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October 31, 2006

Portable Headphones

Why would I pay extra for another pair of headphones? My portable music player came with a set.

There are a couple of reasons why you might want another pair of headphones (sometimes called 'phones or cans). First, the sound quality of stock headphones suffers in comparison with many aftermarket models. In addition, you may find that aftermarket headphones may provide a more comfortable fit than the factory pair.

How much does a set of portable headphones cost?

Some buyers spend upwards of $300 for a premium pair of ’phones, but with research and careful shopping, you can get a nice set for as little as $15. While spending a lot of money on headphones will probably not transform your life, you may be surprised at how much more musical detail you can discern when listening through a good set of cans.

What different types of headphones are available?

A wide array of portable headphone configurations have emerged over the past two decades. Within each type, you are likely to find a few models which improve upon the headphones that came with your portable stereo. The first step to finding a good pair of portable headphones is deciding which variety you prefer; the major options are detailed in this section.

• Earbuds: Perhaps the most common form of portable headphones today, earbuds are roughly the size of a dime and fit into the external part of the ear.
  Earbuds are capable of producing good sound, but their bass can be lacking in some cases. Some users find that achieving a good fit can be difficult. In addition, vigorous exercise can dislodge earbuds, which are frequently held in place only by friction. Still, their small size makes them convenient and their relatively low price puts them within reach of most consumers.
• Over the head: Headphones with an over-the-head band are the most traditional design. This tried-and-true configuration allows for comfortable support of larger speaker drivers than other styles, as the effects of gravity are counterbalanced by the headband. There are two main problems with this style. First, the headband can destroy a carefully coiffed hairdo, and second, even models which fold are still fairly cumbersome compared to other options.
• Behind the head: This type of headphones, popularized by Sony’s “Street Style” product line, moves the band from the top to the back of the head, thus avoiding the hair-mussing threat. Though there are exceptions, purists sometimes scoff at behind-the-head earphones, which they view as focusing more on style than sound quality.
• Ear clips: These headphones are held in place by clips which wrap behind each ear. Often using similar drivers to over-the-head models, this style of headphones is capable of excellent sound quality. They are also a good bet for exercise, as the clips keep the speaker drivers securely in place. The main problem with ear clips is comfort. Some users, particularly eyeglasses wearers, can’t get used to the retaining clips.
• Noise-Canceling Headphones : Unlike most of the other entries in this list, “noise canceling” refers to a technology rather than an earphone style. Tiny microphones mounted on each earpiece pick up external noise, and circuitry within the headphones attempts to cancel out these external sounds by generating an acoustically opposing signal. This technology is not a solution for all types of noise, though. It works best when removing constant, low-pitched, droning sounds (such as passenger jet engine noise) rather than transient sounds (like human speech). These headphones are bulkier than other types of portable ’phones in order to accommodate the electronic sound processing circuitry and its attendant batteries. Still, frequent air, rail, or bus travelers may find the noise reduction benefits of these ’phones to be worth the size penalty.
  
• Canalphones: Sometimes called “in-ear monitors,” canalphones act like earplugs with tiny speakers embedded inside. They do a great job of blocking nearly all external noise, making them a good alternative to noise-canceling headphones on planes, trains and buses. In fact, they can be a little too effective in blocking noise to use while walking or jogging on busy streets. In addition to their isolating qualities, high-end canalphones offer arguably the best sound reproduction of all the portable headphone types.
  
  There are two downsides to canalphones. First, people who find earplugs uncomfortable will probably not tolerate canalphones well. Second, a good pair of in-ear monitors can be significantly more costly than other portable headphone choices. But if you’re serious about getting the most from your portable audio experience, you owe it to yourself to audition a pair of canalphones.
  

Is there anything else I can do to improve the sound quality of my portable stereo?

Assuming you’ve already upgraded your headphones and have some money to spare, you might consider getting an external headphone amplifier. A battery-powered external amplifier eliminates the compromises inherent in the electronics of portable music devices and allows your headphones to really sing. If your player has one, use the line-out connection rather than the headphone jack. The sound will be cleaner, as you’ll be bypassing the internal amplifier completely.

The downsides to headphone amplifiers are obvious. First, they can be pricey, costing at least $50 for a decent homemade amp on eBay (commercial models are often over $150). Perhaps more significantly, headphone amps add an extra box and cable to your portable music system. Except for the very smallest units, amps aren’t really suitable for use while exercising. They are better used while stationary.

There are so many choices. How do I know what kind to try?

First, determine your main objectives for upgrading your headphones, and then do some research to discover which types and models best meet your needs. For example, if you’re looking for a good set of ’phones to use while running on city streets, you might audition some ear clip models or over-the-head models which will keep the headphones in place without blocking external sound completely. Use the sites listed in the resources section to aid in your research.

Resources

• Head-fi.org headphones forum : Perhaps the best single source of headphone information on the net, this lively discussion group debates the merits of specific headphone models 365 days a year. They also have a good forum for headphone amplifiers.
• Headwize: Another site featuring discussion forums on headphones and amplifiers. Their series of articles ( http://headwize.com/articles/index.htm ) on headphones
  is informative.
• Headroom : An online retailer of headphones and amps, Headroom has surprisingly candid reviews of the models they sell. The headphone neophyte can learn a lot by reading the material on this Web site.

Posted by moetting at 11:39 AM | Comments (0)

October 4, 2006

iPods and Car Stereos: Making the Connection

Why would I want to connect my iPod to my car stereo?

If you have ever been annoyed by tiresome radio personalities or frustrated by the need to juggle several CDs to find a specific song while driving, you may be surprised how easy it can be to enable your car to play your iPod audio. Solutions exist for nearly every budget and car stereo. Keep in mind that some of the techniques described below will work with other brands of MP3 players besides the Apple iPod.

Is my car already iPod enabled?

Automobile manufacturers have begun to recognize the growing consumer demand in this area. Ford, Mazda and General Motors have announced broad support for the iPod by offering car stereo integration in 70% of their combined 2007 models.

Even if your car is not brand new, it may still have some built-in iPod support. If it does, consider yourself lucky, as you’ll be able to enjoy great sound quality without spending much additional money. There are two levels of iPod connectivity which your factory car stereo might provide:

• iPod dock support :
  A dock connection gives the best possible sound quality and may permit you to change tracks or artists using your car stereo controls. In some cases, you’ll even be able to leave your iPod connected to the car stereo in an inconspicuous location like the glove compartment, making it less of a target for theft. A dock connection usually provides power, ensuring that your iPod’s battery won’t die midway through your road trip to Cleveland.
• Auxiliary input support : The second form of factory stereo support is via an auxiliary input connection. This usually appears as a small round jack on the front of your stereo labeled “Aux.” or “Aux. In.” All you will need to get connected is a 1/8 " to 1/8 " stereo mini-plug cable, which goes between the iPod’s headphone jack and the stereo’s auxiliary input jack. Unlike the more advanced dock connection described previously, you’ll need to use the iPod’s controls to navigate your music library.
  

Other connection options

What if your factory stereo doesn’t offer any form of direct iPod support? Fear not; you still can take your iPod’s music library on the road. Some are do-it-yourself (DIY), while others usually require professional installation.

 

DIY iPod connection options

There are a couple of ways you can connect an iPod to your stereo without major surgery. While these options don’t offer CD-quality sound, they are simple to implement and can be moved from car to car, making them ideal for use in rental cars. As with an auxiliary input connection, these options rely on your iPod to control the music.

• DIY option 1: FM transmitter. An FM transmitter is a small device which connects to your iPod and broadcasts to an unused FM station on your car stereo. They frequently cost between $25 and $90, depending on additional features like an integrated mount or battery charger. Sound quality is usually adequate, but may suffer in urban areas where there is little space between stations on the FM dial. Still, where portability is imperative, an FM transmitter may be your best bet.
• DIY option 2: cassette tape adapter. Cassette tape adapters look like ordinary audio tapes fused to a three-foot-long cable. Simply plug the cable into your iPod’s headphone jack, insert the cassette adapter into your stereo, and press play on both units. Obviously you’ll need a car stereo with a tape player, and these are increasingly difficult to find in new cars, having been phased out in favor of CD players. Sound quality is generally good from these adapters, which can be found for less than $25.

 

Professionally installed iPod connection options

In most cases, professional installation of an iPod connection system will result in better sound quality than either of the do-it-yourself choices. These options are more expensive and difficult to undo in many cases:

• Professionally installed option 1: RF Modulator. An RF modulator (sometimes called an FM modulator) is similar to an FM transmitter in that you receive the signal with your FM radio. The sound quality is superior to an FM transmitter, though, because the RF modulator is hard-wired to your car stereo’s antenna connection. This type of connection has been used for years as a relatively simple means of adding CD changers to car stereos, so the technology is mature and tested. Sound quality is good, but not quite CD-quality because of the limitations inherent to FM radio. Expect to pay $75 to $150 after installation for an RF Modulator interface.
• Professionally installed option 2: CD-changer interface. Crafty engineers have figured out a way to add additional connectivity to factory car stereos through their [often unused] CD changer wiring. Most interfaces of this type provide a connection via standard stereo input jacks, but a few allow connection via the iPod dock, which will permit basic iPod control using the factory stereo. Either way, the resulting sound quality is top-notch. A CD-changer interface of this type will probably cost $125-$250 after installation if one is available for your car.
• Professionally installed option 3: New car stereo receiver. Like factory car stereos, third party car stereo receivers (sometimes called head units) offer varying degrees of iPod support. Some receivers enable you to navigate the iPod’s menu structure using the car stereo, while others merely add an auxiliary input to the front face. An iPod-ready car stereo with installation will cost upwards of $300, depending on the receiver you select and the difficulty of installation in your vehicle.

What about iPod mounting choices?

Unless your stereo connection method provides a dock connection and a means for controlling it, you’ll need to mount your iPod within easy reach of the controls. Here are a few common mounting solutions:

• Windshield mounts connect to the windshield with a suction cup. The variety which use a clamp to secure the suction cup make an especially solid bond.
• Dashboard mounts use an adhesive material to attach the iPod to the dash. They can provide a good semi-permanent solution, but may leave some adhesive residue upon removal.
• Vent mounts use the car’s vents to hold the iPod. These will leave no trace of installation after removal but cannot be easily transferred from car to car. Some car vents may be incompatible with this type of mount.
• Cup holder mounts: If your car’s cup holder is conveniently located and frequently vacant, these mounts may be just the ticket. But be careful. If your cup holder is designed to accommodate today’s capacious fountain drinks, a cup holder mounts may not work well.
• Vehicle-specific mounts: At least one company, Pro.Fit, makes iPod mounts which are tailored for specific vehicles. While these are more costly than some of the other mounting options, they will make for a “clean” and secure installation.

Regardless of the mounting solution you choose, make sure you can return the product if it won’t work in your vehicle, which is possible due to the large variation in vehicle interiors. Also, keep in mind that many mounting solutions are incompatible with certain iPod cases.

Final thoughts

Few things can make a car trip more enjoyable than listening to a wide variety of personally chosen audio tracks which you can change at will. By bringing your iPod into the car, you can really enliven your commute or road trip.

Resources

• iLounge forum devoted to iPod-car connectivity
• C|net’s article entitled “iPod your car”
• Crutchfield’s guide to iPod connectivity (Crutchfield is a large electronics retailer.)

Posted by moetting at 10:18 AM