Choosing Headphones
by Travis Pope
08.13.07
Editor,
To a Zuner or even just someone who owns any kind of media playing device, one of the most important things is how your music sounds. Although most will disagree about bitrates and other audiophile settings, all of them will admit that unless you’ve got quality headphones delivering the sound nothing else, nothing else will matter.
Weight On Your Ears
One of the first things you should consider is just how much weight can your ears tolerate. Most headphones you’ll find will have a brace that connects both speakers and fits eutger around or to the back of your head. With these styles weight won’t be a problem with some earphones and in-earphones you’ll need to make sure that theeyr’e either lightweight or won’t be heaby enough to fall our when moving.
Grab and Go
Another important factor your going to want to consider before deciding on a pair of headphones is the ability to whic you’ll be able to grab those headphones and be on your way with as little hassle as possible. In general noice cancelling, behind the ear and over the headphones are the most bulky becuase they have a bar (i.e. plastic or metal to connect them both together to form a "u-like" shape). In this area earphones and in-ear headphones have a clear advantage.
Check the Specks
On pretty much every kind of listening device should have information related to the technical aspects of that device (i.e. frequency, bass responsce, etc) get to know the stats that you like and never compromise for anything less then those standards.
Know Your Device
Headphones and devices like them may deliver the shound to your ears however if the sound it’s recieving aren’t encoded well then you’ll still get crappy sound. Before choosing to purchase new headphones try adjusting the equalization levels on your device first. Some players however may not have this ability.
Choose Designs that Work for You
By far the most easiest way to decide on headphones or earbuds is whether they’ll fit in your ear. If you have really small ears maybe headphones will work for you better since earbuds typically will only fit mid-sized ears.
Earbuds
- Usually fits mid-sized ears.
- Small and usually a tight fit.
- Most are small. stylish & are available in many colors.
Headphones
- Louder sound.
- Typically more noticeable base and static.
- Visual Isolators.
"In-Ear" Earphones
- While small and compact usually are able to completely isolate you from any outside sound and interference.
- Most come with different sized gels that will allow you to adjust their fit.
- Frequently has better base response then basic earphones.
Special Note:
If earphones or earbuds don’t fit, they’ll fall out and continue to fall out unless you do something to adjust their fit. “in-ear” headphones come with different gels that you can take on and off for a better fit. With earbuds, sometimes wrapping them around your ear may help but simply buying some that do fit might be easier. Some earbuds will come with hooks that will help them stay in your ear.
More is More
With most situations the more you pay the better the sound, however this isn’t always true. Remember to check the stats of the unit on it’s packaging. Also reading reviews online if they’re available doesn’t hurt.
Always remember to be comfortable with your headphones/earphones, other then your player they’re your only line of defense against the war on boredom. Despite the fact that we aimed to try and cover everything the first time around we’ll be periodically updating this page with user’s tips and even more information. If you think there’s something we left out email it to us at theteam@zunespring.com Happy listening!