How to choose headphones with good bass

How to turn listening to music in frustration? The answer is simple: buy low-quality headphones. They can easily upset lovers of club music and industrial style. Frustrate and angry gamers who don’t hear the enemy’s footsteps in their favorite shooter. To get only positive emotions from the sound, you need to buy headphones with deep juicy bass. Such devices are fairly easy to identify by some characteristics and design features.

Good Bass Headphones - Key Features

The main characteristic of Bass class headphones is the ability to reproduce sound without a sharp drop in the volume of frequencies at the edge of the hearing range. This is the minimum requirement that guarantees accurate transmission of all shades of the transmitted signal.

For a truly club-like feel and complete immersion in the musical environment, phone headsets or full-scope monitors are required:

• provide good airflow and pressure in the ear canal;
• have a large stroke of the membrane and its diameter;
• to guarantee such fastening on the ear or in the canal in order to exclude air exchange as much as possible.

Separate headphones thanks to the design features are able to ensure compliance with individual requirements. For example, vacuum earbuds satisfy the third item on the list, while full-coverage music with a powerful speaker creates high sound pressure.

Headphone design

To better understand which features help electronic systems reproduce the best bass, it is worth considering the mechanisms of the membrane on the eardrum and the bones of the skull.

Full Coverage Monitors

Large, full-ear headphones for a computer or player - an option that can show excellent sound results with deep bass. The model must meet a number of requirements.

1. Have a closed structure. This ensures sound insulation and air exchange with the environment. Also, in closed-type headphones, the speaker installation unit is almost leakproof. This provides good sound pressure performance and reduces low frequency distortion. In addition, the largest diameter monitors are installed in full-scope monitors.
2. Have your own signal processing system. This ensures that the characteristics of the components are consistent, minimum distortion, independent control over the entire frequency range. In simple words, overhead bass headphones are an isolated environment that can squeeze the most out of the input signal.

Wireless or wired headphones for music must have their own equalizer. This is not a requirement, but highly desirable. The compliance of the model with this criterion immediately shows that the headphones have a signal processing system.

Vacuum

Vacuum plugs are popular. They are small, lightweight, provide sound insulation. To buy wireless or wired in-ear plugs and enjoy the sound, you should:

• pay attention to models with a membrane diameter of at least 7 mm;
• choose droplets that have an air exchange chamber;
• carefully consider models with two sound emitters.

Today you can buy vacuum headphones, which have a conversion circuit in the wired control panel. Such devices will provide maximum quality, while offering an equalizer and other nice features.

How do bass headphones work?

There are only two functional schemes on which the work of a particular model of headphones with deep bass is implemented.

1. Advanced membrane control and changing the nature of the input signal.Roughly speaking, the electronic unit forcibly amplifies the bass part.
2. The use of two sound emitters. This is the most attractive technology, but headphones with it are more expensive than their competitors using one speaker per channel. Principle of operation: frequency filters are included in the electronic circuits of headphones. They allow one sound emitter to work in the middle and high band, and the second - only deal with bass. The sound quality is maximum.

There is another technology used on some bass headphones. This is a kind of trick that allows you to enhance the impression of music due to the effect on the bones of the skull. It is used in full-scope monitors and is enclosed in the installation of a vibration plate. The latter does not work on the principle of a membrane; its amplitude does not change.

The task of the element is to vibrate at a low frequency. The mechanical emitter is not sealed, it seems to enhance the bass. However, this is a purely physical sensation caused by vibration transmitted to the bones of the skull.

Two technologies for creating bass are used in different models of headphones, the dimensions and features of which determine the convenience of using one or another circuit. In full-scope monitors, amplification of the low-frequency range, the use of proprietary electronic processors is almost standard. Such a scheme is convenient, since the headphone membrane has a large diameter, is flexibly controlled, and responds predictably to pulses.

In vacuum models, the installation of two vibration sources is widely used. In this case, you should carefully read the documentation. Reinforcing sound emitter works well at medium and high frequencies, and dynamic - in the bass zone.

How to choose

After the design features of the model are analyzed and evaluated, it is time to consider the electrical characteristics of the headphones.

Type of connection

Choose a wired or wireless channel - everyone decides according to personal preference. The headphone cable should be thick enough, flexible, have a protective braid.

When choosing a wireless model, it is desirable that it supports the most modern transmission protocol, ideally WiFi or Bluetooth 4.1. This guarantees a high transfer speed and signal quality.

Sensitivity

Crosstalk, rustling, digital noise - the worst enemies of good bass. For their influence on the sound picture, a headphone parameter such as sensitivity is responsible. It should not be more than 150. The optimal value is close to the figure 95. In this case, the membrane will not respond to low-intensity pulses, and the sound of the bass will be voluminous and rich.

Frequency range

The frequency range is the most important part of the process of how to choose good bass headphones. Medical studies show that the human ear hears a frequency of 18 to 21,750 Hz.

However, do not think that if the headphones fall into this interval, they are good by default. Any electronic device is not able to show stable results in the extreme zones of the range. Therefore, it is reasonable to choose a model in which the start of the playback band is, for example, at around 5-8 Hz, and the end is as far as possible from the figure of 22 kHz.

The second part of the selection procedure is to study the amplitude-frequency characteristics of a particular model. Manufacturers of good headphones pay great attention to this information. The frequency response graph is printed on the packaging, is given in the instructions, published on the manufacturer’s website. Two key features are worth exploring here:

• in the low-frequency zone, the graph should have a rise. For high-quality bass reproduction, it is recommended to increase the gain increase to 2 KHz, and the peak of the curve in the area of ​​the mark of 400-600 Hz;
• no less important is the high-frequency zone.In it, let's say a small dip down at the extreme end of the chart. If the headphones have a maximum range point of 25 kHz, this will not affect the owner’s feelings. But if in the high frequency region there is a long rise, such models will sound bad, reproducing a mixture of bass and ringing treble.

The ideal variant of the frequency response is a good rise in the graph in the bass area, a stable, almost straight line in the middle and high ranges with a small dip at the edge of the available frequencies.

Impendance

Impedance directly affects the maximum volume. However, the sound quality also depends on this parameter. For smartphones, players, and other devices that do not have a powerful amplifier, the maximum recommended headphone impedance characteristic is 100 Ohms, the minimum is at 20. If you plan to listen to music through a powerful amplifier, the resistance should start from 200-250.

Top

User reviews, design features and specifications announced by the manufacturer allowed us to create a top of various headphones with bass, which will allow you to completely immerse yourself in the sound environment of a musical composition or computer game.

Philips BASS + SHB3075

• Enclosed Full Coverage Monitors
• Frequency: 9 to 21,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Membrane Diameter: 32 mm
• Wireless Connection: bluetooth 4.1
• Built-in microphone
• Ability to answer a call from a mobile phone

A model focused primarily on mobile people. The headphones are lightweight, but there is no double arc mount. Operating time with the built-in battery - up to 12 hours, 166 hours of standby.

Philips BASS + SHE4305

• Vacuum In-Ear Wired Headphones
• Type of construction: enclosed
• One dynamic sound emitter
• Frequencies: 9 to 23,000 Hz
• Resistance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 107 dB
• Membrane: 12.2 mm
• Built-in microphone
• Call answer button

A model perfect for mobile devices. Headphones require pumping for 4-5 hours, the package includes several pairs of ear pads for individual selection of fit in the ear.

Sony MDR-XB250

• Overhead, Full Coverage Monitors
• Dynamic sound emitters, one per ear
• Frequencies: 5 to 22,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 98 dB
• Resistance: 24 ohms
• 30 mm membrane
• Single Arc Headband

Headphones with a great combination of price and quality. Show high results when connected to almost all devices, weight 140 g.

Sony MDR-XB950AP

• Full Coverage Monitors
• Dynamic sound emitters
• Frequencies: 3-28000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 106 dB
• Resistance: 40 ohms
• Built-in microphone
• Single Arc Headband
• Answer / end button

These headphones will make you regret switching to another model. The expanded frequency range and carefully designed frequency response make users respond that "bass is too bass." The model weighs only 245 g and can be used with any class of devices.

Sennheiser MX 170

• Earbuds (not intra-ear), closed type design
• Dynamic sound emitter
• Frequencies: 22 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 109 dB
• Resistance: 32 ohms
• Wired connection

The classic form and high-quality sound harmonize in these headphones from the famous brand. Only one set of ear pads included.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)

• Full-Size Monitors
• Sensitivity: 96dB
• Resistance: 80 ohms
• Frequencies: 5-35000 Hz
• Distortion: 0.2%
• Single Arc Headband
• Wired connection

These headphones are the choice of a true music lover. In addition to very high-quality sound, full sound insulation is guaranteed, up to 18 dB. Includes adapter for 6.3 mm jack, carrying bag.

Marshall Mid Bluetooth

• Full Coverage Monitors with Two Connection Options
• Dynamic sound emitters
• Membrane diameter: 40mm
• Detachable cable
• Microphone
• Up to 30 hours on a single charge
• Built-in Sound Codecs

Headphones that provide maximum naturalness for playing musical compositions. Equalizer allows you to adjust the gain of low and high frequencies. Includes detachable cable, twisted, for wired connection.

Creative EP-630

• In-channel, open type
• Frequencies: 6 to 23000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 106 dB
• Resistance: 16 ohms
• Membrane diameter: 9mm
• Wired connection

Despite the open design, the headphones reproduce bass quality due to the characteristics of the frequency range and the size of the membrane. Several pairs of ear pads are included, the model uses oxygen-free copper wires, and the connection contacts are gold-plated.

Skullcandy crusher

• Full Coverage Monitors
• Frequency: 20-20000 Hz
• Resistance: 32 ohms
• Membrane diameter: 40mm
• Folding design
• Detachable cable with single entry
• Own battery powered sound processing system

These headphones are a bright representative of the system with its own signal conversion circuit. Battery life up to 40 hours of playback.

Sony MDR-XB950B1

• Wireless Full Coverage Monitors
• Dynamic sound emitters
• Frequency: 3 to 280,000 Hz
• Resistance: 24 ohms
• Sensitivity: 102 dB
• Membrane: 40 mm
• Single Arc Headband
• Folding design
• Microphone
• Cable for wired connection

These headphones from the famous brand will offer the pleasure of excellent sound up to 18 hours on a single battery charge. The model is convenient and able to forcibly influence the nature of the sound.

Conclusion

Choosing headphones with good bass is easy enough. You only need to study the features that you should definitely pay attention to. And then neither advertising materials nor the stories of marketers can mislead the buyer. Purchased headphones will only bring positive emotions and complete enjoyment of your favorite music.

Title	Philips BASS + SHB3075	Philips BASS + SHE4305	Sony MDR-XB250	Sony MDR-XB950AP	Sennheiser MX 170	Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)	Marshall Mid Bluetooth	Creative EP-630	Skullcandy crusher	Sony MDR-XB950B1
Frequency Response Range	9 - 21000 Hz	9 - 23000 Hz	5 - 22000 Hz	3 - 28000 Hz	22 - 20,000 Hz	5 - 35000 Hz	10 - 20,000 Hz	6 - 23000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	3 - 28000 Hz
Sensitivity	103 dB	107 dB	98 dB	106 dB	109 dB	96 dB	95 dB	106 dB	104 dB	102 dB
Impedance	32 ohm	32 ohm	24 ohm	40 ohm	32 ohm	80 ohm	32 ohm	16 ohm	32 ohm	24 ohm
The weight	132 g	13 g	140 g	245 g	14 g	270 g	540 g	9 g	228 g	280 g
Membrane diameter	32 mm	12.2 mm	30 mm	40 mm	-	-	40 mm	9 mm	40 mm	40 mm
Price	from 2250 rub.	from 550 rub.	from 1100 rub.	from 4350 rub.	from 430 rub.	from 11350 rub.	from 9700 rub.	from 1200 rub.	from 13000 rub.	from 7550 rub.