The Ultimate Headphones Buying Guide
Good earphones are not hard to come by, as the market is constantly flooded with new products. Still, pinpointing the best possible model is not as easy as it may seem. Leaving things to chance does not pay off because headphones will likely be with you most days of the week. So, get ready to do your homework and choose your device carefully. There is no need to overpay for the headphones or buy a product that will not work well with your system.
Wants and needs
The first thing you need to do is set the budget. Not everyone can afford to purchase the top-notch product, but you generally get what you pay for. Namely, price speaks volumes about the quality and performance. There are several options regarding places where to shop. First off, you have local dealerships at your disposal and they usually do the trick. But, nowadays, the internet poses a viable alternative that certainly comes with many advantages, such as a greater product palette.
No matter where you decide to buy them, the same rules apply when choosing the right product. Start by taking a good look at the primary components of your system. An outdated cell phone stacked with MP3 files does not really encourage you to spend much on headphones because they will be underworked. On the other hand, one cannot fully experience advanced home system with entry-level headphones. So, use a reality check to figure out which type of cans that suit your needs the best.
In other words, always think about how you are going to use the headphones. There are three basic types: In-ear, on-ear, and over-ear headphones. Anyhow, the choice always comes down to personal preferences. An in-ear gadget does not have to involve a shabby sound quality, while over-ear headphones can be designed in such a way to ensure comfort and functionality. Also, note that the headphones also vary in terms of specifications like frequency range and sensitivity.
Spoilt for choice
In case you want to block the outside world and fully immerse in the listening experience, you may opt for noise-cancelling cans: They can even keep the sounds like the humming of an airplane engine at bay. Furthermore, when it comes to high-grade wireless headphones, there is no shortage of good offers. Most products work via Bluetooth and ensure prime convenience while listening to your favorite tracks. Just bear in mind that you need to come up with more money in order to match the performance of their corded counterparts.
In any event, make sure you test the headphones with the music you usually listen to. That way, you should be able to make an informed decision. Some people like big bass (in which case, a big driver is paramount) while others prefer open and quality reproduction. In general, the best way to gauge the quality of the sound is to pair the headphones with the gear you want to use. This simple step prevents unpleasant surprises, such as headphones sounding quite differently at home.
Finally, headphones should not only deliver rich sound, but also be comfortable to use. You do not want your ears to become warm and red due to the inadequately padded band. Thus, do not skimp on headphones if you want to use them extensively. Oh, and we almost forgot that there is a matter of aesthetics. Yes, the headphones also serve as a fashion accessory, even though that is not their primary purpose.
Music to your ears
Take your time when shopping around and do the research before taking the plunge. Do not trust other people’s words when it comes to headphones and assess the quality yourself. Also, taking into consideration what type of headphones you actually need narrows your choices. Casual listeners and sound producers need product in different price ranges and with varying features. The sound is always the king, but do not lose sight of other factors such as convenience, aesthetics and of course, price.
