Which headphones are better for music? Tips for choosing headphones

Headphones - a device without which, probably, does not do any music lover. If we are talking about people who are professionally engaged in music or are fond of listening to tracks in Hi-End formats - then the criteria for choosing the appropriate device on their part will be the most stringent. What should I look for when buying headphones? What are the key selection criteria for the device?

Classification of headphones

Determine what kind of headphones are good - for a computer, phone or music center, we will be helped by knowledge that reflects the classification of the corresponding devices. Consider the main approaches to it, which are popular among Russian music lovers.

There are, relatively speaking, two basic categories of devices - "liners" and full-sized devices. They differ, first of all, by the size of the diaphragm - that is, the key element that produces the sound. The point of view on which the size of the corresponding component directly predetermines the sound quality is widespread. This is partly true - if we talk about devaysah one category. That is, it is not necessarily that a specific full-size sample will be better than an "insert" - the specific technologies used by the headphone manufacturer are important. There are perfectly adapted for people who prefer an active rhythm of life, headphones overhead. Which are the best of them - also, most often, determines the level of technology implemented by one or another brand-producer. This regularity can be considered common for all types of devices.

What to choose a music lover - full-sized devices, overhead devices or earphones? Which are better? All marked types of devices have advantages and disadvantages. So, liners, obviously, are more compact, it is more convenient to carry them, conditionally speaking, in a pocket. Advantages of full-size devices are that they are usually able to provide a deeper human immersion in music, create something like the effect of presence at a concert. While the "inserts" allow a person to hear sounds from the environment, and not just reproduced by the device - emulation of the concert in this case is realized with difficulty.

If we decided to buy in-ear headphones, which are the best ones to choose? It can be noted that this type of device can be classified in other categories. So, there are "liners" that are located inside the auricle or located directly in the depth of the auditory canal. Which ones to choose is usually determined by the subjective preferences of users. The sound quality is determined, in this case, by the technologies of the brand, and not by the design features of the devices.

Selecting full-size headphones

If we decided to stop on full-sized devices, what criteria it is useful to adhere to in this case? As we noted above, in the case of headphones assigned to one category, the rule generally works: the larger the aperture, the better the sound. But this is not the most important criterion. The fact that full-size headphones are also classified into additional categories - open, semi-closed, as well as those that belong to the closed type.

Assignment of devices to one or another type affects their ability to reproduce sound at low frequencies, as well as the level of audibility of the headphones of ambient sounds. In a number of cases, assigning devices to a category also predetermines the sound quality.

According to some experts in the field of audio equipment, closed headphones are best adapted to play heavy music. So, their design features are better suited for playing sounds in a dense stream. Closed headphones provide better bass output. However, the level of distortion of music on open-type headphones is usually lower.

Method of attachment

Let's consider another criterion for choosing headphones - the method of attachment. For many users, this criterion is even more important than the sound quality. This is quite logical - uncomfortable headphones can bring more discomfort than those that, perhaps, reproduce the melody with some complaints. Regarding the "liners", they can be fixed on the user's head with a special bow, put on the ear or by placing in the ear. Such ways of fastening will be comfortable for people who like to listen to melodies, wearing a hat.

There are devices adapted for athletes. They are equipped with devices that predetermine the special comfort of wearing them when performing various exercises or while running. The usual method of fastening full-size headphones involves the use of an arch located around the head. The corresponding element can also be classified for a number of reasons: such as, for example, fabrication material, the possibility of resizing.

Earpieces

Among the important criteria for choosing headphones are the properties of ear cups. The material of their manufacture is of decisive importance here. The most important thing is that it does not cause irritation on the skin, and does not increase its temperature - otherwise the device will be hot. Also, some users subjectively prefer ear pads of soft materials, others - from elastic or even rigid ones.

Sound quality

As you know, a person can distinguish between sounds in frequency between 15-20 Hz and 18-22 kHz. That is, no matter how high-tech the headphones were not in the aspect of reproducing frequencies beyond those mentioned - the average music lover probably will not hear the difference. However, this range is also complemented by the classification of frequencies to low, medium and high. In this sense, the quality of sound reproduction directly depends on the capabilities of the headphones to support all three types of frequencies. Another significant parameter of the device, which affects the quality of the playback of melodies, is the level of distortion. A parameter such as sound pressure is also important . Some experts consider significant such a characteristic as impedance or electrical resistance of devices. It is desirable that the corresponding figure in the headphones correlate with the values in the devices to which they are connected.

Connection technology with a player

Another important criterion for choosing headphones is the technology of their connection with the playing equipment - PC, telephone, music center. There are three main methods of connecting devices with the appropriate equipment - the use of a standard audio cable, the use of digital interfaces - such as, for example, USB, as well as wireless communication - most often through WiFi, Bluetooth, and various branded radio standards.

What to choose - working with wired interfaces or wireless headphones? Which are better? Both have both advantages and disadvantages. Wire connections in the general case are more stable. They are less susceptible to interference, do not require third-party devices - such as, for example, a router, in case of using WiFi-connection. At the same time, wireless connections require much more mobility. Although - in the case of using WiFi, the distance to which data can be transmitted is usually 30-40 meters - in some cases, the wires are longer.

Adapted headphones to audio devices

Audio standards used in the world can be considered a model of unification. On most devices, the same slots are used - 3.5 mm. Drivers for installing the appropriate sound equipment on a PC are usually not required. In this sense, to ask which headphones are best for a phone, a PC, or a music center means to be able to get a universal answer that involves identifying devices that are best suited for any type of equipment. But if you think about what parameters to choose headphones for certain devices, then perhaps the main criterion will be their characteristics in terms of compatibility with the appearance of a particular device. Which headphones are better for the phone in this sense - those that are successfully combined with the design concept of the device.

Which devices are optimal for PCs - those that are likely to correspond to the individual style of the user. If he is keen on programming entertainment applications for Android-devices, then for him, probably, headphones with an original, creative bold design concept will suit. If he is a fan of sports simulators - perhaps for him the "inserts" are best, in which the concepts of style are realized, close to people who prefer a healthy lifestyle.

Brand

Does the brand manufacturer of the device matter? Which firm is better? The answer to the first question is probably. At the same time, in the modern market a large number of worthy brands are represented, actively competing with each other. In this sense, the choice between them can be quite complicated. Thus, if we are talking about the companies of the same segment, it's not easy to determine the brand-manufacturer (many users do not even know who produces them, which firm) headphones. The best corporation that introduces relevant devices to the market is often determined based on the subjective opinion of users and experts. But if the brand is among the leaders of the market, then, most likely, because of high competition, it will always deliver high-quality goods.

So, having considered the basic criteria for choosing headphones, we will study in more detail some of the notable models of devices presented in the Russian market. Many music lovers view them as exemplary.

Leading brands: Denon

Among the most remarkable models of headphones from this brand, perfectly suitable for listening to music - the AH-D340. It is positioned as one of the most accessible devices within the limits of premium rulers from the manufacturer in question. If a music lover has a question - which headphones are better for music, then he can safely recommend the product in question. These devices are characterized by a rich, powerful sound, high power, attractive design. Many users of these headphones especially appreciate the convenience of device operation.

SONY

Another well- known brand producer of high-tech electronics and headphones in particular - SONY. Which headphones are better to choose from among those produced by a Japanese company? Many Russian music lovers pay attention to the MDR-1R device. The sound quality provided by the device - at altitude. However, the key feature of the headphones under consideration is universality. The fact is that they use them equally comfortably both in the home listening environment, and on the street, in a noisy environment.

Yamaha

What are the best headphones - in the range of offers from Yamaha? It is difficult to make an objective choice, given that this brand produces a huge number of high-quality types of high-tech products. However, the device HPH-MT220 definitely deserves attention.

These headphones are characterized as belonging to the middle price segment, and therefore, they can be considered to be available to a wide range of users. At the same time, the low price does not correlate with the excellent sound quality that the device provides. Many experts praise these headphones for the quality of materials, design, assembly.

Shure

A good, affordable and quality solution offers the Shure brand in the form of the SRH940 device. Specialists characterize this device as capable of providing excellent bass support. The quality of reproduction of the main sound ranges also does not cause criticism from experts and music lovers. Many users praise the device for the convenience of placement in the attached case.

Beyerdynamic

Which headphones are better for music, if you consider the premium segment? You can pay attention to the device T70, produced by the brand Beyerdynamic. Requirements for data from headphones from music lovers will probably assume somewhat different criteria than when considering mid-segment devices. If from the point of view of soundness of sound even the most affordable models of the average price level, in principle, are not worse than premium ones, then in terms of design, quality of performance and applied materials, the difference can be noticeable.

For example, in T70 many music lovers are attracted by the scale of the ear-cups, as well as their design, which implies full clinging of the ear. As a consequence - an incredible immersion in the range of musical chords played through the device. Specialists characterize the sound on the headphones T70 as clean, powerful, bringing incredible pleasure from listening to your favorite tracks.

Audio-Technica

A possible competitor of the T70 in terms of finding the answer, which headphones are better for music from the high-end segment is the ATH-W1000X device, produced by the Audio-Technica brand. Many experts refer them to the most popular in the relevant market segment. Regarding the quality of the sound of criticism, it can probably not be provided even theoretically, and therefore experts focus on other competitive advantages of the device. In particular, this applies to materials used in its manufacture, as well as, in fact, the concept of assembly. Specificity of the design of the headphones in question is in the presence of self-regulating elements. Many users are also impressed by the fact that the cups are made of wood. This adds originality to the design, as well as contributes to filling the reproduced sound with barely audible, but very pleasing shades.

Sennheiser

Continuing to find out which headphones are better for premium music, we can not bypass the device from one of the leading brands in the corresponding segment of audio equipment - Sennheiser. Definitely worthy of attention are the HD-800 headphones produced by this corporation. The first thing that impresses when acquainted with them is a high-end design concept.

The sound quality reproduced by the device, many music lovers are considered as a reference. Regarding the prospects for purchasing headphones, experts recommend to make sure before buying this expensive device that the used sound equipment corresponds to the class in which the device is presented.