Headphones for Music Buyers Guide
What To Look For When Buying Headphones For Music?
When it comes to what to look for in a set of headphones for music, audio quality and comfort should be considered the 2 most important factors to examine before you buy. That being said with lower-priced models the manufacturers often have to sacrifice one or the other to provide a cheaper choice so it can be difficult to navigate the lower priced regions of the online market.
Generally speaking, larger diaphragms have a better response and performance especially when it comes to their low end. They provide a larger magnetic field to disturb and a larger cone to vibrate. So over ear, overhead models are essentially much more capable of providing better audio.
Just how effective their actual response depends on how well they are engineered. To be completely honest you aren't going to find anything particularly impressive until you are above the hundred dollar mark, though some of those we have highlighted which sit just comfortably below are on par with models retailing for much more.
Closed cup designs are also wise as they isolate the listener from their environment and are more private to listen with as the sound is directed to the user's ear and doesn't leak into the ears of those around you.
Wired or Wireless?
Though the pair you pick will ultimately be slightly dependent on the genres of music you prefer to listen to, the major thing to consider is how and where you like to listen. If it is out and about via mobile devices then you may feel more at ease with a wireless set of headphones.
They allow for more freedom of movement and wires can be cumbersome especially if you live the sort of lifestyle which will require you to put headphones on and off between activities or tasks.
The cords also tend to be the most problematic areas in terms of durability as they are subjected to the most wear and tear during everyday casual use, this is pretty much unavoidable so if you are looking for a wired set to wear out and about it is advisable to opt for a set which has reinforced entry and exit points.
Some models actually come with detachable and even interchangeable cords (like the Avantree Active Noise Canceling) which lends them a longer shelf life, making them a valuable investment.
If you listen within the home then a wired set is a good way to go they actually provide a truer signal as they are direct which gives a more accurate digital reproduction. They are also interference free as some Bluetooth streaming can be a little more intermittent and leave listeners with audio that has a stuttered effect to it.
Over-Ear or In-Ear?
After you have settled on a wired or wireless design you need to look at the level of comfort each provides.
Given that over-ear or around the ear (sometimes referred to as circumaural) headphones are so immersive and direct the audio extremely well, they can be pretty exhaustive to your ears. The headband holds the speakers aside of your head cups provide a somewhat sealed environment about the wearer's ears which it is why it is imperative that the cups are sufficiently cushioned.
Wearing overhead headphones for long periods can become very uncomfortable if they don't have adequate flexibility and padding, likewise, they need to be fully adjustable to allow for the natural variations in people head circumferences and shapes.
If the fit isn't ergonomically generous enough then your ears could be subjected to unsafe sound pressure levels which can be damaging to your ears.
If you decide an in-ear model is more suitable for your individual needs then we recommend you head over to our 10 best earbuds article for the low down, though the Sony set we have included today represents one of the best sets under $30 on the current market in our opinion.
There are more styles and design concepts to consider as they are prone to falling out of ears if not supported somehow or ergonomically conceived.
As briefly mentioned the genre you prefer will likely weigh in as you narrow down your decision if you listen to bass heavy genres you will want to opt for a set with larger drivers and enhanced bass performance and broader low-end frequency response.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the choice is yours, the headphone market is awash with products but we think we have found a few which surpass the rest in their class. Hopefully armed with the info from our buyers guide you will find the set that suit you best.
As with any audio electronic product, the budget you have will limit just what you can get your hands on when it comes to building and audio quality.
If you have audiophile tastes you will likely need to spend a lot more to suit your needs. If you have a very conservative amount of cash to spend we suggest you hold the manufacturing quality above the audio abilities because constantly replacing less durable models will rack up a lot more in the long run.
Expert Tip
Many companies go out of their way to provide products which can be worn for longer periods though it is advisable to rest your ears and take plenty of breaks. It is important to note that in-ear models are sometimes more dangerous to your ears as far as prolonged use is concerned and overexposure to any direct audio can cause irreversible long-term damage to your hearing.
Did you Know
Our 10 best Beyerdynamic headphones article lists some very promising products as one of the industries oldest and largest manufacturing giants they really have their formula for optimal audio
If you've enjoyed this review by Music Critic, please leave a positive rating:
- 3.7/5
- 20 ratings
20 ratingsX
| Very bad! | Bad | Hmmm | Oke | Good! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | 5% | 5% | 25% | 45% |
