Heaphones Help!!!!!!?

Question

I am looking at Sonys MDR-NC60 http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665089299 )

How can I tell the sound quality with headphones.
Is it dB/mW
Is it Hz
Or is it ohms at kHz

Which one of these determines sound quility?

Answer 1

Unfortunately for those of us who like buying things on the internet, the only way to tell the sound quality of headphones (and loudspeakers, for that matter) is to listen to them.

The dB/mW rating is the sensitivity of the headphones. It tells how much the sound pressure level (loudness) of the headphones will increase (in decibels, or dB) for a given increase in the output of the amplifier (in milliwatts, which is thousandths of a watt or mW). Generally, the higher the number the better, because that means you get more loudness for a given volume setting.

The most important specification for headphones is frequency response (the range of frequencies - in Hz, or Hertz, which is cycles per second) that the headphones reproduce. Human ears can hear about 20 Hz at the low end and 20,000 Hz (20 kilohertz or kHz) at the high end. Below 20 Hz, the sound is then detected as more of a vibration than an actual sound. Above 20 kHz, the sound can be detected as pressure on the ears, but you can't actually distinguish an audible sound. As a point of reference, the A string on a guitar is tuned to 440 Hz.

I've done a lot of research into headphones over the years and I have come to the conclusion that the best sounding headphones are over-the-ear Sennheiser's. Of all the headphones I have ever listened to, I think they have the most clear and natural sound. And, the frequency response (ability to produce a wide range of sounds accurately) is phenomenal. I also prefer the over-the-ear models, where the entire cup of the headphone fits over your ear. Other types include on-ear headphones (the cups are smaller than your entire ear and just fit up against your ears) and in-ear, also known as ear buds. I find the over-the-ear headphones to work better for sound isolation (keeping unwanted noise out) and comfort (your ears can easily become fatigued and sore with the other types of headphones).

But, still, the only way to really know if headphones sound good and are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time is to go try on a pair. Also, consider that really good headphones are going to cost around $150 and up.

Answer 2

Frequency response, expressed as xx-yyyyy Hz ± zz dB. This specifies lowest bass and highest treble the 'phones will reproduce.

For example, 20 - 20,000 Hz ± 6 dB would be excellent frequency response, being essentially flat over the audible spectrum. 20 - 20,000 Hz ± 24 dB would not be as good.

dB/mW is sensitivity, i.e., relative loudness with a given input level.

Ohms is just impedance, which is important for compatibility but most headphones are just fine in this regard.

Your Sony 'phones claim 14 - 22,000 Hz of response, but without a ± dB level, this is fairly meaningless. Sony is claiming the 'phones will respond to 14 Hz and 22 kHz at least a little bit. But without telling you the level of dropoff in dB, it's not enough information. This is a typical manufacturer's trick.

That said, Sony does make good headphones. I have a few pairs myself. And if you want noise-cancelers, your noisy environment will make perfect specifications less important, anyway.

Answer 3

look at each and all the sheep asserting beats are suitable... You people only see the emblem on the factor of the telephones and think of they are the suitable b/c your all sheep to emblem and varieties. Mainstream is right Sennheiser's are understand the international over (by using people interior the song marketplace) because of the fact the suitable. beats are stable, yet no longer the suitable.

Answer 4

the last one mate!