Headphones got me through 4 years of noisy college dorm life. They're intimate, they're great for gaming, and they're capable of producing high fidelity sound befitting even the pickiest audiophiles. Here's how you choose your ideal set of headphones.
Instructions
1. Determine if you need a headphone amplifier. Amps don't just provide extra volume to a headphone, but help to more substantially drive a headphone. However, investing in a headphone amp requires an extra level of financial commitment, one that only headphone enthusiasts are willing to make.
2. Determine your budget. Remember that price does not necessarily equal better sound, especially since sound can be very subjective at times.
3. Determine the sound you enjoy. Every headphone has its different balance of treble, bass, and their refinement. Try to read as much as you can about all different headphones. Ideally you should audition any prospective purchases at a local store or friend's house.
4. Determine if you want "open" or "closed" headphones.
"Open" headphones have more room to breathe, so the sound isn't restricted. As a result, they generally sound better than "closed" headphones, but leak sound, so nearby people can hear everything you're listening to.
"Closed" headphones restrict sound much more, which reduces the quality of the sound, but nearby people can't hear what you're listening to. Likewise, you won't be able to hear any sounds outside your headphones.
5. Determine the style and comfort you need in your headphones. Do you like headphones that rest on top of your head? Do you like ear pads that fully surround your ears (circumaural), or rest directly on them (supra-aural)? Do you like earbuds? Like the other steps, just do what feels right to you.
Tags: closed headphones, nearby people, nearby people hear, people hear, sound nearby