| Headphones and what makes them work | | | | |
| | | | Compact and portable with very good sound |
| What are headphones? Simple answer? They | | | | quality. |
| basically comprise a pair of transducers that | | | | |
| receive the audio signal from whatever music | | | | 4. Earbuds...are the main type that normally |
| device they're connected to and convert those | | | | come with iPods. They go in the outer ear and |
| signals into sound waves to make the music | | | | sort of just hang there. Normally considered |
| and sounds we enjoy so much. | | | | the poorest quality and most dangerous to a |
| | | | person's hearing. |
| Some factors to consider: | | | | |
| | | | Why? Because they don't block any outside |
| 1. Open backing... Will not usually give good | | | | noise. So, to hear them properly the volume |
| sound quality due to the surrounding | | | | is usually turned up to dangerous hearing |
| disturbances (outside noise). | | | | levels. Usually average to poor sound |
| | | | quality. |
| 2. Closed backing... blocks outside noise | | | | |
| better than the open backed ones. | | | | 5. Bluetooth...using Bluetooth technology. |
| | | | These wireless devices operate over a |
| ...from the phone, to the computer to the | | | | short-range and function without any cords or |
| iPod and everything in between. These | | | | cables. They provide excellent service within |
| versatile devices improves our lives with the | | | | a particular range, usually about 9 feet. |
| many great uses they do for you and I. From | | | | Bluetooth headphones sport the latest in |
| giving us mobility and privacy, as well as | | | | technology. Connections are automatic and the |
| being compatible with computers to enjoy our | | | | devices are simple and have no confusing |
| video games with great sound. | | | | workings. You can also change the settings |
| | | | for accepted and denied connectivity. |
| Here are the main basic types: | | | | Although Bluetooth headphones get its name |
| | | | from the respective technology, essentially |
| 1. Circumaural... these are big and cover | | | | the name is from the tenth century King of |
| your ears. Examples: Sennheiser 695, | | | | Denmark- Harald Bluetooth. |
| Ultrasone Proline 750, AKG K701. These are | | | | |
| normally considered to be the "best" of the | | | | 6. Waterproof...these are mainly ear canal |
| "best in sound. They are the largest | | | | type of earphones that allow the listener to |
| physically so not well suited to carrying | | | | listen to their favorite music or |
| with your Ipod, but also provide the highest | | | | sounds...submerged underwater. The earpiece |
| sound quality. | | | | itself is waterproof, besides being in the |
| | | | ear and preventing water from entering. Of |
| 2. Supra aural... these go on top of your | | | | course, the Ipod, or other player has to be |
| ears. Examples: Sennheiser PXC300, Koss Porta | | | | enclosed in a waterproof case or container |
| Pro, Sennheiser PXC250. Somewhat smaller size | | | | also. |
| than the circumaural. Many times this design | | | | |
| is used in noise cancelling headphones. | | | | Remember, try to get the best headphone you |
| | | | can afford. Not only will get better |
| 3. Canalphones... these go inside the ear | | | | listening enjoyment, the better headphones |
| canals and because they block outside noise | | | | can actually protect your hearing more than |
| are called passive noise reducing earphones. | | | | the cheaper quality (means more volume) sound |
| Examples: Ultimate Ears Super FI5, Shure E5C, | | | | devices. |
| Etymotic Research ER-4. | | | | |