When buying top-value open ear headphones, gathering feedback, and doing research are imperative. You can start by approaching a person or a friend who had the experience with the pair of headphones you want to get. The alternative is to do your own homework and read technical specifications, reviews, and other product details. Therefore, from our own experience, we will try to help you so that you know how to choose your ideal headphones. Those with whom you will enjoy the best listening experience both at home and away from home.
Headphone Types
As you might know, there are different types of headphones and the ones that feature cups with the open back design are also the ones that are considered most pure by audiophiles. This is not to say that you need to break the bank as there are some top value open-ear headphones you can start with. As time goes along and you get to appreciate the natural sound reproduction of the open back cups – you can always progress to a more expensive alternative offering an even more refined sound.
The first are the so-called Earphones. Button types are placed inside our ears, have a very small size, and usually include portable devices such as Mp3 players, mobile phones, etc.
They are ideal for those searching for something cautious, light, and agreeable (in spite of the fact that that is more relative for every client).
Then there are the in-Ear, they are similar to the Earphones but with the particularity of having a design that allows the ear canal to be inserted. The main advantage is that they isolate the outside sound. The downside is that although they come with different silicone ear cushions (small, medium, and large), they do not fit all ears equally well.
We also have the supernatural, they have a headband to hold them and they are over the ear. They are comfortable and offer a good ratio between comfort and sound quality.
Finally, there are the circumoral, they are the headphones that give the best result. Comfortable to use for a long time, their larger size allows you to use larger speakers and isolate outside sound very well.
Technical Specifications
Most earphones offer nearly the whole perceptible range. This range decides the sounds that we will have the option to hear as per the range. Sounds that makeup what we later call bass, mids, and high pitch. The perceptible range is estimated in Hertz.
- Bass emits between 10 Hz and 256 Hz
- Medium, between 256 Hz and 2000 Hz
- Treble, between 2000 Hz and 20000 Hz (20kHz)
Therefore, the wider the better. In any case, hearing changes according to age. Therefore, the ear of someone young and healthy is not the same as that of an older person.
Another detail is impedance. This worth shows the opposition that the headset offers to the sound that the player sends. It is estimated in Ohm and the littler it is, the more noteworthy the volume we will have. This information is significant since it is identified with the impedance of the sound source itself. As such, the impedance of the earphone should never be higher than that of the hardware or we won’t hear anything.
Finally, there is the sensitivity, it is measured in decibels (dB). Measures the maximum volume the earpiece will be able to emit. They are normally limited to 100 dB maximum, even the players have limitations, as more could damage our ears.
Basic tips to Choose Well
Knowing the technical data that affect quality, there are a number of details that must also be known to choose our next headset well. These are aspects that are not indicated with numbers.
The nature of assembling. It is imperative to break down the completion of the item. From the links to the material that encompasses the headset. A low quality plastic isn’t equivalent to a higher caliber and better-gathered one that will forestall vibrations.
Review these aspects and whenever you can visit a dealer that has it to test. Something difficult and if we find headphones to be tested it is usually of the supraaural or circumaural type.
Big Brands but Watch Out for Advertising
Large manufacturers are always a safe bet but we have to be careful with advertising. There are brands that do great advertising work, helped by celebrities who show off their products. It is not that they are bad products but, in many cases, they will be overrated.
Conclusions
Remember, when you go to buy a new headset, first select which type is the most suitable for you. If you are going to use it both at home and on the street and do not want to draw too much attention, I would opt for the in-ear if you move through noisy environments or the supra-aural for comfort without sacrificing quality.
Also, check that the impudence is appropriate for the product with which you are going to use it. As a rule, there are usually not many problems but it is good to take them into account. Sensitivity is also important, but remember that 120 dB is approximately the sound of an airplane engine, be careful with your ears. And do not get carried away by brands and advertising. Betting on traditional manufacturers, it has great experience and they rarely disappoint. Try whenever you can the model that interests you.