insulation is quite high, so those users who spend a lot of time in public transport, listening to news from phones or music from players, get them.
3. The overhead products justify their name, because they are applied to the ear, they have a dense headband with adjustment for the size of the head, the diameter of the membrane is at least 40 mm to fit snugly on the auricle. In terms of characteristics, they surpass the first two options, their sound is pretty good, and the sound insulation of the improved version.They are simple in appearance, but quite powerful, so fans of computer games like this. Modern models of such headphones are often produced for active sports, for the ease and ease of use they are very popular among users who are constantly working on a computer, because the connectors allow you to connect to FP system units. Some models are cheaper than premium in-band devices.
4. Full-size ones differ from invoices not only in size, but also in the fact that wide and rather dense ear cushions completely cover the ear and create a separate zone for better sound distribution. They are divided into two types - open and closed. Music experts prefer the second type, and the first is used by those who want to be aware of all the events happening around them while listening to music. Minus experts consider their impressive size and high cost. Very high-quality, cool headphones from manufacturers such as Koss, AKG, SONY (Sony) and Philips (Philips) will cost you a round sum.

I would also like to note such unusual devices - this is a custom version of the intra-channel inserts, which are made according to individual casts. For large financial investments, the user receives a unique piece goods, which only he can use. Such a process can be divided into three rather conditional groups.

A simple option is an individual nozzle or a wireless headset made from a mold from your ear canal, they are made of acrylic, such products are durable, but you need to get used to them for a long time. Similar headphones made of silicone, which is more comfortable to wear, but not so long used.

The second option: the user gives the broken headphone housing made by the unique technology of balanced anchor to the laboratory, where specialists remove the emitters, conduct performance tests, check the frequency response (amplitude-frequency characteristic) and only then put them into the cast.

The third method: an in-ear monitor is created from scratch in the acoustics laboratory, specialists calculate all the characteristics for your perception of various sounds, then an individual cast is made, and the apparatus is made. No one else can use it except you.

Technical specifications

Impedance is the nominal resistance at the input to the product, measured in Ohm units, in the world this designation is Ohms. Many users for some reason decided that it is with this parameter that the headphone volume level is determined. The sound volume is more affected by the sensitivity of the membrane, which is expressed by the ratio of noise pressure to the rated power dB / mW, but you should not rely on it 100%.

High sensitivity and low impedance result in higher volume values, but additional noise may appear that is clearly audible during pauses.

frequency range

It has long been known that a person is not able to perceive rather high frequencies - this is the lot of animals and dolphins, the average individual no longer perceives those sounds that he heard in his youth, the upper boundaries suffer, and the bottoms or basses we hear perfectly. For a normal person’s hearing, meanings are meanings, not limit ones.

Experts consider the spread of 19-21943 Hz to be the best headphone frequency, and a completely different option is indicated in the product passport, for example, 5 Hz - 20 kHz. This means that the decline in AHF begins at these borders and not as before, but judging by the parameters presented, bass is present at the headphones.

The riddle of symbolism

Many models have a switch with these NK / IP symbols, and users often do not understand what it is installed for. Everything is explained quite simply: IP - communication with iPhone, Android, PC or laptop with a microphone, as well as an MP3 player; designation NK - all simple models of mobile phones such as the old Nokia, from the name of which they took letters to designate.

The English letter R in the headphones means right, from the English word right, on the other headphones you will find the letter L - left (left), made specifically so that users do not get confused. That’s all the magic of the characters.

Isodynamic headphones

The difference with the usual version in radiation technology: in them, the voice coil is integrated into the diaphragm on which the thinnest conductive paths are applied, and on both sides there are magnetized elements that excite a magnetic field when a current is passed through them. The coil moves in this field synchronously with the membrane and ensures even distribution of sound.

Another name for such products is audiophile headphones, using the same technology the best vintage models were made, which include items from the times of the USSR, they are still used today, because they are very popular among connoisseurs of high-quality sound. The accuracy of the sound transmission shock the unprepared user: you can even hear how the musicians beat the beat with their foot.

It seems as if you are sitting opposite the musicians while recording this piece. The cost of such headphones is quite high, but that's not all: for high-quality playback you need the appropriate equipment, which means additional financial costs. For modern youth, the isodynamic option at the first audition may seem devoid of deep low frequencies, but this is not so.

For classical music, the isodynamic version is considered ideal, for which it is highly appreciated by older music lovers. For modern electronic music, normal headphone models are suitable, both in technical parameters and in cost.

Which is better - high resistance or low resistance

For portable headphones, there are approximate boundaries of up to 100 Ohms, and everything above is for stationary use. The reason is simple: mobile sound sources do not have a high voltage, so the impedance is needed here low, and stationary devices operate on mains with a voltage of 220V, so large resistance values ​​are needed. For example, a resistance of 32 ohms will be enough for a mobile device or player.

Criterias of choice

Many potential buyers are puzzled by the question of how to choose the best option for headphones correctly and without much hassle. If you are going to use new headphones most of the day, then their dimensions and weight are quite relevant. The type of connection also matters: for wireless use, you need to choose a model with a good battery, which quite easily provides high battery life.

We have already talked about the technical parameters, as well as about various types of headphones, so we’ll immediately turn to the scope of application. Modern models are used for different purposes:

1. Sound recording followed by highlighting the best moments.
2. Professional activity in a music or radio studio.
3. Listening to audio books in the silence of an apartment or on a long journey.
4. Play music using a mobile player.
5. Computer games.
6. Surfing on Internet sites in search of news or necessary information.
7. Watch TV shows or your favorite movies using your home cinema, PC or laptop.
8. Listening to FM radio through a mobile device.
9. Talk on Skype, so as not to interfere with other family members.
10. As a simple headset for a smartphone.

It’s clear that a professional will not choose headphones for himself

such as inserts or inter-channel devices, with the exception of musicians and singers who use high-end products, on youth slang it sounds "cool gadgets" during a performance on the stage. Therefore, each user must first find out for what purpose he needs products, and only then proceed with the selection of the right headphones.

If you don’t care what kind of sound quality the headphones have, the main thing is that the music is always with you, then in this case any budget option will do. When you constantly use a mobile phone, you need to pay attention to droplets or simple plugs. Lovers of an active lifestyle for jogging are ideally suited overhead products with an excellent and durable mount.

Gamers prefer the full-size version of the open type, the main thing is that they are fashionable and loud enough, and for those who like to retire to fully work on the network, a similar option is better, but the closed type, so that extraneous sounds do not interfere with their creative activity. Professional sound engineers choose monitor devices in the highest sense of the name.

Overview of the best headphones

This, of course, is not a strict rating, but rather the so-called top ten models, which we divided by value into two equal groups.

Up to 6000 rubles

Fostex th-7

• Sensitivity: 100 dB / mW
• Impedance: 70 Ω
• Frequency Range: 10 Hz - 35 kHz
• Weight: 265g
• Speaker membrane size: ⌀ 40 mm
• Construction: overhead, closed type
• Maximum power: 100 mW

Few users know that Michael Jackson used only the headphones of this Japanese company model T20 for recording his masterpieces, because other copies could not withstand the optimal volume that the King of Pop liked to work at.

JBL E55BT

• Battery Life: 20 hours
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Playable frequencies: 20-20000 Hz
• Weight: 231.6 g
• Steady Signal Zone: 10m
• Speaker size: ⌀ 50 mm
• Configuration: full-size headphones, closed, fold
• Battery capacity: 730 mAh

The sound is not full of rich bass, but allows comfortable listening to any music from classical to rock. Using them at least 2 hours a day, the charge will last more than a week - a perfectly acceptable option.

Sony MDR-XB550AP

• Noise to Power Maximum Ratio: 102 dB / mW
• Impedance: 24 Ω
• Frequency Range: 5 Hz - 22 kHz
• Weight: 180g
• Membrane Diameter: 30mm
• Design: laid on type of the closed type
• Connection wire length: 1.2 m
• Features: folding option, neodymium magnets

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

• Battery life: 10 hours for music or 9 hours of conversation
• Resistance: no data
• Playable frequencies: 20-20000 Hz
• Weight: 51g
• Steady Signal Zone: 10m
• Speaker size: ⌀ 10 mm
• Configuration: Bluetooth Earphones, In-Ear

Wireless headphones are equipped with a neck unit, they themselves have built-in magnets so that the wires do not get confused, the design is neutral, and safe to use.

Beats EP On-Ear

• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Connector Shape: Straight mini Jack 3.5 mm
• Construction: overhead, fully enclosed
• Connection wire length: 1.2 m
• Features: dynamic with built-in microphone

Strange budget model for an amateur, external data for C grade.

Up to 10,000 rubles

Sony MDR-7506

• Noise to Power Maximum Ratio: 106 dB / mW
• Impedance: 63 Ω
• Frequency Range: 10Hz - 20kHz
• Weight: 226.8 g
• Membrane diameter: 40mm
• Construction: Full Size, Closed Type
• Connection wire length: 3 m
• Maximum power: 1000 mW

Onkyo ES-FC300

• Sensitivity: 97 dB / mW
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Frequency Range: 10 Hz - 27 kHz
• Weight: 240 g
• Speaker membrane size: ⌀ 40 mm
• Construction: overhead, dynamic
• Maximum power: 1000 mW

Marshall Major II Bluetooth

• Noise to Power Maximum Ratio: 96 dB / mW
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Playable frequencies: 10-20000 Hz
• Weight: 260g
• Steady Signal Zone: 10m
• Speaker size: ⌀ 40 mm
• Configuration: Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Overhead
• Battery capacity: 680 mAh
• Features: 30 hours of operation at minimum volume, add up

AfterShokz Trekz Titanium

• Battery operation: up to 6 hours
• Unique sound transmission technology: through the cranial bone
• Weight: 36g
• Headband: Occipital
• Construction: for sports, overhead
• Number of microphones: two
• Radius: no further than 10 m from the sound source

The American company offered athletes with a unique design headphones with non-standard signal transmission, IP55 moisture protection class.

Beats BeatsX Wireless

• Item Type: In-Ear Headphones with Microphone
• Battery Life: 8 hours
• Fast charge: no more than 45 minutes
• Radius of direct signal transmission: up to 15 m
• Additional information: magnetic mount, USB-A charging cable 8 pins

findings

Today, the assortment of models of good and very high-quality headphones is so diverse that a potential buyer has a head spin. We hope that our recommendations and a short overview of the best models will help you make the only right choice.

Title	Fostex th-7	JBL E55BT	Sony MDR-XB550AP	Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex	Beats EP On-Ear	Sony MDR-7506	Onkyo ES-FC300	Marshall Major II Bluetooth	AfterShokz Trekz Titanium	Beats BeatsX Wireless
Device type	headphones	Bluetooth earphones with microphone	headphone with mic	Bluetooth headphones	headphone with mic	headphones	headphones	Bluetooth earphones with microphone	Bluetooth earphones with microphone	Bluetooth earphones with microphone
View	closed invoices	full size, closed	closed invoices	plug-in (plugs)	closed invoices	full size, closed	waybills	closed invoices	waybills	plug-in (plugs)
Frequency Response Range	10 - 35000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	5 - 22000 Hz	-	20 - 20,000 Hz	10 - 20,000 Hz	10 - 27000 Hz	10 - 20,000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity	100 dB	96 dB	102 dB	-	107 dB	106 dB	97 dB	99 db	100 dB	32 dB
Impedance	70 ohm	32 ohm	24 ohm	-	32 ohm	63 ohm	32 ohm	64 ohm	-	32 ohm
The weight	265 g	231.6 g	180 g	51 g	-	261 g	240 g	260 g	36 g	8 g
Membrane diameter	40 mm	50 mm	30 mm	-	-	40 mm	40 mm	40 mm	-	-
Type of mount	headband	headband	headband	without fastening	headband	headband	headband	headband	occipital arch	without fastening
Price	from 3550 rub.	from 4200 rub.	from 1850 rub.	from 3450 rub.	from 4900 rub.	from 6900 rub.	from 8000 rub.	from 6900 rub.	from 7650 rub.	from 7400 rub.