The full range of headphones
Like most things in life, there are headphones to suit most people, tastes and budgets. Here we have a little list which might just help you decide which type is right for you.
Big, professional headphones. You know the ones I mean. The type which appear in the more serious type of 80s music videos, where the singer is earnestly crooning in the studio while the love interest is looking a him/her from behind the glass, apparently not put off by the oversized headphones he/she is wearing. Modern versions are much more subtle and fashionable but the biggest benefit to this type of headphone is always going to be the detailed music performance that they deliver, although current audio technology means that the smaller sets are not so far behind them in quality as they perhaps once were.
Smaller, over ear headphones. These seem to have had their best moment somewhere in the 90s. Generally black or silver and with foam ear cushions, these units never really convinced due to a relatively poor sound quality and an annoying habit of snapping when any sort of pressure was applied to the band connecting the ear pieces. Recent research (carried out by me and 3 friends) suggests that 75% of the world’s population has this type of headphone stored in a bedroom cupboard, mummified in black tape and unused for at least 8 years.
Clip round the back of the ear sets. Not unlike the previous models but with a little hook which goes round the ear rather than a plastic / metal band connecting the ear pieces. A good idea but these models have a nasty habit of falling off at the most inconvenient moments.
In ear units (earbuds). These are the latest and trendiest types of headphone to hit the market. These are highly regarded for being cool and comfortable as well as delivering a great quality sound. Something easy to slip on and wear all day, the Skullcandy ink’d earbuds green edition for example, will let you lose yourself in the music without losing your fashion sense.
So there we have it. The top tip of the day is to buy big, professional headphones for serious music dudes and in ear units for everyone else.