How
to pick the right headphone
IT’S funny.
We spend thousands of rupees on that newest MP3 player and yet, when it comes
to the most important part of our musical experience — the earphone or
headphone — we’re constantly looking for the cheapest options. But if you love
your music and crave ‘true fidelity’ in sound, then it’s time you paid
attention to this accessory. But before you step out to purchase a pair, you
need to decide on the type that fits your need.
POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN SHOPPING:
You get what you pay for
Expensive
headphones/earphones, more often than not, are made with better materials and
technological know-how; this not only translates to improved sound, but also
results in greater durability.
Check the frequency range
Humans
can generally hear between 20Hz and 20,000Hz (20kHz) range. There are
‘professional’ headphones that boast of a higher range and at a premium cost.
You don’t need those unless you work in the recording/music industry — and even
then, you would only be able to hear those frequencies if you had ‘superhuman’
hearing.
Sound check
When testing a pair, make it a point
to carry some classical music or some songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Most modern
tracks from the digital era are highly compressed and aren’t good samples to
test audio equipment. Also, carry along your favourite song. Since you’ve heard
that track many times on different devices, it will provide you with a good
yardstick of the headphones’ performance.
Sound Isolation:
Better SI lets you listen to music
at a lower volume as it keeps out external noise. This will help you protect
your ears as well as save battery.
Pressure on ear drums
Earphones that plug into your ears
exert more pressure on your eardrum than headphones playing at the same volume.
Understandably, the latter allow for longer, stress-free listening time.
Noise cancellation
Contrary to popular belief,
noise-cancellation headphones are not meant for audiophiles. In fact, the
technology might even cancel some parts of your music.
Trust your ears
It
would also be prudent to try out the different varieties to see which sits most
comfortably, and what works best for you. When it comes to sound, your ears are
your best judge.
Earbuds are the type that sit inside the cavity of your outer ears.
Pros: Compact; a model for every budget.
Cons: Does not reproduce audiophile-quality sound; people with
smaller ears might find earbuds uncomfortable; prone to falling out during
strenuous activity like exercising or jogging.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious, casual music listeners looking for a
small-sized pair.
In-canal earphones use silicone or foam tips to fit snugly into the auditory
canal. These usually come with two to three ‘tips’ of different sizes to create
a comfortable fit for almost anyone. Pros: Fit like plugs to create a
‘seal of isolation’ that keeps the music in and external sounds out. Cons: Can
be uncomfortable especially if the tips have a rough or hard finish; really
good pairs are steeply priced.
Ideal for: Travellers/commuters because they keep out external
(traffic) sounds.
Canalbuds are earbuds with a slight extension that sit lightly into
the ear canal to create isolation. These, like in-canal, come with two to three
silicone covers of different sizes.
Pros: Better sound quality than earbuds; more comfortable than
in-canal earphones.
Cons: More expensive than earbuds; sound isolation not as good as
in-canal variety.
Ideal for: Those who find in-canal earphones uncomfortable, but are
looking for better noise isolation than earbuds.
Ear-pad headphones have sponge pads that cover your ears; usually connected via
a flexible metal band that is worn over the head/around the back of your neck.
Pros: Comfortable to wear; good sound; easy to handle (can be hung
around the neck when not in use).
Cons: Noise isolation is not as good as sound leaks to the
outside; are more expensive when compared to most earphones.
Ideal for: Those who listen to music when exercising. Head/neck band
ensures that the headphones do not fall off; also allows you to hear
surrounding sounds like, say, a car horn whilst jogging on the streets.
Full-size headphones are the type you might have seen DJs wearing at a
discotheque. These come with padded ear cups that surround your ears completely.
Pros: Comfortable to wear; great audiophile-quality sound complete
with bass boost; good noise isolation.
Cons: Can be prohibitively expensive; large size affects
portability.
Ideal for: Professional DJs, indoor use, audiophiles.
Savio
D’Souza STL120708
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