Hi-Fi Corner Headphone FAQ

Hifi Corner stock and recommend Sennheiser, Beyer dynamic and Grado headphones.

Hi-Fi Corner are the oldest established audio specialist in Scotland, with stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Falkirk.

All Hifi Corner's FAQs are non technical and represent questions often asked by our customers. There are more technical sites elsewhere which cater for those requiring in-depth knowledge.

What is the difference between open and closed headphones?

'Closed' headphones are really 'closed backed' headphones where the speaker capsule is enclosed. This prevents some, but not always all, of the sound escaping. Open headphones let more sound escape.

The advantage of closed headphone is that they are quieter to other people in the room. Unfortunately, given a free choice, the majority of listeners prefer the openness and spaciousness of 'open' headphones.

Is there much difference between headphones?

Headphones are as individual as loudspeakers. You will find that between manufacturers and various models the sound is quite different and distinct. It is recognised within the industry that the two leading value for money brands are Sennheiser and Beyer. Sennheiser we believe having the biggest market share in the UK. The added difference between speakers and headphones is the 'comfort' factor. Cheaper headphones do not have the same design quality of their more expensive counterparts.

Modern headphone design has become lighter and more comfortable in the last twenty years.

What are the differences between cordless headphones?

Wireless headphones fall into three main categories.

• Loop systems which use a loop of wire around a room or listening area and work by induction. This is rare in the domestic market and becoming rare in the professional market where they have been replaced by other methods.
• Infra-red systems- Infra-red beams the signal to a receiver in the headphone. Better quality than a loop system but prone to interference, especially on budget models if you turn your head away from the signal.
• Wireless Systems- Now available giving great range and works through walls. Up to about 100 metres in distance, so now you can mow the lawn and listen to music at the same time!

Within the types above the higher priced models offer higher sound quality. We would suggest that if you are working on a very tight budget that you stay with conventional headphones.

What can go wrong with headphones?

Headphones are normally reliable, if they are likely to develop a fault it is normally immediately noticeable out of the box. However they also tend to be abused and misused and this results in failure. The most common problem is the cable which is commonly poorly wrapped and leads to breakage. Some headphones have replaceable leads, this is a good idea, as is replaceable ear cover for when they perish or become dirty. Quality brand such as Sennheiser and Beyer are reliable over the long term.

What are electrostatic headphones?

Electrostatic is a method of driving the speaker diaphragm. An ultra thin membrane is made to move by applying a current to it. Most electrostatic headphones require an 'energiser' a box of tricks to make the headphone work. The sound quality from quality electrostatics such as Stax or Sennheiser is quite superb, but so is the price which can reach from hundreds into many thousands of pounds.

What brands of Headphones do Hifi Corner stock?

Hi-Fi Corner stocks and recommends Sennheiser, and some Beyer models. Stax Electrostatics are available to special order.

Wireless sets from Sennheiser are normally in stock.

Hi-Fi Corner have customers not only throughout Scotland but in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our reputation extends throughout the UK.

If you didn't find the advice you were expecting please tell us so we can amend our pages. Thanks.

FAQs