What is the resistance measured in headphones. What are the best headphones to buy. Over-ear headphones are divided

Since its invention by Alexander Graham Bell in the second half of the nineteenth century, headphones have undergone a large number of changes and have firmly entered the life of not only music lovers who cannot imagine their life without music, but also all those who like to listen to the radio on the way to work or “read” a new audio book, without disturbing the household. With the advent of almost every home personal and completely become an indispensable attribute in every family. But does everyone know how to choose headphones and what aspects should you pay attention to when buying this accessory?

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing headphones is. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the principle “the more the better” does not always work in this case. So with the "correct" frequency range? To begin with, it is important to know that the human ear is capable of perceiving frequencies in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The beginning of this segment is responsible for the "bass", and at the top are high-frequency sounds. For what is important is not the width, but the correct reproduction of frequencies in this particular range, without blockages, “mumbling” or wheezing at low frequencies and without gnashing or hissing at high and medium frequencies. As a rule, all manufacturers indicate the main technical characteristics of their product, including amplitude-frequency indicators, on the packaging or in the attached instructions.

The second important characteristic is resistance. In fact, the more this characteristic an accessory has, the more powerful device such headphones need for optimal performance, and this source has much less effect on the sound. Simply put, you can connect headphones with a resistance of 8-16 ohms to a low-quality player, but you won’t be able to fully enjoy the music - the crackling of internal processes, amplifier noise and other extraneous sounds will distract from this. If you connect large "monitor" headphones with a resistance of 250 ohms to such a player, the sound in them will turn out to be very quiet and flat - the headphones will not play, but will "whisper". The optimal resistance range for portable devices is 32-64 ohms. Knowing this will tell you how to choose the right headphones for the player.

Another significant factor that noticeably affects the sound is sensitivity. The larger this characteristic, the louder the sound. Accordingly, the lower the sensitivity and resistance, the quieter such headphones will reproduce the sound.

Many buyers, before buying this accessory, think about which ones to choose - vacuum headphones or "ordinary". In this matter, it is best to focus on your own feelings during the trial listening and the convenience factor. It should also be remembered that even when the sound is turned off, the surrounding world in vacuum headphones is “muffled” quite strongly, therefore, with such a device, it is advisable to cross the road very carefully and generally be more collected on the street.

And the last part of the question of how to choose headphones is the acoustic design of the upcoming purchase. In this regard, headphones are "open", "closed" and "semi-open". In addition to the appearance, acoustic design affects sound insulation - in “closed” headphones, the outside world will be “muffled” by music as much as possible, and others will not hear what is playing in your headphones even when playing at very high volume. But in the "closed" headphones there is one drawback - the sound does not come out due to the blank back wall of the speakers and may be slightly distorted.

Some of the most popular headphone manufacturers at the moment are companies such as Koss, Sennheiser, Sony, AKG and Philips, but there are a number of other manufacturers that provide the headphone market with a quality and noteworthy product.

Different headphones, when the same signal level is applied from the amplifier, play at different volumes. Headphones with high sensitivity play loudly, and headphones with low sensitivity play quietly.

The sound pressure level is indicated vertically on the frequency response graph, in world practice it is expressed in decibels (dB). Values ​​can be relative or absolute in SPL (Sound pressure level). If the values ​​are given in SPL and it is indicated at what level of voltage or power, then the sensitivity of the headphones can be calculated. Knowing the sensitivity of the headphones, you can calculate how loud the headphones will play when a certain signal level is applied.

The graph shows headphones with different sensitivities; for further example, we will take the headphone impedance equal to 32 ohms. This is important in order to relate the power output of the amplifier and the sensitivity expressed in terms of power rather than voltage. Below is an illustrative table.

Sensitivity dependence
	high sensitivity headphones (green)	headphones with above average sensitivity (yellow)	headphones with medium sensitivity (red)
to voltage at 1 kHz, V	133	121	108
Sensitivity to to power at 1 kHz, mW	118	107	94
Voltage supplied to the headphones to achieve a volume of 120 dB, V	0.23	0.8	3.6
Supplied power to the headphones to achieve a volume of 120 dB, mW	1.6	3	405
The ratio of the duration of the amplifier from the same battery	1 time	2 times	250 times
If the amplifier has a maximum voltage level for 32 ohms equal to 0.3 V / 3 mW, then the maximum headphone volume will be equal to, dB SPL	122	111	98

The voltage sensitivity is taken directly from the frequency response graph, where the lines of the graph cross 1 kHz, the dB value is taken on the vertical scale. In relation to power, the value is separately recalculated. Knowing the sensitivity is necessary both for calculating the maximum volume that headphones can develop when using a particular amplifier, and for calculating power consumption.

To convert the sensitivity from dB/V to dB/mW and vice versa, the following plate is offered:

Sensitivity ratio dB/V and dB/mW
	95 dB/mW	98 dB/mW	100 dB/mW	105 dB/mW	110 dB/mW
12 ohm, dB/V	114	117	119	124	130
16 ohm, dB/V	113	116	118	123	128
24 ohm, dB/V	111	114	116	121	126
32 ohm, dB/V	110	113	115	120	125
50 ohm, dB/V	108	111	113	118	123
85 ohm, dB/V	106	109	111	116	121
100 ohm, dB/V	105	108	110	115	120
300 ohm, dB/V	100	103	105	110	115
600 ohm, dB/V	97	100	102	107	112

If the headphones on the frequency response graph at 1 kHz cross the vertical value of 125 at 1 kHz and the headphone impedance is 50 ohms at 1 kHz, then we look at the line for 50 ohms. The value 125 can be seen in the 110 dB/mW column, which is the sensitivity of these headphones in the dB/mW ratio. If it is known that the headphones have an impedance of 85 ohms, and a sensitivity of 105 dB at 1 kHz, then we look at the line for 85 ohms and the column for 105 dB / mW, we get a value of 116 dB / V. At this level, the vertical frequency response graph will cross the value of 116 dB vertically at 1 kHz.

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In the passport characteristics, the sensitivity of the headphones is often written. However, due to the lack of a strict standard for the design of the measuring stand, the sensitivity of different manufacturers is not comparable. For example, Sennheiser CX 550 Style II and AKG IP 2 have the same sensitivity, but the data sheet indicates 114 dB / 1V at 1 kHz for CX 550 and 123 dB / 1V at 1 kHz for IP 2. At our stand, the sensitivity of the headphones was 128 dB / 1 V at 1 kHz. A natural question arises, if the data are so different, is it worth paying attention to sensitivity? Because each manufacturer often uses one stand for certain types of headphones, then thanks to our measurements it is possible to make a relative correction for sensitivity. It should also be noted that different manufacturers measure sensitivity at different frequencies, for example, Sennheiser and AKG give sensitivity relative to 1 kHz, and Beyerdynamic according to the IEC 60268-7 standard - 500 Hz, which gives different results for different frequency responses of headphones. Also, the manufacturer can indicate the average value for a certain frequency range, or vice versa, the peak value over the entire frequency range. The manufacturer can give the sensitivity adjusted for the loudness of the sound presented not for a harmonic, but for a noise signal. In this case, the sensitivity value will be lower by 9 dB.

High sensitivity values ​​​​in relation to 1V should not scare. If the sensitivity of the in-ear/plug headphones is 130 dB/V, and the headphones have a resistance of 32 ohms, then in terms of mW it will be only 105 dB, a similar figure can be seen on many boxes. For example, let's look at the maximum output voltage of an average player.

Most players on low-impedance load give out only 0.2 ~ 0.3V, which allows you to develop pressure in these headphones only up to 110 dB. However, this value is valid for a sine, and for a musical signal, taking into account its energy density, the value will drop by about 9 ~ 12 dB and will not exceed 101 dB. In the subway, the noise level is 95 dB. It turns out that the earbuds / earplugs will play only 6 dB louder. An additional difference will be provided by the soundproofing of closed-type plugs.

It is also important that the sensitivity gives a fairly approximate indication of how loud the headphones will play.

The example shows headphones with nominally the same sensitivity of 114 dB/V for both 500 Hz and 1 kHz. However, it can be seen that in one model, low and high frequencies are raised on the frequency response (orange graph), while in the other, on the contrary, low and high frequencies are overwhelmed (blue graph). As a result, the first headphones will subjectively play loudly, and the second ones will play quietly, despite the formal same sensitivity. For this reason, it is necessary to focus on graphs with frequency response, while data on sensitivity without frequency response may not show the full picture.

The stand as such can be adjusted in different ways, according to noise in open or nominal space, according to a sine or other signal. Depending on the method, the values ​​will differ, and the differences can reach up to 10 dB or more. Preference is given to subjective expertise, when tuning on sines in the low frequencies and narrow-band noise at high frequencies. Our stand is calibrated for pink noise with a frequency range of 300 Hz - 2 kHz in a subjective comparison of the signal volume between the headphones and the speaker system.

This allows you to evaluate the volume of certain headphones in accordance with the acoustic systems. According to this method, it was previously recommended to subjectively calculate the frequency response of headphones in GOST 28728-89 (direct measurement method - comparative frequency response of headphones in a free field).

It is worth paying attention to the fact that there is no strict standard as such, and this allows manufacturers to indicate data for marketing reasons. You can specify a higher sensitivity for the best sales of a particular model, as more sensitive, or you can lower the value so that health authorities do not reproach for complicity in hearing loss in young people. Also, some manufacturers may give the sensitivity of the headphones based on the sensitivity of the capsule, not taking into account that the final sensitivity of the assembled earphone will be different. Thus, the data on the boxes should be approached with caution.

We offer the results of measurements made under the same conditions, which allows us to correlate the data with each other. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the sensitivity for large headphones and earbuds / earplugs is measured under the same conditions, which allows you to compare the sensitivity of the headphones with each other.

Not to mention the measurement error. Depending on the fit of the headphones, the final value may fluctuate around 3-4 dB. For full-size headphones, the final frequency response is the average between the frequency response for the right and left earphones. Thus the data looks like 103 ±2 dB/V.

There are studies whose results determine the relationship between loudness and values ​​in SPL:

SPL values ​​in dB
Sound/Volume	dB
hearing threshold	0
The ticking of a watch	10
Whisper	20
Wall clock sound	30
Muted conversation	40
Quiet street	50
normal conversation	60
noisy street	70
health risk level	80
Pneumatic hammer	90
blacksmith shop	100
Loud music (at a disco, concert)	110
pain threshold	120
Klepka, siren	130
Reactive plane	150
death level	180
Noise weapon	200

These values ​​refer to loudness levels for acoustic systems, taking into account damage to human internal tissues from low frequencies. In headphones, low frequencies act only on the eardrum and do not affect other parts of the body - the heart, liver, muscle tissue, etc. Therefore, in headphones, the threshold for maximum volume is generally higher, but you should still remember that listening for a long time at high volume will not lead to good. The table also shows values ​​for harmonic signals. Because the musical signal is close to the noise in terms of spectral density, then in general the volume of the musical signal is reduced by 9 dB (from the ratio of the energy density of the sine and the noise, for the sine - 3 dB, for the noise - 12 dB).

The representation of voltage sensitivity is convenient in that it is possible to visually assess the dependence of loudness on the applied voltage. A step of 6 dB gives a voltage change of two times. The dependence of the volume change on the applied voltage is logarithmic. When choosing headphones, you can also conclude that if headphones A have a sensitivity of 100 dB, and headphones B have a sensitivity of 106 dB, then this means that headphones A will play with the same volume as headphones B, if you set the amplifier volume to two times higher.

Nowadays, choosing good headphones is quite difficult, because the range is simply amazing, and even if you have already decided on the type of design, brand and price range, the choice will not be easy. Indeed, in each price category, manufacturers offer a large number of models, which, among other things, differ from each other. characteristics. Usually they are presented in the form of numbers (and sometimes graphs) with dimensions that are incomprehensible to most users. But how to understand what exactly these numbers and graphic dependencies affect? Let's try to figure it out!

A few words about marketing

Marketers now decide a lot in large corporations, and for good reason, because the amount of income from the sale of each model of headphones depends on their successful decisions. And they use their power to influence your choice, manipulate the mind of the buyer with the help of numbers, using, of course, technical specifications. Think back to the 1990s when Chinese "Hi-Fi" stereos filled the market with small speakers that said "100 W" in large print. We are seeing something similar now. The larger the value to enter in front of the characteristics, the wider the frequency range to indicate on the package, the more interest it will cause the audience.

The fact is that there are no standard methods for measuring the characteristics of headphones, as well as a standard stand for carrying out these tests. Therefore, in fact, the manufacturer can write whatever he wants on the package. Everything is not so bad if you understand a little and understand what do the headphone specs mean?

1. Impedance (electrical resistance)

Impedance- this is the sum of the active and reactance of the speaker coil, measured in ohms. The impedance value depends on the signal frequency, that is, it is more appropriate to present this characteristic in the form of a graph, but usually manufacturers mark the impedance at a frequency of 1 kHz or an average or characteristic value for the entire frequency range on the packaging.

Typically, portable headphones are characterized by an impedance of 16-32 ohms and are considered "low-impedance". If this value exceeds 60 ohms, then the headphones are "high-impedance". The classification of studio monitor headphones in this regard is slightly different, here the value of 80-100 ohms is considered low-resistance, and 250 or more - high-resistance. What is the impedance value? It affects the energy consumption when playing music, as well as to some extent the volume. The lower the resistance of the headphones, the louder they will be (with the same). Also, low-impedance headphones consume less power to play music when the same signal level is applied.

For portable devices (mp3 players, smartphones), the optimal impedance values ​​will be 16-32 ohms, in some cases, even at 60 ohms, the headphones will sound quite loud due to the high. For stationary listening, values ​​\u200b\u200bfrom 100 Ohms will be more acceptable, this will create a "comfortable" load for the amplifier, and it will be able to reproduce a signal with less. For portable equipment, 100-ohm headphones will be "too heavy", playback will most likely not be loud enough.

But do not rush to choose headphones with a minimum impedance value, because as this value increases, the signal-to-noise ratio decreases, the level of distortion increases, and also headphones with a high impedance are more economical in terms of power consumption.

2. Sensitivity

Under sensitivity often imply the efficiency of headphones, their efficiency in terms of energy consumption. Measured in dB / mW, or dB / V, that is, this is the ratio of the volume level that the headphones provide when a signal with a power (amplitude) of 1 mW (V) is applied to them. Sensitivity reduced to power (dB/mW) characterizes the headphones in terms of energy efficiency, but does not allow comparing different models with each other in this parameter, since the sensitivity in this case depends on the impedance of the headphones. Usually, manufacturers are not too concerned with dimensions and simply indicate the value in decibels, for most headphones this is 100 dB or more. The work of marketers is clearly visible here, and the value of sensitivity in the characteristics is indicated according to the principle "the more - the better." Sensitivity largely depends on the material from which the magnetic core of the speaker is made. Neodymium magnets provide the highest sensitivity in a compact size, so if you see the word neodime on the packaging, that's a good sign.

Here again, it should be emphasized that there are no strict standards regarding the measurement of headphone sensitivity, so each manufacturer measures it in its own way: someone gives sensitivity at a frequency of 1 kHz, someone at 500 Hz, while others give average or even peak values. sensitivity. In addition, each manufacturer uses its own measuring stand, so this parameter should be trusted with caution.

As can be seen from the definition, sensitivity primarily affects the headphone volume, and the larger this value, the louder the headphones will be (with other parameters equal, including impedance). Headphones with the same sensitivity and radically different frequency response graphs will subjectively differ in volume.

3. Amplitude-frequency response (AFC)

frequency response this is a graphical dependence that reflects the dependence of the headphone volume (more precisely, sound pressure) on the frequency of the reproduced signal. Usually this dependence is uneven, that is, headphones create different sound pressure at different frequencies. For example, consider the frequency response of Koss PortaPro headphones.

On the graph, we can see the frequency response deviations from the average value, for which 0 dB is accepted. In the region of 100-200 Hz, we can observe a rise in the curve, which emphasizes the low frequencies. Further, the curve is leveled and in the high-frequency range we see some unevenness. The position of the peaks and valleys can change depending on many factors: how you put on the headphones, whether the soft pressure mode is on (the switch on the side of the PortaPro headphones), and the shape of the listener's ear. When using in-ear headphones, the configuration of the ear cushions and the depth at which the earphone is inserted also affect. It is also worth noting that the frequency response of the left and right channels may differ slightly.

It is important to pay attention to the frequency response graph only if you buy headphones of the middle and higher price segments, the manufacturers of budget models usually do not show off this characteristic too much. Expensive studio models can have a specially shaped frequency response designed for certain types of music, often studio models have a very flat response, which is why for ordinary users they sound dry, there is a lack of low and high frequencies that everyone is so used to.

4. Frequency range

As you can see, the curve along the frequency axis is limited to 20Hz - 20kHz, this is frequency range, that is, the boundaries in which the amplitude-frequency characteristic lies. It is known that the human ear perceives frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (with age, this range narrows), and these are the ranges we usually see in the characteristics of headphones. It is technically correct to indicate the frequency response unevenness next to the frequency range, for example, 20-20000 Hz (+/- 3 dB), that is, the frequency response unevenness in the 20 Hz range is +/- 3 dB, or 6 dB. Usually, no one indicates unevenness from where eloquent numbers like 5-28000Hz appear on the boxes with headphones. But even if the unevenness of the frequency response in this range is acceptable, do our headphones need to reproduce frequencies that our ear cannot perceive? As you can see, the frequency response graph at the edges has significant roll-offs at high and low frequencies, and thanks to the expansion of the frequency range, we can shift these roll-offs, getting higher values ​​within the sensitivity of our hearing.

So the frequency range is also an important characteristic, but only taking into account the unevenness of the frequency response curve, that is, if you choose between headphones with a range of 20-20000Hz with an unevenness of 4 dB, and 5-28000Hz with an unevenness of 12 dB, I would choose the first.

By the way, one example of a headphone that boasts a wide frequency range is Sennheiser's in-ear IE800. With the manufacturer's specified range of 5-46000Hz, their price is about $750.

5. Maximum input power

This characteristic shows what maximum power the signal that we apply to the headphones can have. If the level exceeds the maximum input power of the headphones, they may be damaged. This characteristic can be guided by choosing headphones for a specific playback source (amplifier, remote control, sound card, mp-3 player), comparing it in accordance with the output power of the device. The power reserve will never be superfluous, because it will protect the headphones from overloads and significantly increase the service life.

The maximum input power of various headphone models can range from 1 to 5000 mW.

6. Nonlinear distortion factor (THD)

A very important characteristic that you rarely see on the packaging of headphones. The distortion level of headphones is measured as a percentage, the lower the THD value, the more accurately the headphones transmit sound. The distortion coefficient depends on many factors (frequency, signal power, etc.), for example, for low frequencies (up to 200 Hz), the acceptable value is 5-10%, while in the rest of the range, values ​​​​less than 1% are considered acceptable. Typically, data are given for SOI at a frequency of 1 kHz.

Why are non-linear distortions taken into account?

Everything is very simple, any linear element introduces linear distortion into the signal, for example, a resistor - a volume control. Of course, when passing through a resistor, the signal may be subject to non-linear distortion due to impurities in the resistive element, but these distortions are so small that they can be neglected. Nonlinear distortion is introduced by non-linear elements such as transistors, which make up almost all electronics.

It is impossible to transmit a signal with perfect accuracy without distortion at all, you can only minimize their level. Modern technologies make it possible to achieve a level of distortion in tenths or even hundredths of a percent, so not everyone can feel these distortions by ear. How do headphones distort the signal? This is usually due to uneven deformation of the diffuser, which cannot have the same mechanical properties over the entire area. We can also hear sound distortion when the diffuser goes beyond the calculated movement zone, but this usually happens when the headphones are "overloaded", that is, they work in a mode that does not correspond to the nominal one. This can be observed by connecting headphones with a low value to a powerful signal source, especially with an excess of low frequencies. This mode of operation is dangerous and may damage the speaker.

Results

It is impossible to single out any one characteristic that fully characterizes the headphones, since the quality and reliability of the sound depends on each of them. Some characteristics are interconnected, some compensate each other, so you need to evaluate everything as a whole, and not each parameter separately. In addition, do not forget that there are no standard stands and methods for measuring certain characteristics of headphones, and some of them (for example) will depend on the fit of the headphones on the head (or in the ears) and other operating conditions.

Therefore, we will still consider "live" listening as the most reliable way to choose headphones, which will allow you to evaluate not only the sound quality, but also ease of use and other nuances. If there is no opportunity to listen to the headphones before buying, take a close look at them specifications and read user reviews on the Internet, although everyone evaluates in their own way.

For a person who cannot imagine his life without music and listens to it every day, the main place is occupied by rich, high-quality sound, and only after that the convenience and duration of operation of a portable device that emits sounds. However, the stores offer such a wide range of headphones of different types and manufacturers that, without having enough information about their correct choice, one can easily get confused. We will present a rating of the best and most suitable headphones in terms of sound quality. But first, let's get acquainted with the information about which headphones are better to choose.

At first glance, it seems that choosing good headphones can be no problem. It is enough to come to the store, listen to a song in the model you like, and if you like the sound, you can take it. Those who think so are wrong. There are some nuances in the process of choosing this portable device. When we choose a product for ourselves, we first of all pay attention to its design and description of the characteristics on the box from it. However, it would not be necessary to be disappointed in the purchase thus acquired. It is important to decide in what situations you need headphones to listen to music (at home, on the street, etc.).

When choosing headphones with good and high-quality sound, you should follow criteria such as:

To get acquainted with the rating, the best headphones will be presented according to the version of the Mark.guru portal, which took into account the reviews of experts and consumers. It includes 15 models of portable devices with different designs and good sound, allowing you to listen to any music.

Plug-in

1.XBA-A3

Open the list of the best headphones for in-ear type music from Sony.

Manufacturers have achieved excellent sound due to the drivers in the plugs (1 dynamic and 2 reinforcing).

The kit comes with 2 cables (with and without a microphone), several nozzles, a case.

Advantages:

• great sound;
• high quality;
• comfortable fit.

Flaws:

• soundproofing is not the best;
• the cost is high - 15990 rubles.

Prices for XBA-A3:

2. Westone UM PRO10

Vacuum device with behind-the-ear plugs for the most snug fit to the ear.

Reinforcing emitter provides excellent clarity and high detail.

Headphones have a reinforcing two-driver design. Durability is achieved through hand-assembled from high-strength materials. The set includes a variety of attachments, a detachable cable, a deep cleaning tool and a case.

Advantages:

• clean sound;
• voices are well separated;
• do not fall out of the ears;
• lovely design.

Flaws:

• little bass;
• the cost is a bit high - 10,500 rubles, but the quality fully justifies it.

Prices for Westone UM PRO10:

3 Philips Fidelio S2

They are part of Philips Fidelio's high quality concept line of audio products and are one of the best vacuum-type headphones. High-power emitters are capable of transmitting the exact sound of music.

The robust design of the device will ensure its longevity.

And complete with it there are nozzles of different sizes, a compact and very convenient case in which the plugs are stored.

Advantages:

• Beautiful design;
• sit well in the ears;
• the wire is not tangled;
• soft sound.

Flaws:

• very delicate wire, which quickly hardens in the cold;
• lack of low frequencies;
• the cost is high (8440 rubles).

Prices for Philips Fidelio S2:

4.Panasonic RP-HJE125

Owners of these earplugs will be pleased with their modest cost, moderate high frequency, balanced mids and good bass. The device comes with ear pads.

If you do not like the sound, then its quality can be improved by selecting other rubber bands or silicone.

Headphones are produced in different colors.

Advantages:

• good quality sound;
• L-shaped plug;
• different colors of devices;
• acceptable cost - 449 rubles.

Flaws:

• the cord is short;
• plastic hardens in the cold.

Panasonic RP-HJE125 prices:

Inserts

1 Sennheiser MX 170

Budget headphones, but decent quality. They have an advantage in high frequencies, but bass is also present, although it is better not to listen to the device at maximum volume, otherwise the bass is blocked. But the design details have a weak link - there is practically no sound insulation, although ear pads are included. And a thin vulnerable cord.

Advantages:

• sound of acceptable quality;
• low cost (410 rubles).

Flaws:

• power restrictions;
• in the cold, the cord tans;
• there is no protection at the point where the cord exits the case.

Sennheiser MX 170 prices:

They belong to the class of inexpensive and simple in-ear devices. They fully correspond to their price category, their sound is ordinary, low frequencies are amplified, and the design is minimalist, not catchy. The curved case provides a comfortable hold in the ears, and a small width - listening to music even when lying on your side.

The kit includes ear pads, due to which the sound quality of low frequencies becomes higher in the speakers.

Advantages:

• simplicity;
• convenient form;
• good high frequency, clean and powerful enough bass;
• very low cost - 399 rubles.

Flaws:

• the cable is short.

Prices on :

3. Apple EarPods

Standard in-ear headphones equipped with a microphone. Connected with a wire.

Such a device came with different iPhone models in the kit and is now fully compatible with them.

It has a stylish design, but consumers have conflicting opinions about the sound quality.

Advantages:

• high quality assembly;
• beautiful shape;
• ease of operation;
• acceptable cost, varies in the range of 954-2390 rubles.

Flaws:

• branded white.

Prices for Apple EarPods:

Overhead

1. Sol Republic

A device in which the headband, cups and wires are completely independent of each other. If one of the components fails, it can be easily purchased and replaced. On the wire is a microphone and a small remote control for volume control. With this headset, you can listen to music on any mobile device and even manage the menu.

The bass dominates, but overall the sound is juicy and bright.

Advantages:

• great sound;
• the wire is easy to untangle;
• sit comfortably on the ears;
• pleasant to the touch material cups and headband.

Flaws:

• the edges of the remote control cling to clothes;
• buttons are tight;
• high cost, varies in the range of 5702-10990 rubles.

Prices for Sol Republic:

2. Sennheiser PX 100-II

These headphones are ideal for everyday use. They have a folding design, steel hinges and shackle, which provide the device with long-term operation.

The headphones are compact, lightweight, if you fold them, you can put them in a eyeglass case.

One-sided cable attachment, its length is 120 cm. They have a stylish and at the same time not flashy appearance.

Advantages:

• balanced sound;
• compactness;
• comfortable on the head;
• excellent value for money (2740 rubles) and quality.

Flaws:

• not very good soundproofing;
• flimsy cord.

Sennheiser PX 100-II prices:

3. Koss Porta Pro

The iconic best on-ear headphones, first introduced in 1984 and continually improved by manufacturers.

They have an ergonomic design and original design. They fold and take on a round shape.

Music lovers will be delighted with excellent sound.

Advantages:

• high quality sound;
• weigh little;
• the ability to adjust the angle of the speaker suspension;
• acceptable cost, varies in the range of 2719-3765 rubles.

Flaws:

• poor sound insulation;
• the metal arcs of the headband cling to the hair and pull it.

Prices for Koss Porta Pro :

4. SVEN AP-B350MV

Wireless headphones that provide excellent quality of reproduced melodies. Any music lover will appreciate them, as he will be able to enjoy both his favorite music and complete freedom of movement.

Built-in Bluetooth keeps you connected at a distance of 10 m with a tablet or smartphone, and the battery will last 10 hours without recharging.

The device can also be operated from the audio cable that is included in the kit.

Advantages:

• convenient in operation;
• clear sound;
• low cost (1183 rubles).

Flaws:

• not found.

Prices for SVEN AP-B350MV:

full size

1. V-Moda Crossfade M-100

A device with great sound and lots of bass. It is distinguished by an abundance of leather and a minimum of plastic in the design.

Headphones can be folded, as a result they acquire a semicircular shape and compactness.

Their cable is one-sided, so it connects to any cup. Leather ear pads are pleasant to the touch, sealed, with good noise isolation. There is only one button on the remote control, which will allow you to answer a call or record a speech.

Advantages:

• "bass" sound;
• compactness;
• original design.

Flaws:

• fragility;
• high cost - 17886 rubles.

Prices for V-Moda Crossfade M-100 :

2 Plantronics BackBeat Pro

Wireless over-ear headphones designed for listening to music indoors. The device in terms of operation is universal, it copes equally well with playing music and games. It produces a wonderful sound, rich deep bass, driving highs and a flat middle are dominant.

They can work day and night without a wire, and a wired connection is also possible.

Advantages:

• the sound is velvety and pleasant;
• unlimited functionality;
• fit comfortably on the ears.

Flaws:

• quite massive;
• expensive (13990 rubles).

Plantronics BackBeat Pro pricing:

3. Sennheiser HD 215 II

A device with excellent sound and a number of other useful features.

One of the best of its kind, ideal for listening at home.

It has a minimalist design, the elegance of the headphones was not in the first place when creating. These headphones will last a long time, sit comfortably on your head. Good for DJs.

Advantages:

• great detailed sound
• the wire is removed;
• good sound insulation;
• acceptable cost - 4490 rubles.

Flaws:

• overall dimensions.

Prices for Sennheiser HD 215 II:

4. Sony MDR-XB950AP

They sound great and look original. The case is mostly plastic, with metal inserts.

Equipped with a movable mechanism, which, if necessary, will allow you to push the headband.

The cups completely cover the ears, but the ears do not fall inside them. The cups themselves move smoothly, adapting to the head. The button will allow you to answer the call. But the volume of the music can not be adjusted with the button.

Advantages:

• quality construction;
• sit comfortably on the head;
• the wire is strong;
• acceptable cost - 4328 rubles.

Flaws:

• the wire is tanned in the cold.

Sony MDR-XB950AP prices:

We reviewed the Top 15 best in-ear, in-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones. This information will help people who decide to buy this device for themselves to choose it correctly.

If you travel a lot, need to focus on your work, or just love music and audiobooks, headphones are a very important gadget.

The main types of headphones

Headphones can be divided into several types, depending on various factors.

The most common division is wireless and . The former connect to devices that support the appropriate Wi-Fi or Bluetooth standard. There are radio and infrared based models available on the market, but Bluetooth is currently the most popular option. It provides a short range (about 9-10 meters), but this is enough for a smartphone, which, as a rule, we have in our pocket, at a distance of several tens of centimeters from the headphones.

Wired headphones have a long jack cable that can be plugged into the device's audio jack port. Good wired headphones provide excellent sound quality, as the sound is not compressed, as is the case with a Bluetooth headset. However, they have a smaller "radius", limited by the length of the cable.

Wired and wireless headphones also differ in design. Here we can highlight invoices, liners, behind the ear and intrathecal.

As you can see, on-ear headphones are the largest because they completely or partially cover the ears. In-ear headphones are those that are hidden in the ear. Over-the-ear headphones have special hooks around the ears, thanks to which they hold well in place. Intrathecal types of in-ear headphones are equipped with special rubber tabs (tips), which better isolate from outside noise. As a rule, they are located in the auditory canal, deeper than in-ear headphones.

Also available on the market closed, semi-open and open headphones. This division concerns the shape of the headphones. The closed ones fit snugly against your ear, so that the sound gets "stuck" between the speaker and your ear. This means that the sounds from the outside do not reach you, but the music you listen to does not reach the environment. Such models are characterized, as a rule, by very good reproduction of low and high frequencies.

Open headphones are the ones that are best for use at home and in quiet places because you will be able to hear noises from outside. People around you will also hear sounds from your headphones, especially if you listen to music loudly. But open models provide good ventilation of the ear. Because of this, they are more comfortable, especially if you wear them for a long time. It's also a good choice if you're looking for a secure sports headphone for a runner, for example. Hearing complements sight. Often we first hear something, and only then notice. While running around the city, it is better to know what is happening around us.

For this purpose, you can also try semi-open headphones, which combine the best features of closed and open models. The main thing is excellent sound quality and a wide range of reproducible low and high frequencies. In addition, they isolate from unwanted sounds from the outside, although to a lesser extent than closed structures. They provide proper ear ventilation.

If you are looking for closed headphones, choose intrathecal ones among in-ear models. Due to placement in the ear canal and the use of silicone inlays, they usually separate you well from noise.

Important characteristics and parameters of headphones

See what the headphones are made of:

The choice of suitable headphones depends primarily on what they are used for - for talking on the phone, Skype or listening to music? A model equipped with a microphone is usually great for all occasions. The only difference is that for a conversation, especially over the Internet (VoIP), simple possibilities are enough, if only because of the sound compression. More important is the sound quality, the maximum available volume.

Model for music lovers must meet much higher requirements. See what parameters to check if you are looking for really good wired or wireless headphones.

Headphone sensitivity

See examples of sound volume levels:

In music headphones, volume, that is, the sound pressure level, is very important. In other words, sensitivity. It is indicated in decibels (db). In accordance with EU regulations, the recommended maximum value is up to 85 dB, outside the EU the norm can reach up to 96 dB.

Most commercially available headphones, however, have a higher maximum volume. But it also means higher pressure, which is felt over time. Listening to sounds above 80 dB for extended periods of time can be tiring. The pain threshold is the volume level at the level of 110-140 dB, and if these values ​​are exceeded, hearing damage occurs.

If at any point you feel that your hearing is straining, turn off the music or take a break from listening. With good quality headphones, this should not happen. Remember also that the final volume of the headphones also depends on the volume of the output device and the quality of the connection between it and the headphones, as well as on the impedance.

Headphone impedance

Most mobile devices support values ​​in the 16-64 ohm range (denoted by the Greek letter Ω for omega). The higher the impedance, the more power you must supply to the headphones in order for them to reach a sufficient volume level.

This means that when you connect the same source that provides a lower current (such as a smartphone), the low-impedance headphones will be louder. On the other hand, the lower the resistance, the greater the susceptibility to noise.

Headphone frequency range

Pay attention to the frequency range, that is, low and high frequencies are supported. In the case of really good headphones, the range should be from 16 to 20,000 Hz - exactly as much as the range of sound perception in humans. The lower limit means the lowest, bass sounds, the upper range means high, i.e. top and any accents.

Be aware, however, that manufacturers measure frequency range differently, as there are no uniform requirements, and this can make a big difference. If the headphones are quiet at low frequencies, in practice you may not hear the most bass sounds. Therefore, frequencies are an important criterion, but not the main one.

Headphone diaphragm size

An important feature that determines the sound quality. Of course, the membrane of over-ear headphones is larger than in-ear and behind-the-ear ones. This is important so that the reproduced sound is less distorted and sounds better (especially low, bass tones).

Headphone membranes are made from various materials - artificial, paper, aluminum or titanium. High-quality headphones with a wide operating frequency range can be equipped with a microfiber membrane, which provides a better sound.

Adjustability and convenience

Comfort and ergonomics are also very important. The comfortable earphones are almost unnoticeable, so you can listen to music for many hours. If you buy in-ear or intrathecal headphones, you will usually receive a complete set of earbuds and/or hooks in various sizes to fit the shape of your ear.

In the case of full-size headphones, consider the headband adjustment range first.

Which headphones to buy

Before choosing a specific headphone model, think about what device you want to pair it with: a smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer or TV?

Most models available on the market are great for any occasion. But it is worth knowing what headphones designed for use with various devices should have.

Headphones for smartphone

With a smartphone, it is more convenient to use small headphones or earbuds that take up little space and are easy to store even in your pocket. Headband or behind-the-ear headphones that stay in place when you're on the move, walking fast or running are also a good idea.

A type headphones suitable for smartphone, is determined primarily by the presence of a jack connector. If so, you can choose from many different models of wired headphones that provide great sound quality. The wired connection is reliable, however, such headphones can get tangled during storage. Manufacturers are trying to eliminate this problem by increasingly equipping their models with flat, rubberized wires.

If you're using a smartphone that doesn't have a jack connector (like the iPhone 7), you can pair it with headphones with a Lightning connector (like Apple Ear Pods) or wireless headphones.

Headphones for TV

It is much better to take wireless headphones to the TV - mainly because of the coverage area. Wired should have a very long cable. If you're looking for headphones that you'll only use at home with your TV, look no further than the on-ear headphones. They provide the best sound quality that you will appreciate when you watch a movie and hear even the quietest phrases clearly.

Only wired headphones can be connected to a TV that only has a jack connector, but this will require using a model with a long cable.

Headphones for computer and laptop

Wired headphones work well for laptops and desktops. It is better if it is a model with a long cable, especially if you have a system unit under the table. Otherwise, you may experience a rather strong "attachment" to the computer...

It's easier to have monitor with headphone output- then a standard length cable is enough for you. It's also a good idea to use a Wi-Fi + Bluetooth network card or a Bluetooth module that plugs into a USB port on your computer and allows you to use wireless headphones.

Most laptops already have built-in Bluetooth, but if they don't, a USB network card or a small USB adapter will allow you to enjoy a wireless connection.

ANC function

Manufacturers decipher this abbreviation in different ways: Active Noise Cancellation, Active Noise Control or Adaptive Noise Cancellation. Sometimes also referred to as noise reduction.

However, it's all the same function - active noise cancellation, which works on the basis of the phenomenon destructive interdependence. Headphones use built-in microphones to monitor the level of environmental noise and, on this basis, generate a sound frequency that reduces unwanted noise.

Adaptive Noise Cancellation is an extended version of this technology. Even on a crowded bus, you will hear your favorite music instead of the calls of a fellow traveler. You can set the mode to "ANC only" or adjust the volume yourself.

Noise isolation function

Passive noise cancellation system that separates you from the sounds of the environment. Used in headphones that fit perfectly to your ears and provide a comfortable listening experience.

Regardless of the fact that the neighbor from above is making repairs or trees are being cut down under the window, you will hear your favorite compositions.

EC function

Eliminate echo in the microphone. Reduces any additional sounds other than speech. In the case of Creative headphones, this is a function Clear Speech, which simultaneously removes digital noise and enriches sound quality. Very useful when you are making phone calls and VoIP.

Multipoint function

A feature that allows you to connect one wireless headset to two devices at the same time. Thanks to this, for example, it is convenient to watch a movie on a tablet, and when a call comes to a smartphone, just pick up the phone and talk through the headphones.

Fast Fuel function

Many headphone models have a fast charging function. Connect them to the charger for 5 minutes, and you can use another 1-3 hours (depending on the model). This solution is used in Apple Beats headphones.

Beats Acoustic Engine

Also characteristic of Apple Beats. Original Beats software allows you to enjoy the best sound quality that is compatible with what the music creator wanted to achieve.

Remote talk function

Thanks to this function, you can have a conversation through wireless headphones and control the player using the assistant built into the headphones. Also launches Siri.

TTS function

Text-To-Speech, i.e. text-to-speech. Includes both voice messages about turning on/off the headphones, pairing with a device or low battery, as well as the phone number/name of the contact who is calling you.

In Samsung Level headphones, after installing the special Samsung Level application on your smartphone, you can read content, reminders and messages.

Sound with me function

Popular headphone models

Choosing the right headphones it will be much easier once you learn the models we recommend.

Apple Beats Studio Over-Ear	Open over-ear headphones. Combine the best features of closed and open design. Convenience, comfort and great fit. You will hear only your favorite songs, instead of noise, but do not miss the courier when he rings the doorbell.
Creative Aurvana Platinum	You can listen to music for hours and never feel like you have headphones on your ears. This effect is provided by comfortable control and memory foam ear cushions that adapt to the shape of the ears. The closed design and ANC function ensure that only the sound of the music reaches your ears.
Creative Aurvana Gold	Built-in Bluetooth and NFC support allows you to quickly pair your headset with your smartphone, laptop or tablet. Over-the-ear, closed-back design and ANC eliminate interference. The sound is clear and deep. The microphone with Clear Speech technology cancels out noise and makes it easier to have conversations even in noisy environments.
Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless	The Beats Acoustic Engine delivers sound the way the creator intended. The semi-open design provides excellent sound and comfort during use. The ANC function provides a balance between the sounds in the headphones and the sounds outside.
	Closed headphones in an interesting design. Minimalistic design and maximum great sound. The built-in microphone allows you to talk on the phone or Skype. A capacious battery is enough for a whole day of listening.
	The W1 processor takes care of a stable, fast wireless connection and excellent power management. Thanks to this, Apple AirPods allow you to listen to music for 5 hours without interruption. They can be quickly charged. 15 minutes is enough to use another 3 hours.
Samsung Level U Pro	In-ear headphones with foldable design. Put them in your pocket. Thanks to the Multipoint function, you can connect them to two devices at the same time. You listen to music from your laptop, and when the phone rings, you can easily take the call through the headphones. Simple and convenient!
Samsung Level U Pro ANC	Stylish in-ear headphones with built-in microphone. The ANC mode ensures that you hear the music clearly in your headphones, instead of outside noise. The TTS function in the Samsung Level app will tell you the battery level and read a new SMS message.
	Moisture and dust resistant intrathecal earmuffs that are great if you are looking for a sporty model. The built-in NFC module will allow you to quickly and efficiently pair with your smartphone. Excellent sound with deep bass - this is what you need for lovers of energetic music.
Apple Powerbeats 3	Great for behind-the-ear intrathecal headphones for athletes. In 5 minutes, they can be charged up to a level that is enough for another hour of music playback. Resistant to water and sweat. Equipped with a passive Noise Isolating system that allows you to hear only what you want to hear to give you energy during your workout.
	Only 5 minutes of charging to work for another 2 hours. The intrathecal design and active noise cancellation allows you to adjust the volume of your music and the noise of the environment. Ideal for active and frequent travelers on public transport.
Samsung Level Active	Waterproof intrathecal model. The sealed housing protects them from rain, dirt and splashes. Convenient hooks and soft gel inserts ensure that the headphones stay in place even when you're on the move.
Apple Beats EP On-Ear	Open over-ear headphones. Lightweight and strong, reinforced with steel elements. Provide an extraordinary musical experience. Passive Noise Isolating technology separates you from unwanted sounds. You hear only pure and deep sound.
Creative Aurvana Live!	Stylish, classic closed-back headphones. The perfect combination of comfort and excellent quality. The bio-cellulose composite membrane combines the best characteristics of paper, aluminum and titanium membranes - light, warm sounding and unrivaled dynamics.
	Wired version of AirPods for lovers of classic solutions. The Lightning connector allows you to connect to the latest iPhone smartphones. Fits perfectly in the ear and is comfortable. Resistant to sweat and water, so you can use them outdoors and during sports.
	Intrathecal headphones. Extremely elegant, minimalistic and ergonomic. Provide clear and crisp sound. The remote control built into the cord makes it easy to control your music player and answer calls.
Samsung Level In ANC	A wide range of sound will bring you much joy. The various earbuds allow you to customize your headphones to suit your preferences, whether you prefer them in a more or less noise-isolating version.

We hope that our review will make it easier for you to choose the right headphones. What is more important to you - sound or appearance? Which of the proposed headphones did you like the most? Let us know! We look forward to your comments.