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Which headphones are the right ones?

Probably the most important question before buying headphones is their intended use. This is the only way to find the right headphones from the wide range of offers. Then questions like “Which over-ear headphones are the best?” will be answered. or “Which on-ear headphones are the best?”. In the session branches you can also test headphones on site before buying. Of course, you can also conveniently order your headphones of choice in our online shop!

So that you can decide which headphones are right for you, we would like to give you a little “headphones advice” below.

Where do the headphones come from?

Although it has not been clearly proven to this day, the American Nathaniel Baldwin is considered the inventor of today's headphones with his Baldy Phones, which were brought onto the market in 1910. Today there are headphones from countless brands for all applications, from private music enjoyment to professional headphones for studio use.

Which well-known headphones manufacturers are there?

Well-known manufacturers of headphones include Sennheiser , Beyerdynamic , Pioneer , AKG , Yamaha , Audio-Technica and Shure .

How much do headphones cost?

Cheap entry-level models start at around 20 euros in specialist retailers. Expensive high-end products sometimes cost well over 1,000 euros and therefore also offer high-end features and optimal sound quality.

How do headphones work?

Most headphones have a so-called diaphragm drive that transmits the sound signal to a magnet. When we listen to music or a podcast, there is an interaction between the variable and constant magnetic fields in the headphones. This causes a built-in coil to oscillate. The human eardrum perceives the resulting vibrations as sounds, voices or music.

What transmission technologies are there for headphones?

Let's take a closer look at the signal connection and the transmission technology .

On the one hand, there are cable headphones. With them, the signal is transmitted via a cable to electrodes or coils. These headphones are passive. cable headphones with a USB connection offer a mini USB sound card, usually integrated in the headphones themselves or in the USB plug.

Induction loop headphones are among the early wireless solutions. An induction loop running around the room is fed with a low-frequency signal. The receiving headphones also have a coil. The low-frequency tension is induced into it by the magnetic field of the induction loop.

With infrared headphones, the signal is digitally coded or analogue frequency modulated and transmitted to the headphones via an LED infrared transmitter. A direct line of sight between the headphones and the transmitter is not required.

Analog radio headphones also transmit the signal wirelessly. Radio waves are used here. The transmission frequencies vary depending on the manufacturer and model . Important - Only certain frequency ranges are permitted.

With digital wireless headphones, the signal is transmitted digitally, for example via bluetooth. The sound signal to be transmitted is converted via a D/A converter .

headphones types

Open - Closed - Half open

The three names of shell headphones refer to the degree of isolation from the environment. They do not describe whether the headphones rest on the ear (on-ear) or completely cover it (over-ear). headphones can also be closed.

With open headphones, the outside world can still be heard. So you can hear what's happening around you acoustically. The advantages of such a technology are an improvement in spatial sound through greater transparency. Because the ear cups are made of permeable materials, this also improves heat exchange. However, by being open, those around you also hear what you are hearing.

Closed headphones isolate the ear from the environment. The surrounding area also notices less of the disturbing radiation. The casing creates more pressure in the bass range. The bass sounds fatter. headphones of this technology are more complex in construction / acoustic and therefore more expensive. Due to the lack of air exchange, the heat development is more noticeable than with open systems and can become uncomfortable if worn for long periods.

Semi-open headphones attempt to combine the advantages of the other two types. They have fewer but sometimes extra-insulated openings. The heat generated is lower when worn for longer periods of time than with closed headphones.

In our online "headphones guides - Which one is right for me?" we go into the four headphones categories with various product examples.

HiFi headphones

They are the perfect headphones for the most demanding music lovers and offer the highest level of music enjoyment. Noble materials meet high-quality workmanship.

Studio headphones

Also called monitor headphones. Mostly used by studio musicians when recording in recording studios. Their sound is significantly more neutral than HiFi headphones.

DJ headphones

Above all, these headphones must be able to block out ambient noise, i.e. loud party music, well. Volume reserves and a fat bass are therefore also important for the right feel-good experience.

In ear headphones

In-ear headphones are plugged directly into the ear canal. They are the lightest and most compact types of headphones available on the market.

The right volume for headphones

Due to the direct contact between the ear and the headphones, it is important to ensure the correct volume. Music that is too loud is dangerous for the eardrums and, in the worst cases, can lead to permanent hearing damage. This is even more true with in-ear headphones because they are located directly in the ear canal.

Which headphones are the best?

Which headphones are best for you is an individual decision. Purpose, ergonomic shape, budget and optics help with the selection. We will be happy to advise you - also on site in our session branches.