Headphones

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Which headphones are right for you?

The probably most important question before buying a pair of headphones is the intended use. Only then can you find the right headphone from the multitude of offers. That also answers questions like "Which over-ear headphones are the best?" or "Which on-ear headphones are the best?" In the session stores you can also test headphones on site before you buy. Of course, you can also order your chosen headphones conveniently in our online shop!

So that you can decide which headphones are right for you, we want to give you a short "headphone guide" below.

Where do headphones come from?

Although it has not been conclusively proven to this day, American Nathaniel Baldwin, who launched the Baldy Phones in 1910, is considered the inventor of today's 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 does a pair of headphones cost?

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

How does a headphone work?

Most headphones use a diaphragm driver that converts the audio signal into movement in a magnetic field. When we listen to music or a podcast, the interaction between the varying and the constant magnetic field causes a built-in coil to vibrate. The human eardrum perceives the resulting vibrations as tones, voices or music.

Which transmission technologies are used for headphones?

Let’s take a closer look 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 electrodes or coils. These headphones are passive. Wired headphones with USB connections contain a mini USB soundcard, usually integrated into the headphone itself or into the USB plug.

Headphones for induction loops belong to the early wireless solutions. An induction loop running 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 to the headphones via LED infrared transmitters either digitally encoded or analog frequency-modulated. A direct line of sight between the headphone and the transmitter is not necessary.

Analogue RF headphones also transmit the signal wirelessly. Radio waves are used here. The transmission frequencies vary depending on 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 converted by a D/A converter (DAC).

Headphone types

Open - Closed - Semi-open

These three designations for ear-cup headphones refer to the degree of isolation from the environment. They do not describe whether the headphone sits on the ear (on-ear) or completely surrounds it (over-ear). An on-ear headphone can also be closed.

With open headphones the outside world remains audible. In other words, you still hear what is happening around you. Advantages of this construction are an improved sense of spatial sound due to higher transparency. Because the ear cups are made from more porous materials, heat exchange is also improved. Due to the openness, however, people around you also hear what you are listening to.

Closed headphones isolate the ear from the environment. The surroundings are less bothered by stray sound. The shielding builds up more pressure in the bass range. The bass sounds fuller. Headphones of this design are more complex to construct and therefore more expensive. Heat build-up is more noticeable than with open systems 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 but sometimes specially insulated openings. Heat build-up is lower during longer wear than with closed headphones.

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

Hi‑Fi headphones

These are the perfect headphones for the most discerning music lovers and offer the highest listening enjoyment. Noble materials meet high-quality workmanship.

Studio headphones

Also called monitor headphones. They are mostly used by studio musicians for recording in recording studios. Their sound is noticeably more neutral than that of Hi‑Fi headphones.

DJ headphones

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

In‑ear headphones

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

The right volume for headphones

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

Which headphones are the best?

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