Headphones...

[Iceblink]

I was in a store looking for a new pair of headphones for my ipod...

I looked at the back of the package at all of the technical specs...

Then I realized that I had no idea what any of it meant.

Could someone tell me what it means?

I don't mean what it actually means... but what numbers I want for everything.

Thanks!

[StrikerCW]

Er.. I'm slightly confused as to what your referring to, can you be more specific?

[spejic]

He means things like frequency response, impedance and so on. I could tell you what they mean and which numbers are better, but I won't. Because it really doesn't matter. The numbers don't tell you what it sounds like, and examples with good numbers might actuallly sound worse than ones with seemingly bad numbers. Generally, the best stat is the price sticker.

And, of course, trying it yourself.

[Kryptonite]

http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/uploads/products/large/1977_MDRG63LP.jpg

I'm not an audiophile, but i've had problems with the earbuds (they fall out or don't feel right) and the "traditional style over the head" kind (they don't quite fit) but i've found the Sony wrap-arounds to be great. I've had mine for 4-5 years, they're completely worn out, but they still work and still sound great.

And they're good at keeping out outside sound as well.

[StrikerCW]

Yeah, in that case, what are you looking to use the headphones for? Exercise? Listening in your room? ETc?

[royalstilton]

Generally, the best stat is the price sticker.

And, of course, trying it yourself.
i completely agree with these statements.

my preference has been sennheiser ( german-made is better, ja wohl? ), but i bought some sony fontopia earbuds ( model sony mdr-ex71slb, priced at about 35 bucks ).http://www.avland.co.uk/sony/mdrex71/mdrex71.jpg

[Iceblink]

Yeah, in that case, what are you looking to use the headphones for? Exercise? Listening in your room? ETc?


Listening to them while walking down city streets.

I used to have some Aiwa headphones that I loved. This was around 10 years ago at least... and I can't find anyone who sells them.

I definitely don't want big clunky ones... so home headphones won't cut it.

I like bass quite a bit. I listsen to a lot of industrial, electro, futurepop, synthpop, etc. I also like them relatively loud... but I hope not to annoy people too much on a train or bus if I take one somewhere.

P.S. "My room..." That's so cute.

[StrikerCW]

P.S. "My room..." That's so cute.

Just trying to bring some nostolgia back into Bigsoccer. ;)

I definately would not get buds if I were you. That is all the advice I have from now on. :D

[royalstilton]

Listening to them while walking down city streets.

I like bass quite a bit.

the specification that you need to look at, then, is the frequency response, though with small headphones, this will not be conclusive.

while these are expensive ($90), they will provide increased bass response and not bug passers-by.
http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ER6i-Isolator-Earphones/dp/B0002ZW5W4

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002ZXPLE.01-A2QUBZRFQD7A2Q._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[Paul.eta]

I have the Sennheiser (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-CX-300S-CX300-B-Earbuds/dp/B000E1DSAE/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_1/002-5869239-9588016?ie=UTF8) CX-300s ($40) and they are fairly good IEMs (in-ear monitor), good bass and it blocks out external noise. I have two complaints about them the stock earbud tips are crap and any kind of interference with the cord you'll hear (i.e. wind, rubbing against clothing...). Some people have complaints about the 4ft cord (which I think is suitable) and the J-shaped cord (right earbud wrap behind your neck). I've read on headfi.org that the Creative Labs EP630 ($30) uses the same driver as the CX-300.

At home/working out, I use the Koss KSC75 ($15). These headphones use a clip/over the ear design, very affordable and probably hands down the best value under $50.

If you're looking at IEMs you might want to consider these:
altec lansing iM616 (http://www.amazon.com/Altec-Lansing-inMotion-iM616-Headphones/dp/B000BKBZGC/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt/002-5869239-9588016?ie=UTF8)
altec lansing iM716 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BKE8QQ/sr=8-1/qid=1149617041/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0075697-4915235?%5Fencoding=UTF8)
I've heard there better than the CX-300. Check for references I'd check headfi.org