Headphones

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Which headphones are right for you?

The probably most important question before buying headphones is the intended use. Only by knowing that can you find the right headphones from the wide range of offers. That also answers questions like "Which Over-Ear headphones are the best?" or "Which On-Ear headphones are the best?" In session stores you can test headphones locally before buying. Of course you can also conveniently order your chosen headphones in our online shop!

To help you decide which headphones are right for you, we want to give you a short "headphone guide" below.

Where do headphones come from?

Although not definitively proven, the American Nathaniel Baldwin, with his Baldy Phones released in 1910, is regarded as the inventor of modern headphones. Today there are headphones from countless brands for all applications, from private music enjoyment to professional headphones for studio use.

Which well-known headphone manufacturers are there?

Well-known headphone manufacturers include, among others, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Pioneer, AKG, Yamaha, Audio-Technica or Shure.

How much do headphones cost?

Cheap entry-level models start at around €20 in specialist shops. Expensive high-end products can be well over €1,000 and accordingly offer high-end features and optimum sound quality.

How do headphones work?

Most headphones use a diaphragm (dynamic) driver that converts the audio signal into motion via a magnetic system. When we listen to music or a podcast, the varying magnetic field and the static magnetic field interact. A built-in coil is driven to vibrate. The human eardrum perceives the resulting vibrations as tones, voices or music.

What transmission technologies are there for headphones?

Let's look more closely at the signal connection or transmission technology.

On the one hand there are wired headphones. In these the signal is carried via a cable to the drivers or coils. These headphones are passive. Wired headphones with a USB connection offer a mini USB soundcard, usually integrated in the headphone itself or in the USB plug.

Headphones for induction loops belong to the early wireless solutions. A loop installed around a room is fed with a low-frequency signal. The receiving headphone also has a coil. The low-frequency voltage is induced in it by the magnetic field of the induction loop.

With infrared headphones the signal is transmitted from an LED infrared transmitter to the headphone either digitally encoded or analog frequency-modulated. A direct line of sight between the headphone and the transmitter is not required.

Analogue radio headphones also transmit the signal wirelessly. Radio waves are used. The transmission frequencies vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Important — only certain frequency bands are permitted.

With digital wireless headphones the signal is transmitted digitally, for example via Bluetooth. The audio signal to be transmitted is then converted using a D/A converter.

Headphone types

Open - Closed - Semi-open

The three terms for earcup headphones refer to the degree of isolation from the environment. They do not describe whether the headphone rests on the ear (On-Ear) or completely encloses it (Over-Ear). An on-ear headphone can also be closed.

Open headphones allow the outside world to remain audible. You will still be able to hear what's happening around you. Advantages of this design include improved spatial imaging thanks to greater transparency. Because the earcups are made of permeable materials, ventilation is also better. However, because of the openness, people around you can also hear what you're listening to.

Closed headphones isolate the ear from the environment. People around you will hear less of the sound leakage. The bass builds up more pressure, resulting in punchier bass. Headphones of this design are more complex to construct and therefore more expensive. Heat buildup is more noticeable due to the lack of air exchange and can become uncomfortable during long listening sessions.

Semi-open headphones try to combine the advantages of the other two designs. They have fewer, sometimes specially damped openings. Heat buildup is lower during longer wear than with closed headphones.

In our online "Headphone Guide - Which is right for me?" we discuss the four headphone categories with various product examples.

HiFi headphones

Are the perfect headphones for the most demanding music lovers and offer the highest listening pleasure. Noble materials meet high-quality workmanship.

Studio headphones

Also called monitor headphones. They are mostly used by studio musicians during recordings in recording studios. Their sound is noticeably more neutral than HiFi headphones.

DJ headphones

These headphones must above all shield out ambient noise, i.e. loud party music. Therefore, headroom and powerful bass are important for the right feel-good experience.

In-ear headphones

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

The right volume for headphones

Because of the direct contact between ear and headphone, you must pay careful attention to the correct volume. Listening too loudly is dangerous for the eardrum and can, in the worst cases, lead to permanent hearing damage. This applies even more to in-ear headphones, as they sit directly in the ear canal.

Which headphones are the best?

Which headphones are best for you is an individual decision. Intended use, ergonomic fit, budget and appearance help with the selection. We're happy to advise you — also in person at our session stores.