Features To Look For In A Headphone

Headphones have become as common as cell phones and audiophiles are the only ones sporting them on a daily basis. They allow hands-free conversations, clearer sound and are less expensive to replace than large speakers. But what features should they ideally have? Read on to find out.

Try it out

No amount of glossy specs can give a feel for the real thing. No matter whom the manufacturer is or how expensive the product is, if you don't give it a try, you'll never know how good it is. Going by ear (literally) should influence the purchase.

Look for headphones that strike a good balance between bass and treble. For example, standard speakers can generate a full, rich sound and that's close to the kind you want to look for in a headphone. Low bass sounds may not be as noticeable as large speakers but they're nevertheless produced to equalize treble. Exaggerated specs like more bass or treble don't really do much for sound quality because it isn't balanced well. So rather than rush to pick products emphasizing the two, stick with one that's properly balanced.

Controls

Most headphones don't feature a lot of controls. They're simple plug-and-play devices that have volume control and a stop function. If remote features are present, you can receive and end calls and skip to the previous and next track. Once considered a proprietary feature, remote control is now available with many leading brands of headphones.

Comfort

This is perhaps the most important thing to watch for because headphones are worn, not placed on a desk. In-ear headphones have great noise-cancelling features but some feel disconcerted because they block out ambient noise a bit too well. Others prefer over-the-ear headphones for their comfort and ability to produce better low bass sound. The choice is up to you where comfort is concerned.

Durability

Headphones are subjected to hard knocks and bent wires which means they will develop tears over time. There's nothing to be done with this if you choose a headphone that's delicate with thin cables. The more durable models are heavier which may work for you or not. If you regularly use them for communication rather than music, delicate sets which are more portable are not such a problem. But if you don't intend to walk around much and prefer to sit in front of your computer, the bulkier over-the-ear types are better.

If you're choosing wireless headphones look for one which has good battery life. Some last for only a couple of hours despite a high price while others can go for as long as 10 hours (more expensive and durable too). You also have to remember that listening range is limited but if you carry the audio device or phone with you, it's not a problem.

So, where can you find a good headphone? Local stores are the best places because you can try on several models. However, they usually have a limited range of brands and discounts are not given very freely. You can find almost any brand online though you can't test them. What you can do is try on a pair at a store and look for it on the internet. You may be able to get a good discount or find models similar to it.

Headphone amplifiers possess unique characteristics such as impedance and sensitivity that differ greatly from speakers. They are available as battery-powered for portability or for use in the home. Click on this link for additional details.