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Headphones
To Please Any Type of Audiophile
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by:
Erica Cuffsmith
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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 � 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!
About the author:
Erica Cuffsmith is a headphone fanatic and webmaster of All Headphones,
a top website for everything about headphones. For more details, please
go to http://www.allheadphones.com
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