Radio headphones: features and popular models
Today, many people prefer radio headphones because they are convenient and easy to use, with their help you can listen to your favorite radio station no matter where you are. The range of such products is quite large, so the choice of radio headphones should be taken seriously. Let's take a closer look at the features and popular models of such devices.
Main characteristics
Radio headphones are a very popular device, which is characterized by the presence of a radio receiver operating on FM or AM frequencies. The principle of operation of radio headphones is that the device picks up the signal of radio stations and transmits it to the user. It is worth paying attention to the main characteristics of headphones with a radio channel.
- Type of. Today, many users choose overhead models because they provide surround sound. Some radio enthusiasts purchase vacuum devices. Inserts will be no less popular. Full-size models are also on sale, but do not forget about monitor solutions. Each buyer will be able to choose the type of equipment that will fully satisfy his wishes.
- Sensitivity. This parameter can vary from 20 to 130 dB. It has a large effect on the volume of the generated stream of sounds. For headphones with a radio, this figure should vary between 80-100 dB. If it is lower, then the stream being played will be very quiet. It should be borne in mind that it will be almost impossible to hear a radio wave on the street with an indicator of less than 80 dB.
- Impedance or resistance. This indicator also affects both the loudness of listening to the radio waves and the quality of the received audio information. Models with resistance levels from 16 to 300 ohms are available for sale. It should be noted that models with more than 100 ohms can be used in tandem with special equipment and amplifiers. To listen to the radio, this indicator should vary from 16 to 60 ohms, which will allow you to comfortably listen to your favorite radio wave, but at the same time, even at maximum volume, the sound will not be deafening.
- Frequency. The optimum frequency range for a radio listening device should be between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. There is no need to purchase models with other indicators, since the human ear simply does not perceive much lower or higher frequencies.
Do not overpay and purchase headphones with maximum performance. This is just a marketing ploy to cash in on gullible customers.
Radio headphones have both advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the positives first:
- the presence of a radio receiver;
- the battery charges quite quickly;
- sound adjustment is made by the user if desired;
- most models have reliable protection against dust and moisture, since they are often used during sports;
- the equipment independently memorizes radio stations, which saves tuning time.
There are only a few downsides:
- weather conditions greatly affect the reception of the radio signal;
- there are problems with finding some radio stations;
- constructions with considerable weight with prolonged use lead to discomfort.
Species overview
Today, the range of radio headphones is quite wide, which allows you to choose a model depending on your personal wishes and preferences.Devices can be radio channel, with a flash drive, radio frequency, wireless, and so on. Let's consider the main varieties.
Earbuds
This variety is characterized by light weight and size. The radio headphones are inserted into the ear canals, and thanks to the ear pads, they are kept inside. Liners can be of the following types:
- ordinary: they do not absorb noise well, but they occupy a small part of the ear, therefore, they are practically not felt by the user;
- in-ear: characterized by an elongated part, which allows you to create the clearest possible sound (but many users complain about discomfort).
Vacuum
This variety is a mix of in-ear headphones and earplugs that protect the hearing organs. This portable device is ideal for listening to music and radio stations.
But not everyone likes the rather deep location of the headphones in the ear canal, in addition, many complain about the inconvenience of listening during sports, because you often have to adjust the headphones.
Overhead
Such models are quite in demand. The peculiarity of the devices is that they should be "applied" to the ears. They create a fairly voluminous sound transmission, and thanks to their lightweight design, the equipment can be used for a long time without feeling any discomfort.
Fullsize
Such models, as a rule, are massive, because they completely cover the ear, guaranteeing excellent noise isolation. They are classified as premium equipment. Full-size gadgets are large, but easy to use.
Monitor
This variety is quite large in size, since it is represented by cups with speakers that completely cover the area of the ear. Monitor models are characterized by strong sound and thick cable. The cost will be considerable, because they are originally intended for professional work. They are usually not purchased for everyday use.
Top Models
Now let's take a closer look at both amateur and professional radio channel headphones from various manufacturers.
DENN DHB405
This is an overhead model. Its sensitivity is 54 dB. The equipment weighs 158 grams, and the battery life reaches 10 hours. The earbuds have a built-in memory of 32 GB. The advantages of the DENN DHB405 model include the following:
- in the absence of battery power, it works using a special wire;
- decent sounding at an affordable cost;
- multifunctionality of equipment.
However, the model also has some disadvantages, namely:
- battery capacity is less than stated by the manufacturer;
- if you listen to music in extreme heat, then discomfort is possible due to the materials used: they do not allow air to pass through;
- the radio signal is not always stable.
HARPER HB-411
This is an overhead model with a microphone. It works offline for up to 10 hours. The frequency range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The weight of the device is 180 grams. The hardware has 16 GB of internal memory. The advantages of the model include the following:
- assembly of excellent quality;
- excellent sound insulation;
- there is a screen that displays both the current operating mode and the charge level.
Cons of the model:
- low quality microphone;
- large size, which is accompanied by discomfort during prolonged use on the road;
- instead of the usual buttons on the headphones there will be a wheel.
Bluedio T2 +
Another on-ear headphones. Their sensitivity is 110 dB. The equipment works offline for up to 40 hours. The headphone weight is 224 grams, and the built-in memory is 32 GB.
Pros:
- stylish design;
- functionality;
- if the battery is low, then the earbuds also work with the wire.
Bluedio T2 + radio headphones also have some disadvantages:
- the radio signal is quite often presented with interference;
- others hear sounds from headphones;
- low quality microphone.
Sony SBH24
A very popular option, since it belongs to plug-in models.The sensitivity of the equipment is 100 dB. The model can work in standalone mode for only 6 hours, there is a microphone. The weight of the model is about 15 grams. The pros will be as follows:
- functionality;
- compactness;
- if the battery is low, the equipment works through the wire;
- the hardware works pretty well without interference.
But, unfortunately, these radio headphones also have weaknesses:
- low microphone quality;
- low capacity battery.
Ritmix RH-480BTH
These are on-ear headphones that are equipped with a microphone. Their weight is 108 grams. They can function autonomously for 5 hours. Sensitivity - 105 dB. It should be emphasized such advantages as:
- bright external design;
- good sound insulation;
- excellent sound quality.
The Ritmix RH-480BTH model also has disadvantages:
- poor build quality;
- signal reception is unstable, especially if the equipment is used while the battery is being charged.
How to choose?
In order to choose the right radio headphones, it is worth considering not only the basic characteristics, but also the distinctive functions of the FM accessory. The choice of equipment also depends on the purpose of the purchase: for a phone or a computer, at home or on the street. You need to pay attention to the following criteria.
- Design. This indicator affects the storage of the accessory, as well as the convenience of moving it. If you spend a lot of time on the road, then you should purchase a compact model with a separate case, which will allow you to conveniently store the accessory. If the headphones are characterized by the presence of a flexible design, then it is worth talking about the durability of the product, because they are less susceptible to various breakdowns. If you need to make a choice between stationary and foldable headphones with built-in radio, then the preference, of course, should be given to the latter.
- The weight. It should be small. The optimal indicator is 100-150 grams. Low weight will allow you to avoid the so-called weighting or squeezing, which over time leads not only to discomfort, but also to painful sensations. If you use headphones during active sports or travel, then their weight should be minimal. Quite often, heavy-weight headphones do not sit well, which forces you to constantly correct them.
- The duration of the battery life. Very often, wireless models are purchased for listening to the radio, since they are characterized by convenience and do not hinder movements. In this case, the work of the headphones in stand-alone mode should be decisive when choosing a model.
The larger the battery, the longer you can enjoy listening to the radio waves. The ideal running time is 12 to 20 hours.
In the next video, you will find a detailed review of Sony MDR-RF811RK Wireless wireless headphones.
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