Headphone Comparison - Things to consider before you buy yourself a headphone!

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Looking for buy a new Headphone?

So, you're thinking to buy a new headphone and looking for headphone comparison so you can make your decision before buying yourself a new headphone?
Are you here looking for the best all around headphone for your daily wear? Or maybe you are a musical lovers looking for affordable-yet-not-cheaphy set of headphones that can satisfy your ears without having to spend hefty bucks to buy it? Or maybe you are a hardcore gamers that never care about the price as long as you could find a set of headphones that could accommodate your need of explosion and gunshot sounds in your console?

Well, in this lens, you will find all the information about how to choose the right headphones for your needs.

Hope this Headphone comparison lens will help you finding out your perfect headphone!

Understanding Sound Frequency

You, Your Ear, and Your Headphone

Sound FrequencyOkay, first, before we go to headphone comparison section, let's just first understand about sound frequency basic.

  • Frequency Range for human Ears
    Human ears ,at some point, differ with animal's in the term of hearing range frequency. Animals can hear lower and even higher frequency compared to human ear. Human audible frequency range is usually around 20 Hz to 20kHz, although there were several factors that differ between individuals, such as age and health.

    There is also differences in hearing sensitifity between sexes as women typically have a higher sensitivity to higher frequency compared to men. They said it had something to do with their hair cells or something.
    Well, I don't know for sure about that. It's all about those kind of science research spooky things, for sure.

  • Headphone Sound Frequency Responses
    The range of frequencies that the most headphones can reproduce effectively is called the frequency response. This is generally measured in the ranges of:
    16Hz - 20kHz
    20Hz - 20kHz

    Due to limitation on human ear, buying any headphone with a frequency response lower than 20Hz is simply a waste unless you have a golden ear, you are a sound professional, you have super hearing like superman, or if your just a plain audiophile. it doesn't sound like your any of those, so a 16Hz frequency low would not even be noticed by you.

Headphones Comparison Basic:

Headphone by Type

Full Size/Circumaural/Over Ear Headphone
This is the type of headphone, when you wear it, the pad enclosed and covered your ears. This kind of headphone is very suitable for desktop setup.

Circumaural style headphone

Circumaural style headphone



Supraaural/On Ear Headphone
Is the type of headphones where its pads only covered some part of your ears, so it will be suitable for compact and portable use.

Supraaural style headphone

Supraaural style headphone



Earbuds
The most typical headphone sets that commonly used on Compact Audio Player, suitable for simple music listening without completely "dissapeared" from the real world.

Earbud style headphone

Earbud style headphone



IEM
Almost the same with earbuds, with the differences is that the earplug enter your earlobe so you can almost hear nothing other than the sound produced by the set itself.

IEM style headphone

IEM style headphone

Headphone Comparison Checkmark List

Things to consider before getting yourself a new headphone

1. Requirements, what's to choose between earbud and full set earphone?
2. What's the use of it? Is it headphone for gaming, music or for your daily use?
3. Wired or wireless?
4. Do you need noise reduction feature?
5. Quality over the price or does price matters to you?

Grado Prestige Series SR125i Headphones

Amazon Price: $149.99 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

Grado's ability to combine lightness with extreme rigidity and internal damping has been put to good use on the SR125. An improved headband spring provides even greater comfort allowing the listener to relax and enjoy the fine tonal spread and balance. Bass, midrange and treble are all more open.

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Earbuds or Full Size Headphones?

Choosing Type For Your Headphone

Beats by Dre Studio High Definition HeadphoneFirst thing to consider before buying your headphone, is surely the headset design of the headphone itself. Whether it will be full size headphones that will completely sealed your ears from the surrounding sounds, or maybe it will be just a small earbud style headphone, that perfect for compact and outfield use without sacrificing the need of quality sounds.

After you decided what kind of headphones that you want, do consider some of this factor;

1. Comfort.
Full size headphones might grant you a better sound quality compared to earbud style. However, most full size headphones tend to cause heat on your ears after some time due to sealed-ear design. Some of these headphones considered unconfortable to use after some time due to the heat.

2. Portability
If you want portability headphones for you to carry everywhere, go for open-air, earbud design. These earbud headphones designed in compact and lightweight design so its users can carry it and use it everywhere they want. But if you want to use the set on some specific place without moving anywhere, then obviously portability is not something to consider. If this the case, go for full size or supra headphones because this kind of set will almost surely grant you a better audio listening experience.

Sennheiser HD 598 Headphones (Burl Wood Accents)

Amazon Price: $249.95 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

If you need the perfect headphone for gaming, music and movies, this just might be it. It's good for almost any genre except maybe for metal or bass heavy music. Oh, yeah, don't forget the cool woody accent!

What's the use of your headphones?

Game? Music? Or all-around headphone?

Beats Pro Full Size Headphones WhiteActually, there's no particular differences between headphone for gaming or music.
The big differences between them is that:

  • Game
    Gamers, especially fps gamers, mostly wanted surround sound headphones with decent soundstage and imaging to know where specifically the action is taking place or from where they are getting shot at. And yes, mostly they wanted a headphones sets that includes a microphone for them to have a chat.
  • Music
    Audiophiles, tend to emphasize on the bass heavy or even maybe virtually no bass at all - surround sound headphones. The sometimes wanted a piece of headphone that could produce close-to-real quality sound that could make them as if they were on the stage, listening to the play for them self.
  • General use
    Headphone for daily use and for general purpose, focused mainly on the simplicity and the size. Most people who use this kind of headphone wanted headphone that could satisfy their need for sound without having to carry around a bulky size of headphones. You're right, most of them go with Supra aural headphones or earbuds style headphones.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Amazon Price: $112.52 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

The headphones sound more distinct, clear, and the instruments have better separation. Even the bass is more lively and the soundstage is more expanded. All in all, if you are shopping for a sub $100 headphone, you cannot go wrong with this one. Highly recommended!

Wish List!

Okay, let's vote! What's your most wanted headphone?

Beats Studio by Dr. Dre - Hi-Def Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones,Black

Beats Studio by Dr. Dre - Hi-Def Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones,Black

Experience music the way the artist wants you to. more...1 point

Sennheiser RS 180 Digital Wireless Headphone System with Dynamic Surround Sound

Sennheiser RS 180 Digital Wireless Headphone System with Dynamic Surround Sound

Offering RF transmission, compressed digital wirel more...0 points

Monster Beats Solo High-Def On-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk (White)

Monster Beats Solo High-Def On-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk (White)

You don't ask for much. All you want is studio-qua more...0 points

Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back Headphones

Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back Headphones

These lightweight, compact headphones boast circui more...0 points

Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones NEWEST MODEL

Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones NEWEST MODEL

QuietComfort 15 headphones feature exclusive Bose more...0 points

Wired? Or Wireless?

Cable or no cable, that's the question..

Sennheiser RS 180 Wireless HeadphoneWell, this one is mostly just personal preference.
The question here is whether you want to spend extra for the wireless function or not. Because mostly, wireless headphones come in a higher price compared to wired headphone. Other than that, the function, the sound, and even the type, is almost no different between one another.

So, do you want to pay extra to not get yourself tangled in the middle of headphone wires? Or you somehow managed to live with it?

Beyerdynamic DT 770-PRO Headphones

Amazon Price: $189.00 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

The Beyer's base response was hearty, maybe due to lightweight transducers that reproduce sound more efficiently than most cans. If you want super high quality phones, pick these up

Do you need Noise Reduction Feature?

Extra price comes along with extra feature..

Beats by Dre Studio High Definition Headphone with Noise Reduction FeatureJust like wired and wireless feature, this noise reduction is another addition to headphone set that (usually) comes with another extra price to pay.

Then why bother paying another extra?

Well, noise reduction - or noise cancelling, some people called it - is a feature where you could hear almost zero ambient and environmental sound, and you could only hear the clear sound produced by the headphone itself. Nothing else.

So, never think to try using Headphone with noise reduction feature while you're crossing the street!

Sennheiser HD800 Over-Ear Circum-Aural Dynamic Premiere Headphone

Amazon Price: $1,399.99 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

The most wanted and probably the best headphone existed! This Sennheiser HD800 is just the beast! Imagine anything you want from a headphone, and you have it all in here!

Does Price Matters?

How much you're willing to pay for your headphone?

Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones NEWEST MODELOkay, last but not least.
The price!

Do you wanted the best quality headphone for your personal satisfaction or maybe you're limited to a price, looking for the best quality from a headphone set? How much you're willing to spend to enjoy 3D sound in your home? More than $100? Less?

Just remember, you get what you pay. But that doesn't mean that low price headphone will be that bad. You could get the best quality you can afford, as long as you know how to choose the right one.

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Headphone Comparison Top List

Top 5 Under $100

So, here's my list of top 5 headphones under $100

Klipsch IMAGE S4 In-Ear Enhanced Bass Noise-Isolating Headphones (Black)

Klipsch IMAGE S4 In-Ear Enhanced Bass Noise-Isolating Headphones (Black)

Tune out the external environment and tune into your own private concert experience anytime, anywhere with the Klipsch Image S4 1010471 Headphones. These noise-isolating in-ear headphones deliver dynamic sound and unequaled comfort for a price that's easy on the wallet. Order your Klipsch Image S4 1010471 Headphones today!0 points

Sennheiser RS120 926 MHz Wireless RF Headphones with Charging Cradle

Sennheiser RS120 926 MHz Wireless RF Headphones with Charging Cradle

The Sennheiser RS-120 Wireless Headphones are an ideal choice for wireless use of both Hi-Fi audio and the TV. The open-ear headphones are supraaural and provide detailed, warm sound reproduction with a strong bass response. The headphone receive sound through walls and ceilings so you won't have to remain in the same room as your equipment. Power comes from NiMH batteries that are recharged by simply putting the headphones on their transmitter base that can be mounted to a wall. The entire syst...0 points

Koss PortaPro Headphones with Case

Koss PortaPro Headphones with Case

Dynamic element design for deep bass performance; Comfort zone setting on temporal pad for comfortable, secure fit; Multi-pivoting earplates and adjustable headband for added comfort; Collapsible for maximum portability when listening on the go; Includes convenient carrying case; Includes 1/8" and 1/4" stereo plugs for home and portable use; Straight, dual entry 4 foot cord; Frequency response: 15-25,000 Hz.0 points

Bose® IE2 audio headphones

Bose® IE2 audio headphones

Bose IE2 audio headphones set a new standard for sound reproduction that conventional earbuds can't match. Re-engineered from the inside out, they feature an enhanced acoustic design that helps music sound smoother and more natural. And its new approach to construction provides a more secure fit and improved durability.0 points

Sennheiser HD448 Closed Circumaural Hi-Fi Headphone

Sennheiser HD448 Closed Circumaural Hi-Fi Headphone

In general, the sound of the Sennheiser HD448 is excellent. The levels have mellowed out some with use, but still keep a small harshness to the sound, but not to the point of distraction when listening to music. The bass is tight for headphones in this price bracket and you do not ever find that they are lacking bass. The sound is satisfying, even for long sessions and you don't find yourself suffering from listening exhaustion with the Sennheiser HD448 frequently. These cans are becoming a...0 points

Sennheiser HD 800 Enthusiast Audiophile Headphones Unboxing & First Look Linus Tech Tips
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Headphone Sets Available on Amazon

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Sennhesier HD800 - The World Best Headphone

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COLUMN: Headphones are the new status symbol
by Brent Stenstrom | May 31, 2012 | 0 comments Whether you like your headphones on, in or over your ears, there is a pair of headphones for everyone. Even if you don't invest in name-brand headphones, there are plenty of quality headphones out there ...
Denon Has Headphones for Everyone, Debuts 11 New Pairs
By Rachel Cericola Denon is getting a little headphone happy. The company just announced plans to unleash 11 pairs of headphones, in four different styles -- or "lifestyles," as the company puts it. For the audiophile, Denon will debut the Music Maniac ...
Tenqa Remxd bluetooth headphones review
Check out Tenqa's Remxd bluetooth headphones which provide a wallet-friendly wireless connection to your Android device. We've had a chance to play with a pair of these over the last few weeks and have come to appreciate them for their ease of use and ...
Denon headphones
I've always been a big fan of Denon receivers' sound quality, but now the company's really getting serious about headphones. Yes, it's made headphones for years, including some really nice ones, so I was unprepared for the radical rethinking of Denon's ...

That's it!

Any comment guys?

  • entertainmenteveryday Dec 2, 2011 @ 9:55 am | delete
    Great lens! I love my Beats by Dr. Dre headphone. It's a new experience.
  • gtyndale Apr 26, 2012 @ 11:37 am | delete
    lol if beats by dre is a new experience you aint heard nothing yet , throw away that overpriced junk and get eargasm brands like sennheiser , audio technica, denon, akg
  • laurenrose Nov 30, 2011 @ 11:42 am | delete
    Great lens, loved the read. Thanks!
  • radkenz Nov 29, 2011 @ 10:32 pm | delete
    thumbup, its great...nice info and review
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Alll about Sennheiser HD800

World Best Headphones!

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... Daniel Sennheiser who said that they haven't entered India for experimenting, but are here to stay and wants to know the needs of consumers and offer local support. On asking about if India is ready for high-end, high-fidelity devices like HD-800, ...
IFA 2012 Global Press Conference [part 3] : Sennheiser
Le Sennheiser HD 700 est un casque Hi-Fi, ultra haut de gamme, de salon. C'est une version légèrement plus abordable du HD 800, le modèle de référence de la marque. Ses oreillettes travaillent en charge ouverte et disposent de châssis en acier ...
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Ich hatte die Möglichkeit, zu Hause gegen den HD 650 und HD 800 von Sennheiser zu vergleichen und bei mir hat der LCD-2 am meisten Emotionen wecken können. Ich entdeckte das Hören über Kopfhörer und war fasziniert von dieser Klangwelt, die jedes noch ...

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Sennheiser HD800 Over-Ear Circum-Aural Dynamic Premiere Headphone

Amazon Price: $1,399.99 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Every audiophile's dream. Just ask to them if you don't believe me.
This Sennheiser HD800 is just the best!

 

Ultrasone EDITION 10 Headphones

Amazon Price: $2,749.00 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

What else to say?

It's a limited edition Ultrasone headphone!
Can't never go wrong with this one!

 

Audio-Technica ATH ANC3WH NoiseCancel Earphone

Amazon Price: $2,108.97 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

AudioTechnica is just a name you can trust in relation to sound and audio.
And this well designed earphone had it all to take as the best earphone!