Headphones

[Doopliss64]

So, I've recently been considering upgrading my headphones (I currently have what I perceive to be a "good but not great" set of Skullcandy cans). I am very noobish in this subject area and was looking specifically for someone to detail the difference between "over-ear" and "around-ear" headphones. Yes, I know what they look like, but I was wondering if there was a difference in the audio quality, or the "sound" of the headphones. I haven't really been able to ascertain anything other than "around-ears close off sound."

 

[SnowyGamester]

That's probably the main difference, they keep the sound in and keep the other sound out...I don't know about how it actually might change the sound, but in my experience it seems to come out a bit 'thicker' for lack of a better word (I'm not really an audio connoisseur, but if you try listening to a few and comparing you'll probably get what I mean). Probably preferable assuming all of the other components perform equally well, though over ears won't always win out depending on the quality of whatever you're comparing. That being said, from what I understand Skullcandy should be avoided, not because they're bad, but overpriced for what you're getting (I can't speak from experience, but I'm sure there will be people to back me up), so probably don't buy more of those. I'm a fan of Logitech myself...usually high enough quality and good value for money by comparison. Turtle Beach are also supposed to be really good, if a little overpriced in my opinion.

 

[Doopliss64]

That's probably the main difference, they keep the sound in and keep the other sound out...I don't know about how it actually might change the sound, but in my experience it seems to come out a bit 'thicker' for lack of a better word (I'm not really an audio connoisseur, but if you try listening to a few and comparing you'll probably get what I mean). Probably preferable assuming all of the other components perform equally well, though over ears won't always win out depending on the quality of whatever you're comparing. That being said, from what I understand Skullcandy should be avoided, not because they're bad, but overpriced for what you're getting (I can't speak from experience, but I'm sure there will be people to back me up), so probably don't buy more of those. I'm a fan of Logitech myself...usually high enough quality and good value for money by comparison. Turtle Beach are also supposed to be really good, if a little overpriced in my opinion.

Actually, I did do some research. Everybody seems to be very opinionated, so it's hard to get a good consensus on what the best brands are. But "NOT Skullcandy" seemed to be a common thread, and my experiences seem to support this. They'll just give up on certain high notes. "Not for $40 you're not getting that note!" they seem to say.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

Actually, I did do some research. Everybody seems to be very opinionated, so it's hard to get a good consensus on what the best brands are. But "NOT Skullcandy" seemed to be a common thread, and my experiences seem to support this. They'll just give up on certain high notes. "Not for $40 you're not getting that note!" they seem to say.

That's pretty much my input as well. Skullcandy are positively rubbish. Get some Sennheisers. As for specific tiny differences between over ear and around ear, I'm simply not enough of an audiophile to help you. I do prefer over ear to IEM for music though, but I still use a pair of decent IEMs for commuting...my Senns are just too clunky for that.