by Jason Epstein
According to many music and high-fidelity enthusiasts, headphones are the best way to enjoy the most accurate and cleanest version of the recording you’re listening to. Headphones used to be uncomfortable, harsh-sounding devices that seemed like an afterthought product in the world of audio technology. Today, there are so many brands and types it could make any aspiring audio aficionado’s head spin. So which are the best for you? That could take some trial and error, but here at SoundCtrl we want to give you a head start. What’s the best model, type and brand for you? Educate yourself with our headphone overview guide.
Headphone Designs
Circumaural (or – closed-back, full-sized, ear-cup, over-the-ear)
Pros – These are “natural” outside noise dampeners, and I say “natural” because they are of course, man-made, but produce this effect by providing a seal around your ears rather than synthetic noise-cancellation technology. And in case you’re the type that tends to drop your cans from time to time, lucky for you, circumaural headphones tend to be more durable. These also typically come with longer cords, which can come in handy.
Cons – The reason these are usually more durable than average is because they’re bigger headphones and as such, have a lack of portability. They also tend to be somewhat less comfortable that supra-aural or in-ear (depending on your preferences) and aren’t very good for mobility or exercise.
Writer’s Pick – Sennheiser HD 280 Pro – Review
Supra-aural (or – earpad, open-backed, semi-open)
Pros – These tend to be more portable than circumaural headphones, so you can easily bring them on vacation. They also give the user the ability to hear what’s going on in the outside world which tends to be safer for a pedestrian, for example.
Cons – Does not block outside noise very well (if you’d rather be in a cocoon of sweet, sweet sound) and often cannot reproduce the type of clarity and accuracy that a full seal, in or around your ears would be able to accomplish.
Writer’s Pick – Sennheiser PX-100 II – Review
In-ear (or – earbuds/earphones/ear monitors)
Pros – These are so portable that others may not even be able to tell you have them on. So, feel free to bring them along for everything from work meetings to religious services.
Cons – These are far easier to lose, break or fall victim to general wear n’ tear.
Writer’s Pick – Klipsch Image S4’s – Review
Other Headphone Technology and Features
Noise cancelling/noise isolating (best achieved by in-ear and closed-back)
Pros – These come in the form of ear-cup or in-ear ‘phones and will cancel outside noise.
Cons – They’re usually far more expensive than other types of headphones and sometimes need batteries for the noise-cancelling function, and those will need to be recharged or replaced.
Writer’s pick – Bose QuietComfort 3 – Review
Sport headphones
Pros – Great portability for some serious mobility.
Cons –No matter how well-designed these are for the active user, you know that eventually you’re going to rip your cable, lose a piece or wear ‘n tear it some other way, especially if you sweat heavily during work outs. That’s why I’ve picked a relatively inexpensive option below. Also, these typically do not offer the highest fidelity sound quality that can be found in non-sport headphones.
Writer’s pick – Sony MDR-AS30G – Review
Jason Epstein is a writer based in the New York City area, and has been writing as long as he can remember. In his career he’s done a wide variety of pieces and projects including interviews with notable musicians, short stories, comedic commentary, entertainment writing, event coverage, photography and more. He can be reached at Jasonepstein84 at gmail dot com.
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