Headphones, How do they.........?

[JSE]

Create such a dynamic sound. Work is slow today so I have been playing some CDs on my computer and listening with a pair of cheap headphones. Even this cheapo pair creates a lot of bass and great mids and highs. How are headphones able to do this when they have such small drivers. Obviously being so close to your ear has something to do with it, but that does not explain their dynamic range. I have never really use headphones before other than with a CD player or similiar. Just bored an curious.

I am thinking maybe I should invest in a decent set for home use.

JSE

[Smokey]

Back in the early 90's, most CD players used to have headphone output. Pair this output with a set of good headphone and you be in heaven

[pelly3s]

If you are interested in a good pair of headphones the Sony 7506's are great for the price... around just about $100 give or take a few.

[JSE]

Smokey,

I actually have an older Sony CD player from about 90 or 91. I may hook it up and give it a try. I think it has headphone jack like you mentioned but I am not sure it even works anymore.

Thanks pelly32 for the suggestion. I have not even began to look at headphones. Maybe after the new year.

So, can anyone explain how and why they work so well? I guess not having to fill a large space like loudspeakers with sound makes it a lot easier and requires much less power and sheer size.

Any thoughts?

JSE

[pelly3s]

I had an article somewhere on why headphones sound the way they do.... i can't find it though. It has a lot to do with the fact that the sound is directed into your ear and has no other place to really go.

[This Guy]

about 6 months ago, although I can't find the thread cause everytime I search for a discussion in this new forum it brings me to the digital camera review site. But it's basically cause they're so close to your ear, they don't need big speaker drivers to fill a room with bass-mids-and highs, just that small space between the headphone drivers and your ears. I wish I could describe it in more detail, but a guy named Haoleb that used to go t this site explained it quite well. I too find it really amazing how headphones sound so good, can't wait to get my Grado SR-60's!

-Joey

[joel2762]

Smokey,

I actually have an older Sony CD player from about 90 or 91. I may hook it up and give it a try. I think it has headphone jack like you mentioned but I am not sure it even works anymore.
JSE

Hey, I have an old Sony from '88! Skips easily! Sometimes doesn't work perfect. As pelly3s mentioned a pair of Sony headphones. I have a pair of folding Streetstyle Sony's. Cost me almost $60 canadian! Great sound though I must say! Neodium magnets--Highs are verrrry nice and crisp! I was also wondering the same thing the other day...How do headphones do that? Such small drivers can prduce even low frequencies!!

[skeptic]

Headphones have several big advantages over loudspeakers. The environment they will operate in and the way the are directed at and coupled to the human ear is under complete control of the designer. The sound levels required are very low compared to loudspeakers. This has enabled headphone designers to create phones with very flat and wide frequency response and very low distortion. There are several drawbacks to them however. Because the sound moves with the motion of your head, is sounds like it is coming from inside your head. The best sounding phones seem to me to be the ones with around the ear cushions that seal against your skin. This creates the best bass and also isolates you from outside noise and distractions. These can get hot and uncomfortable after some time though. You will not feel the deep bass against your body that you get from good subwoofers. On the other hand you can listen at any level you want at any time of day or night without bothering other people and of course they are portable so you can take them with you wherever you go. Personally, I have a couple of pairs of Sony MDR V6 bought on Consumer Reports recommendation after listening to a neighbor's pair and at $67 a pair, I've been very satisfied with them for about 12 years.

[JSE]

Thanks guys for the replies. I think I will do some research and get a decent pair. I will start with the Sonys and Grados. They seem to offer some reasonably price phones that should sound awesome. I would like to keep it less than $100 and less than $75 would be even better.

This Guy, let us know how those Grados under the tree work out.

Hey, I see Bose makes some really expensive ones. Just Kidding!

JSE

[joel2762]

Yeah I've seen those Bose ones. I bet they're no better than a pair from the dollar store ....Check out the Sony 'phones. I find that mine have a really nice durable cord that won't break inside. Also very bendable without breaking! Good luck!

[skeptic]

The Bose headphones have a noise cancelling circuit that has a built in microphone in each earphone and generates a signal 180 degrees out of phase with it to minimize ambient noise. This can be used with or without a source of music or speech such as a walkman or dc player. It is most useful traveling on trains, planes, or in crowds.

[JSE]

Hey Skeptic,

"The Bose headphones have a noise cancelling circuit that has a built in microphone in each earphone and generates a signal 180 degrees out of phase with it to minimize ambient noise"

I saw that. I notice Sony has similiar technology as well. I'll check it out but I will most likely use them at home so I am not sure it would be worth the extra money for me. I want to keep it simple and relatively cheap.

Happy Holidays!

JSE

[RGA]

Cheapst way to get high end IMO. The limitation is of course soundsage(you can view it as there isn't one or you're on stage with the artist). If you view it as the latter then good cans are like the singer sitting on your lap blowing the song into your face.

I have a 10 year old set of Sony MDR 750s(a sealed highly review) can that ws considered ony's best. My other can is the Sennheiser HD600 an open air design that requires a headphone amp(can't just run it off a portable cd player - well not very well anyway). The Sennheiser is slightly more money taking into todays dollars(inflation etc). Both are equally comfortable though the Sony is much hotter limiting their use to colder climates or time of the year...otherwise you'll sweat.

The Sennheiser is a more neutral headphone(can) and boast a response of around 4hz to well beyond 20khz. Often considerd the best headphone available under a grand, is the reference headphone in most classical recording studios and magazines such as Stereophile. But beyond that they actually sound fantastic too

The HD580 can be had under $150.00 and is close to the HD600...Was basically the previous reference standard and probably offers the better value.

The Sony doesn't really compare unless you listen to rap where its mid-bass hump can add false weight. Pedal Organ, vocals, strings, winds, brass, dynamics etc and the Senn wins.

I also like the headphone that surrounds your ear and does not sit on your outer ear...comfort is the main reason and sound possibly.

The Senns are not as portable because people can hear what you're listening to being open air designs. The advantage of course is you can hear the phone or doorbell etc.

Simple solution - get one of each.