If you are a music enthusiast, you may also be picky with your streaming equipment and tools. Before you buy something as seemingly regular as a pair of headphones, you will do your research – watch YouTube videos, and read articles, like you are doing now. Whether you are looking for headphones for music production or gaming tournaments, this guide will teach you the basics of choosing the best vintage style headphones. And we will recommend our favorites to give your ears a pleasant treat and your finances a relief.
How to Pick a Good Pair of Headphones
Your mixing headphones can make or break your music production experience. Or, if you are just really into music and enjoy shutting yourself away with quality sounds blasting through your ears, you are not alone. Even gamers appreciate the importance of good audio. It would not be shocking if you fall into all three categories. Choosing the best vintage style headphones will be even more integral. The following tips can help you make the right choice.
Determine What You Will Primarily Use it For
This will play a massive role in narrowing down your options from the diverse pairs of headphones on the market. If you prefer to block out the world, you would like a pair with active noise cancellation features. And if you enjoy jogging or working out, you need in-ear headphones because they are portable and will sit snugly in your ears. But if you will spend a long time wearing your headphones, as a music enthusiast, gamer, or producer, you need a comfortable and efficient pair. The next point will make it easier to determine what headphones suit your lifestyle best.
Choose Your Preferred Headphone Variation
Picking the best headphone variation will determine how you look forward to grabbing your pair before or after a long day. If they sit comfortably on your ears, like over-ear headphones, you will want to use them every time. The best brands build theirs with super soft materials–each cup envelopes your ears and leaves enough space between them and the speakers. Ultimately, music producers prefer them because they can be worn for a long time and give off the best music quality. Additionally, over-ear headphones do not apply too much pressure on your temple, and your jaw is the only other part of your face that may feel the effects of wearing these listening devices. And when you choose between the open-back and closed-back headphones, you get to determine if some of your favorite music filters into the air for others to hear, like the former, or if you want it all to yourself, like the latter. Closed-back headphones will not leak your music out, even though the sound reverberates. On the other hand, the open back will not resonate, but it does not keep the music in. On-ear headphones have a firmer grip on your ears and temples. You can call them muff style headphones, but the thing about them is they are more viable to sound leakage. And they may get too tight after a while. However, the chances that they will make your ears sweat are slimmer. The final variation is the in-ear headphone, which is just what you think. You plug this directly into your ears and may be able to face your tasks without getting entangled with the wires. The sound quality, though, will barely stand alongside the other pairs of headphones.
Determine the Resolution
The typical headphone offers audio that falls between 20 hertz and 20-kilohertz resolution. However, some brands offer you a higher resolution, as much as 50 kilohertz. This will probably not matter to you if you do not care about the intricacies of music. But if you would like to appreciate them, perhaps because of music production, you will appreciate headphones with a high resolution.
Consider the Impedance
For better detail from the music, you may consider a higher impedance. Anything north of 25 ohms will do, but you need a device that is just as powerful because these headphones are more advanced and sensitive than the average option.
Wired or Wireless Variations
The presence of a wire can also determine how you enjoy using your headphones. If you will be using them everywhere, you might consider a wireless pair. Or an option that has an audio jack that can be detached. Some brands offer you the best of both worlds. In contrast, corded headphones will be excellent for a better gaming experience. It will also be great for any activity that does not require you to move around too often.
Choose the Extra Features
Now, let us talk about the extra features! This is probably the best part, even though bells and whistles may not necessarily mean you are buying quality or longevity. The features you want to really look out for include longer battery life, especially if you are going for wireless headphones, superb sound quality, this is a no-brainer, and strong chassis. The ear design or ear cups will also determine if you have fond memories of your headphones.
The Best Vintage Style Headphones
Without further ado, let us consider the best vintage style headphones for your pocket and finances:
1. Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones
Pros
- 101 dB SPL sensitivity
- Superb bass quality
- Excellent ear design
Cons
- Lacks volume control buttons
2. JVC Blue Flat and Colorful Headphones
Pros
- Soft and comfortable ear pads
- Striking design
- Superb noise cancellation feature
Cons
- Somewhat fragile
3. Sony ZX Series
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Super affordable
- Delivers excellent frequency response
Cons
- Lacks noise cancellation
4. Sony ZX110 Over-Ear Dynamic Stereo Headphones
Pros
- Noise cancellation
- Additional bass
- Excellent sound quality
Cons
- Corded
5. Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones
Pros
- Headphone jack included
- Strong battery life
- Quality bass
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
Conclusion
As you may have guessed it, we saved the best for last. Our all-time favorite vintage headphones are the Major Marshall headphones which can be connected to gaming devices or a record player. They also make excellent mixing headphones. The most affordable vintage style headphones have been explored in this article. You will no doubt enjoy your experience with any one you choose from our list.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did they have headphones in the 90s?
The history of headphones dates as far back as the early 1900s. By the 90s, technology had already taken the concept of music to another level, providing us with wireless and wired headphones at fair prices.
2. Are vintage headphones worth the price?
Yes, when used well, you will enjoy your headphones for a long time. And they are not often pricey, so double win!
