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Headphones and the True Sound of Music

In sharp contrast to what was available in the market just a few decades ago, there are a surprising number and variety of headphones on offer for the discerning consumer today. In the past all you could get were the studio monitor stets, the big chunky ones worn over the ears, or the inexpensive portable units.

All that has changed now due to the great strides taken in headphone technology over the last few years. An amazing array in varying shapes and sizes, styles and technologies is available to suit nearly everyone’s needs.“Ear buds”, “canal phones”, “ back phones” and “electrostatic phones” are just some of the items on offer in this very high-tech market. Each comes equipped with its own features, its own pluses and minuses as will be evidenced below.

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 mobile listener, ear buds are the most popular products. They are usually included with the purchase of anew audio player. These types of headphones slip into the outer ear. They provide minimal isolation from the outside world. The major problem with these headphones is that there is a huge market that sells cheap headphones, which eventually lack the sound quality.

If the idea of the small ear bud is appealing and you are looking for something a little more sophisticated, try the “canal” phones. These amazing phones actually fit inside your ear canal, unlike ear buds, which stop at the ear lobe, thus affording a higher level of sound isolation and bass response. They are equipped with silicone or foam tips to provide safety and comfort during prolonged use but can cost a lot more than your average headphones. Some models such as those offered by Etymotic and Ultimate Ears are priced at USD $ 350 – 1000.

The last type of headphones are the Back phones, they are quite similar to the open circum aural phones that were a rage in the 70s and 80s. The only major change is the placement of the headband, instead of being over the head like its predecessor's, the headband now is behind the ears. It's comfortable for the listeners who are always on the move.

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!

Copyright 2006, Erica Cuffsmith, All Rights Reserved. This article may be published on web sites or in newsletters provided this notice and the resource box is included without amendment.

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Erica Cuffsmith runs the All Headphones, web site that focuses on a range of resources about the many advances in headphone technology over the past few decades. For more details, go to: www.allheadphones.com Click here to get your own unique version of this article.

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