Enjoy the Audio Power of Stereo Headphones

Most everyone has had the opportunity to listen to music through a set of headphones before.

...and with the right head phone the sound can make you feel like you're in the front row at a concert hall. You are engulfed in the music. You can get lost in the moment. This can be one of the most relaxing experiences you'll ever have. No outside interference. No noise...only the music. It is truly a great feeling.

Headphones were first developed back in the early 1900's. Since then, the technology has developed by leaps and bounds. The stereo head pieces we know today, such as the types on this page, were first developed by John Koss in 1958.

Although crude in design…they were an instant hit.

The invention was (is) similar to a loud speaker in design. There is an amplifier which sends out a signal. The signal pushes against a diaphragm in the unit. This diaphragm is able to send sound waves directly into the ear. The quality of the design accounts for the quality of the listening experience. The more technologically advanced listening devices become, the more “live” the sound becomes.

There are four basic types of stereo headphones.

1. Circumaural is the first type. This design goes completely around the ear. (For instance, on this page are the: Ultrasone Proline 750, Denon AH-D5000, Skull Crushers and others. Padding is installed for comfort and better sound. The idea here is that the padding will make sure the sound goes into your ear instead of letting it disperse into the room.

2. The next type is supra-aural. These head pieces are designed to lay on top of the ear. Examples would be: Sennheiser PXC250, Sennheiser PXC300and others. There is a small foam pad added for comfort. These head pieces are smaller and more light weight than standard units.

3. The third type of design are the ear buds or earphones. These little devices are made to go into the outer ear. Examples are the type that came with your Ipod. It used to be that the sound quality from some of the earlier models left a lot to be desired. This has since changed somewhat with new technology making some some ear buds sound quality better.

4. The fourth type of head piece is the ear canal unit. These units are designed to go into the ear canal almost like an ear plug. The quality of sound produced by some of these units is phenomenal. Examples are: Shure E4G, Smoking Buds, V-Moda Vibe Earbuds and others. The true audiophile will be able to experience true concert hall sound through these small, portable units.

5. Other considerations. For full size units, the can, or the piece going over the ear can be either open end or closed end.

The open end is designed for air flow and music to go into the ear and out the back of the can. This produces a higher quality sound with less distortion because the reverberation of the sound waves are able to disperse. However, this may not be a desirable affect due to the fact that the sound is not isolated in the ear. Others around you can hear what you're hearing. Which means for you, it doesn't block outside noise as well as the closed type.

The closed can keeps outside, background noise from coming in and disrupting the listening experience. It also helps from disturbing others around you.

The impedance can make the difference between listening to great concert quality sound and fingernails on a chalk board. High end or good quality headsets can have an impedance ranging from 300 ohms up to 5000 ohms.

If the unit sending the signal is designed to send it to a unit capable of only 15ohms or less, the quality can be greatly diminished. Vice versa can actually “blow” the speaker in the head piece. Hence a “cracked” speaker or ear phone.

There are many styles of headphones available for you to choose from for your home stereo unit or even your Ipod, and we know you the buyer may be hard pressed to know which one to choose from.

It's for that reason you can be assured we... at www.HeadphoneWarehouse.com carry only quality name brand sound machines to give you quality sound at reasonable prices.