| | TOP HEADPHONES![Top Headphones]() Top HeadphonesIf you are looking for full size stereo headphones, please visit our other site Headphone Solutions. OK, so you worked hard (or just inherited) and money is no object. These 4 high-end models are the top of the line headphones for someone with no budget considerations (if you landed on this page by mistake, as in: money does matter!; don't panic; visit our overall ranking on this page). And yes, we tested them with all kinds of music and all kinds of sources: a full size McIntosh integrated amplifier headphone output (MA6900), the iPod, the iPhone, the Shuffle, the Zune and a Sony portable CD player. If you are looking for the overall best sound, best fit, best comfort, sound separation with detail and clarity BUT not lose the warmth and musicality, your ticket is the hot out of the oven, first TRUE 3-WAY 3 driver earphones: The Westone 3. If you are looking for detail on mids and highs with a more forward vocal presentation and a nice bundle of accessories to go with it, the Shure SE530-PTH is your best choice. For purists looking for musical, balanced output with warmer feeling and a bit stronger bass, the Westone UM2 is your ticket. The new UM3-X was designed for professional musicians. It has a similar driver layout to the Westone 3 but with a more balanced output. The fit is incredible and these are unbeatable for acoustic music. |
Regardless of which you choose from this list, these 4 models are at the very top and personal taste is the only thing that will render one being better than the other.
Compared to full size dorky looking headphones, the sound coming from these in-ear top-of-the-line earphones will blow away Sony, Sennheiser and AKG headphones*. They are small only in size. The added benefit of sound isolation will take you and your music to places you have never been to. All of a sudden you will hear someone whispering backstage on that live concert recording that you listened to 389 times but only now you heard the whisper. Hum... revealing, isn't it?
* We are talking about the top of the line full size headphones, not the middle of the run ones. The Shure headphones, Westone and Sennheiser's top-of-the-line high-end in-ear IE8 will blow away the sound of the $400-$600 headphones. Try them and you will become a believer. Also try any of these against the most expensive Bose noise canceling headphones and you will laugh out loud -- compare 26db noise cancellation by Bose to 44db noise isolation with these high-end in-ear earphones; sound wise you will be surprised of what these micro balanced armature drivers are capable of. The sound quality they output is far superior to the sound of Sony, Bose, AKG and full size Sennheisers. Find out what music celebrities already know. These earphones are real technology breakthroughs and they will soon become mainstream. You can't fool consumers for too long.
Today’s top headphones are used with a number of electronics, from laptops, PDAs, MP3 players, and cell phones to CD players, home theaters, and personal computers. Though primarily used for listening to music, headphones are also used in the professional audio industry by musicians, singers, DJs, and sound engineers.
Buying headphones is a very personal purchase. Every individual’s needs are different. There are several important things to consider before choosing from the wide range of top headphones available. With so many shapes, sizes, and colors to pick from, you now have the freedom to choose a style that is entirely “you.” And although appearance should definitely factor into your decision, never buy a pair on looks alone.
You should also take into account comfort. The headphones you select should not be too heavy for you. If you are using your headphones with a portable device, they should be easy to carry. Headphones that include a case or pouch provide a very convenient storage solution and are best for those of you who are constantly on the go. If you are thinking of getting a sealed headphone, keep in mind that some models may make your ears feel hot and stuffy.
If all you need are basic headphones, inexpensive earbud headphones fit the bill perfectly. These handy and portable headphones are quite a favorite among travelers. However, if you are an audio connoisseur who is very particular about sound quality, in-ear headphones are the top headphones for you.
Love to go for a run, stretch on your pilates mat, or hit the gym? Then ear-canal headphones are among your top headphone options. Exercise and sports freaks alike should opt for Sport Line headphones. They offer a secure fit, robust design, and a sweat guard mechanism.
Frequent flyers are better offer choosing between noise-cancelling headphones or sound-isolating headphones. Noise–isolating headphones tend to rate high on most lists of top headphones, as they are lightweight, compact, and do not require batteries. If you want to enjoy your favorite TV shows without disturbing others, a pair of wireless headphones is your best bet. For those of you looking to buy the top headphones for your iPods or other MP3 players, ear canal headphones (ECH) and earbuds are a few of the top headphone types that you can explore.
Full-size Earphones- Circumaural headphones; closed-back headphones; ear-cup headphones; over-the-ear headphones. |
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