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| How To Buy Headphones |
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| March 1, 2010 • Vol.7 Issue 3 | |
How To Buy Headphones Choose What’s Right For Your Ears | |
 Uncomfortable headphones are common, but they can become a thing of the past. With the ability to choose from earbud, clip-on, behind-the-neck, and over-the-ear styles, you can listen to your favorite tunes or video game sound with practical comfort and style.  Head Things Up When you consider the unique features of each headphone style, you’ll find that there are plenty of benefits associated with each one. Earbuds will provide a comfortable fit as they rest firmly in your ear canal, which is ideal for those times when you’re jogging a few miles on the treadmill and you want to avoid your headphones falling off or needing adjustments. If you’re looking for a more enveloping sound but don’t want to sacrifice too much comfort, clip-on headphones will provide both a secure fit, by hooking behind your ears, and deliver powerful audio. Behind-the-neck headphones combine a snug fit with secure and lightweight earbuds or soft earpads that cover the exterior of your ear. Great for listening to tunes while using your laptop or going for a leisurely stroll, behind-the-neck headphones will work well for extended periods of listening. The primary benefit of most over-the-ear headphones is noise-canceling technology. Covering the listener’s ears, noise-canceling headphones employ multiple microphones to drown out ambient noise and enhance the dynamics of the song you’re listening to, whether you’re sitting next to the airplane engine on a long flight or chilling out in a crowded student union. Use Your Head There are a lot of specifications to pay attention to when you’re picking out headphones. The size of a pair of headphones’ internal speaker drivers, such as 15 to 40mm drivers, can determine the depth and richness of the bass sound it produces—the bigger the driver, the fuller your audio will sound. If you want quick access to your audio’s volume control, look for headphones that include an in-line volume control for making sound level adjustments. The sensitivity rating (or loudness) of headphones should be at least 100dB to produce powerful audio output. Over-the-ear headphones tend to include the most bells and whistles, with ergonomic designs, 3D surround sound, and ultra-comfortable head straps. Many gamers prefer this style because they can enjoy uninterrupted on-line gaming with headphone audio systems, such as the Tritton AX 720 Audio System headphones ($129.99; www.trittontechnologies.com). Before you purchase headphones, be sure to consider which specifications and features meet your audio and comfort requirements—your ears will appreciate it in the long run. by Joanna Safford From Head To . . . Ears |
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