Frequency range
The range of audio frequencies that headphones can reproduce.
The wider this range — the more fully the headphones reproduce the spectrum of sound frequencies, the lower the likelihood that too low or too high frequencies will be inaccessible. However, some nuances should be taken into account here. First of all, we recall that the range of perception of the human ear is on average from 16 Hz to 22 kHz, and for the full picture it is enough that the headphones cover this range. However, modern models can noticeably go beyond these limits: in many devices, the lower threshold
does not exceed 15 Hz, or even
10 Hz, and the upper limit can reach
25 kHz,
30 kHz, and even
more. Such extensive ranges in themselves do not provide practical advantages, but they usually indicate a high class of headphones, and sometimes they are only given for promotional purposes.
The second important point is that an extensive frequency range in itself is not a guarantee of good sound: the sound quality also depends on a number of parameters, primarily the frequency response of the headphones.
Sensitivity
Rated headphone sensitivity. Technically, this is the volume at which they sound when a certain standard signal from the amplifier is connected to them. Thus, sensitivity is one of the parameters that determine the overall volume of the headphones: the higher it is, the louder the sound will be with the same input signal level and other things being equal. However, we must not forget that the volume level also depends on the resistance (impedance, see above); moreover, it is worth choosing “ears” for a specific device first by impedance, and only then by sensitivity. In this case, one parameter can be compensated for by another: for example, a model with high resistance and high sensitivity can work even on a relatively weak amplifier.
As for specific figures, headphones with indicators of 100 dB or less are designed mainly for use in a quiet environment (in some similar models, the sensitivity
does not exceed 90 dB). For use on the street, in transport and other similar conditions, it is desirable to have more sensitive headphones — about
101 – 105 dB, or even
110 dB. And in some models, this figure can reach
116 – 120 dB. and even
more.
It is also worth noting that this parameter is relevant only for a wired connection according to the analogue standard — for example, via a 3.5 mm mini-
...jack. When using digital interfaces like USB and wireless channels like Bluetooth, the sound is processed in the built-in headphone converter, and if you plan to mainly use this kind of application, you can not pay much attention to sensitivity.Headphone battery capacity
The capacity of the battery installed in the headphones of the corresponding design (see "Power").
Theoretically, a higher capacity allows to achieve greater battery life, but in fact, the operating time also depends on the power consumption of the headphones — and it can be very different, depending on the characteristics and design features. So this parameter is secondary, and when choosing it is worth paying attention not so much to the battery capacity, but to the directly claimed operating time (see below).
Charging time
The time required to fully charge the battery in properly powered headphones (see above).
In this case, we mean the battery charging time from 0 to 100% when using a standard charger (or a third-party charger with identical characteristics). Accordingly, in fact, this indicator may differ from the claimed one, depending on the specifics of the situation. However, in general, it is quite possible to evaluate different models and compare them with each other: headphones with a shorter claimed charging time will in fact charge faster (ceteris paribus).
Also note that an increase in battery capacity (and headphone battery life) inevitably implies an increase in charging time. To compensate for this moment, special fast charging technologies can be used — however, they affect the cost and require the use of specialized charger.
Operating time (music)
The declared operating time of headphones with autonomous power supply (see above) when listening to music on a single battery charge or a set of batteries.
As a rule, the characteristics indicate a certain average operating time in music listening mode, for standard conditions; in practice, it will depend on the intensity of use, volume level and other operating parameters, and in models with replaceable batteries - also on the quality of specific batteries. However, based on the stated time, you can fairly reliably assess the autonomy of the selected headphones and compare them with other models. As for specific values, relatively “short-lived” devices have a battery life
of up to 8 hours, a figure of
8 – 12 hours can be called quite good,
12 – 20 hours – very good, and in the most “long-lasting” headphones the operating time can
exceed 20 hours.
Weight
The total weight of the headphones; for true wireless models (see "Cable Type"), the weight of each individual earbud is listed.
This parameter is directly related to the design (see above) and some features of the functionality. Thus, the mentioned true wireless devices are very light, their weight
does not exceed 25 g. More traditional in-ears and in-ears can be noticeably heavier,
up to 50g for in-ears and up
to 100g for most in-ears. Overhead models, for the most part, are quite massive: among them there are many models weighing
200 – 250 g,
250 – 300 g and even
more than 300 g. It should be noted that a significant weight for false ears is often not a disadvantage, but an advantage: it allows them to stay on the head more securely, creates an impression of solidity and reliability, and most often does not create significant inconvenience.
