Saturday, April 9, 2011

Noise Cancelling Headphones - What to Look for When Buying a Noise Canceling Headset

If you're looking to get a really good pair of noise cancelling headphones, then this is the article you need to read. We will start by comparing in-ear earphones to over-the-ear headphones, followed by a look at the main features to keep an eye out for. We will then finish with a look at the main brands and their product ranges.

In-Ear vs Over-the-Ear Headphones

Obviously the main benefit to choosing the ear bud style of headphone is that they are small and easy to carry around with you. So if you are on the move a lot and want to save on space, the in-ear style is a good choice. However, the down-side to these types of headphones is that their sound quality is not quite as good as over-the-head style headphones, particularly in the bass.

With over-the-ear style headphones, they are clunkier and less convenient when it comes to travelling. However, many top models of headphones are foldable, so this partly eliminates this problem; and with the superior sound quality available on this style of headphone, it is the clear winner when it comes to a quality listening experience.

Features to Look for in Noise Cancelling Headphones

  • Noise Reduction: if you're looking for true noise cancelling headphones, then check the stated noise reduction capability. Some are better than others, so compare this against various models, and also look to see what previous customers have to say.
  • Comfort: your headphones should be comfortable to wear, so check what previous customers have to say about this.
  • Weight & Foldability: if you're planning to use your headphones for travelling, for example on air plane flights, then you will want them to be nice and light. You will also want them to be easily foldable.
  • Sound Quality: you don't just want your headphones to be good at cutting out external sound. You also want them to be good at reproducing high quality sound.
  • Cord Length: how far away from the sound source are you likely to want to be? If you're going to be on a train with your MP3 player then you don't need a long cord, but if you're planning to lay on your bed far away from your TV and watch late night TV shows with your headphones then the cord needs to be long.
Top Noise Cancelling Headphone Brands & Their Product Ranges

  • Sennheiser: $15-$1,400. Undoubtedly the top brand of noise cancelling headsets. A very good selection of headphones spread across an extremely wide price range.
  • Sony: $14-$240. A good selection of headphones at reasonable prices.
  • Bose: $70-$300. A decent selection of noise cancelling headsets.
  • Philips: $53-$195. A good selection of headphones at reasonable prices.
  • JVC: $16-$150. A good selection of headphones at reasonable prices.
  • Audio Technica: $60-$220. A selection of very reasonably priced headphones.

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Friday, April 8, 2011

Tips on Choosing the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Traditional headphones are used to listen music or any sound from iPods, laptops or from other audio equipments at home, office or on the move. But when in crowded and noisy places these speakers are not of any use- even if the volume is increased, or else one needs to have the noise cancellation headphone. The noise cancellation headphone decreases the unwanted ambient sounds through Active Noise Control (ANC) that works on the soundproofing and makes it possible to continue listening to the audio without increasing the volume. The best of these are manufactured by Sony, Bose, Sennheiser Denon and Audio Technia.

Some of the models of above mentioned headphones are the recently launched Sony MDR-NC500D, Bose Quite Comfort 15, Sennheiser PXC300, Bose quite Comfort 3 and Denon AH-NC732. The user's comfort and good sound quality makes a noise cancelling headphone the best amongst the others. Some of the features of such headphones include the comfortable-sized ear cups, softer pads, the light weight of the headphones, portability, attractive build with fine audio quality and of course, cost-effectiveness. All of the above listed models have some or all of these features incorporated by the manufacturer and hence, the price varies according to the additional features in the models.

The noise cancelling headphone has a lot of advantages but there are certain limitations too. It uses a battery to supply power and these batteries need to be replaced or recharged. Its soundproofing is mostly for the continuous sounds like noise of airplanes but it is not well soundproofed for the speech or fast changing audio signals. It may introduce additional noise as the high frequency hiss. Some of these models are bulkier than the traditional ones. But the best of these models overcome even these limitations by having no high frequency hiss and giving high power i.e. extra battery life.

Whatever the limitations be, the best noise cancelling headphone gives you a better sound quality than the traditional headphones. Of course it costs you a little more than the traditional ones but when you are buying the most comfortable and attractive one amongst the various models, spending a little extra is not a big deal. The ideal way to choose the best one for your personal use is first go through the details of the top five models online, look for the features you desire amongst these and buy the preferred one. And enjoy the music or an audio without the disturbing elements.

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The Best Gaming Experience From Wireless Headphones

If you are a gaming enthusiastic, wireless headphones are the best product for you. These headphones are capable of providing the best gaming experience for its users. Moreover, there are headphone models available on the market, which can provide you crystal clear sounds that come with your games.

However, there are some important factors, which you should consider when looking for these models. In case you are not aware of these aspects, this article can help you. If you have the best quality wireless headphone, you will be able to enjoy your game up to its max.

When it comes to wireless headphones, you will be able to find numerous options in front of you. There are noise reduction headphones, sound blaster headphones as well as many other models in the market. Therefore, you can do a proper research, select the right one that suits your needs and budget. These headphones can also provide you the best gaming audios without even the help of any connectors or cables.

Therefore, you will also have more freedom to mover around when you are playing your games. There are also headphones available with THX PC technology and VoiceFX technology. With the help of this technology, the user will be able to change his or her voice like the creatures of characters that appear in the game.

There are also many other features of wireless headphones such as the stunning surround effects, one year hardware warranty, full-range sound as well as bass impact, noise cancelling microphone etc. Apart from this, you can also find many other added features in the latest models available in the market.

These gaming headphones are not just comfortable to wear, but also stylish. You can also find different color combination in these headphones.

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Thursday, April 7, 2011

Share Your Music With a Headphone Splitter

Have you ever tried to share your music from your portable music player with a friend where you have to split the use of your earphones? This is so much of a hassle because you can't enjoy the music as much as you would have loved to.

This isn't only uncomfortable since you have to keep your heads quite close to each other but also diminishes the quality of the music since you are only listening through one ear.

With a headphone splitter, you no longer have to deal with any of these. This splitter allows you to connect two sets of earphones to a single music player or any audio device with an earphone plug; even your portable DVD player or computer!

Choosing A Headphone Splitter

Usually, there is a splitter for headphones from the manufacturers of your portable audio device so if you're looking for one, you should first check with the brand of your audio device to see whether they carry something in this category for you.

On the other hand, most splitters for headphones can fit any type of headphone or earphone so you won't have trouble looking for a suitable one. What you actually want to zero-in on is the durability of the product.

Well-known manufacturers for audio accessories are always a good choice since their good reputation precedes them. This good reputation often translates to high-quality products made from good-quality materials hence; you can expect excellent performance from them.

Most of these splitters are very affordable so you also don't have to worry about shelling-out too much for this single accessory. With its affordability, you can get a brand new one so you can enjoy it for a good number of years.

Where Else Can You Use This Splitter?

Other than your portable audio device, a headphone splitter can also be used on your personal computers, laptops, TV sets, mobile phones and many other gadgets where headphones or earphones can be used.

For kids, this splitter comes in handy with their portable gaming consoles. This is ideal if you are traveling with kids and need to keep them entertained without disturbing other people.

For instance, if you are on the plane, this splitter will allow two kids to play with their portable gaming consoles or listen to their music without the sounds blaring from the device, which could disturb other people on the plane.

As for the matter of purchasing this splitter, you can easily browse through the internet to get a few good ideas of the brands available in the market today. You can find one according to your preference and you will be glad to know that while prices may vary, the differences are very minimal so whichever brand you choose to get; you can depend on its affordability.

In a word, a splitter is your answer to privately sharing music, watching movies on your portable player or playing games on your consoles; in a public place. So if there's one audio accessory that you should consider getting, it's a headphone splitter.

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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The Convenience of Wireless Headphones

Music is everywhere. As a matter of fact, it is a big part of every person's life. Some even relate music as a part of the story of their lives. For most people, they can't even go without music. Music is also the most accessible form of entertainment especially for people on the go. It comes very helpful in long travels, especially when boredom starts sneaking in.

There are various media that serve as a means to be able to listen to music. Radio stations are the most common vehicle to deliver music for listeners and non-listeners alike. But for music lovers, it would always be best to listen to music with their favourite playlist. Technology has not faltered to produce gadgets that would respond to this love of music. This is why a Walkman was created when cassette tapes were still in its peak. Then, audio CDs replaced these cassette tapes and so the birth of the CD player was witnessed. Currently, iPods and mp3 players are leading the new generation of music lovers. Other than that, mobile phones have also added features such that mp3s can also be stored and listened to by owners anytime.

Invention of these devices has become a favourite among music lovers. This just means that they can bring along with them their favourite playlist instead of listening to the stream of songs played in the radio stations. Other than that, they also enjoy the privacy of being able to listen to their favourite songs without bothering other people within their environment. To make it more convenient for music lovers to tune in to their customized playlist is the development of wireless headphones.

The transition of corded headphones to wireless headphones is indeed one of the favourable improvements of this accessory to make it handier for users. The problem of cords being strangled has been eliminated. Safekeeping of these accessories has become more manageable as well. There would be no cords needed to be neatly looped so as not to mess up with the rest of the other things inside a bag. Being very compact, these types of headphones would just allow users for them to be taken almost anywhere.

Aside from the convenience of being able to take them almost everywhere, wireless headphones also provide privacy and non-disturbance for those who do not want to be interrupted. With the help of headphones, music lovers can still be able to listen to their favourite music without disrupting other people who just want nothing but silence.

Wireless headphones are indeed very handy. There is really no stopping music to be delivered almost everywhere. And there is really no stopping for music lovers to get to their favourite songs even if they are on the go. Technology would always find its way to satisfy every demand of the market. Technology would always make it possible to improvise gadgets that would respond to the ever growing demand of convenience and innovation, the two things deemed most important in these times.

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Keep the Peace With Some Surround Sound Wireless Headphones

Two weeks ago my friends and I departed on a long car ride across the country to see a musical concert. Before leaving, we all made our own list of things that we wanted to bring along. When we got together to talk about what we were bringing, I was surprised that nobody else had listed surround sound wireless headphones.

When you stop and think about what it's like to get two people to agree on something, let alone four, it becomes apparent that there's bound to be a lot of conflict over what kind of music to play on the radio while we're traveling. The perfect solution is for each of us to have a set of headphones through which we can listen to whatever we want. Whoever happens to be driving won't be able to listen to anything because there is a serious need to be focused on traffic and the road. Fair enough -- but to keep the peace amongst the rest of us, we each need a way to listen to whatever we want.

The good news is that many online electronics stores carry surround sound wireless headphones. Given we still had time before leaving on our trip, I was able to persuade everyone else to buy headphones for themselves. If you want to keep the peace on a train, plane, or car... invest in a pair of surround sound headphones. You'll be able to listen to your favorite music or talk radio show without disturbing the people who are seated around you. Headphones are a really good investment, especially if you do a lot of traveling with other people.

I'm really glad my friends and I all had headphones before departing on our trip -- it really made our cross-country journey far more enjoyable!

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Bose QuietComfort 3: Review of noise cancelling headphones

Not that long ago I was planning a trip to visit a friend of mine. I knew that I'd be on a train for quite some time before arriving to meet my friend. Finding something to do while on a train trip is sometimes hard to do. I decided that I would listen to some music and enjoy some peace and quiet. However, I knew that I'd need to get a really good pair of headphones. That is when I decided to do some research and I discovered the Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones.

After coming to the conclusion that they were probably the best set of headphones I could likely purchase for my trip, I decided to take the plunge and just get them. Maybe you can relate to buying something for the first time, it can be a little bit nerve-wracking. The good news is that when my new headphones arrived, they were everything that I had hoped for and more. I cannot begin to tell you just how wonderful these headphones really are. You should really think about buying a pair yourself - they're actually kind of cheap. But don't let the fact that they are lower-priced fool you into thinking that they lack quality.

Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones are designed to keep all of the noise that is in your immediate surroundings away from you. That is great if you need to take a nap or simply want to be able to think without being interrupted with all the noise that is often times around us every day.

When the day of my trip arrived, I was very happy given the fact that I was wearing a pair of these fantastic headphones. Not only did they allow me to enjoy my trip, but I'm sure that the people who were sitting around me appreciated the fact that my headphones were not making a lot of noise.

Bose wanted to make these noise cancelling headphones smaller than their previous models. So these are on ear headphones rather than the larger over the ear headphones of the previous models such as the Bose QuietComfort 2 but unlike many over the ear headphones Bose designed these special foam ear pieces that fits over your ear very snugly and gives you the same feel and comfort of an over the ear headphones.

These come with a lithium battery that last about 20 hours after which the headphones are not usable until recharged. So I would purchase a spare battery to use to avoid this from happening to you.

The headphones come with a detachable cord. So if you don't want to listen to anything but just want the noise cancellation these work great for that as well.

The QuietComfort 3 has a great rich bass sound but you can tell that Bose was designing these as a smaller more portable version of their QuietComfort 2 headphones. As when the sound quality is compared to them they are slightly lacking.

So in conclusion if you travel a lot or are in a noisy environment like an office and want some peace and quiet while at the same time having the ability to listen to a decent quality of music you will not find anything better than these Headphones.

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These are the Best Gaming Headphones

Headsets have changed drastically over the last few years. They now offer some of the best gaming headphones in the market from low to high pricing depending on the capabilities that you need. Video conferencing jobs are now becoming more in demand than ever before.

Do you have the right headphone set for your needs?

Does your headset offer noise buffering? Can you get through the day without static interfering in your conversations?

Headphones come in many designs. When choosing the right set you need to understand what the different designs offer you. Do you want a wireless headphone set for ease of mobility? Do you need a headset that has a detachable microphone? Do exterior noises interfere with your work or gaming abilities? Do you need or want portability? Is color choice or design an important factor to making your headphone choice?

Headphones are now available in more than just your standard black. You can even buy a set that is pink or blue. Maybe you are attracted to the 1950's aviator pilot look. Guess what, there is a design available that duplicates that exact look. Headsets can even be small enough to drop into a carry pouch and carry with you through out your day. A few offer the capability of interchangeable cords for the iPod and MP3 players.

Clear online conversations have now stepped into the future with the new plug and play options that are part of the newly designed headphone sets. They can offer surround sound with built-in microphones that are highly sensitive while being light weight. A few models even offer a detachable microphone. In certain models you can even get one touch control for all your music and chat needs and the capability of voice morphing. What choices will the future bring?

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Sunday, April 3, 2011

Tips on Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Have you ever experienced turning up the volumes in your headphones as high as your ears can manage just so you won't have to hear other noise while on a train or any public place? In fact, there might also be instances when after cranking up the volume, your ears will hurt so much, and you're unable to hear clearly for a few hours. With wireless noise cancelling headphones, you can turn the volume as low as you want and still hear the music clearly and crisply, even in a noisy place.

A noise cancelling headphone employs a new kind of technology. There is a microphone in the headphone that produces sound. This sound is technically referred to as an anti-noise wave. When the sound wave from the audio being listened to, meets up with the anti-noise wave from the microphone, they terminate each other out. What results is a new kind of sound wave, void of noise and other unnecessary sounds.

How exactly do you choose a good pair of these wonderful gadgets? Whenever you're buying any product, the first part of your research should be focused on reading other people's feedback or reviews. A noise cancelling headphone with rave reviews is definitely worth considering.

Bose manufactures great wireless noise cancelling headphones. They are especially commendable in filtering droning tones like those sounds made by airplanes. They employ a special technology to reduce noise and provide a clear audio. Their QuietComfort 3 is popular among consumers due to its awesome capabilities. With its portability and slim design, QuietComfort 3 is a perfect travelling companion. Bose Quiet Comfort 2, a predecessor of QuietComfort 3, is also worth considering. It is functional and costs less than the newer version. Both models are lightweight, making them comfortable to use and great to carry around. Good music quality can be expected in these models. Rechargeable battery and charger are included.

Another reputable manufacturer of great wireless noise cancelling headphones is Sennheiser. Their PXC 250 model is a hot commodity with travelers and people who love to enjoy their music peacefully. Some of its attractive features are its sound quality and weight. Clear and crisp audio are readily available in a compact design. Common problems on noise cancelling headphones are buzzing sounds. This is not a problem with PXC-250. In fact, this model may just be one of the best noise cancelling headphones in the market.

There are other wireless noise cancelling headphones to choose from. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider Audio-Technica A TH-ANC7b QuietPoint. They are cheaper compared to major brands however their quality is not as good.

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Saturday, April 2, 2011

Avoid Hearing Damage from iPod by using Noise Reduction Headphones

Kids have always loved listening to their favorite music, and the louder the better - much to their parents' dismay. In the 1980s, the portable tape recorder with headphones - which came to be known as the "Walkman" - enabled teenagers to listen to their music as loud as they wanted, anywhere they wanted, without disturbing anyone around them.

But the more modern rendition of the Walkman - portable MP3 Players and iPods - pose a major threat to our children's hearing health, and to ours.

The problem is a combination of the technology of portable digital devices that creates a non-buffered crystal clear sound, and the type of headphones typically used with them, which do not have a buffer either. In December 2005, Dean Garstecki, an audiologist and professor at Northwestern University reported that more and more young people were being diagnosed with the types of hearing loss typically found in older adults. He attributed this trend to the "earbud" type headphones that usually accompany iPod and MP3 Players. With the earbud headphones, the sound frequencies are not buffered as they are with the more traditional, ear cup-style headsets.

Newsweek Magazine recently reported that researchers at the House Ear Institute found that listeners can unfortunately increase the volume of today's portable digital devices without the "signal distortion that occurs with traditional analog audio." The older-model headphones that were popular just 15 to 20 years ago - that have ear cups outside of the ears - had that distortion when the volume was turned up, which functioned as a much-needed buffer to protect our hearing. Today's technology does not provide that buffer - the earpiece is placed in the ear, not outside of it, and the digital devices do not create that distortion, no matter how high the volume.

In addition, people often listen to these devices while they are on the go, and have a tendency to crank the volume in an attempt to drown outside noise, further posing a risk to our hearing. Using the earbud style headphones during activities such as exercise, for example, puts the user at a greater risk. During exercise, blood, which can act as a buffer, is diverted from the ears to other parts of the body - so our already vulnerable hearing is in even more jeopardy.

Headwize reports that a study conducted on music listeners using headphones revealed that while indoors with no background noise, the participants were comfortable with their music at 69 decibels. Outdoors, where the background noise was recorded at 65 decibels, participants using their headphones turned the volume up to 82 decibels and as high as 95 decibels to drown out the surrounding noise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines limit exposure to noise at this level to no more than four hours each day. The study concluded that the participants were at risk for hearing damage and recommended "avoiding continuous use of [portable stereos] in noisy conditions."

Northwestern University's Dean Garstecki offers more specific guidelines: His 60 percent/60 minute rule - listen to MP3 Players and iPods for "about an hour a day and at levels below 60 percent of maximum volume." The problem is, most of the population using headphones - young music fans - listen to their music for much longer than one hour per day. But, you can help minimize hearing loss, damage and problems while listening to your favorite music as long as you want to - the secret is in the headphones.

Headphones such as the EX29 Extreme Isolation Noise Reduction Headphones help block out external noise allowing you to hear the fine details of your music without blowing out your ear drums. The ear cup fits over the ear, and not in it, and the headphones are lightweight, don't require batteries and can be used with your MP3 Player or iPod. With 29 decibels of isolation from outside sound, the quiet headphones block outside noise and there is no need to crank the volume of your music.

Aging rock stars like the Who's Pete Townsend, who has some permanent hearing loss from years of exposure to loud music, and Mick Fleetwood, who has teamed up with Energizer batteries to promote hearing loss prevention, have brought public attention to the fact that many of us take our hearing for granted. But there's no need to turn off your music - just be smarter about how you listen to it. If you are using your MP3 Player or iPod when you're exercising, in a noisy environment or you just want to hear the fine details of your music, ditch the earbud headphones and reach for a set of noise reduction ones instead. And you'll be enjoying your favorite music for a long time to come.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Blue
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Friday, April 1, 2011

Why Should Buy a Pair of Sennheiser Headphones?

If you ask me, music must be reproduced in its original form on a headphone. I do realize that headphones and earphones are quite common these days, ever since an umpteen number of manufacturers started to concentrate on this niche. However, only a few among them, like Sennheiser, could make a mark by releasing some of the best headphones and headsets. In the following sections, I will be highlighting certain attributes of the music accessories that come from the stables of Sennheiser. It is better to have some ideas about the contemporary products before you venture out into the market.

The company specializes in the manufacture of headphones that is custom suited for a variety of occasions. An audiophile might understand what I am trying to imply over here. A conventional headphone that is intended for home uses cannot be used by a professional disk jockey. Head over to the official headphone web page of Sennheiser and you are in for a surprise. You will find plenty of wired, wireless, professional and classic Sennheiser headphones listed over there. I state these because of the oncoming important factor that you must consider while investing on headphones and earphones.

Always invest on a headphone that suits your requirements. You are simply wasting time and resources by investing on a professional grade headphone, while the need suffices a conventional headphone. Yes, I realize that there will be subtle differences between the audio reproduction capabilities of two distinct Sennheiser headphones. Too much clarity of the audio is also problematic. The conventional headphones is designed to be used continuously over extended hours. The same is not viable for a professional grade headphone. Headaches and nausea will be the result of extended headphone usage. Never underestimate the power and potentials of these audio accessories.

If you are a fitness freak, then I would urge you to look into Sennheiser sports headphones. The headphones is meticulously designed so that they will never inhibit your workout sessions. Regardless of your exercise patterns, the headphones will ensure that you will be able to enjoy music at superb audio clarity. Do not shy away from trying while trying out newer exercise paradigms while donning these accessories. If you have ample crates of cash stocked up in the basement, I would strongly urge you to look into the platinum portable Sennheiser headphones. The intricate machinery incorporated within the headphone will include precious metals like platinum.

If you wish to roam around adorning the headphones, please consider the wireless headphones released by Sennheiser. Using intricate radio frequencies, the audio feeds will be transmitted over short distances to the receiver (which is situated on your headphone). The freedom to move around the house while indulging in your favorite pastimes - this is the primary motive of headphones released in this series. Some of the audio accessories that will augment your audio listening experiences by many times will also increase your interest levels. Invest on a good quality Sennheiser headphone and keep us posted with your experiences.

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