Wired headphones: what are they and how to choose?

Headphones allow you to enjoy your favorite music anytime, anywhere. Modern models are quite varied and look stylish. Wired headphones are distinguished by high-quality sound, which will especially delight music lovers. They share several types of structures with their own characteristics. When choosing, it is worth considering many factors so as not to regret buying.

Headphones with a wire have been familiar to users for a long time. The cable may contain a control panel with physical keys. They usually allow you to change the volume level, control the songs that are playing. The main advantages are as follows.

1. The signal is transmitted through the wire as efficiently as possible, quickly and practically without distortion.
2. The connection is not interrupted.
3. The smartphone runs out more slowly because no additional technology is used.
4. You do not have to think about the fact that the headphones can be unpredictably discharged.

Wired headphones are quite common and are suitable for both old phones and new smartphones. There are some disadvantages to consider.

1. The cable may interfere with use.
2. Sometimes the headphones get tangled.
3. There should be no more than 1-2 meters between the user and the smartphone, depending on the length of the cable.

Headphones can be with short or long wire. Sometimes the cord is generally removable or there are 2 replaceable ones in the set. Modern models are increasingly being waterproof, which allows them to be used in any conditions. There is 2-in-1 headphones, which can be used both wired and wireless. There are 4 main types of designs with different features.

Such headphones inserted inside the auricle. The earbuds are small and compact. They are placed in the external ear canal. Some users believe that this view is not very comfortable, they fall out of their ears. These single-cord models are usually bundled with players and tablets. They are the most common, affordable and simple ones. Such headphones are almost always without a microphone and are made of materials that are not of the best strength. Of course, there are exceptions, but there are quite a few of them.

In-ear headphones are compact and comfortable... Users quite often use them in tandem with smartphones. Many modern models with flat cords do not tangle, which is very convenient. Sometimes the models even have a braid made of fabric or other natural material. Using them for a long time is harmful to your hearing. The speakers are very close to the ear membrane and can damage it if the volume is too high. At the same time, such headphones sound good and are distinguished by high-quality sound insulation. External noises do not interfere with enjoying your favorite music.

They allow for maximum fit. These headphones require some care. The speaker grilles should be periodically cleaned of earwax and dust.

Headphones covering the entire ear, provide good passive sound insulation. Usually such models have additional fasteners in the form of bows or loops. The large diaphragm guarantees high-quality sound. This is especially noticeable when switching to this type from plug-in or vacuum ones. The headband allows for a tighter fit of the ear cups. Models of this type are suitable for listening to music, watching movies and playing games.They are not always convenient to use on the street or when traveling.

Over-ear headphones fit over your head and completely cover your ears. Such bass models always sound deep and high quality. Quite often, monitor headphones are used with a detachable cable, which makes them even more interesting and versatile. Full-size models are divided into types.

• With open acoustics... Special holes allow outside sounds to pass through. These headphones have a more natural and lively sound. Ears are less tired from such a headset than from any other. Users note that the open type offers a wide soundstage. It is worth noting that those around you also hear the music that is playing. There is no good sound insulation, and the low frequencies are weak.

• With closed acoustics... There are no external holes on the cups, the headphones do not let sounds through. This results in maximum passive noise suppression. You can use these headphones even outdoors, on public transport and in other noisy places. There is no air circulation, so there is discomfort with prolonged use without interruptions. Hearing gets tired pretty quickly.

• With half-open or half-closed acoustics. There are holes, but they are small. This type combines the advantages of the previous two.

Many manufacturers of wired headphones have already earned the trust of their customers. Here are the most popular models.

• Sony MDR-7506. Over-ear headphones have a wide frequency response, so the sound is clear and deep. The speakers are 40 mm. There is good isolation from external noise. The assembly is of high quality, so the model is reliable. Headphones with a coiled cord are professional. The set includes a carrying case. On the cord there is a control panel with a volume control.

• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. The over-ear headphones are quite powerful and have good noise cancellation. The model sits comfortably, ears do not get tired during prolonged use. It is worth noting that the headphones are not very loud - a lot depends on the amplifier.

• Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over-Ear. The oversized earbuds work well even with iOS smartphones. The sound is pretty clean and detailed. The headphones can be used with mobile devices. The headset has a poor quality microphone, which is worth considering.

• Denon AH-MM400. On-ear headphones have a fairly wide frequency range and 40 mm speakers. This guarantees a clear sound. It is noticeable that the manufacturer tried to make the case. It is not only attractive but also reliable. The microphone leaves much to be desired, there is no cable for the hospital.

• Fostex TH-7. The full-size model fits well and sounds nice. All frequencies are balanced and will not strain your ears with prolonged use. The wire is pretty short. An amplifier is needed to improve the sound. The model is both high-quality and troublesome, requires additional settings.

• Simgot Meeture MT3... The earbuds with a detachable cable are vacuum-packed and sound pretty good. The original headphones feature transparent housings around the speakers. The set includes 6 pairs of interchangeable ear pads. The braided cable headphones are stylish and attractive. However, the cord itself is thin and often tangled. Since the cable is removable, it can be replaced with an analog with a braid made of more reliable material.

• Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro 2. The hybrid vacuum model sounds pretty good and is great for use with smartphones and tablets, music players. Interestingly, the bass sounds pretty soft. The design is simple, however, some people even like it. Users are attracted by the combination of cost and quality. The design is quite comfortable, the ears do not get tired. The control keys do not work correctly when using the headphones with iOS smartphones.The small speakers are comfortable and will not tire your ears.

For permanent use it is worth give preference to headphones with a strong and reliable wire... It makes sense for gamers to pay attention to models with a thick and durable cord. Fabric cable headphones look stylish but wear out quickly. All this must be considered when choosing headphones. Additionally, it is worth examining such criteria.

• Frequency range... As a standard, headphones have an indicator of 20-20,000 Hz. The human ear simply does not hear a large number of frequencies. There are headphones with a broader meaning, however, this is not practical.
• Sensitivity... The maximum volume depends on this indicator, all other things being equal. Sensitivity over 95-100 dB is considered a good indicator.
• Power. An important indicator for those who use a stationary amplifier and are a fan of low frequencies. High power guarantees high volume. If the sound source is appropriate, the sound will be bright and rich. When paired with a smartphone, the full potential of powerful models will not be revealed.
• Resistance (impedance)... Affects sound quality and volume. It is important to consider the type of device with which the headphones will be used. A stationary sound source requires a high value of 32 ohms, but for smartphones, a low value is needed - up to 16-32 ohms.
• Frequency response. The graph shows how various frequencies are transmitted. A small amount of sharp bends in the curve means that the sound is balanced and accurate. The height of the line indicates the volume in a certain range.
• Plug and cable quality. The cord must be of high quality and reliable. The plug is matched directly to the device with which the headphones will be used. It is worth noting that the connector can dig straight and L-shaped. With a stationary sound source, it is more convenient to use the first option.

So headphones are purchased for certain devices and conditions of use. The reliability of the braid and the quality of the ear cushions no less important than power and resistance. It is important to consider everything in order not to regret the choice made.

For information on how to choose the right wired headphones, see the next video.