Vacuum headphones – what are they, the main pros and cons, types of device

We often listen to music on the way to work, school and in other situations. Vacuum headphones are a device that is used for the comfort of music and audiobook lovers. This is a convenient option - compact and in most cases providing good sound quality.

What are IEMs?

In-Ear-Canalphones, also called earplugs, less commonly ear-monitors or (correctly) IEMs (this name will be used later in the article, because it is very laconic and the author likes it) - these are headphones , very similar in appearance to earbuds, but designed to provide maximum sound insulation to the listener's ear canal. It (sound insulation) is also called sound “sealing” - it has two functions: blocking excess noise and forming a sound area (chamber) to achieve full sound. This sealing is created by a nozzle placed on the earphone nozzle and inserted into the front part of the ear canal. There are also headphones where the attachment is created based on impressions of the owner’s ears - they are called (for Russian-speaking audiences) custom (English: Custom molded earplugs) - such things serve to achieve maximum sound quality and listening comfort. Why choose IEMs? Due to its high portability, high-quality sound and ability to block unnecessary noise. Some models have long been used by audio engineers; musicians performing on stage. Plugs (in Russia this name has taken root more) are a type of IEMs. When manufacturers of in-ear headphones began to rivet them for the general consumer (the iPod generation), the abbreviation IEMs became more popular (not in Russia), replacing the expression “plugs”. In technical language, it is correct to call “plugs” - IEMs. Less commonly, the abbreviation IEMs is used to refer to high-quality in-ear headphones.

Rice. 1. Main components of IEMs.

In-canal

In-ear headphones are very similar to in-ear headphones, and buyers often confuse them. In-ear headphones are also inserted into the ear, but have a deeper fit. Other definitions of these models have taken root among the people - “vacuum” or “plugs”.

In-ear headphones also have roots in the medical field - their progenitors are hearing correction devices, as well as stereo devices that have been used by musicians during performances for almost a quarter of a century - headphones-monitors.

What is the difference between in-ear headphones and in-ear headphones? In addition to a deeper position in the ear, they have a greater seal and increased sound concentration. The use of soft ear pads makes the sound in these headphones as isolated as possible from external noise sources, and the level of amplitude vibrations of the membrane is reduced by increasing the sound area.

In-ear headphones are provided with an impressive range of attachments. If you have a model in front of you that has unique spouts, then you can rest assured that you are dealing with in-ear headphones.

The disadvantage of in-ear headphones is the transmission of the high-frequency range, which is inferior to rich and sonorous bass.

Thus, in-ear headphones (“earbuds”) and in-ear headphones (“plugs”) are two completely different types of headphones that belong to models that are inserted directly into the ear.

Are IEMs earbuds?

No. IEMs and earbuds refer to two main but different types of in-ear headphones. For the latter, the transducers are small enough to fit tightly in the ear, and as a result, they are not “sealed”.

Rice. 2. Various types of liners.

Earbuds and earplugs are worn as open-back headphones, often outside the ear canal. They can be attached with a headband or a clip (clip) for greater comfort.

Rice. 3. Various types of IEMs.

Only IEMs are designed to be partially inserted into the ear canal to create an “airtight” seal. Previously, most (websites, stores, people) often confused two completely different types of headphones due to their misunderstanding.

How to disassemble vacuum headphones?

Sometimes such a need arises, for example, to repair vacuum headphones.

1. Remove the ear pads. More often they are attached with latches that can be easily removed. If they are additionally glued, you need to use a knife with a thin blade.
2. Unscrew the screws of the device case and remove the speaker.
3. Unsolder the speaker if it needs to be replaced.
4. Unscrew the remaining screws if you need to completely disassemble the device.

Vacuum headphones are easy to use, portable, compact, ready to be at hand at any time, which is why they are popular. If you choose and wear them correctly, they will last a long time. If the device breaks down and begins to cause discomfort when worn, do not rush to say goodbye to it - in most cases it can be fixed.

Types of converters

There are two main converters (sensors, drivers) that are used in IEMs: dynamic and balanced armature (BA; in Russia - armature).
Rice. 4. Dynamic converter.

The dynamic transducer (moving coil) is often found in low-end IEMs due to its simplicity and low cost, unlike armatures. As a rule, the size of the former is much smaller, ranging from 3 to 6 mm in diameter. The dynamic transducer is known for its ability to create more powerful bass because... During sound playback, more air moves in it, due to the available free space (which “rebar” headphones with several transducers cannot boast of), which is felt by the human ear. It is worth noting that some well-known manufacturers use a dynamic transducer in their IEMs, but the sound quality remains relatively low, and this should be remembered.

Rice. 5. Dynamic converter (inside and outside).

Armature headphones have the advantage that the reproduction accuracy in them is much higher, the frequency range is smaller, to eliminate this drawback, they use several dynamic converters in each headphone, which solves this problem, each driver operates on its own frequency range, increasing the total range , thereby leveling the frequency response. The disadvantage of multi-converter headphones is their high price and large size.

Monitor

At first glance, monitor headphones are not much different from full-size ones. In fact, this type of headphones can be fully classified as full-size, since they really completely cover the auricle. However, please note that monitor headphone models always have a more massive headband and always a thick, usually ring-shaped cord. These headphones have nothing to do with portable models.

Monitor headphones are an attribute exclusively for professionals, since they are distinguished by a wide frequency range, and the reproduction of sound compositions occurs without the “decorations” familiar to music lovers. As a result, the tunes you admire will definitely sound muffled and lacking in color in these professional headphones.

Monitor headphones Pioneer HDJ-2000

So, now you know that in terms of design, headphones are divided into in-ear, in-ear, full-size, on-ear and monitor.

Let's consider another group of headphones, where they differ in the type of emitter . There are five varieties here: dynamic, electrostatic, isodynamic, orthodynamic and reinforcement.

Nozzles

Rice. 6. Options for ear tips.

In IEMs type headphones, as a rule, there can be three types of tips: soft plastic (English flanges, sleeves), foam (English foam) and arbitrary shapes (English mold) with hard acrylic or soft silicone material (there are also hybrid, soft and hard forms, but less often).

Soft plastic nozzles come in two types: universal and size-dependent. Universal ones come with two or three protrusions, this allows them to be inserted into the ears to the required depth, achieving the notorious “tightness”. Often headphones with such tips cause disturbance to the listener with their impact. Size-dependent soft plastic attachments are more comfortable, as they have three sizes: small, medium and large. The user chooses what suits his ear size.

The highest “sealing”, and as a result, the best comfort and noise insulation for foam nozzles. This shape gives a fuller, warmer and more pleasant sound than plastic or silicone. Foam nozzles also have two types, related to size. It is worth noting that attachments of this type cannot be cleaned and require replacement after several weeks of use. Some manufacturers even produce similar attachments (with different types of foams) for separate sale, in addition to the standard ones.

The black foam tips from are the most popular [not an advertisement] on the market and provide greater comfort based on (subjective) experience. Often models have a size, which is indicated by dots on the bottom of the earphone: one dot is small, two dots are medium, three dots are large. Manuals are always supplied with the headphones.

Wired

Wired headphones have high quality sound reproduction. Despite the fact that the entire evolution of headphones is inseparably linked with the wire directly connected to the emitter, in parallel with the development of the headphones themselves, the speaker cables used were also improved.

Wired headphones can include all of the above types of designs with different types of emitters and acoustic design.

Nozzle size

Rice.
7. Nozzles of various sizes. Choosing the right tip size ensures perfect “sealing”, which in turn leads to maximum comfort and excellent sound. Using a large size tip will cause ear pain after a few days, and using a small size will result in a lack of sound insulation and a predominance of high frequencies due to air leakage.

It happens that a person cannot find the right size of nozzle for a long time, because some ears are very susceptible to foreign bodies. In this case, you will need to follow a few tips to reduce the discomfort of this problem.

7. Attachments: comfort factors

We focused on “sealing”, comfort and sound quality in silicone and plastic tips (we won’t say anything about foam tips, because they are very comfortable and cause discomfort to the smallest part of listeners). Let's look at some factors.

Factor 1: partial and full landing

Some headphones (such as the EP-630 and CX-300) allow the tip to be inserted fully, but not deeply into the ear (approximately 8-9 mm), which creates less isolation but greater comfort for the user.

Rice. 8. Creative EP-630 and Sennheiser CX 300 respectively.

Most other headphones require a deeper insert from the listener (more than 9 mm). Such a fit, as already mentioned, will create a good seal, therefore better “sealing”, as a result, sound insulation, but at the expense of convenience.

Factor 2: nozzle material

Often, attachments are made of soft plastic, silicone or polyvinyl chloride. Silicone is the softest of all attachments and, as a result, more comfortable, but not all silicone attachments have the same softness.

Rice. 9. Nozzles made of soft plastic, silicone and PVC respectively.

Factor 3: Nozzle thickness

A simple rule that states that the thinner the material on the nozzle, the better, but again at the expense of sound insulation.

Factor 4: Nozzle Design

The location of the converter also plays an important role. In general, if it is hidden compactly, which allows the earphone to have a small size, then this is good. This is why headphones with multiple transducers are considered uncomfortable.

Rice. 10. Ultimate Ears Superfi and Triplefi series headphones (with multiple transducers), respectively.

Let's look at the factors using illustrative examples.

Example 1: Ultimate Ears with single tip - shallow fit, hard and thick tips, large earpiece = not very comfortable, but good noise isolation. Example 2: Sennheiser CX300 headphones with a single tip - not deep fit, soft, thin, small earphone size = comfortable, average noise insulation. Example 3: Etymotic ER-6i headphones with a triple tip - deep fit, soft and thick, small earpiece - not so comfortable, but excellent noise insulation. Example 4: Sleek Audio SA6 headphones with a double tip - deep fit, soft, slightly porous tips of medium thickness, small earpiece = comfort and excellent noise isolation. Example 5: Head-Direct RE1 headphones with double tip - deep insert, medium softness and thickness, small earphone size = excellent comfort and good noise isolation.

Rice. 11. Headphones according to the example.

It is important to remember that it always takes time to get used to a particular attachment, so there is no need to rush into decisions. Personal preferences in sound change more often than in convenience and this must also be taken into account. It also happens that a person falls in love with the sound, not paying attention to the inconveniences, and then, when the euphoria from the sound disappears, forgotten worries come to him.

How to achieve better sound quality and maximum listening pleasure

The pleasure of listening to music depends on many factors, but if we shift the focus specifically to IEMs and abstract from specific models, then it is worth highlighting:

Audio material

More specifically, the degree of compression (cutting frequencies to save space on the media) of a music file compared to the original. Probably everyone is already familiar with such audio formats as *.mp3, *.flac, *.wav (arranged in order of compression from the highest). If you want to hear all the instruments, all the performer’s breaths and all the sounds in your favorite musical compositions, then you should use *.flac and *.wav (loseless formats). Apple supports its own loseless format - *.m4a. Fans of online music streaming should understand that in order to save your traffic and adapt to the different quality of coverage of mobile networks (after all, we don’t have home headphones for the most part), frequencies are greatly reduced, thus the quality of the material broadcast is quite low (lossy formats).

The bottom graph clearly shows how the high frequencies (dark areas) were cut out compared to the original.

Of course, your musical preferences also play a role. You can listen to a recording of a 50-piece orchestra or this year's club hit; in the second case, the increase in sound quality when switching to more expensive headphones will be less distinct.

Sound source

There are two options: a separate device for listening to music (player) or a universal device (phone). The development of smartphones, starting with the iPhone, which to some extent was built on the basis of the iPod music player, has advanced the quality of music playback to a new level, which allows you to use more expensive headphones and feel the difference with cheaper analogues.

Since we are talking about smartphones, it is worth considering that not every player (program) will be able to reproduce music with high quality. One of the most popular applications for the Android platform - ]]>Poweramp ]]>from a domestic developer copes with this task with a bang. On iOS devices, a standard application is quite suitable for the same purposes.

Right now, the Chinese flagship Meizu MX3 can be called the leader among smartphones.

It is worth admitting that you can get not the worst sound using Apple smartphones. The bar was raised as high as possible by the iPhone 4; each subsequent variation of the most popular smartphone in the world at least does not simplify/degrade the sound compared to the 4th model.

Audiophiles openly laugh at the last paragraphs, because, in their opinion, real and high-quality sound can only be obtained with the help of professional equipment, for example, Astell&Kern AK100 for $700 ]]>on Amazon]]> [sarcasm].

In fact, more budget solutions can also unlock the potential of your headphones: ]]>HiFiMan HM-601]]> for $250 or ]]>Fiio X3]]> for $230.

Situation

External influences can greatly distract you: the hum of the subway, barking dogs, passing cars, etc. Therefore, you can evaluate headphones as effectively as possible only in a completely suitable environment, for example, in a hammock on the ocean shore (or at home on the sofa).

Attachments, a method of inserting an earphone into the ear canal

Headphones can be worn in several ways, you can insert the earphone deep into the canal, you can only insert it halfway, you can use different tips, there is no ideal ratio, you need to try different options. In addition to inserting into the ears, you need to decide how the wires will be positioned: whether you run them above the ears in front, above the ears behind the back, or use the standard arrangement.

Only through practice will you develop the most convenient option for yourself on how to wear headphones.

Individual attachments (customs) are becoming increasingly popular: an impression of the ear canal is created, and based on it, attachments are produced just for you. This method allows you to maximize comfort when using headphones, increase playback quality and minimize the impact of external noise. Of course, such a solution is justified for high-price headphones.

Warming up

Warming up your headphones can be compared to breaking in clothes: you bought a pair of size 42 shoes that are a little tight, but after a week of wear they will fit you right. Thus, warming up is bringing the headphone driver diaphragm to the optimal position compared to the factory one. For high-quality and quick warming up, you will need special professional musical material, for example, XLO/Reference Test & Burn In recording; the process will take the first 100-200 hours of headphones operation. The sound may change significantly, but not radically.

Using a portable amplifier

As the name of the gadget might suggest, the amplifier’s task is to amplify the signal, thereby increasing the maximum volume. To a certain extent, this is a correct assumption, but the main purpose of portable amplifiers is a little broader. The main job of an amplifier is to transmit the signal from the DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) to your headphones without any distortion. This is much more important for us than volume, since with the relatively high volume of current phones, the biggest drawback (relatively, of course) remains the sound quality.

Another important advantage is that a pocket amplifier can increase the operating time of a player or smartphone, since it consumes a minimum of energy from an external device and uses its own battery to transmit an intact signal.

You can take a closer look at the FiiO E12 gadget for $130 ]]>on Amazon]]>.

Subtotal

An ideal audio kit might contain headphones (~$300) + custom tips (~$100) + player (~$200) + amplifier (~$200) and will cost approximately $800 or 27,000 rubles. It is important to understand that even such a kit will not do anything with a composition in the *.mp3 128 kb\s format (high degree of compression, sensitive loss of high frequencies), so for a truly cool and correct sound you need to pay attention to all the factors described above.

Maintaining appearance and care

Maintaining a set of headphones in decent appearance can increase the quality of the initial “sealing” and the service life of the headphones.
First of all, remember that there is no better way to preserve the life of your headphones than by regularly cleaning your ear canal. For universal headphones, contamination of the tips promises the appearance of excess noise and deterioration in sound quality, because Small debris contributes to improper air distribution. To avoid this, you need to either replace the nozzles with new ones, or use special tools to clean them.

Clean your headphones and cable at least once a month. If you play sports with headphones, then you need to do this more often, especially in those areas where the wire touches the skin. This will make your headphones more durable.

Never use cleaning fluids or bleaches containing alcohol. All you need to do is use a damp cloth and soap.

To clean the tips, be sure to remove them from the headphones. To do this correctly without damaging them, grasp the nozzle with your thumb and forefinger and use a twisting motion to pull it out of the transducer nozzle. Do not pull on the attachments as this will often cause them to break and become damaged.

Remember that a headphone cable, like any other cable, will eventually become rough and crack. The more you take care of your headphones, the longer they will last you. However, different manufacturers use cables of different quality: an externally flimsy and poor-quality cable can sometimes be very durable, and sometimes the situation is completely the opposite. Ideally, in the future it is better to use a replacement cable; In addition, a high-quality (very) detachable cable can increase sound quality.

It is recommended to wash soft plastic attachments in warm, soapy water. Be careful not to allow moisture to enter; even if the headphones are wet once, you will not be able to properly repair them to their previous condition. If you do get your headphones wet, it is recommended to leave them in a ventilated area for 1–2 days—this will help the moisture evaporate.

Always wait until the headphones are completely dry before placing them in your ear.

Experimentally, it was revealed that when cleaning the headphone tips with hydrogen peroxide (in liquid for 15 minutes), their service life increases noticeably.

How to clean vacuum headphones?

This can be easily done at home:

1. Combine 3-5 ml of water and alcohol.
2. Gently dip the bottom of the headphones into the solution for 2-3 minutes.
3. After removing the device, wipe it with a dry cloth to remove dirt.
4. You can put on ear muffs 2 hours after the procedure.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning, following the same procedure as with alcohol, but you need to leave the device in the solution for 15-20 minutes. If you need to clean the device quickly, you can use the same products, and clean it with a cotton swab or a toothpick with cotton wool wrapped around it. It is recommended to use the latter option when cleaning the mesh and small grooves.

Static electricity

Using plugs you can get a discharge of electrostatic electricity.
In cold conditions with low humidity, static charge can accumulate on the body, although the ears only touch the plastic parts of the headphones, there are also metal parts that are located nearby; static charge, which usually has a high voltage, is capable of jumping from one place to another. If the charge reaches you, it will not harm you, although it will cause unpleasant sensations.

It's important to note that these types of discharges are quite rare and do not mean that your headphones are faulty; If you are regularly exposed to electrical shocks, then most likely your cable (sheath) is damaged, and this is already a warranty case.

Electrostatic (or electret)

Such accessories belong to the Hi-End class. You are unlikely to be able to purchase these in most electronics retail stores - the reason is their high price, about two to three thousand dollars. As for the principle of operation of electrostatic headphones, it is as follows: between a pair of electrodes there is a thin membrane, the movement of which is activated by a high current, forming sound vibrations. Such modifications are completely protected from the slightest sound distortion. The only drawback (besides the price, of course) of electrostatic headphones is the need to use an amplifier with them, which is also quite large in size.

Warm-up (eng. burn-it) IEMs

There is no definitive answer, yes or no.
In general, the topic of warming up is a bit religious in nature, and here, the answer is mostly no, although there are people (if you search on thematic forums) and even tests where IEMs actually showed signs of improvement after warming up. In general, this is very easy to check, because The warm-up time for IEMs is an order of magnitude shorter than that of any other headphones and amounts to a maximum of a couple of days (more precisely, no more than 50 hours) of random music playback at normal volume.

⇡#Driver size and power

This parameter doesn't say much. Many manufacturers like to proudly display numbers on the box, say, 50 mm or 40 mm. The diameter of the speaker is its size, and nothing more. This trick is designed to appeal to a common stereotype - most buyers consciously (or subconsciously) believe that the larger the size of the acoustics, the better their sound. It’s as if the manufacturer is trying to say: “See how huge the speakers we used? Can you imagine what a cool sound they have – at such and such a size!”

Sony MDR-XB1000 headphones have a speaker diameter of 70 mm!

In fact, this indicator is often meaningless. The power of the device is another matter. This setting determines the output power of the speakers and affects their volume. The higher the power, the brighter and richer the sound - more bass, more accurate interpretation. But high power headphones (2000-3000 mW) will drain your portable device's battery faster.

Cable noise and bone conduction

Often, you can hear two types of complaints from demanding owners of IEMs - when the user hears unpleasant sounds caused by vibrations of the IEMs that touch clothing or other objects;
the second - if translated literally, it will sound like “bone conduction” - a phenomenon when noise in headphones (occurring inside the body) appears when walking, running, eating food, etc. You can solve the first problem by buying a clip (or better yet, not one) and attach the cable properly. There are also special cables that do not care whether they touch it or not. Often, even on top-end headphones you can find a low-quality cable, so in this matter, before purchasing, it is better to first look at thematic forums or listen, “check” the cable to ensure that it meets your needs. The second problem has not been solved to date, but, as is correct, the listener eventually gets used to the noise in the background, or walks more slowly (changes shoes).

Assortment and prices

There are a lot of IEM headphones available on the market: you can buy them for $50, and if you want, for $1050, so it’s impossible to single out clear leaders and outsiders, but there are models that have proven themselves to be an excellent “starter package” for beginners. We will highlight three price categories:

Up to $100

1. ]]>Sennheiser CX 300B MK II]]> - $36;
2. ]]>Skullcandy S2TTDY033 Titan]]> - $24;
3. ]]>Denon AH-C560R]]> - $90.

From $100 to $200

1. ]]>Etymotic Research ER23-HF3]]> - $150;
2. ]]>Shure SE215]]> - $100;
3. ]]>Westone Adventure Series Alpha]]> - $195.

More than $300

1. ]]>Etymotic ER-4P]]> - $225;
2. ]]>Shure SE535]]> - $439;
3. ]]>Sennheiser IE 800]]> - $722.

Portable amplifier for IEMs

Do I need a portable amplifier for IEMs?
— Yes, in order to sound better, but for a small part of the headphones. These are often high-impedance IEMs, for example the Etymotic ER4S can be paired with an amplifier, but the increase in SQ will be barely noticeable unless you have incredible hearing or are in the final stages of audiophilia. Resistance and sensitivity are the easiest way to determine whether headphones need an amplifier - if the characteristics are less than 50 Ohms and 98 dB, respectively, then IEMs certainly do not require amplification.

Main technical characteristics of headphones

What technical parameters of headphones should you pay attention to? Sensitivity is the ratio of the volume level of the headphones to the level of the signal supplied to them from the amplifier, measured in dB/V or dB/mW. In principle, the higher the sensitivity of the headphones, the less power will be required from the amplifier to get good sound volume from the headphones. Accordingly, headphones with low sensitivity require more power from the amplifier and may not be suitable for portable music players.

An example of nonlinear impedance behavior of multi-driver armature headphones

Impedance

headphones - impedance, taking into account resistive and reactive (capacitive and inductive) components. There is a very wide range of headphone resistance values ​​on the market, from units to thousands of ohms. Impedance is a tricky parameter and the number given in a headphone specification may refer to a specific frequency, while the actual impedance may be variable. According to Ohm's law, at the same voltage, the headphones will consume current depending on the resistance. Therefore, high-impedance headphones need an amplifier capable of producing a high output voltage, and low-voltage amplifiers in portable devices are less suitable for such headphones. Low-impedance headphones, for the most part, will work well with portable amplifiers. Another question is that impedance is not the only parameter that influences the choice of a headphone amplifier; sensitivity must also be taken into account. Therefore, in the group of dynamic headphones with average sensitivity, low-impedance headphones (suitable for “portables”) are considered to be headphones with an impedance of up to 32 Ohms, and at the same time, individual reinforcement models will sound with a good volume reserve, having an impedance of 100 Ohms.

If the audio system is represented as an electrical circuit, the output impedance of the amplifier will create a so-called voltage divider, which reduces the power output to the load (headphones). Therefore, it is desirable that the impedance of the headphones be much higher than the output impedance of the amplifier.

Typical frequency response of headphones, which will be subjectively perceived as close to uniform

frequency range

speaks of the spectrum reproduced by the headphones and, in principle, the wider it is, the better. However, in reality, the definition of the frequency range in headphones turns out to be too vague. Firstly, there are no standards in the world for measuring the amplitude-frequency characteristics (AFC) of headphones; everyone uses different stands, obtaining different results. Secondly, specifications often indicate frequencies of tens of kHz, but the range audible to the human ear extends only up to 20 kHz, and this is at best - with age, hearing sensitivity to higher frequencies steadily decreases. Although a very wide (uniform) operating band can be very favorably perceived by the amplifier. Thirdly, manufacturers usually do not indicate any tolerances, irregularities, or headphone frequency band measurements. And they can be understood. These are traditional speakers that create a sound field around the listener and are designed to produce as flat a frequency response as possible over as wide a frequency band as possible. As practice has shown, with headphones one has to take into account diffraction and interference of sound in the auricle and/or ear canal, as well as natural variations in the sensitivity of human hearing at different frequencies. For example, in a number of laboratories, when hardware testing headphones, corrections are used in the form of transfer functions HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function). But you need to understand that all these tricks are approximate, because each person has their own HRTF. Therefore, one can only focus on general approaches in measurements with caution. And lastly, the frequency range and frequency response of the assembled audio system can be significantly influenced by the matching of the resistance of the headphones and the amplifier.

Hissing and whistling

Occasionally, IEM listeners may hear slight interference at low volume levels, similar to hissing.
Because Most IEMs are very sensitive, meaning they easily pick up electrical noise when other headphones ignore it. There is no actual fix for this vulnerability, but if you add a resistor to the input line (to increase the resistance and reduce sensitivity), it may work. Some sources (one type of HDD on an iPod) produce more electrical noise. Whistling. IEMs in the frequency range from 1KHz ~ 10kHz have some “whistles” or “hisses”, which is very subjective. The problem seems obvious - the headphones produce a very sharp high-frequency sound, which, after prolonged listening, can irritate and tire the listener. There are two solutions - equalizer and customization and (or) selection of other attachments and filters.

Typical design

1. Body (right half);
2. Body (left half);
3. Microdriver (sound source, usually one is installed, but in high-end solutions there can be more than two);
4. Acoustic shutter;
5. Nozzle (connector for nozzles);
6. Microdriver holder;
7. Connector (the model in question has a replaceable wire, which is an undeniable advantage and increases the lifespan of the headphones);
8. Cable (if the cable is replaceable, then it is possible to make an “upgrade”: perhaps improved versions of wires are sold for your headphones (for example, for Westone models ]]>on Amazon]]>), or they are made by craftsmen from thematic forums);
9. Nozzle (“upgrade” is also possible, a more complete description is below).

Service life and non-warranty cases

Don't expect $500 headphones to last 5 times longer than $100 headphones.
The average service life is usually written in the warranty condition. High cost is not an indicator of durability. After a breakdown, in 90% of cases the buyer (if the breakdown meets the terms of the warranty agreement) is provided with new headphones, because replacement is unprofitable for the manufacturer, because requires a good technical base, which is often only available on the production line.

In general, it’s better to draw an analogy with cars. If you do not have enough financial resources, then do not buy expensive IEMs, because... they are no less susceptible to breakdowns, but require more care (due to their technical structure), everything: a more difficult search for parts, their high cost.

⇡#Technical specifications: what to look for

Headphones also differ in technical characteristics. You shouldn't take the numbers and graphs on the headphone packaging too seriously. The data provided by the headphone manufacturer is designed primarily for those buyers who, when choosing, are guided not by their ears, but by “smart” numbers and colorful diagrams. There is some truth in the parameters indicated by the manufacturer, but you need to understand that frequency characteristics without indicating the harmonic distortion coefficient are worthless, and a flat frequency response graph does not at all guarantee high sound detail. However, if you want not a single sales consultant to be able to screw you over and sell off your stale goods, you should understand the basic parameters.

IEMs and health

IEMs are often mistaken as some sort of health hazard.
There are two reasons: partial hearing loss and ear infections. Here, again, it’s a matter of proper use. Firstly, it is logical that if you listen to music at high volume for a long time, this will lead to hearing loss, regardless of what headphones (speakers) were used. IEMs have the advantage of not having to turn the volume up to maximum to overcome external noise. The default volume on most players should suit the needs of the average listener. Also, it should be considered incorrect guesses that hearing may deteriorate due to the fact that the sound is closer to the eardrum. There are several studies on the topic of safety: 1, 2.

Secondly, by inserting any object into your ear, your body will react with increased production of earwax. This is a protective reaction against increasing bacterial populations in a humid environment; It is recommended to clean the ear canal regularly. Actually, the less often you take off your headphones, the more wax you accumulate, and if there is noticeable hearing loss, you should immediately consult a doctor, excluding listening to in-ear headphones for this period, because this can lead to damage to the gray tympanic membrane, and as a result, hearing loss.

One important thing to note is that people, even if they don't expose themselves to loud music, can still have problems when listening to music for very long periods of time. There is a study that even at low volume (45 ~ 55dB), listening without affecting hearing is harmful to health: people are prone to developing serious diseases, both physical and psychological. It is not recommended to listen to music continuously, even at low volume; loving music 24/7 is directly harmful to your health.

To summarize: keep your ears clean, do not listen to music for too long (for example at night, and then on the way to work, at work, from work, at night...), do not turn up the volume (there are a lot of studies where it has been proven that this significantly reduces hearing over short periods of time) - remember, hearing loss is an irreversible disease; maintain common sense over emotional pleasure.

Full size

This type is deservedly considered the most optimal option for home use. Full-size headphones are characterized by full coverage of the auricle, and good isolation from external noise provides high-quality sound here. The ear pads also create additional sound space, which affects the sound quality.

If you are looking for a miniature foldable model, then full-size headphones are not your best option. They are rarely foldable. To effectively promote this model of headphones, manufacturers produce a type of headphones that are close to on-ear headphones, with the characteristics of full-size ones. However, being “demi-seasonal” when choosing headphones is not the best approach, so we do not recommend choosing something in between these two types.

Frequency characteristics of IEMs

An interesting fact is that many people say that IEMs are full of detail, precision;
however, the range of most of these headphones, if you look at the characteristics, actually does not exceed 16kHz. Although the human ear's audible range of sound is somewhere in the region of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, most adults (after ~20 years of age) cannot actually hear sound above 16kHz; High frequencies are considered to be the range from 5kHz to 16kHz - all the details are there, with most of them in the lower region.

Perhaps smart and well-read listeners will object here, because although people cannot hear sound above 20kHz, they can feel the presence of ultrasound (harmonic distortion), which has a positive effect on SQ. However, given that almost all popular audio formats are limited to 20kHz, we can conclude that most music is already limited within this limit; and, as a result, you don’t need to trust the new sound from headphones if their range goes beyond 20kHz.

Isodynamic

This type of headphone is based on a Hale emitter, a patent application for which was filed with the American Patent Office back in 1973. It was invented to produce louder and better sound from loudspeakers.

The advantages of isodynamic headphones are a significant power reserve and excellent playback quality. The radiating element in isodynamic headphones is a rectangular membrane, for which a thin Teflon film was used, coated with aluminum in the form of rectangular strips. The membrane is installed between magnets that form a powerful magnetic field. The current causes the plate to vibrate, and this is what the human ear perceives.

Are IEMs worth the money?

It often turns out that regular (on-ear) headphones sound better than IEMs at the same price. However, IEMs have their own advantages over other types of headphones, such as noise isolation and portability, which are also worth considering. You have to decide what your priorities are, what is best for you: SQ, portability or something else? What, when and where are you going to use your headphones? Once the decision is made, you need to decide on a budget and go to some audio forum (doctorhead.ru, pleer.ru, hi-fi.ru), look for what you want or ask people (for the thousandth time ).

Dynamic

The most common type of headphones. They are based on an electrodynamic type of transformation. In a part inaccessible to the buyer without third-party tools, there is a membrane to which a coil of wire is connected. Under the influence of alternating current, the installed magnet creates a magnetic field that is transmitted to the membrane.

Despite the fact that from an acoustic point of view, this design is considered the most primitive and has a number of disadvantages, the improvement of technology and the use of new solutions by manufacturers make it possible to call dynamic headphones headphones with good sound quality.

What to choose if you have a budget?

IEMs can be broken down into price categories (subjective).
Lowest class in the segment, up to $50

, a sort of budget level - this includes dynamic IEMs, which provide relatively poor noise isolation (they often have a single flange tip, not foam). Their sound is slightly better or at the same level as that of earbuds. Usually in such models the bass predominates; sometimes you also come across headphones with good high frequencies. In general, everything is very similar to earbuds, but with insulation.

Price from $50 to $100

, - essentially entering the class, the first level of real IEMs. There are dynamic headphones with the best SQ, and single-sided armature headphones. Any earbuds under ~$100 are worse than headphones in this category.

Price from $100 to $300

, - middle class IEMs. Here there are headphones with dynamic and two-way (armature) transducers. For most music lovers, these are high-end headphones. With this budget, you can find custom headphones or assemble them (by ordering modding) for yourself. Perhaps the best value for money among IEMs.

The price is higher $300

, - headphones of the highest class, - Hi-End, if officially. Often, in this range the price is clearly overpriced (it can easily be over $1000). As for quality, in reality there are no special advantages compared to what the manufacturer advertises and how it positions itself.

Be careful. Firstly, you need to look at the official price, on the manufacturer’s website and specifically for the country where the headphones were produced, or in which country the company is based - often manufacturers for some countries (including Russia) inflate the cost. Secondly, price is often determined by demand.

And, most importantly, do not trust the instructions above 100% (the market price cannot reflect the value): it happens that great IEMs can become undervalued, or not great ones can become overvalued. The best way to choose is to go to the store and listen, or read the relevant forums, ask experienced people.

Vacuum headphones - rating 2022

It will be interesting to know which models users choose. Here are the best in-ear headphones, according to many:

1. Beyerdynamic Byron BTA
   . The device is equipped with a microphone and is valued for its excellent sound, ease of use, and durability.
2. Meizu EP51
   . A reliable device with an affordable price and good sound.
3. Sony MDR-XB50AP
   . The model is a headset for a smartphone, has good bass sound and low cost.
4. Vacuum headphones JBL T110BT
   . A mid-price wireless option, equipped with a microphone, with rich sound.
5. Xiaomi Hybrid Dual Drivers Earphones
   . A budget model of good quality, there is a microphone, dynamic and armature driver.
6. Panasonic RP-HJE125
   . One of the best budget devices with good sound.
7. Shure SE425
   . The model is not cheap, but it is wear-resistant and has the purest sound.

Custom headphones

Rice.
13. UE11 Pro, costing over $1000 (but not all that bad). This is a product created from scratch in an acoustic laboratory: specialists calculate all the factors affecting sound and create headphones that best suit both the shape of your ears and your perception of sound.

As a rule, headphones in this category break records in price among others, but not without budget brands (for example, “mylivewires”), of course; - high quality and at an affordable price, unlike, for example, products, sometimes even the same hardware component is used.

There are a few things you need to know before purchasing custom headphones.

For headphones to impress you, they need to be properly “fitted” to your ears, but even the most perfect fit with the most ideal headphones cannot compare to real professional, “audiophile” headphones. In addition, the “adjustment” may have to be done several times, because the material (less often the ears) can become deformed, which will lead to another waste of money - all this clearly confirms the main disadvantage of IEMs - high cost.

For a very long time it was considered what material (soft or hard) the nozzles should be made of in order to create the best comfort and seal; and lately the trend is more towards soft attachments, even among professionals. However, there are studies that believe that there is no clear advantage between the materials, arguing that this is the Streisand effect.

Unlike conventional IEMs, the product life cycle is quite short and is estimated to be around 4 years, but there is no definitive answer on this matter; — a lot depends on physiology. The reason is interesting - your ears will grow and change. As a consequence of this, you simply will not be able to insert them one “fine” day. You will need to make a new impression, and so on for several years. It happens that some companies do not make new tips for old headphones (remolding), but offer the same, new model at a discount (or without, which is less common). There are also companies that will make tips for you, even if you don’t have their headphones, it’s just profitable for them.

Perhaps many will be interested: how does the manufacturer know the shape of my ear, if he is located somewhere in another country, but has never been to Russia - everything is simple - you make a cast (~ 1 thousand - 3 thousand rubles) and send to the manufacturer.

⇡#Cable

In the description of headphones you can often find the term “one-way/two-way connection”. This means that the design of these headphones is made in such a way that the wire fits either only one of the ear cups, or has a Y-shape and fits both cups.

One-way headphones

Two-way headphones

The terms “balanced” and “unbalanced” cable usually refer to portable in-ear or in-ear headphones. The design of the headphones with a balanced cable means that the wire is Y-shaped. An unbalanced cable allows you to throw the longer cable of one of the headphones behind your neck. These headphones are more comfortable to wear - when they are not in use, they simply hang on your neck.

The cable may also be listed as “flat” in the headphone description. This means that the headphone wire is shaped like a telephone cable, popularly called a noodle. The advantage of a flat cable is that it does not get tangled.

The wire on studio headphones can be twisted, that is, twisted into a spiral.

List of manufacturers

And finally, in order. Universal IEMs:

• AIAIAI
• AKG
• Apple
• Atomic Floyd
• Audio-Technica
• BeyerDynamics
• Bose
• Brainwavz by MP4Nation
• Creative
• Cresyn (Korea)
• CrossRoads (Singapore)
• Denon
• DUNU (China)
• EarSonics (France)
• ECCI (China)
• Etymotic
• Final Audio Design (Japan)
• Fischer Audio (Russia)
• Future Sonics
• Grado
• Head-Direct / HiFiMAN
• Hippo (Singapore)
• JBL (USA)
• j-phonic (Japan)
• JAYS
• JVC
• Kenwood
• Klipsch
• Maximo
• MEElectronics
• Microsonic Music
• Monster
• NuForce
• Ortofon (Japan)
• OVC (China)
• Phiaton
• Phonak (Swiss)
• Radius (Japan)
• Sennheiser
• Shure
• Sleek Audio
• SonoCore (Korea)
• Sony
• SoundMAGIC (China)
• Spider
• SunRise-Audio (Vietnam)
• Thinksound
• Ultimate Ears
• V-moda
• ViSang (China)
• Vsonic (China)
• Westone
• Woodees
• Xears (Germany)

Custom IEMs:

• 1964 Ears (with reshell service, US)
• Advanced Communication Solutions (UK)
• Alien Ears (with reshell service, US)
• Ambient Acoustics (Ukraine)
• Canal Works (Japan)
• Clear Tune Monitors
• Compact Monitors (Germany)
• DRM Earz
• EAR inc.
• EarPower (Italy)
• EarSonics (France)
• EarSound Customs
• Fabulous Earphones (Germany)
• Fidelity Custom Earphones
• Fisher Hearing (with reshell service, US)
• FitEar (Japan)
• Future Sonics
• Insono (France)
• JH Audio
• Kozee Solution (with reshell service, US)
• LiveWires
• Microsonic Music
• Minerva Hearing Protection (UK)
• Puretone Music
• Rooth (with resehll service, China, via Japan distributor)
• Sensaphonics
• Sleek Audio (with custom artwork service)
• Spiral Ear (Poland)
• StarKey
• Thousand Sound (China)
• Ultimate Ears
• Unique Melody (with reshell service, China)
• WanXuan (Hong Kong)
• Westone
• Xtreme Ears (Brazil)

⇡#Wire may not be needed

Headphones do not necessarily have to be connected to the sound source by wire; there are also wireless versions that can work remotely, without any connecting cables. Wireless headphone models (with rare exceptions) have lower sound quality, which is explained by losses during signal transmission over the airwaves, and sometimes by data compression.

Wireless headphones operate from power sources built into the case, the service life of which usually ranges from several hours to several days. The source of signal transmission is the base. The base can be a stationary docking station connected to any line input, or a portable module connected to any analog audio source or USB port.

Wireless models use three main methods of signal transmission - via radio, via infrared, and via Bluetooth. When transmitted over radio frequencies, sound is inevitably accompanied by on-air interference. The infrared port option is a thing of the past, an outdated technology that requires the listener to have his receiver sensor on the headphones in the line of sight of the transmitter. Wireless headphones using Bluetooth technology have a relatively short range, about ten to twenty meters, while radio headphones can operate at a distance of up to 100 meters or more. Many portable devices, including smartphones and MP3 players, can work with wireless Bluetooth headphones.

What is it and what are stereo headphones?

Stereo headphones have a stereo form factor. They have two channels (right and left) through which the sound signal is sent separately. It is worth noting that in order to reproduce two-channel sound, the sound itself must be recorded in a two-channel system. All modern sound tracks have these parameters, and almost all headphones are now equipped with stereo sound. In a stereo system, we get a cleaner, more spacious, powerful sound in which you can hear hundreds of shades. This means that when listening to music and other audio files, when watching movies, the user gets maximum pleasure and can perceive sound nuances that were not available before, when single-channel audio systems dominated the market.

Mono headphones are a rarity these days. They are no longer produced.

Stereoscopic models come in a variety of forms, they can be with or without microphones, wired or wireless, universal or recommended for combination with certain devices.

⇡#A few words about headsets

Headphones with a microphone are called a headset. The microphone can be detached, turning the headset into regular headphones, can be rotated to the side when it is not needed, and can be rigidly attached to the connecting cable of the device.

The computer headset can be connected either directly to the headphone and microphone jacks on the sound card, or using a USB audio adapter, which may be included.

Many well-known headphone manufacturers have recently begun to release special modifications of their time-tested models, giving them support for Apple devices. Models such as the Sennheiser MM 70i and Koss PRODJ200 have an additional microphone and a remote control for quick access to some smartphone options. However, mobile headsets are a separate class of devices with a wide range of functions, the consideration of which is beyond the scope of this review.

By purpose

Depending on where and for what purposes you will use headphones, you can also distinguish several types.

• Stationary headphones

  , which are commonly used at home. What are they? Most often they are full-size, open (less often closed) and high-impedance, if there is an amplifier.

• Monitor headphones

  , used for work in the studio: full-size, high-impedance, for work on stage: reinforced in-channel.

• Gaming headphones
  for gamers look like this: full-size with a microphone. They are not suitable for listening to music, since their purpose is to sit comfortably on the ears for a long time and have “raised” bass (for explosions, gunshots, etc.).

• Portable headphones
  , which are used to listen to music from a phone, player, etc. They are compact, low-impedance with high sensitivity. The form factor can be any, as they say, according to taste and color...

• A headset
  is a compact headphone with a microphone that can even have one “ear” and is used for hands-free conversations.

• Sports headphones
  are most often in-ear, but recently they have been actively using on-ear headphones, namely AirPods, and you can also find on-ear headphones among them. Requirements for sports headphones: fit securely in (on) the ears when running without creating discomfort, have additional protection from water (headphones for swimming) and dust, be wireless. Sound quality is usually not given enough attention here.

All characteristics of headphones, even those that seem to relate only to design, affect the sound they produce. Select several models that meet your needs and tasks that you want to solve with headphones, then compare the selected models with each other through live listening. Only your ears will tell you the right choice. Happy shopping that won't disappoint you!