Headphones: Buyer’s Guide 2015

Copyright © 2014 Conceptual Kings.

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This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Introduction

Headphones can be considered loudspeakers that were specifically created to be placed over the ears of user’s. They are electrical devices that convert electrical signals into sounds to be heard by the user. The main function of a headphone is to provide users with the ability to use them to privately listen to audio recordings. This is in direct contrast to a speaker that allows everyone in close proximity to hear the sound. Sometimes headphones can be referred to as ear speakers.

There are many different types of headphones that have different audio reproduction abilities. They range from lightweight ear buds to heavy bass-pumping full-sized headphones that produce amazing output. These can offer a range of sound that, to date has remained a phenomenon. It allows audiophiles to hear every sound note and accurately identify every pitch.

The average user will unlikely be able to differentiate the various sounds and pitches. An experienced listener, however, is more likely to easily identify the differences. The costs of the headphones can range from a low of $7 per unit to well over $1000; based on available features and the quality of sound that it produces. While some users may be on a budget when making this purchase, users who require the clear sound quality are more likely to easily pay top dollar for the right fit.

This book seeks to explore some of the best headphones for the year 2015. Users have the option of also viewing the specifications to see which one is most suited for their needs and will fit into their desired price point.

Audio Technica (ATH M50X)

This version of the Audio Technica headphones is considered an improvement over their previously released exceptional model. They have kept the tradition of great headphones and it is one of the best sound-producing headphones that cost under $200.

2.  Beats Studio Wireless Headphones

This type of headphone is a great wireless Bluetooth headphone designed to produce great sound. It is an excellent choice for someone seeking a sound -producing device and is believed to be worth every penny of the $380 it costs. These appeal to specific buyers who are willing to support the product to receive the desired value.

3.  Bose Quiet Comfort 25

The Bose line of headphones is renowned for producing the industry standard quality on noise cancelling headphones. This brand takes the standard to new heights and creates the base on which subsequent releases must follow.

4.  Beyerdynamic(T51p)

This headphone device is one of the pricey ones coming in at approximately $290. It is German made and is considered to be one of the best in the industry. The device provides excellent sound and a perfect fit for the user.

5.  V-Moda Crossfade (M-100)

This headphone has various features that are particularly suited for DJ’s. It has rugged construction and provides great detailed sound to the users. The sound also has a heavy bass feature that offers a wonderful appeal to users; enhanced by its great price.

6.  Sony MDR1R

The Sony MDR1R version of headphones though costly, is a good value for the money. It offers high accuracy for its sound production with great style and substance. With these incredible features and options you can be assured it is a great deal.

7.  Monster iSport Victory Headphones

There may be some obvious flaws in the design of these particular headphones. They have however, been considered to be an excellent fit. With features such as its water resistance capabilities, it is attractive to users.  Coming in at $150, it is also one of the best headphones currently available on the market.

8.  Panasonic Earbuds

The Panasonic earbuds headphones are economical disposable headphones that you may choose to keep. Though considered to be fairly inexpensive, these headphones offer great sound and flexibility to the user. They can be carried anywhere and conveniently used anytime.

9.  JVC Flats

The JVC Flats are an inexpensive set of headphones that cost approximately $12 per pair. The relatively small cost means that users receive excellent quality sound and performance without the high cost normally associated with this feature. This can be considered as a budget headphone that can be perfect for someone purchasing for the first time.

10.                      Sennheiser (RS180)

The Sennheiser headphones are an awesome device unit that ranks high among competitors. The price is also competitive; making it affordable while the user still gets access to great features such as wireless playing while still getting a great sound.

11.                      Skullcandy Hesh 2 (Wireless)

This wireless headphone is just as good as any unit in the grade of devices. This however, is renowned for offering cheaper alternatives to others in the form of the Bose Soundlink or Beats Headphones. As a wireless and Bluetooth headphone, it is a great choice for someone on a budget.

12.                      Monster DNA Pro 2.9 (Over-Ear)

The Monster DNA headphones offer the users an advanced approach in sound quality and design. Some users may find the ear cups somewhat narrow but for some it still makes a great choice.

13.                      Master & Dynamic (MH40)

The Master and Dynamic headphones have an odd shape that will only appeal to specific buyers. It is an over-the-ear design that may not comfortably fit everyone. Additionally, the unit is well built and produces great sound quality.

14.                      HiFiMan (HE-400i)

The HiFiMan headphones are a superb brand that offers good sound quality at a reasonable price. It is the perfect alternative for users who do not want to spend a lot of money, but still want awesome sounds to fulfil their needs.

15.                      Harman Kardon Soho Wireless Headphones

These headphones are sturdily-built, compact, wireless, and Bluetooth. They are a cheaper alternative to competitors such as Bose and Beats. As long as users understand and appreciate that these headphones will not offer the same quality as high end headphones, their present needs will be met.

16.                      JVC HA (RX900)

This version of the headphone is an over the ear model that is guaranteed to impress listeners. This is especially so for the users who are shopping around for a low cost headphone to be used at home or at work.

17.                      Creative Aurvana Live 2

This is the update version of the Aurvana Live headphones that were originally released. It offers updated features and is considered a great value for the money. Though it is a cheaper alternative, it is still rated as highly as a high end headphone.

18.                      Sennheiser (HD 202 II)

This is a great choice for users who may be on a strict budget but still require a great unit. The budget for this is around $40; making it the ideal budget headphones. The headphones are also known for their comfortable fit and great sound quality.

19.                      Beats Solo 2 Wireless

The Beats 2 headphones are loaded with great features that the users will appreciate. They have a great design, good sound quality, and amazing colors that cater to any user. They are however, very costly to acquire and will probably only be purchased by specific individuals.

20.                      RHA T10i

The design of the headphones may not be to everyone’s taste. However, the build of the unit creates sounds that users will be pleased with. There are extras that come along including acoustic filters that can be interchanged.

21.                      Bowers and Wilkins (P5 Series 2)

This headphone is a second generation unit that has been improved over its predecessor. The same winning design has been maintained but the sound quality has been improved. Coming in at approximately $300 it is value for the money with all the features.

22.                      Monster iSport Victory Headphones

Some users have identified flaws in the design but the Monster iSport stills offers a great fit for most users. It has fantastic features such as water resistance and great sound output. It is a perfect headphone for individuals who are doing sporting activities.

23.                      Samsung Level On

The Samsung level on is an average headphone that can be used with many devices. It is not the best in its class and there is nothing truly exceptional about it, however it has Galaxy compatibility. However, as a headphone unit it does what it was created to do, by providing premium sound output to users.

24.                      Beats Solo 2

Not all audiophiles may be blown away by this headphone as it caters to a specific audience. That is, users who are looking for an exciting and fast headphones with heavy bass. For that subset of users, this will meet their needs perfectly. Also catering to the group of Beats headphone fans, this will be sure to please faithful users.

25.                      Sol Republic Master tracks

This brand of headphones offers an amazing design that have an eye catching, distinct look. Coupled with this, it has amazing performance with refined sound that will be sure to delight the user. The modern design and comfortable fit is accentuated by its strong bass response. Features like interchangeable headbands, detachable cords, and Apple friendly microphone helps to make this a good decision for users.

26.                      Beats Studio 2013

These headphones are one of the top class units that can cost as much as $300. These are lighter and have a more durable design than previous models. The sound that they offer is significantly better and will be noticed by the average user. Again, the Beats brand of headphones appeal to a particular set of users that need a particular sound quality for their music. This model will offer no less to these sound hungry audiophiles.

27.                      KEF M500

The KEP M500 is a pricey headphone unit but the combination of looks and sound makes it worth it. It comes with a sleek, comfortable design that makes it one of the best at that price point. Choosy audiophiles will pay any price to achieve the precise sound they are looking for.

28.                      Superlux HD681

The Superlux is a headphone that sits at a cheaper price point at around $35. It is not the best in the design category but due to its price and offerings it is one of those that looks to make its mark in 2015 with its sound quality.

29.                      Sony MDR7506

These are older type headphones that have been around since the early 1990’s. Though being a bit outdated, it still offers great sound in its class and for its price. It costs users around $100 and they will not be disappointed in their selection.

30.                      Bose Soundlink Around Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Users have various concerns about this headphone, which they are exploring. They are also looking at its current price point of $250. Aside from concerns and price, it is still a great sounding headphone that is lightweight and easy to wear for the user.

31.                      iLuv City Lights

These earphones are a cheaper brand that come in at around $7. These are made particularly for the users with a cheaper budget who still want something good to use. Even at this price point the headphones still have a lot of bass to offer.

32.                      Audio Technica ATH-CKP500 Sonic Sport

This headphone offers a comfortable and secure fitting unit with strong sound for a very reasonable price. At around $45 these earphones are considered to be one of the best in its class. These are great for people who are engaged in sports and still want great audio that will keep them going.

33.                      Philips Fidelio M1

The Philips Fidelio does not offer the best sound in its class, but it is still well suited for everyday use. The design is solid and is made to be comfortable for the user. The unit comes in at approximately $120. The unit also allows the user to make cell phone calls by using the inline one button remote.

34.                      Noontec Zoro HD True Sound

This headphone is quite affordable and is similar to the styling of the Beats Solo unit. However, it stands on its own by offering good HD sound that is clean and well balanced. They are comfortable to wear and can be conveniently put away in a suitable carrying pouch.

35.                      HiFiMan RE-400 In- Ear Headphones

These headphones have an attractive design that is enhanced with aluminium earpieces. They are very lightweight which makes them comfortable to wear and still offer great, clear audio. While it does not offer a microphone for cell phone calls it still gives an accurate sound targeting users that are on a budget.

36.                      Moshi Mythro

The Moshi Mythro are lightweight headphones that fit comfortably. For the affordable price it offers good sound with an integrated microphone for making cell phone calls.  There is no carrying case offered and no volume controls on the remote, however this can be expected at the price point of $20.

37.                      Pro-Ject Audio Systems Hear It One

These headphones are considered to be very light for a full size model unit. They have an accurate balance of tones and the manufacturers offer a two year parts and labor warranty. Some users have an issue with the costs as there is nothing exceptional that stands out for the $129 price tag. In fact, its design is quite similar to some cheaper models, but some users still prefer to work with a brand they trust.

38.                      Harman Kardon Noise Cancelling Headphones

This headphone offers a unique design with a great finish. It fits great and has an impressive sound production for a noise cancelling unit. There is a built in rechargeable battery that powers the noise cancellation and it can be placed into the carrying kit.

39.                      Beyerdynamic T90

This pricey unit uses advanced technology to produce the sound for the user. It uses Tesla magnetic flux technology that gives accurate sounds and with its design it gives great stereo features. It is great for prolonged use and can stand up to even pricier headphones above the $1000 mark. At the lower end price point, it is considered a flag ship model due to the combination of sound, design and comfort.

40.                      Tenqa Remxd

For the current price point, the Tenqa Remxd headphones offers a sturdy build with good battery life. Also containing Bluetooth as a feature, it is a good value at the price of $39. The headphones can also act as a wireless headphone for making calls on a cell phone. The only drawback is that the headband will not fit smaller heads and the headphones will not charge with a Micro USB charging cable.

41.                      Moshi Keramo

The design of this headphone unit is a polished ceramic finish that is considered sleek by users. The sound delivered is clean which is great for the users along with its convenient carrying case. It also has an inline mic for making cell phone calls. All these features at a reasonable price of $120.

42.                      Incipio F38

The Incipio f38 is an over the ear headphone that has a durable and attractive design. It is a great fit and offers great sound for the price point of $38. It doesn’t have features such as folding or a microphone for cell phone calls it is still a solid headphone at that price.

43.                      JVC Flats

The JVC Flats headphones are fairly reasonable units which are comfortable, lightweight, and offer great sound for a cheaper price point. They can be folded flat and come in various colors that users can choose from. Due to their cost, they are cheaper than others and do not include carrying cases.

44.                      AfterShokz Sports M2

These headphones are comfortable and even better for sport enthusiasts as they are sweat proof. They come with integrated microphones with volume controls for cell phone calls. They utilize bone conducting technology that transmits the sounds through your cheekbone so your ears remain uncovered. This allows the user to be able to conduct a conversation with someone while still listening to their music.

45.                      Monster iSport Intensity In-Ear

These headphones are perfect for people who use them during sporting activities. They are comfortable and are also sweat resistant. They offer an open design that appeals to runners who may want to hear their surroundings while on the move. They give decent sound and offer Apple friendly inline remote for making cell phone calls.

46.                      Monster Diamond Tears

This brand of headphones offer a flashy, well-built design that will offer a super-rich sound. The sound is accentuated with strong bass lines that are not overbearing. It comes with accessories such as a carrying case and three additional cell phone cords. Two out of the three cords provide the user with the option of making cell phone calls for Apple and Android phones. There is a downfall as individuals with smaller ears may find it uncomfortable over long listening sessions.

47.                      Nocs NS600 Crush

These headphones are lightweight and very comfortable for the user. The unit offers good sound with great bass for audiophiles. There is an inline microphone that is Apple friendly along with a carrying case.

48.                      Sennheiser HD 700

This headphone is a full size model that has a large profile for sounds. It produces great output on digital music players which audiophiles will be satisfied with. At the current price point of $700 the sound quality is exceptional but users may be put off by the amount of plastic that is used in the design.

49.                      V-Moda Cross fade (M-100)

This headphone is feature rich and has a very durable design. It offers an inline remote and microphone that facilitates cell phone calls which users will be pleased with. The unit can also be folded into a compact bundle. The price tag may deter some users who are on a budget, but users who desire this unit will be satisfied.

50.                      RHA SA950i

This model of headphone is lightweight and is a comfortable fit especially on ears for users. It offers a detachable cloth covered cord that has an Apple friendly remote and microphone. At the price point of $35 the sound is very good value for the money. They also offer a three year warranty which makes it even better.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            