There are many different types of headphones on the
market today. This is in high contrast to the headphone
market just a few decades ago, where your choices were
either studio monitor headsets (the big, clunky type
worn over the ears) or cheap portable units.
There have been many advances in headphone
technology over the past few decades, and now the
consumer has a plethora of different shapes, sizes,
styles and technologies to choose from. "Ear buds",
"Back phones", "Canal phones" and "electrostatic
headphones" are just a few of the types offered in
today’s high tech headphone market. In the article we
will review the different types of headphones available
today and touch on the features and benefits of the
individual types.
For the home user, the main type of headphone that is
purchased would fit in the "studio monitor" category.
This style of headphone has been around for years and
certain models have not changed in years. The studio
monitor is the standard "over the ear" variety that are
common in radio and music studios. They typically
have a ¼ inch plug (as opposed to the smaller 1/8 inch
or mini plug). Vendors of this type of headphone
include AKG, Sony, Sennheiser, Grado Labs and
Fostex. They are available "closed" and "open"
varieties. Audiophiles will typically tell you that the
open variety sounds more robust and has a fuller
soundstage, at the expense of sound leakage (people
around you will be able to hear what you are listening
to and vice versa) that is not as noticeable in closed
variety ‘phones which provide a higher level of sonic
isolation.
For the listener on the go, there are many varieties to
choose from. Ear buds are a very popular type of
headphone which are commonly included in the
packaging when you purchase a new audio player.
These bud type headphones slip into the outer ear and
provide minimal isolation from the outside world.
While there are a few exceptions, the majority of bud
type headphones on the market are cheap and do not
sound very good to the discerning ear.
If you like the small form factor of buds but want
something with a little more oomph, you may wish to
consider canal phones. Canal phones are much like
buds, but actually fit inside the ear canal (buds never
make it past the outer ear lobe). Because they actually
fit inside the canal, canal phones provide a much better
seal than ear buds which allows for a higher degree of
sound isolation and bass response for the listener.
Silicone or foam ear plug type tips allow for comfort
and safety during prolonged use. Be prepared to shell
out a little more cash for the better quality canal
phones, as vendors such as Etymotic and Ultimate Ears
have models which sell between $350-$1000 USD.
The last type of phone we will discuss is back
phones. Back phones are very similar to the open,
circum aural phones popularized in the 70s and 80s,
with the notable exception of the headband’s placement
which, instead of being over the head like the older
variety, is behind the head, which results in a more
comfortable fit for athletics or the listener on the go.
No matter what you are looking for, there are many
different types of headphones out there to suit your
needs. Have fun shopping and happy listening!
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