Finding the Right Headphones for Your Music Habit

If you’re like me and really care about hearing beats in an optimal way, it’s best to shop around for quality headphones. After all, the average person spends 20 to 40 hours a week listening to music. Why not enjoy an amazing sound experience?

Rather than simply using the headphones that came along with your iPod or MP3 player, consider the following when upgrading your audio.

A Sound-Worthy Pursuit

To hear heavy bass and crisp sound, you want “flat-response” headphones with full coverage because they give out complete, rounded audio signal. These can be on the pricier side; expect to spend between $150 and $250. Nevertheless, the fuller sound, better balance, and well-amplified frequencies will be well worth your money.

If you’re looking to eliminate outside noises, you’ll need “noise-canceling” headphones. This type of headphone reduces “acoustic noise” using a method called active noise control (ANC). This mechanism is great because you don’t have to increase the volume to really enjoy your music; these headphones are particularly useful when trying to snooze in a car or plane.

Less high-tech, but equally obstructive, are “isolation” headphones. These use physical mechanisms — such as padded foam — to eradicate background sound. They are best for listening to music at work or editing videos. Isolation headphones are the most versatile because there aren’t any electrical moving parts to worry about. However, be sure to get the right fit; they must wrap perfectly around your ears to drown out other noises.

A Musical Fit

Nonetheless, no matter what headphones you buy, proper fit is key. Here are some tips to find a suitable pair: 

• Use the right-sized ear tip. You’ll have to do some experimenting. Try different sizes of foam, but be aware that you may have to use a slightly different size for each ear.  
• You’ll enjoy better sound if there’s a good seal between your ear canal and the ear tip. If you simply push the ear tip straight into your ear, it may not sit properly. Slightly twist it around to achieve the perfect position. You’ll know when you’ve hit it because the background noise will drop. 
• When exercising, it’s often the case that your earphones will keep falling out. If this happens, try to loop the cable around your ears. If you’re using earphones that have been angled to fit inside your ear canal, you can simply experiment by swapping the left side for your right ear for a better fit.

All in all, you want your music to resonate. Finding the right headphone is all about quality equipment and careful selection. Consider both the technical aspects and the fit of your headphones if you want to really enjoy your music, especially when you’re on the move.

Ken Oboh is the co-founder of REMIX.com and UMIX.com, two revolutionary music sites that give users the power to be their own DJs. Ken is a serial entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.