At first, Bluetooth headphones pissed off many music lovers due to poor ergonomics and the need to put up with a number of conditions. But gradually wireless models pulled up to wired.
It's time to test best models both categories. CHIP finds out which devices best suit certain musical tastes, which are the most comfortable, which are the best equipped and which are the most portable.
Headphone design: on-ear or full-size?
On-ears, as the name of the design type suggests, are applied to the ear. For example, like , is our optimal choice. Full-size, like the test winner from the category, completely wraps around the ear. Both types of acoustic design are divided into closed and open.
Closed headphones are more common, they reproduce low frequencies more assertively, and the music in them sounds warmer and less detailed than in open ones. Open ones allow sounds to pass through the holes in both directions, so that a person hears background noise and is not completely disconnected from the outside world. At the same time, others are also forced to listen to his music, and not everyone likes it.
The reproduction of low frequencies is highly dependent on the size of the radiator. Many models are equipped with transducers with a diameter of about 40 mm and, by reproducing sounds with a frequency of 20 Hz, can reach lower frequencies than a person can normally hear without straining.
Glossary: Headphones
> Construction type: overhead (on-ear)
Headphones are superimposed on the ear, which ensures the compactness of the whole design> Construction type: full size (over-ear)
Headphones completely fit the ear, so they are larger in size than overhead ones. The sound stage is also more voluminous compared to overhead ones.> Type of acoustic design: closed
The sound stage of the headphones is isolated, the headphones do not allow external noise to pass through, resulting in warm and rich sounds> Type of acoustic design: open
Headphones pass sounds both external and internal, sound isolation is relatively weak. Open-back headphones reproduce transparent, realistic sound> Input sensitivity
Measured in decibels, the sound pressure level of a signal with a power of 1 milliwatt. The higher the value, the louder the volume> Impedance
Frequency dependent resistance alternating current determines the sound quality and maximum volume level> Emitter
Loudspeaker built into the earcup, consisting of a magnet, a moving coil, a membrane and a housing
Power: the role of impedance
Headphone loudness is primarily determined by sensitivity, which indicates the sound pressure level that headphones can produce per milliwatt of power, expressed in decibels per milliwatt (dB SPL/mW, where SPL is the sound pressure level).
Second important parameter- headphone AC resistance or impedance determined by a variable coil: the lower the impedance, the more power from input voltage. For portable players, low-impedance models are recommended - with an impedance below 100 ohms.
The other side of the coin: the lower the impedance, the more distortion the amplifier gives. High-end headphones are often characterized by an impedance of about 600 ohms and require a powerful amplifier - a smartphone is not enough for this.
Wired or Bluetooth?
Without a doubt, the wires in the headphones are annoying. Technology wireless communication, it would seem, promises to rectify the situation. It is important to know that Bluetooth audio streams are not transmitted without loss: they are compressed using SBC or aptX codecs, so in terms of sound quality, due to the truncated dynamics and detail, these headphones do not reach the level of wired ones. For fans of pop music and rock, as a rule, this is not a problem, but listening to dynamic classical or jazz can interfere.
Wired headphones, on the other hand, transmit sound in an analog way from the output of the amplifier, so distortion digital signal and compression artifacts are insignificant. In addition, they do not need batteries or accumulators.
Sound quality: Bluetooth keeps up with wires
The most important criterion for headphones is the quality of playback. Depending on the style of music, each listener has their own individual preferences. Classical and jazz lovers should look for a model that allows you to distinguish all sound and spatial nuances. For such genres, open wired headphones are best suited. If you like pulsating beats, pop, rock or hip-hop - choose closed systems with a rich warm sound.
Of the Bluetooth headphones, we were most impressed by the JBL Everest 300, which delivered a differentiated, multifaceted sound with bright and powerful highs and lows. JBL even masterfully reproduces classics like Max Richter's Vivaldi's The Four Seasons with remarkable power for a Bluetooth headphone. , and the test winner also made a good auditory impression.
Of the wired ones, the model transmits best audio signals. Perfectly balanced sound: These headphones accurately reproduce individual instruments and place them correctly in the surround sound picture. The same can be said about the more expensive Sony MDR-100AAP and our optimal choice.
Comfort: no pressure
Headphones should fit well. Ideally, you don't feel it at all. Therefore, they must have soft ear cushions on the inside of the cups and a lining on the headband. Very comfortable to wear, such as lightweight . But not all headphones are suitable for every head shape. So, JBL Everest 300 can press unpleasantly if a person has a big head. For those who don't wear glasses, over-ear headphones are more often recommended because they don't compress the ears. Those who wear glasses usually prefer overhead ones - they compress the temples of glasses less. But to be sure, it is better to try different options yourself.
Buttons on the cord or on the case allow you to control music or telephony functions. The highly sensitive touchpad on the ear cups went even further: as soon as you lightly touch it (for example, when changing position), some function is accidentally triggered, and you have to listen to the touch noise that resonates in the cups for a long time, and very annoying.
Headbandless headphones: mini earplugs for maximum sound
If you listen to music on your way to work, you might find headband headphones too bulky. Then the output will be headphones without a headband: in-ear headphones - small capsules that enter the ear canal and completely plug the ear. This provides good sound insulation. There are also in-ear headphones (they are also “earbuds”), which are laid in the auricle. For sports, intracanal ones are preferable because they are held more securely. True, they can create a feeling of pressure.
Earbuds like the Apple EarPods aren't for everyone: they can easily fall out if they don't fit snugly into your ear. The ideal option would be "ear plugs", which are selected by hearing specialists according to the individual shape of the ear.
Bluetooth devices are unsurpassed in portability - they do not have a cord that gets tangled and gets in the way. Best Representatives: and Recently Introduced. Wireless earplugs, as a rule, also use Bluetooth, and this is their main problem: the human head greatly muffles the signal, which is reflected in the sound.
The near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) technology, which is equipped, for example, with the Bragi The Headphone model, works better. True, during the first test, we often observed a disconnection. But what we liked: the volume control allows you to control the ambient noise reduction, a feature that is integrated into the Smart Fitness system on the more expensive Bragi The Dash model. Tiny intra-canal capsules mate separately with the turntable. In appearance, they are almost invisible, however, they are equipped with a built-in microphone for phone calls. But such a tiny technique costs a lot - as much as 300 euros (about 20,000 rubles).
Equipment: not always good
For wired headphones, a detachable cable is desirable, as on Noontech Hammo S: if damage is detected, it can be easily replaced. You can also connect longer cords or coiled cable. Most of the devices are foldable, so they are convenient for transportation. But not all headphones come with a case or case to protect against dust and dirt.
In order not to remove the headphones every time the phone rings, most models have built-in microphones with control buttons. Of the Bluetooth headphones, only the model is deprived of these pleasures. include a noise reduction function, which, however, only imposes constant background noise, which can interfere with listening to calm tracks, and cause headaches for sensitive people.
Portability: up to 26 hours of music playback
Tested wireless headphones on average withstand 24 hours of operation without recharging. In fact, they need to be connected to the power supply every day. It manages the energy received best of all, working up to 26 hours without recharging. The battery charging time is also impressive - 90 minutes. The test winner, for example, takes an hour more to fully charge the battery.
Our test leaders
AKG Y50: perfect sound and ergonomics
With or without a wire, the Austrian manufacturer AKG knows what excellent headphones should be. makes an indelible impression, receiving by almost all criteria maximum amount points. The device inspires respect with a very accurate performance, first-class ergonomics and a good bundle in the form of a soft case and an adapter. As for the most important criterion - sound - the headphones reproduce excellent detailed, balanced sound, for which they receive a well-deserved hundred points. What's more, the AKG Y50 isn't the most expensive headphone in the test.
Pros: Best sound, excellent value for money, high ergonomics, excellent equipment
Minuses: Despite excellent grades, high frequencies could be a little livelier
Marshall Major II: for hardcore rockers and beyond
deliver impressive sound and the best ergonomics of any headphone tested. Thanks to bright, but not annoying high frequencies, the sound is easy. The headphones, which visually match guitar amps from the same manufacturer, are especially good at reproducing rock and pop music. Only too resonant low frequencies and, compared to the rest of the test participants, not very high volume prevented them from getting more points. However, according to the configuration, the headphones could also get points: there is no, for example, a case for transportation.
Pros: Impressive sound, very comfortable, stylish performance, very good value
Minuses: Pretty strong low frequencies, trimmed package, no carrying case
AKG Y50BT: Very balanced sound
Full-size headphones in the testing process impressed with the balanced sound. Compared to the wired counterpart, there is a little lack of openness and transparency - this is a minus of wireless technology. But when playing songs with pronounced mid-range frequencies, the headphones are distinguished by excellent voice reproduction. sit firmly on the head, without squeezing it, but 300 grams of weight are felt. The device is characterized by good equipment and battery endurance - the operating time without recharging is more than 26 hours. However, the battery takes a relatively long time to charge - as much as 2.5 hours.
Pros: Balanced sound, very good voice reproduction, good battery life
Minuses: Quite bulky and heavy, in comparison with the Y50, less high-quality sound reproduction
Marshall Major II BT: punchy sound without cables
Unlike their wired counterpart, they are more made in the tradition of world-famous guitar amplifiers: the headphones produce a rich sound, ideal for heavy riffs. The sound of the wireless version is distinguished by the relative predominance of bass. Due to the fact that the headphones fit perfectly, you can enjoy music for hours - battery endurance allows. The British only missed a little with the package - for example, there is no case for transportation in the package. In the box were only the actual headphones and the cable. But given the affordability, this can be put up with.
Pros: High level volume, fine high frequencies, good battery endurance, very comfortable, bargain
Minuses: The predominance of low frequencies is heard in the sound, there are some shortcomings in the configuration
Market Review
Headphone research from Roskachestvo
Roskachestvo experts, in collaboration with colleagues from the International Assembly of Consumer Testing Organizations (ICRT - International Consumer Research and Testing), conducted a study of headphones different types And price categories: according to the test results, the experts present the results of tests of 177 pairs of wire (93) and wireless Bluetooth headphones(84). Professional (studio) headphones, which require the use of stationary amplifiers and are most often not intended for portable use, were not included in the study.
model overview
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 headphones: music that runs with you
Music and fitness have connected us ... Almost every business person can say something like this, and also many students, bright representatives of modeling agencies and even active pensioners. Someone will go for a run, someone will swing thoroughly, and someone will walk all the paths in the neighboring park with ski poles. Add skiing and cycling enthusiasts to this audience, and you get quite a solid audience, which will come in very handy with these headphones that work without any wires. Today we are testing sports headphones with a Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 microphone, they are wireless, work for a long time without recharging, are protected from moisture and are elegant in appearance. It remains only to find out how comfortable they are to use and, most importantly, how good they sound? Well, shall we start?
model overview
On-ear headphones GermanMAESTRO GMP 250: MAESTRO again charmed with his music
I got new ears and thought: who is stopping us from being cooler than the Germans? In economics, of course. After the capture of Berlin, Germany lay in ruins, but for some reason premium Mercs and BMVs are still smashing through our streets with chic, and swift Sapsan along the railways, and what a life they have lived to! – new headphones German MAESTRO other citizens are waiting for the appearance of Christ to the people… Each new model of this brand brings fans into indescribable delight - with its refined and melodic sound. I think the GMP 250 closed on-ear headphones, which have already appeared on sale with us, will not be an exception. I invite you to evaluate the new move MAESTRO!
Market Review
Rock Jaw Alfa Genus V2 in-ear headphones: music comes in gold, silver and black
While Brexit is up in the air, let's continue our acquaintance with the British brand Rockjaw. This time my choice fell on new chameleons - Alfa Genus V2, made on the basis of a dynamic radiator with the possibility of sound tuning. As in the case with the previous chameleons - Resonate, which I recently had a chance to listen to with a subsequent review, the current model can also be noted for a very good sound at a quite sparing price. We won’t scrape for a long time, we take out the package and turn on the music ...
model overview
Overview of in-ear monitors 64 AUDIO tia FOURTE: what voice does the queen sing with? Angelic…
“The song helps us to build and live…”. I greet everyone who considers such a motto as native. And I invite everyone else to our “music-irradiated” campaign. There are live sound fans among us, like the guys at 64 AUDIO, who spend day and night searching, developing their line of in-ear monitors. Today I want to continue the story of the top model range of this brand: about the tia FOURTE hybrid four-driver model. I have already met her - she is a real queen with an angelic voice and a sophisticated charm that hurts in the heart.
model overview
Review of in-ear monitors 64 AUDIO U18 Tzar: how I heard everything with the “king” in my head and a fiery heart in my chest
I didn’t have time to move away from the “parade of planets” (remember the review of the euphonious StereoPravda SPearphone SB-7 model, which planetary arranged its drivers along one axis?), And cool hits from the world famous brand 64 AUDIO came to me. You listen to this, and the concept of sound in your head will immediately turn from a different angle. And it will become clear that he used to live without a king on his head, and now with a king and, like the legendary Danko, with a fiery heart in his chest ... So, the King and the Queen came to me, that's how I would designate new world hits from 64 AUDIO : a universal version of U18 Tzar in-ear monitors and another model - tia Fourte. I can immediately warn you, this Queen - tia Fourte, has already driven me crazy and I think it will drive you too. But let's leave the first exit to the venerable audience behind the U18 Tzar monitors, built on the basis of 18 rebar receivers. In short, your way out, "your majesty"!
model overview
Rock jaw Resonate in-ear headphones: British chameleon hybrids.
Will Brexit benefit hybrid headphones? An interesting question, of course, as the new British two-driver hybrids from ROCKJAW AUDIO may be out of the free market in Europe. But I think we will only benefit from this. You will not surprise our music lovers with headphones that use a reinforcing and dynamic emitter in their design. There have been cases when manufacturers managed to squeeze several armature and dynamic drivers into the case of in-ear headphones, but such a density of drivers does not at all guarantee perfect sound. But the new ROCKJAW AUDIO hybrids are not only perfectly built, they have on board a pair of drivers in the ear (1 speaker and 1 rebar receiver) and a very decent sound with taste tuning, moreover, for a very reasonable price tag. You can check with me.
model overview
Fostex T50RP MK3 on-ear headphones when Salieri also becomes a Mozart…
Let me ask you: are you for Mozart or for Salieri? The answer would seem to be obvious. But not everything is so clear. Historians claim that Salieri did not actually poison anyone, he was simply ahead of his time, trying to believe harmony with algebra ... Don't you believe it? Isn't it the same: algebra by harmony! - are modern manufacturers of audio equipment engaged in? The straightness of the frequency response and a minimum of distortion - as a sign of genius, due to which the sound from the channel becomes life-giving, close to what we hear in real life. In general, I will say this: the world would not have lost another Mozart if Salieri had been born in the era digital sound. It's a pity that without Salieri we will rise today to a kind of "Mozartian peak", listening to almost live music in headphones from the world professional audio. Having survived several reincarnations, they have been pleasing musicians, sound engineers and just lovers of high-quality sound for many years. Today, in our studio, T50RP MK3 on-ear headphones from the Japanese brand Fostex are playing.
model overview
Meze 99 NEO on-ear headphones: like Mephistopheles with divine sound!
Santa Barbara is over, but her work lives on! About a year ago, I had a chance to review the "silver and gold walnut", and at the same time Meze 99 Classics on-ear headphones, which won the hearts of music lovers. These ears have received a lot of prizes on various Hi-Fi. So, by changing the walnut color to black, and the wooden cups to plastic, the brand has made the new Meze 99 NEO model more affordable. And the sound took on new colors! In short, a new Santa Barbara begins - this time in the world of music. Today we are listening to the second series of Meze on-ear headphones. Are you with me?
model overview
MyST IzoEM-1 in-ear headphones: both “shod a flea” and listened to music!
A few days ago I received a package with a "hot thing": new in-ear headphones made on the basis of a full-fledged MyST IzoEM-1 isodynamic emitter. The very idea of such technical solution seemed a little crazy to me. Can you imagine how you can shove something that is impossible to shove into a small case? But in the end, I myself turned out to be like a madman: the guys from MyST shoved everything where necessary. Perhaps they will work on something else, but they have already “shoeed a flea”, having solved an unsolvable problem in the nanoscale. Commendable! Lefty's cause lives on and wins! And we have another excellent reason to listen to your favorite music with new ears ...
model overview
Ambient Acoustics AM5 LAM in-ear headphones: hear your personality!
When I was a little younger, and the trees were a little greener, and the girls were a little slimmer... Back in those ancient times, these guys were doing what we now call monitors based on reinforcing emitters. Their experience is WOW! And about seven years ago, the Kiev brand Ambient Acoustics launched the production of professional monitors based on an individual ear impression. I used to listen to some models of this brand before: AM2, AM4 and AM6. A fleeting acquaintance left a lot of emotions in my memory! And now, a few years later, I decided to repeat the pleasure and ordered a custom version of the AM5 LAM model from the Ambient Acoustics laboratory for my beloved. And I don't regret it one bit!
function overview
In-ear headphones SIMGOT EN700 BASS: listened and hardly came back. And he could have stayed where the music is, ...
"Loaf, loaf, whoever you want, choose ..." - now the portable audio market is teeming with products for every taste and color. Before you have time to think, what else would you want something spicy, and they are already taking you out on a silver platter, asking with all appearances - something else? just find your client, but sink into the soul of a certain circle of music lovers and thereby occupy your rather narrow, specific niche in the market of audio devices that is overflowing to the brim. Today we will talk about the young Chinese brand SIMGOT familiar to us, remember the review of their first swallow EN700? So, the Chinese guys, without hesitation, finalized their swallow, brought it to mind both externally and internally, and showed the world a product already familiar to us, but with a different, more conceptual sound, and with an even more imposing appearance.
model overview
Review of in-ear monitors SPearphone SB-7: StereoPravda and infinity of Hi End sound
“Love will suddenly come…” As always, in the spring, just before the Hi Fi Show. And how else to express emotions when the heart is ready to stop and start again from the very first notes ... I have been looking for these sounds for years, but I found them in a strange-looking product - the StereoPravda SPearphone SB-7 in-ear monitor. I'm used to the fact that new headphones always surprise with something, like unfamiliar blondes, but in order to stock up like that! And not only in both ears, but also in the very heart - this happens, but very rarely! Neither give nor take - Cupid's arrow ... Well, what? Don't want to hurt your soul at the very edge of inspiration?...
model overview
Dunu DK-3001 headphones: the best! Conquering the top of the Dunu-Topsound range.
Dunu-Topsound used to be known primarily as an OEM/ODM manufacturer. The release of headphones under its own brand was not a priority. Behind last years the situation has changed. And quite a few headphones from Dunu-Topsound were born, which were highly appreciated in professional circles. The most popular models were Dunu Titan 1, DN-1000, and DN-2000.
model overview
AAW Q IN-CANAL MONITOR in-ear headphones: church bass at Christmas strikes with speed and pressure
We continue our acquaintance with the Singaporean brand Advanced AcousticWerkes. Next in line is a miniature model of AAW Q IN-CANAL MONITOR headphones. As we found out in the previous review (read here), the AAW brand specializes in in-ear monitors based on an individual ear impression, that is, CIEM (CUSTOM IN-EAR MONITOR). As a rule, such headphones are built using hybrid technology: with the simultaneous use of a dynamic and reinforcing radiator. But today we will be listening to the universal AAW Q model with a single micro dynamic driver.
Here comes the holiday! It remains to find yellow trousers, a red nose and a checkered cap. I already have funny yellow ears. And don't be put off by their simple "candy" look - these are brand new Etymotic on-ear headphones. A model from the Safety series (that is, safe) from a beloved brand. As soon as I close my eyes, the holiday subsides, because I can no longer hear anything when I am immersed in music. Today we deeply and detachedly listen to Etymotic HD-5. I invite you!
model overview
MyST Nail 3 in-ear headphones: light and bright music with lace and charm
“Is it really the same Tatyana?” Well, so I began to talk in verses ... With this model - MyST Nail 3, we briefly "meet eyes" a couple of years ago: I touched it - I liked it, the music was light, light, but then it didn’t deeply hook, and soon I forgot for a series of everyday life. And now, when I got to know the soulful nature of the entire line of “carnations” - Nail 1, 2, 3, 2x2 and 4, “you appeared before me again ...”. It's time to return to a fleeting acquaintance and with the most serious intentions to immerse yourself in your favorite musical genres. Join us - today we are listening to MyST Nail 3 in-ear headphones. We will prepare for the imminent addition of new models to this line.
model overview
MyST Nail 4 in-ear headphones: what really inspires us?
Red Bull is inspiring-i-o... While the lucky ones take off in a sing-song voice, I thought deeply: do multi-driver headphones, I suppose, promise the same flight in a dream and in reality? Whether this is true or not, it's very easy to check: let's dive for a few days into the "studs" of Nail 4, a multi-driver model from the MyST in-channel line. These lugs, built on the basis of two reinforcing receivers, seemed so attractive to me that I jumped over the Nail 3 with one jump, leaving it for a misty sweat. When the drive is more than usual, it turns on and fascinates: both the design and the sound. So, it's time to get inspired - listen to MyST Nail 4.
New Year's holidays behind. And this is an excellent opportunity to continue the glorious tradition of the AuDDiolab column - the publication of Top-10 collections of various Hi-Fi (and not so) components. Today, the turn has finally reached the point that many readers do not stop asking questions. To full-size headphones.
In our age of leaps and bounds of scientific and technological progress, it is difficult to find things that have not undergone major changes in recent years. However, in the audio realm, not everything is so simple. Of course, there are technical innovations. But not all of them are good! Many innovations are aimed at reducing the cost of construction and emitters. As a rule, this approach often inevitably leads to a partial loss of sound quality. That is why we, as real music lovers and audiophiles, will be moderately conservative. The race for new products is not our way. If conditionally old models sound objectively better than their “heirs”, then there simply won’t be a place for the last one in our selection.
To begin with, dear reader, let's agree on the structure of our Top-A. Places from 10th to 5th are reserved for solutions suitable for portable use. Their impedance will, for obvious reasons, be limited to 40 Ω. And the type of sound design will be mostly closed. The remaining places from the 4th to the 1st will be assigned to the headphones, whose purpose is stationary listening in a calm environment. There will be no restrictions either on resistance or on the preferred type of design. Our selection will deliberately not include devices with a price tag below those very cherished $60. Well, if overhead headphones start their journey from this mark, then it is generally written as a full-size one. For the simple reason that it is simply impossible to find among them corresponding to Hi-Fi standards. This is where the conventions end. Go!
10th place
All the advantages of electrostatic technology over conventional dynamic drivers in detail. In terms of fidelity, detail and beauty of sound, nothing can compare with “electrostats”. However, as with the price tags on similar solutions. Such a bunch costs a mind-blowing $1.5K! And keep in mind that we have only a high-quality modern Chinese brand. And not fanned by the legends of STAX. This is the level of sound to which units reach. Does it make practical sense? Here everyone decides for himself. But once you hear the electrostatic headphones, you don’t want to switch back to the “dynamics”. So, dear reader, be careful! :)
That's all for today. Top discrete (embedded) will also be published this week sound cards. See you later!
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