Today, all kinds of headphone models from various manufacturers fill the store shelves, and it is very easy to get confused in all this variety. The choice of such an important attribute requires a careful and meaningful approach, so there is no need to rush in this matter. Before buying, you need to weigh the pros and cons.
To begin with, let's decide what kind of closed headphones you need. In total, there are four main types of this kind of gadgets:
- monitor - full-size models that completely cover the ear;
- studio - similar to monitor ones, they are made with better quality (premium class);
- closed headphones with microphone - for talking and playing (gamers, streamers);
- wireless models with a headset - for negotiating via bluetooth and using dect technologies (dispatchers, etc.).
Let's consider the most popular and successful brands that have long been engaged in this kind of gadgets. Their products can be described as the best closed headphones. ATthe calculation will take the opinions of segment experts and reviews of ordinary gadget owners.
Sony
Headphones from a famous brand knowingly occupy a leading position in the market. The company's products have a maximum of advantages with a minimum of disadvantages, and at a relatively low price. Judging by the numerous laudatory reviews from both experts and amateur forums, the most successful and balanced in all characteristics are the Sony MDR-XB450AP closed headphones.
Other models also deserve your attention and have their own list of advantages along with disadvantages.
Advantages of Sony models
All closed-back headphones from the venerable company are distinguished by excellent ergonomics and a high level of comfort. After the gadget is on your head, in a couple of minutes you will completely forget about its existence - only clear sound and complete immersion in virtual reality await you. This is especially true for the MDR line.
Even inexpensive models are distinguished by high-quality sound, and the high and low frequency ranges are brought, if not to the ideal, then very close to it, and listening to music in these headphones is a pleasure.
It is also worth noting the ideal ratio of price and quality of models. Decent closed headphones can be bought within 20-50 dollars.
It would be useful to mention the appearance of the models. Almost all lines have an outstanding, interesting, stylish andmemorable design. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you are welcome: full-sized gadgets in white or gaudy colors are created as if especially for you. Love conservatism - black and dark colors are always in the assortment of the company.
You can also notice the well-realized compactness of Sony models. Any problems with carrying or operation were not noticed in the reviews. Another significant plus of the company's gadgets is durability, they will serve you for a very long time, and, judging by the statistics, people change closed headphones from Sony for similar ones just because they are tired of them.
Disadvantages of gadgets from Sony
Numerous reviews of the company's range revealed a number of shortcomings. Most owners complain that cords are too short - a little over a meter, while competing products are almost two meters long.
Also, some people are not satisfied with the mediocre connection of the wire and the plug, especially for the early models in the MDR line: breaking flat wires is a real scourge of most models. The glossiness of the design is also a little disappointing: against the backdrop of all the elegance and beauty, spots and small scratches begin to appear over time.
Worth buying?
Closed on-ear headphones from Sony are the best option, a kind of golden mean between price, quality and return. Models have enviable ergonomics, comfortable and movable ear cushions, a convenient design, in some cases a control panel and additionalheadset.
One of the strengths of the gadget, in addition to sound and convenience, is the appearance. The elegant design will appeal to any music lover, especially since there are plenty to choose from. The model range is extremely diverse: open-closed headphones, in-ear, in-ear, and each type has its own version of the emitter. Therefore, even the most picky buyers will find for themselves what they really need.
Sennheiser
Company founder Fritz Sennheiser has made a good name for himself with headphones, and the company's products are at the top of many trade shows. The price for the lineup, although a little high, but, judging by the reviews of the owners and the opinions of experts, is quite justified.
Sennheiser closed on-ear headphones do not have such a rich assortment as the same Sony, but they have their own undeniable advantages. Among vacuum gadgets, brand products lead by a wide margin. In addition to excellent sound, attractive design and high-quality construction, the headphones are characterized by absolute isolation, which for some music lovers is a critical moment when choosing this kind of device.
The Sennheiser HD 202 model (about $40) was especially different, having won the hearts of many lovers of music and high-quality sound. For a relatively low price, the owner gets extremely high-quality sound, excellent design and excellent comfort. Many owners speak very warmly about the model, admiring the characteristics of the gadget for such a low cost. Somethe owners of this model complain about too high-quality vacuum and leather ear pads, which is why you have to periodically remove the headphones to ventilate your ears. Otherwise, it is quite a successful and perfectly balanced model.
Advantages of the Sennheiser lineup
The company has always done and is focusing on sound quality, and it succeeds with enviable constancy from one model to another. Many owners in their reviews note the quality functionality. Also in most models you can see the remote control and built-in microphone.
Another important factor that characterizes Sennheiser products is durability. Do not think about scratches, stains or, worse, cracks: the brand's headphones exclude such problems. In addition, gadgets are relatively lightweight, allowing you to work or relax in them for a long time.
It's also worth mentioning the design. The appearance of gadgets is very attractive, although not for all models (excessive conservatism). Almost all lines are replete with some interesting distinctive features, so even picky music lovers can find something.
Disadvantages of the Sennheiser lines
As for the shortcomings, there were no critical remarks on specialized forums. The only thing that potential buyers sometimes pay attention to is the rather poor lineup of closed and on-ear headphones, but otherwise it’s a music lover’s dream.
To take or nottake?
Headphones from "Sennheiser" - this is a very good candidate for choice. The strengths of the models are manifested literally in every position: a pleasant and truly deep sound, ergonomics and convenience, beauty - all this makes Sennheiser headphones extremely popular, and not only for brand fans.
AKG
AKG K27i is a popular closed model from this brand. These are nice headphones, the colors of which are in perfect harmony with the iPod players (white combined with light gray). K27i are very compact: they fold up and take up very little space. Headphones provide a certain degree of sound isolation, but mostly in the upper end of the audio spectrum. There is a small volume control on the cable. This is very handy if you don't like the player to be visible.
The K27i has a very wide frequency response, but the low frequencies are significantly stronger than the rest of the audio spectrum. In addition, the bass extends deep down with little to no decay.
According to reviews, the sensitivity of this model is very high. Even paired with a small player, you can achieve a high volume level, however, sometimes with a slight distortion. Sensitivity is approximately 110 dB/V.
The only thing that users find fault with is that when playing songs that are sensitive to the overall balance of frequencies, the sound turned out to be a little muffled. The benefits noted by the reviews are deep bass and volume control on the cord. These headphones will definitely appeal to those who love strong bass. Someit seems like there are too many of them. So decide for yourself.
