PREFER EARPHONES? READ MORE: Best Earphones 2024

BEST ENTRY LEVEL HIGH-END

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

The Audeze MM-100 is a versatile headphone designed for both studio engineers and music enjoyers on a budget. It can be driven by just about any source, making it ideal for life on the go. With its Audeze patented planar magnetic drivers, it delivers precise, studio-quality audio with incredible detail and clarity, making it ideal for mixing, mastering, or casual listening. The sound is stunning, especially when paired with a quality setup and completely outperforms anything else in its price bracket at just £399. Lightweight and comfortable, the MM-100 ensures long sessions are a breeze and gives an immersive listening experience to anyone who put them over their ears.

BEST BUDGET WIRED HEADPHONES

SoundMAGIC HP151- £88.99

The SoundMAGIC HP151 offers excellent audio quality with a balanced sound signature and impressive detail for its price. Its spacious soundstage and comfortable design make it an ideal choice for budget-conscious listeners seeking reliable, wired performance. Priced just under £90, it is a great pick for anyone looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES

1More SonoFlow HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone and you will only see smiles on their faces.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

How do they do it? SoundMAGIC have once again made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable and boom mic (great for home office or even gaming). In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. Add into the mixer an incredibly impressive battery life and a simple ease of use and you have got yourself a bargain. They sound full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and for a Wireless on ear headphone what more could you want?

WATCH VIDEO: SoundMAGIC P23BT Wireless On Ear Headphone Review

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

5. Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Full Size Headphones – £1149

The Audeze LCD-X are a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you want to give yourself a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself with the Audeze LCD-X.

READ MORE: Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Headphones

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Full Size Studio Headphones – £1699

Audeze MM-500 is designed to suit the requirements of long daily listening sessions under almost any condition. World-class studio monitor? Check. Quick reference on-the-go? No problem. Deep late-night listening? Done. With its ease of drive, comfortable fit and trustworthy sound, you can count on the MM-500 to deliver in every situation. The MM-500’s planar magnetic drivers provide realism that audio professionals like Manny “can’t live without.” With lightning-fast transients, accurate frequency response and trusted mix translation.

READ MORE: Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Studio Headphones

Final D8000 – £2,999.00

Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.

Audeze LCD-5 -£3,999.00

The Audeze LCD-5 is a masterpiece of audiophile engineering, delivering unmatched clarity, precision, and emotional depth to your music. Audeze’s Flagship LCD has a lightweight magnesium frame and the premium materials ensure long-lasting comfort, while the cutting-edge planar magnetic drivers reveal every nuance in your favorite tracks. For those seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction and a transformative listening experience, the LCD-5 is still there, in a league of its own. Full Review

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

BEST GAMING HEADPHONES

Audeze Maxwell Ps5/Xbox – £319.00/£349.00.

The Audeze Maxwell redefines what a wireless gaming headset can be. With its planar magnetic drivers, it offers astonishingly clear, detailed sound that brings games and music to life. Combine this with ultra-low latency performance, an 80-hour battery, and a premium build, and you have a headset that’s as serious about sound as it is about gaming. The Maxwell remains the gold standard for serious gamers and audiophiles alike and a must have in 2024

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Headphones 2024 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Our audio gurus have collected the best earphones, headphones, TV headphones, Bluetooth and portable devices – all ideal headphone gift ideas for Christmas 2016. From established brands like Sennheiser, Pioneer, SoundMAGIC and Chord to the less known Etymotic, MEE Audio, Thomson and Koss. Below you can check out our best rated headphones from the year so far.

Christmas Gifts Under £50

MEE Audio RX18P – £9.99

For under £10 there isn’t much you can say against the RX18P. They have an inline mic with 1 button control for smartphones and have a fun, punchy sound. They are also tough, making them a great all rounder.

Koss SB45 Gaming Headset – £24.99

For those gamers out there – the Koss SB45 is very impressive. You get superb build and sound quality that will enhance your gaming experience. The built in microphone is also extremely useful, all for under £25.

MEE Audio M9B – £29.99

If you’re looking for an affordable Bluetooth earphone then look no further. You’d struggle to find this quality elsewhere for under £30 – they are lightweight and give superb sound for the money.

Sennheiser HD35 TV – £29

Supplied with a 6m cable – these TV headphones are perfect late night listening as well as helping those who are hard of hearing. They are also supplied with a volume adjuster which can set the left and right channel separately.

Thomson WHP3001 – £39.99

This is our most popular wireless TV headphone. Amazing value for money – packaged with a charging dock as well as offering clarity and comfort. This is the best TV headphone we’ve come across for under £50.

Etymotic ETY-Kids 5 – £39.99

With portable audio devices becoming more and more popular – the ETY-Kids are a great earphone for children. They have built in sound limiting so they will never go loud enough to damage those young ears.

SoundMAGIC E10C – £39.99

The recent 5 star award from What-Hifi confirms that the E10C is still the best earphone for under £40. With smartphone controls for Apple and Android along with amazing sound quality – nothing comes close to knocking these off the top spot.

Christmas Gifts Under £100

Sennheiser OCX686G – £79

Sennheiser makes some of the best earphones around, and their sports range doesn’t disappoint. The comfortable and secure fit provides uninterrupted listening and the sound is fun and energetic to keep you going.

Pioneer SE-MJ771BT – £79

These pioneer on-ear wireless headphones have an attractive design, lightweight body with comfortable fit, and audio quality that can put some flashier and more expensive offerings to shame. featuring Bluetooth 4 and NFC.

Christmas Gifts Over £100

Snugs Custom Ear Sleeves – £179

An ideal gift for those who appreciate great sound quality. Snugs custom ear sleeves can be made to fit your chosen earphone – creating a perfect seal in the ear to get the most from your favourite in-ears.

Chord Mojo – £399

The Chord Mojo allows you to have a high end audio setup anywhere. You can connect your phone, computer and even integrate it into your home hifi system to make the most of Chord’s leading DAC technology.

The post Headphone Gift Ideas for Christmas 2016 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Why is fit important?

Fit can be one of the biggest problems for several simple reasons. If your earphones don’t sit firmly in your ear canals, or do not seal, you may experience a significant drop in audio quality, particularly from the bass frequencies which can often make you think that your earphones are broken or are just poor quality. This is down to a lack of isolation which means the sound is leaking out rather than staying in your ears and unwanted noise is being let in.

Another common problem is that your earphones just keep falling out or do not stay in properly which means you’re constantly adjusting them or pushing them back in. However, this can usually be solved by something as simple as using a different sized ear tip.  Every ear is different meaning you may not get the perfect fit with the ear tips that are on your earphones straight out of the box – this earphone fitting guide will explain a number of options available.

How to get the best fit

Typically, most earphones will come with silicone eartips in three sizes, small medium and large. Sometimes you will also get flange ear tips, and less commonly some earphones will come with comply foam tips, but we’ll talk about that later.

In order to get the best fit the key is to get a seal between the ear tip and your ear canal, this provides the isolation and creates a friction that keeps the earphones in your ears. Experiment with different size ear tips until you find a size that blocks out external noise and fits your ear firmly and comfortably. It’s also not uncommon to have a different size ear tip for each ear. You should be able to hear a clear difference if the ear tip is properly sealed. If the earphone is fully isolated you will hear a much richer sound, particularly in the bass with minimal external noise. You should also feel a slight suction of air in the ear canal where the ear tip is successfully sealed.

One other thing to consider is how the cable is worn. Most commonly cables are worn down from the ear but many models are now designed with an over ear fit and some can even be worn up and down – check your manufacturer instructions for further information on how your particular earphone should be worn. The best way to find the most comfortable fit for you is to experiment with using your earphones under and over the ear, also try having the cable hanging over your front or back, which can free up space and avoid tangles. Typically when the earphones are worn correctly the manufacturers logo should display the right way up.

Other options

There are many options available from different ear tip designs to full custom moulds but here are a few we would recommend for different budgets.

Comply

The first and most affordable ear tip solution is Comply. Comply is made from a heat activated memory foam that when heated in the ear conforms to the shape of your ear canal for a dynamic custom fit. Comply changes with the movement and temperature of your ear canal whilst using your earphones. This true fit seals in low frequency energy and provides optimal friction, so the tips stay put. Comply is also available with built in filters that give added protection against wax, debris and even sweat. As an affordable alternative to standard silicone tips Comply gives you a much more natural and comfortable fit as well as sustained isolation, even when active. Comply make ear tips for a huge number of earphone manufacturers, to find out if Comply make tips for your headphone head over to their website and use their easy pairing system to find what fit you need. The size of the standard silicone tips that you currently use with your earphones will be the same as the Comply size you will require.

Fitting comply

Firstly remove the current tips on your earphones and then add the Comply. To do this put a third of the earphone nozzle just inside the lip of the plastic Comply cylinder and then firmly push the rest of the earphone into the cylinder until the Comply sits firmly on the earphone nozzle. Sometimes this can be a very tight fit.

To fit Comply simply squeeze the eartips and then insert them comfortably into you ear. Once the memory foam expands and heats up the tip will conform to the shape of your ear to create a comfortable fit and completely seal your earphones.

Earcandi

Earcandi is for those that want a custom moulding system for their current earphones that won’t break the bank. Earcandi is made from a medical grade silicone polymer that produces a soft, flexible and durable custom moulded ear tip, which you can leave in your ears for hours without noticing. Noise isolation is greatly improved due to the exact fit you get with Earcandi, allowing you to play your music at lower volumes without being able to hear less, which reduces the chance of damaging your hearing by having to blast the volume. The process of fitting Earcandi is very easy and only takes about 10 minutes. The unique Earcandi moulding polymer comes in two parts. When the two parts are combined the silicone begins to set and will be fixed to its permanent shape in only 10 minutes.

Fitting Earcandi

Remove both portions of Earcandi material and knead together until you have an even colour. Split the material into 2 equal portions and roll into a cylinder approx. 5cm long. Loop around the stem of the earphone, bringing the Earcandi together on the outside and insert the earphone into your ear.

Mould the Earcandi over and around your earphones until you achieve a good seal and the desired finish. Wait 10-15 minutes for the Earcandi material to set and carefully remove from your ears. And that’s it.

Snugs

Snugs are fully custom moulded eartips that can be made for any earphone. Snugs use state of the art 3D scanning and manufacturing based on your exact ear, which means you get a perfect seal and a comfortable fit. No matter how active you get your Snugs will stay put, fit like a glove and will never fall out even when exercising. Unlike other custom mould manufacturers Snugs are made from soft silicone which means even after long periods of wear they are still comfortable. This great fit ensures external sound is kept out even in noisy places and your music doesn’t disturb others.

How it works

A Snugs scanologist will pay you a visit with a state of the art 3D ear scanner to quickly and painlessly scan your ears. Once you’ve chosen from a wide range of colours and optional unique twists like glitter, your Snugs impressions will be manufactured in a lab which usually takes a few weeks. Snugs come in both half and full shell options which can be made to fit any earphone.

The post Earphone Fitting Guide appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

TV headphones can be wireless or physically connected to the TV by a cable; we’ll start with a couple of low-cost wired models. These require an analogue output on your set, so a headphone socket is required.

Wired

Thomson HED2112

A closed-back with a long 5m cable, the Thomson allows for volume adjustment for each ear independently, and is our lowest cost TV headphone and incredible value.

Sennheiser HD65 TV

The closed-back HD65 TV comes with a 5.2m extension cable for a total of 6m reach, and the extension cable features a volume control which again can adjust the level for each ear. Also, there’s the open-back HD35 TV model with the same extension cable accessory.

Wireless (Analogue)

Wireless models free us up even more, and allow us to go and put the kettle on without missing any of the action. The transmission can go through walls so there need not be any interruptions!

All the following will require your TV to have an analogue output, ideally the red and white RCA phono connections.

Thomson WHP3001

The closed-back WHP3001 is light and comfortable with textile earpads, and the internal battery can be recharged simply by placing the headphones on the supplied transmitter stand between uses.

Lindy WHF-45

The closed-back Lindy WHF-45 is useful for the TV and can also be connected directly to a computer via USB for watching videos on Youtube, whatever that is.

Sennheiser RS165

The closed-back Sennheiser RS165 is a very comfortable and lightweight model which steps up the quality in terms of build and sound. It includes a combined transmitter and charger for easy charging between uses, just like the remaining models in this article.

Sennheiser SET 840TV

The SET 840TV model features a stethoscope-style headset, and can also adjust balance for left and right volume levels. There is also a hearing loop version for those with the appropriate hearing aids – the SET 840S.

Wireless (Digital)

The following models can connect to your TV either by analogue or digital outputs, using the RCA connection or Optical for digital audio.

Sennheiser RS185

Boasting both a digital optical and analogue RCA connection, the RS185 open-back model is excellent for use for both the TV and music with a balance control too.

Sennheiser RS195

Top of the line is the Sennheiser RS195; this closed-back model features both analogue and digital inputs and sound quality which rivals many premium (and wired) headphones. This model features both a balance control and options to boost certain frequencies and improve speech intelligibility.

The post Best TV Headphones Buyers Guide 2015 – Expert Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

One of the relatively new developments in portable audio is the in-ear headphone, as opposed to the ‘earbud’ which goes back 25 years or so. The earbud sits in the ear’s concha and rests up against the ear canal (sort of), whereas the in-ear headphone sits in the ear canal itself and ideally creates a seal, for far better isolation and bass response when compared to the earbud.

In-ear (Intraaural)

This coupling method between speaker and ear gives a much more intimate presentation – indeed, more intimate than the producer or mastering engineer perhaps intended. This brings a danger of fatigue with certain recordings, and the soundstage is typically narrower making any spatial effects less pronounced.

One of the important parts of getting the most out of the in-ear headphone is the seal created when the right eartips are used. Everybody’s ears differ, and it is likely that some experimentation is necessary with the tips before the right effect is achieved.

Not everyone can comfortably wear in-ear headphones; some also prefer to keep the presentation as close to the intended ‘2 speakers in a room’ sound as possible. Full-size headphones replicate this better.

On-ear (Circumaural and Supraaural)

This is the style everyone surely thinks of when they hear the word ‘headphone’ – speakers sitting on or over the ears, connected by a headband.

The Circumaural style encloses the ear and is the most likely to give the ‘2 speakers in a room’ effect; the entire ear is subject to sound coming from the headphone driver, and this gives the outside ear or ‘pinna’ a chance to bounce the sound around a bit before it enters, much like natural environmental sounds.

Also, headphone designers have much better opportunity to treat the headphones, or make minor adjustments to ensure that they have the required frequency response. For example, holes or ‘ports’ can be created to reduce bass frequencies, and bumps in any frequency response graph can be dealt with by membranes which block certain frequencies and allow others to penetrate. There are fewer opportunities to tinker with in-ears before the design has to go back to the drawing board.

To a lesser extent, there’s a better chance of the left ear picking up sounds from the right speaker and vice-versa; mirroring what happens in real life. Sound passes through the head and is also filtered by it; the resulting sound is therefore attenuated and with a lot of high-mid frequency detail lost. Together with a slight delay (the time taken for sound to cross from one ear to another is around 3 thousandths of a second), the brain converts these subtle details into information on sound placement.

This is why binaural recordings are so lifelike; given that the technique involves small microphones placed in the ears of a real human head or dummy, any recorded audio has the artefacts lent to it by the head on which it is recorded.

The circumaural style is considered to be the most comfortable generally; the intended use for circumaural headphones is that the wearer stays relatively still, perhaps seated, and so the headphones rest gently on the head and ears.

Supraaural headphones are a little smaller and are designed to sit on the ears, against the pinna. This often makes them more practical for the purpose of portability, but often at the expense of comfort when it comes to extended listening sessions. This design tends to press harder on the ears, both to increase the chances of a good seal and to prevent the headphones’ headband from slipping as the head moves. Supraaural headphones are generally designed for outdoors with more active uses in mind, and so tend to be closed-back to offer better isolation.

It is perhaps easy to choose between circumaural and supraaural headphones; do you wish to remain at home and listen, or go out, for instance? In-ear headphones are less clear-cut. They are being designed now for all scenarios it seems. Our habits may have yet to catch up, but in-ear headphones are now being designed for the armchair listener, so the choice from now on may be less clear, but it will have increased, which is no bad thing.

The post In-ear vs On-ear Headphones – Buying Guide appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Audio Quality

The first question asked by many people when buying headphones and earphones is “Do they sound good?”. It’s also often the most difficult question to answer. We human beings are very subjective creatures. What is described by one person as “precise and detailed” will be “lacking in bass and clinical” by another. What one listener likes another will find irritating.

The best advice we can give is to do plenty of research and try to understand what you are purchasing. Search the Internet for reviews of the headphones you like the look of – we have plenty of product reviews in our Blog as well as on our Youtube Channel. Ask for advice on forums where people discuss headphones such as Head-Fi or the AVForums. You will likely find plenty of information and opinions, often from different points of view. If you make your headphone or earphone purchase with good knowledge of what to expect it’s less likely you will be disappointed.

Design and Aesthetics

High up the list for many people is the looks and aesthetics of the headphones. After all you will have to be wearing the headphones you choose on your head for all to see! Unless you plan to use your new headphones alone at home then it’s likely you will be interested in how they look. Of course the quality of sound is also near the top of most lists, but with such a wide selection of good headphones to choose from it’s also likely that you will want your headphones to reflect your style.

Manufacturers such as SoundMAGIC have really gone to town with the styling of their headphones. While not to everyone’s taste SoundMAGIC have a unique look with a wide selection of vibrant colours.

If you are looking for headphones that look a little more sophisticated and refined then OPPO’s range of headphones are a good choice. While only relatively new to the consumer market in the UK, it’s not without reason that OPPO are quickly becoming market leaders. OPPO’s selection of headphones look stunning and perform equally well. The OPPO PM-3 headphones are a highly recommended set of stylish portable headphones with a rich, clear sound.

Ease of Portability

If you are going to be travelling or moving around with your headphones or earphones then the size, weight and ability to pack away (fold or collapse) may be important to you.

Many travellers and commuters like the in-ear earphone type as they can easily be wound up and put into a pouch or pocket. Sound isolating earphones have the added benefit that they can cut down outside noise by -20dB, which can be a godsend when travelling on a train, bus or underground. The Shure range of sound isolating earphones is a good place to start. Also worthy of mention Fidue, RHA and DUNU who all have a good range of the in ear sound isolating variety.

You will also find a good selection of headband headphones that collapse or fold for stowing away when needed. The Sennheiser PX200-II or SoundMAGIC P21 headphones are an example of good quality lightweight travelling headphones that fold away for transporting.

Sound Isolation

When listening to your headphones will you need to block out external noise, or do you need to prevent your music from annoying others around you. Ask yourself where, when and how you will be using your headphones.

If you will be listening to your headphones in an office or on public transport you will probably want to keep your music to yourself. In this case you will want to avoid open-back ear cup designs. Although open back headphones are often sonicly superior to closed back headphones the sound leaks out and people around you will be listening to a tinny version of what you are listening to – very annoying indeed.

If you travel on buses, trains or planes you might be thinking about noise cancelling headphones, but you may also want to consider in-ear sound isolating earphones instead as they are often able to reproduce a clearer more accurate sound. The extra electronics between your audio source and your ears means that noise cancelling headphones often colour the sound and reduce the clarity.

DJs and studio engineers also have a unique set of requirements when it comes to selecting headphones. A good set of DJ headphones should normally provide maximum isolation from outside sounds, so that you can concentrate on the mix you are putting together. Whereas a studio engineer may be more interested in being able to reproduce a good stereo sound image with sonic clarity and may not be so interested in sound isolation.

Summary

When it comes to purchasing headphones there are so many options and possibilities, but at the end of the day your choice will be down to a few key factors. Factors such as budget, design and whether or not you want sound isolation may be more significant than trying to find headphones with the best audio quality possible.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions on 01903 768 910 or you can email us on support@hifiheadphones.co.uk

The post Headphone Buying Guide appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

In our first episode of ProTips we will go through 5 easy steps for looking after your headphones.

Please take a look at our Christmas top 10 Best Headphone Christmas Gifts 2014 – Under £250

The post Hifi Headphones ProTips – Headphone Care appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Audio Quality

The first question asked by many people when buying headphones and earphones is “Do they sound good?”. It’s also often the most difficult question to answer. We human beings are very subjective creatures. What is described by one person as “precise and detailed” will be “lacking in bass and clinical” by another. What one listener likes another will find irritating.

The best advice we can give is to do plenty of research and try to understand what you are purchasing. Search the Internet for reviews of the headphones you like the look of – we have plenty of product reviews in our Blog as well as on our Youtube Channel. Ask for advice on forums where people discuss headphones such as Head-Fi or the AVForums. You will likely find plenty of information and opinions, often from different points of view. If you make your headphone or earphone purchase with good knowledge of what to expect it’s less likely you will be disappointed.

Design and Aesthetics

High up the list for many people is the looks and aesthetics of the headphones. After all you will have to be wearing the headphones you choose on your head for all to see! Unless you plan to use your new headphones alone at home then it’s likely you will be interested in how they look. Of course the quality of sound is also near the top of most lists, but with such a wide selection of good headphones to choose from it’s also likely that you will want your headphones to reflect your style.

Manufacturers such as SoundMAGIC have really gone to town with the styling of their headphones. While not to everyone’s taste SoundMAGIC have a unique look with a wide selection of vibrant colours.

If you are looking for headphones that look a little more sophisticated and refined then OPPO’s range of headphones are a good choice. While only relatively new to the consumer market in the UK, it’s not without reason that OPPO are quickly becoming market leaders. OPPO’s selection of headphones look stunning and perform equally well. The OPPO PM-3 headphones are a highly recommended set of stylish portable headphones with a rich, clear sound.

Ease of Portability

If you are going to be travelling or moving around with your headphones or earphones then the size, weight and ability to pack away (fold or collapse) may be important to you.

Many travellers and commuters like the in-ear earphone type as they can easily be wound up and put into a pouch or pocket. Sound isolating earphones have the added benefit that they can cut down outside noise by -20dB, which can be a godsend when travelling on a train, bus or underground. The Shure range of sound isolating earphones is a good place to start. Also worthy of mention Fidue, RHA and DUNU who all have a good range of the in ear sound isolating variety.

You will also find a good selection of headband headphones that collapse or fold for stowing away when needed. The Sennheiser PX200-II or SoundMAGIC P21 headphones are an example of good quality lightweight travelling headphones that fold away for transporting.

Sound Isolation

When listening to your headphones will you need to block out external noise, or do you need to prevent your music from annoying others around you. Ask yourself where, when and how you will be using your headphones.

If you will be listening to your headphones in an office or on public transport you will probably want to keep your music to yourself. In this case you will want to avoid open-back ear cup designs. Although open back headphones are often sonicly superior to closed back headphones the sound leaks out and people around you will be listening to a tinny version of what you are listening to – very annoying indeed.

If you travel on buses, trains or planes you might be thinking about noise cancelling headphones, but you may also want to consider in-ear sound isolating earphones instead as they are often able to reproduce a clearer more accurate sound. The extra electronics between your audio source and your ears means that noise cancelling headphones often colour the sound and reduce the clarity.

DJs and studio engineers also have a unique set of requirements when it comes to selecting headphones. A good set of DJ headphones should normally provide maximum isolation from outside sounds, so that you can concentrate on the mix you are putting together. Whereas a studio engineer may be more interested in being able to reproduce a good stereo sound image with sonic clarity and may not be so interested in sound isolation.

Summary

When it comes to purchasing headphones there are so many options and possibilities, but at the end of the day your choice will be down to a few key factors. Factors such as budget, design and whether or not you want sound isolation may be more significant than trying to find headphones with the best audio quality possible.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions on 01903 768 910 or you can email us on support@hifiheadphones.co.uk

The post Headphone Buying tips appeared first on HiFiheadphones.