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