The Strange 'Disappearing Headphone' Phenomenon or How Come I Never Use These Things?

[Khorn]

Over the years I've noticed that a lot of people will one time or another get all hot and excited about headphones. You read the various reviews ( there's usually a "darling wonder phone about twice a decade) and run out and buy the thing and, maybe a headphone amp in the bargain. Then after a rather brief love affair they end up sitting 'on the shelf' and hardly ever used.

Now I'm not saying this happens to everybody but, for those who have experienced this phenom and I've run into quite a few, why do you think it happens?

For those of you that consistantly use headphones for recreational listening eg: NOT for work, why do you do so instead of listening to your speaker system? aside from the obvious reason of having to keep the sound from disturbing others.

[Holy Zoo]

I do mostly for your mentioned 'obvious reason'. :)

Additionally, I do use headphones when doing audio work - mixing or mastering songs. Or when I'm de-clicking something that I've recorded from LP to CD.

It might be interesting to ask this same question (but put on your flame retardent suit first!) of the folks over at the Head-Fi forums:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums

They love their headphones like we love our well-mastered CDs. :D

HZ

[Khorn]

Originally posted by Holy Zoo


It might be interesting to ask this same question (but put on your flame retardent suit first!) of the folks over at the Head-Fi forums:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums

They love their headphones like we love our well-mastered CDs. :D

HZ

Why don't YOU do it. We'll watch:p :D

[aashton]

Thanks for posting that site Khorn - they have a really cool smilie

I sometimes wear my 'phones without anything playing so when my beloved asks me to do a chore I can just hum :D

All the best - Andrew

[Khorn]

Originally posted by aashton
Thanks for posting that site Khorn - they have a really cool smilie

Kudos go to Master HolyHacker-Z for the link

[Gary]

They're hot, :( heavy, :( the weight will eventually give you a headache, :( you are restricted by the length of your cord (with speakers you can still hear the music as you raid the 'fridge) :( and you get Headphone Hair :p .

For me they are just plain annoying. Of course I don't have the best pair in the world and I am sure (actually, I've seen solutions to some of my complaints on other 'phones) that other sets will alleviate the worst of the Headphone Hair :D but still.....

And the cost of a half decent pair can be a good chunk of change towards an upgrade! :)

I remember that Pete Townshend blamed a bottle of rye, headphones and guitar jamming as the reason for his tinnitis (sp?). Headphone wearers beware! :p

[lukpac]

Listening to loud music through speakers will give you hearing problems too - it's just easier to "turn it up" with headphones.

A good pair doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. While they have their quirks, I've been extremely happy with this pair that cost me well under $100.

Personally, I like being immersed in the sound, and like the ability to listen very closely to things.

And, with a portable system, you're a lot more free than you would be with a big stereo and speakers. Sure, I don't use my MiniDisc recorder for critical listening (although it is pretty good), but I love being able to take it anywhere.

[Steve Hoffman]

Originally posted by lukpac


Personally, I like being immersed in the sound, and like the ability to listen very closely to things.



Sigh. Too closely.

For me, years of working in Radio has cured me from ever putting on phones again, unless I'm overdubbing something!

Besides, the "music in the middle of my brain" thing that I used to love (when I was young and listening to my Doors open reel tapes) ended when I realized that I could finally afford speakers that sounded better than my headphones. A breakthrough!

(And I've never had to listen to a tape crease again!)

[Metralla]

Originally posted by Steve Hoffman
Besides, the "music in the middle of my brain" thing that I used to love
Steve, have you tried any of the processors like Headroom has in their amps that allows a little cross-fading between the channels to help reduce the effect you mentioned. I have a couple of the Headroom amps and I do enjoy the way their circuits help. When I turn it off - that's when I notice most what it was doing.

There are other units that function in a similar way.

Regards,
Geoff

[Steve Hoffman]

Well, that can really throw the balance of a mix off. Stuff like that drives me crazy.

:eek:

[lukpac]

Originally posted by Steve Hoffman
Sigh. Too closely.

Well, to each his own...

[Scott Wheeler]

At Disneyland the Moments with president Lincoln now has the audio on a binaural recording and the audience wears headphones (I think it's the new Lincoln attraction). Just like 3D movies, cool and anoying.