Headphones or speakers?

[Harry]

Sorry, I don't get it. The sound sensation in the ear is caused by air vibrations, that is, by pressure upon the ear's membrane, correct? No pressure, no sound, then.

Electrostatic membranes work differently, best surf on internet how that works Andrei.
For my English is not good enough to explain this!

[beclemund]

It is proven beyond a doubt that electro magnetic headphones are significantly less harmful for your ears as dynamic ones.

I would like to see any study that would support this claim. Generally, studies focus on volume and time and their impact on ear health... both electrostatic and dynamic headphones generate sound by the vibration of a diaphragm just through different means. Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

[George]

If you imagine the volume control as a clock face, I usually listen at about "9" or "10" -- sometimes "11" if it's Shostakovich  -- but never any louder than that.  One friend said his control is usually turned to "2" or "3", which to me is unimaginable!  But if that is "normal" then I agree, some damage will probably occur.

--Bruce

That's where I play mine at too, Bruce. I guess that it depends upon the strength of your amplifier as to where the knob is set, but I agree that many play too loud. I feel that its best to start with a low volume and slowly increase until it seems loud enough. That way not as much volume is needed IMO. Of course, if I find myself needing to crank something to get more intensity, it's usually because the performance lacks the punch I desire. 

[Florestan]

I've been using headphones since long ago and never had any problems. I think that as long as you keep the volume at a middle-to-low level and limit the time of listening to an hour at most everything's just fine.

But in the streets or subways I often come across teenagers wearing headphones through wich I can distinctly hear the music (mostly heavy metal) although I am a meter away from them. IMO they are certainly candidates for deafness in a few years.

To say nothing about the drivers of cars through the closed windows of which I can hear the music from my apartment at the third floor. That's certainly madness.

BTW, I've never been able to listen to classical music while driving. It distracts me from the road traffic.

[Robert]

I don't have any information for you regarding ear health, so I can't comment on that. I do enjoy the inner ear canal, passive noise canceling buds like the Shure SE210's on the second page of that list you linked. You might be able to find a decent price on some Etymotic ER6's or if you're willing to spend a little more for improved sound, the ER-4 model is nice.

It does take a day or two to get used to the feel of the flange in your ear. Some have said it even feels painful the first day... it was mildly uncomfortable for me, but after a couple of days it felt very natural. The foam buds are even more comfortable--Etymotics come packaged with a variety of buds so you can find one that works best for you. Once you're used to them, you don't really have to worry about headphone fatigue either as they are absolutely not cumbersome like around the ear cans are.

The advantages to these are that you can keep a lower volume level... on public transportation, I can turn my iPod to less than 20% of max volume (not very loud at all) and enjoy all the details my music without hearing engine noise or other conversation. Actually, with the iPod off and my ER-6's inserted, I cannot even hear conversations others are having. Additionally, you won't require another power source like some of the active cancelers require, so less cargo to worry about. The sound is great even without a discrete headphone amp too.

Again tho', I can speak to the potential damage any headphone type might cause your ears. I listen on a very low volume and have been doing the same thing for a few years daily on my commute to work every Monday through Friday with no loss of hearing.... the only ear trouble I have comes from the nasty central Texas allergens I have to deal with.. but they don't make a headphone that cures sinus congestion, AFAIK.

I have had a pair of er-4's for about five years. no problem. I just have to change the filter and the flanges or foam a couple of times a year. Its best to try and keep you ears as clean as possible to avoid the wax buildup.  My best reason for having them is they are fabulous on airplanes...I also listen thru a headphone amp.....most of the time without the cross-feed....

[Mark]

This is one poll which I had a feeling would result in an even split between speakers and headphones.

Thanks to everyone who's contributed so far.

[Robert]

This is one poll which I had a feeling would result in an even split between speakers and headphones.

Thanks to everyone who's contributed so far.

Mark,
I did not state which I prefer.  It depends on the situation. I have a pair of KLH9's Electrostats for  35 years. I only needed a velodyne subwoofer because of the lack of bass on the speakers, but I never thought of changing speakers.there that good.........

[SonicMan46]

100% speakers Young master Mark.

Mark - I'll have to vote w/ Harry - I prefer loudspeakers; not sure that I can judge the 'quality' of the disc's sound production as well w/ headphones; also, my wife does not enjoy continuous 'loud' music played in the house, much to my distress -    So, most recently I picked up the Sennheiser R120 'wireless' headphones shown below - pretty happy w/ their performance - work well in the same room but w/ occasional RF interference - I'm pleased w/ the purchase & she's happy, esp. on the weekends! 

[Sergeant Rock]

Speakers exclusively now. I haven't used headphones since the early 90s. We bought a house that has good sound insulation, heavy doors between all the rooms, double paned windows with Rolladen (rolling shutters). The master bedroom is far enough away from the main listening room that I can crank up the volume late at night and Mrs. Rock's sleep isn't disturbed. The neighbors can't hear the music either. Not one complaint in 16 years. Ideal digs for Mahler and Bruckner and Wagner 

Sarge

[12tone.]

So what exactly do headphone amps do? 

[Shrunk]

So what exactly do headphone amps do? 

They essentially function in the same manner as a power amp, only instead of driving loudspeakers, they drive headphones.  If your preamp or receiver already has a headphone jack, you won't need an amp, strictly speaking.  However, such jacks are usually an afterthought without much thought or expense put into them.  Therefore, you might realize better performance by using a dedicated headphone amp.

[head-case]

Electrostatic membranes work differently, best surf on internet how that works Andrei.
For my English is not good enough to explain this!

Your english is not the problem, the fact that your claim violates the laws of physics is the crux of it.

[Steve]

Mark - I'll have to vote w/ Harry - I prefer loudspeakers; not sure that I can judge the 'quality' of the disc's sound production as well w/ headphones; also, my wife does not enjoy continuous 'loud' music played in the house, much to my distress -    So, most recently I picked up the Sennheiser R120 'wireless' headphones shown below - pretty happy w/ their performance - work well in the same room but w/ occasional RF interference - I'm pleased w/ the purchase & she's happy, esp. on the weekends! 

I've long considered picking up a pair of wireless headphones. Any problems with signal quality or disruption? I'd love to make a purchase.

[SonicMan46]

I've long considered picking up a pair of wireless headphones. Any problems with signal quality or disruption? I'd love to make a purchase.

Steve - I was using those 'wireless' headphones today - in the same room, the sound is excellent, however, there is occasional 'interference' presumably from other signals being picked up by the unit - not a big problem, but one that has to be 'accepted' if you want to go this route.  The system can be 'tuned' to 3 different channels if you will, but does not seem to make a big difference relative to the occasonal distortion.  Years ago, I had a wireless set (probably was infrared transmission?) that was pretty much useless, this newer technology is acceptable, but certainly does not compare w/ a 'wired' set of headphones.  Bottom line - sound quality is excellent, but occasional static from extraneous signals.  Hope this helps - Dave 

[Mark]

I have some FM wireless Sony cans for TV/DVD listening. The interference is such that I wouldn't dream of using them for music. Fine for occasional use, IMO.

[johnQpublic]

I've used headphones for a long, long time!

[Steve]

Steve - I was using those 'wireless' headphones today - in the same room, the sound is excellent, however, there is occasional 'interference' presumably from other signals being picked up by the unit - not a big problem, but one that has to be 'accepted' if you want to go this route.  The system can be 'tuned' to 3 different channels if you will, but does not seem to make a big difference relative to the occasonal distortion.  Years ago, I had a wireless set (probably was infrared transmission?) that was pretty much useless, this newer technology is acceptable, but certainly does not compare w/ a 'wired' set of headphones.  Bottom line - sound quality is excellent, but occasional static from extraneous signals.  Hope this helps - Dave 

Thanks for the advice, Dave. In my dorm room at college, I wouldn't really be able to make much use of wireless headphones, but when I'm at home, I like to be able to be able to read by my fireplace while listening. I had a nice, long conversation with a good friend who made it very clear to me that, while the technology has certainly seen great improvement, it could not be expected to replace the primary, wired set, for the serious listener.

I was hoping from your previous post, that you the distoritions/interruptions were tolerable, and I gather that they are.

Anyway, I'll be looking into these in the near future. I've discovered that a single set of headphones (my wonderful AKGs) just won't cut it.

Thanks, again. 

[Mark]

You have the K601s, right Steve? I have the K501s (the 'Classical music cans', if marketing hype can be believed), and find them very clean and precise. Some say these lack bass weight, which apparently AKG fixed on the K601s and K701s. How do you find the bass response on your set?

[Steve]

You have the K601s, right Steve? I have the K501s (the 'Classical music cans', if marketing hype can be believed), and find them very clean and precise. Some say these lack bass weight, which apparently AKG fixed on the K601s and K701s. How do you find the bass response on your set?

Yes, I have the 601s. My father owns the classic 501s as well as the new 701s.

There is definately a bass problem on the K501s, and having listened to all three models, I can say with certainty that the problem is gone in the newer models. The difference between the 501s and 601s can't be overstated. It's not just the bass- overall response is better - warmer lows, more poignant highs.. it's worth the upgrade.

Glad to hear another AKGer on this forum. No Sennheiser for me. 

[sperlsco]

They're all but on the way.  I absolutely love Sennheisers, mostly because you can listen for extended periods (and noting Bonehelm's comment, at reasonable volume levels!) and they are amazingly comfortable.  They are the first headphones I've found that don't squash your ears; they fit around them.  It's a simple concept, but a surprising number of headphones basically put a mild, vise-like squeeze your head, rather than resting on it.  Big difference!

--Bruce

It's interesting that you find the 580's so comfortable.  When I first purchased these, I felt like they had a vise grip on my head after about 30 minutes of a listening session.  I actually put them around a basketball for a few days to stretch out the headband -- and that worked very well, as they are now very comfortable for extended periods.  I subsequently purchased a pair of the Senn 595's.  They are even more comfortable than the 580's.  I first purchased the 595's because I was not thrilled with the sound of the 580's out of my portable players (Rio, Creative MP3 and iRiver CD).  However, I later found that the 580's sound fabulous out of my PC's Audigy 2 sound card.  I also own a pair of the subsequently mentioned Sensaphonic 2X-S IEM's, which have a beautifully balanced sound (and they better, for the price).  Previously I owned the Ety ER-4 and ER-6 IEM's, neither of which satisfied me for classical music.  I also just purchased a pair of noice cancelling headphones from Audio Technica (ATHNC7), which is my first pair of closed and/or noise cancelling phones. 

BTW, I still greatly prefer speakers for listening to music, especially Mahler!  I was forced to take up the headphone habit because I have young children at home.