Big headphones: how to choose and wear the right one?
For every avid computer gamer and music lover in choosing headphones, the main aspect is sound quality. Despite the fact that the market is represented by a huge selection of such accessories, large models are more popular than compact ones. This is due to their ability to deliver spacious and deep sound without distortion.
Peculiarities
Large headphones are a device that consists of a flexible wire and two paired ear cushions that completely cover the auricle and do not allow extraneous sounds from the outside. They are equipped with large speakers for great sound. Wherein, the larger the dimensions of the speakers, the better bass and low frequencies will be reproduced.
Some devices are also capable of creating various sound effects and the illusion of being in a concert hall.
The principle of operation of such headphones is quite simple. Full-size models have in their design a special dynamic-looking emitter, a coil and a magnet attached to the body, which creates a static magnetic field. When it interacts with an alternating current flowing through the wires to the device, the magnetic field sets the coil in motion, which causes the membrane to vibrate (sounding). Expensive models are equipped with magnets made of complex alloys, usually boron, iron and neodymium are present in them. As for the membrane material, it can be cellulose or mylar.
Big earbuds have their merits.
- Versatility. Manufacturers produce these accessories of various price segments (budget, mid-price, elite), which can be used both for movie viewing, listening to music, and for games.
- Security. These headphones cause minimal damage to the user's hearing.
- Good insulation. Due to the fact that the ear cushions completely cover the auricle, you can completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of games, films and music, without disturbing the high volume of others.
- Great sounding. Large headphones with large speakers deliver great detail and are considered a great choice for music lovers.
As for the shortcomings, there are few of them.
- Great weight. Due to their substantial dimensions, the headphones can cause discomfort during transport and wearing.
- Price. Such models are expensive, and the price is usually determined by the class of the device. If desired, you can find on the market budget options that have good operational and technical characteristics.
Species overview
Large headphones are available in two types: monitor and on-ear. The former are considered the most bulky (their ear pads are quite large), the latter (they are often called full-size), despite their size, are more convenient to use.
Such huge wired headphones are bought by sound professionals. These can be sound engineers, DJs and musicians. For recording studios, models with a long wire are usually chosen.
Overhead
This type of headphone is very wide and has a comfortable arch that allows you to adjust the fit on your head. Overhead models have good sound insulation. The cups in these headphones are made of high quality materials, the wire length is standard - from 5 to 8 mm.
The main advantage of the devices is considered to be clear sound transmission and the ability to connect a cable to both the left and right headphones. On-ear models can be considered a cross between ordinary small-sized headphones and monitor headphones.
They are an excellent choice as their quality is high and the price is affordable.
Monitor
Over-ear headphones are ideal for sound professionals. The arcs in such models are wide, they are made of metal or plastic. The head part is usually made of polyurethane, upholstered in fabric or leather. Such headphones can not only be moved up and down, but also rotated around a vertical axis.
The monitor headphone wire is monumental, twisted. Additionally, manufacturers complete such devices with a detachable cable that connects to any headphone.
All the components in such models are gold-plated, which has a positive effect on the sound quality.
Most popular models
The music accessories market is represented by a chic assortment of large headphones, so you can quickly pick up both budget and expensive (professional) models. In order for this accessory to serve for a long time and please with excellent sound, it is necessary to take into account not only its performance characteristics, but also give preference to models that have received positive reviews. The models presented below have proven themselves well.
- Sennheiser HD 201. This is a budget option that is ideal for work, gaming, and home use. The earbuds are well designed and comfortable for listening to music.
The disadvantages of the model include a long cable length and low sensitivity.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. This accessory is considered an excellent choice for complementing portable equipment. The manufacturer produces headphones complete with three cables and a case.
Advantages of the model: foldable design, high-quality assembly. Disadvantages: poor noise isolation.
- Sony MDR-ZX660AP. Good and inexpensive headphones, designed in an original style suitable for the fair sex (you can find both red and black on sale).
Plus - high-quality assembly, minus - larger diameter and length of the cable.
- Beats Studio. This is a wireless device that comes with a microphone. The headphones are ideal for listening to music tracks on your mobile phone. This versatile accessory has good noise cancellation and is sold with an adapter and an aircraft audio cable.
The earbuds have a rather interesting design, but they are not of very high quality.
- Philips Fidelio X2. This open model requires the connection of expensive portable equipment for high-quality sound. The assembly is done with high quality, all elements of the headphones are made of expensive materials. The disadvantage is the high price.
The monitor models Sony MDR-ZX300 (their weight does not exceed 120 g), Koss Porta Pro (have a decent sound), Sennheiser, JVC and Marshall also deserve special attention.
How to choose?
Going to buy large headphones, you need to take into account not only their appearance, equipment, but also technical characteristics. To make the right choice in favor of a particular model, experts recommend paying attention to certain parameters.
- Purpose. Headphones should be purchased for specific purposes. For work and home, it is best to choose a full-size headset that provides a comfortable fit on the head and completely covers the ears. Closed acoustic headphones are suitable for the office, and open for home use. Separately, there are also accessories for a computer and a phone on sale. For sports, it is advisable to purchase wireless models that are protected from moisture.
- Frequency range. The quality of sound reproduction depends on this indicator. The standard range is considered to be from 20 to 20,000 Hz.
- Sensitivity. Indicates at what volume the headphones can play. The higher the sensitivity of the device, the higher its volume will be. For normal use, headphones with a sensitivity of 95 to 100 dB are suitable.
- Power. This indicator is important to consider for bass lovers who additionally use stationary amplifiers for listening to music. If you plan to buy an accessory for a smartphone, then the high power potential is unlikely to be revealed.
- Resistance. The volume and sound quality directly depends on it. For portable equipment and phones, you need to choose devices with a low range of up to 16 ohms, for stationary ones - from 32 ohms.
- Connection method. Most models are equipped with a 3.5 mm plug. Professional models have both a regular plug with a diameter of 6.3 mm and a microjack (2.5 mm).
It often happens that two headsets with the same technical characteristics may sound completely different, so before buying, you should always test the product and carefully study the description from the manufacturer.
It would also not hurt to study the reviews about this or that model, its rating in the reviews.
How to wear it correctly?
After the headphones are purchased, it remains to figure out how to connect them, configure them and how to put them on your head correctly. Large headphones are popular with all music lovers and fans of computer games, as they reproduce sound quality and do not harm the user's hearing. At the same time, such devices can cause many problems in use. For example, large headphones are inconvenient to wear with a headdress, some prefer in this case to lower the crossbar of the headphones to the back of the neck, while others simply wear them over the cap.
So that this accessory does not cause discomfort when worn outdoors, you should remember about some safety rules. You cannot listen to music while crossing railway tracks and roadways. When walking outside in the cold season, it is recommended to hide the wiring under clothes, since under the negative effects of low temperatures, it can harden and crack.
To listen to music at home, headphones need to be worn in such a way that their massive body does not cling to the hair and pull them down. It is best to place the accessory on the top of the head. To do this, you take the headphones in your hands, the cups move apart according to the size of the head, then the device is put on the ears and the size of the bow is adjusted.
To prevent tangling of wires, experts recommend purchasing a special case additionally.
For information on which headphones to choose, see the next video.
The comment was sent successfully.