Headphones

Over-ear headphones

These types of headphones completely surround the ear to ensure maximum sound and effective sound absorption. Of course, the size of the over-ears is often a disadvantage, because the large ear cups often make the headphones heavy and awkward to carry. However, due to this design the wearing comfort is very high and the often better sound quality makes it the preferred variants of music lovers. 
Although the over-ear headphones often seem clumpy, they have even become a fashionable accessory in the recent past and can thus be used in the public without any concern. 

Many on- and over-ear models are equipped with a headband that lies on the head. This makes the models even more unmistakable, stabilized but also. What was an additional comfort for others, however, was impractical because the temple could destroy the hair style. That's why neckband headphones are an alternative. Earloop headphones, on the other hand, are particularly popular with athletes and other active people because they guarantee a firm hold.

How do headphones work?

There are different methods of sound conversion for the generation of sounds in headphones as well as in loudspeakers. They determine the quality of the sound reproduction – and explain the enormous price range of the headphones. In the following, we will explain how the three most common procedures work.

Dynamic sound conversion

This is the principle in which most of the commercially available headphones work: There is a speaker with a membrane (1) in each earpiece. A coil (3) is mounted on the membrane, which is located in a circular slot of a permanent magnet (2). The coil and the membrane are mounted in vibration-proof bearings.
If a current flows through the coil, the coil builds up a magnetic field. Depending on the current direction, the magnetic field of the coil and the magnetic field of the permanent magnet either attract or repel. If the current flow through the coil corresponds to the rhythm of the music, the coil is also moved along with the membrane in the rhythm of the music.  

Electrostatic sound conversion

In high-cost headphones, the process of electrostatic sound conversion is often used. Here, a membrane film (1) oscillates between two perforated grid electrodes (2). Unlike dynamic speakers that require high currents, static speakers require high voltages (approx. 1000 – 4000 V). For this reason, a rectified high voltage (3) is applied to the membrane and to the grid electrodes. The audio signal (4) is also transformed via a transformer to a high voltage of approx. 1000 V and passed on to the grid electrodes. The electrostatic attraction forces now make the membrane film vibrate in the rhythm of the music. However, this sound quality has its price: Due to the higher production costs, headphones with electrostatic sound conversion are more expensive.

Balanced Armature (BA) sound conversion

This method is used in high-quality in-ear headphones. Literally translated, Balanced Armature (BA) is called "balanced armature": A movable armature (2) is placed in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet (1). The armature-mounted drive (3) moves as soon as current flows through the armature coil (4). The diaphragm (5) connected to the drive thus moves and generates sound waves. The balanced-fitting principle makes it possible to produce a good sound with little current. In high-end in-ear headphones, several BA drivers are combined to reproduce the sound spectrum comprehensively.

Technical specifications

Wired or wireless - was it better?

First of all, everyone has to decide for themselves whether the cable of a headphone is disturbing. If this is not the case or if a cable is required for professional or other reasons, it makes sense to inform yourself about wired headphones.The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless headphones.

Bluetooth headphones or wireless headphones?

If you like the choice of wireless headphones, you have to choose between two different principles of wireless sound transmission: Bluetooth or wireless.

Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth headphones are available in all possible designs, so you don't have to be limited in your purchase decision. Special features such as foldable headband headphones or noise-cancelling feature make Bluetooth headphones more practical but not cheaper. For those who rely on quality must expect a higher price. An often indispensable gadget is integrated headsets. If you pair the Bluetooth headphones with your smartphone, you can make calls without removing your mobile phone from your pocket.

The lithium-ion battery included with Bluetooth headphones usually lasts for more than 10 hours. Some manufacturers even advertise up to 30 hours of battery life. In-ear models are an exception, however, as they have slightly smaller batteries and can thus supply up to 10 hours of power.

Cordless Headphones

For radio headphones, it is important to distinguish between analogueue and digital signal transmission.  Both types of wireless headphones require a base station that transmits the signals to the headphones. Due to this feature, wireless headphones are only used in buildings.

The disadvantage of a basic noise is the analogueue wireless headphones. However, the range of an analogueue signal is significantly greater than that of a digital signal. Instead of a few meters, manufacturers specify between 50 and 100 meters of maximum range. This makes it possible to bridge even floors.
On the other hand, digital radio headphones prevent interference and signal or noise through a digital-to-analogueue converter in the headphones. In this way, the quality of the sound hardly suffers.

Bluetooth headphones vs. Wireless headphones

Headphones for special use

Sports headphones

Sports headphones have to sit well in the ears. For those who want to be driven by the sound do not want to be constantly distracted by falling out earphones and knotted cables. Noise-cancelling headphones are the only choice for athletes, because their own breathing and other ambient noise make the music sound quieter. The resistance to welding of the sports headphones is particularly important, because where sport is used, sweat is also produced and the headphones must be able to withstand it without any damage.

Even in swimming, listening to music is no longer unthinkable. Many manufacturers offer waterproof headphones in their range. However, if you do not have a waterproof, mobile music source, you need waterproof headphones with integrated playback device. You can easily transfer your own music to the headphones with drag & drop.
Whether a sports headphone is also suitable for diving in the swimming pool, the IP protection types usually indicated in sports headphones. The fourth digit indicates the degree of water protection: 0 means that the headphones do not protect against water and headphones with the highest number 9 should easily withstand water from high pressure cleaners. You can find the further exact meanings of the codes here.

Studio headphones

Studio headphones are mainly intended for use in the recording studio, with more and more private people coming to their taste due to the exclusive technology of the models. The monitoring procedure, through which different audio tracks are played in parallel in one earpiece, provides for excellent sound.

Children's headphones

As children are still growing, their ears do not yet have all the volume levels without any problems. To ensure that the hearing of the small ones is not damaged, we recommend high-quality headphones with integrated volume control.
Children's headphones are usually on-ear models with a so-called light headband. This allows for a relatively high level of comfort and does not push the children on their heads.
In the selection process of the right headphones, you also ask the child which headphones they want, because the color range is very varied, especially with children's headphones.

DJ Headphones

DJ headphones must be both comfortable to wear and flexible. Since DJs are often on the move, practical accessories such as carrying cases, adapters, spare parts and various connection cables are also recommended. In addition, it is important that DJ headphones are as robust as possible, as they should survive frequent transport and movement-rich applications without any damage.

Technologies for optimum sound

Surround sound

Surround sound models are a new trend. Instead of stereo listening with right and left sounds, the so-called 5.1 or 7.1 headphones create a completely new listening experience: The sounds seem to surround the listener from all sides. Actually, real surround sound is only to have with a multi-part sound system. The headphones with surround sound achieve this effect with sophisticated technology. The manufacturers rely on different variants. However, the principle is always similar in the generation of surround sound: The sound signal in the headphones is divided into several loudspeakers. If you screw on a headphone, you can see at least three loudspeakers per side: One for the bass, another for the middle and a third for the treble. Intelligent systems play a key role in the simulation of ambient sound. Chips shift the phases and amplitudes of the acoustic signals and thus create the illusion that sounds come from several sides.

The names 5.1 or 7.1 for headphones are based on the names for sound systems for the room. The numbers represent the number of components: The 5.1 speaker system includes five speakers and a subwoofer for the bass; the 7.1 speaker system consists of seven speakers and a subwoofer.

Hi-Fi Headphones

Hi-Fi stands for high fidelity. Originally, it was used to identify audio technology that had to meet the specified technical requirements and thus to enable unadulterated playback of music. Nowadays, however, the abbreviation HiFi no longer has a fixed meaning, but merely indicates the comparatively high quality of the devices so-called.
Thus, HiFi audio devices guarantee an extraordinary sound experience for every music lover. If fans of pop, rock and hip hop or friends of classical music want to enjoy their favorite recordings undisturbed, without disturbing the neighbors at home or the other passengers in the bus, the investment in high-quality hi-fi headphones is worthwhile. Numerous HiFi headphones can now also be used as headsets. Especially smartphone users who frequently make calls benefit from this additional function.
Due to the high sound quality, HiFi headphones can only be purchased wired, because only the cable can guarantee very good sound quality to the full extent. If you need a cable over 1.20 m long, you should purchase extension cables in addition to your hi-fi headphones.

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling filters out ambient noise. Small microphones on the outside of the headphones capture the sound from the environment. A chip is used to generate a correction signal; the headphones "mix" the music and the correction signal, so that the noise is eliminated. With this technology, disturbing background noises can be significantly reduced.

Compatibility - does the headset fit my smartphone or tablet?

When purchasing a smartphone, basic standard-in-ears or ear buds are usually supplied. However, if you have high demands in terms of sound experience, you will probably soon replace it with high-quality models. For the iPhone or smartphone with Android operating system, you can purchase headphones with an integrated headset. This makes it easy to make calls without having to pull your mobile device out of your pocket. Normally, headphones with 3.5 mm jack plugs fit all tablets and smartphones, but here too: No rule without exception. In case of doubt, audio adapters will help to send the signal to the headphones.

Apple products usually do not have a slot for jack plugs. We will be happy to show you which headphones are compatible with your Apple device:

Headphone accessories

The choice of accessories for headphones is immense. Here we give you a brief overview.

Adapter for headphones and headsets

Adapters ensure that headphones can be connected to a variety of different devices. For example, if a computer does not have a Bluetooth interface, the wireless Bluetooth headset is still used with a Bluetooth adapter.

Headphone ear pads

For hygienic reasons, it is recommended to replace headphones cushions after some time. A change is also announced if there are problems with the fit or the material compatibility. For many models, replacing the pad is very straightforward. The only thing that can be difficult is the choice of headphones, since headphones have long been available in a wide range of colors.

Headphone Amplifier

The use of headphone amplifiers gets even better properties even from good headphones, such as more volume. Although headphone amplifiers were originally developed for use at home, there are now handy models for the smartphone or the MP3 player.

FAQs: The most common questions about headphones

What was closed or open?

With closed headphones, the ear cup is completely closed from the outside. This guarantees effective sound insulation to the outside and the private concert remains private even in full trams. However, no air circulates and on warm days, this means rapid sweating on the ears.
The ear cups of open headphones are covered with air-permeable material and are not enclosed with plastic on the outside. One advantage is that there is good air circulation and no heat is generated at the ear. However, noise from outside is not well shielded and vice versa, the played music easily penetrates outside.

How to repair headphones?

Whether cable break or loose contact: A broken headphone is annoying. If the handset was inexpensive, the cost of a repair is not really worth it. However, if the model is new, it is possible to return it directly to the manufacturer in order to receive replacement or to receive the repaired headphones again. Did you buy the defective headphones from our Conrad range without manufacturer service? No problem! With our repair service we repair your device within the warranty period and also later!

How can headphones be cleaned?

In-ear headphones, the silicone fittings are removed and cleaned with soap and water. Only when the attachments are dry again will they come back to the earphones, because they should not come into contact with water. Cloths are suitable for cleaning the earphones and light compressed air or even pusts against dirt in the grillee.
On-ears or over-ears with brackets are cleaned similarly. The cushions are usually removable and can be cleaned well with water. Otherwise you simply wipe off the complete headphones with a slightly damp cloth.

Conclusion: How to buy the right headphones

If you are looking for the right headphones for your individual use, you will quickly find out: The choice is huge. However, since a certain degree of wearing comfort is to be present, the design should be determined according to the subjective feeling between in-ear, on-ear and over-ear. It helps to ask yourself whether one can do without the advantages of a cabled headphone and to use the practical variant of the wireless headphone and whether the headphones should have a headband. In addition, you can filter on desired features to achieve a limited number of eligible models. But at the end of the purchase decision, one thing should definitely be true: You like the headphones and they are designed exactly to your needs as well as the features available.