So you‘ve got a new pair of headphones en route or are narrowing down your options. Awesome! But before you unwrap those new cans and start blasting your favorite tunes, it‘s absolutely essential that you test them thoroughly. Over 50% of headphone buyers report issues with comfort, fit or audio quality when not properly tested prior to regular use.
This definitive guide will equip you with expert knowledge on testing headphones, top-rated apps and tools, actionable tips and everything else you need to evaluate your new headphones. Let‘s dive in!
Why Proper Testing is Crucial
With so many headphone options on the market ranging from budget earbuds to high-end audiophile models, you want to verify what you‘re getting matches expectations and works properly before making them your daily drivers.
Issues like channel imbalances, poor frequency response, distortion on bass heavy tracks and loose fittings can sneak in even on popular headphones if you don‘t test for them. Identifying deficiencies early allows you to potentially replace or return for a proper functioning pair.
Bottom line: Proper testing protects your investment and ensures headphone satisfaction. You‘ll have peace of mind knowing any weaknesses and exactly how your latest headphones perform across your favorite music.
Key Audio Parameters to Test
Before testing, it helps to understand exactly what we‘re listening for. Here are 5 key parameters every pair of headphones should deliver:
Frequency Range
Human hearing spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Quality headphones should cover the full spectrum with bass you feel, crystal clear mids and airy treble.
Linear Frequency Response
All frequencies should be balanced without boosted or deficient bands. No muddy bass washing out mids or harsh piercing highs.
Stereo Imaging
Instruments and vocals evenly spaced left, right and center with proper channel separation. Centered sounds shouldn‘t pull too left or right.
Low Distortion
You‘ll want clean undistorted sound across volume levels without added rattles, echoes or hissing. A wide dynamic range capable of deep powerful lows and sparkling highs.
Comfort + Fit
A comfortable secure fit ensures optimal audio delivery every time you don them. Glasses shouldn‘t bump cups nor loose earbuds fall out.
Testing for these parameters consistently across a wide variety of audio allows you to reliably judge headphone performance.
Top Apps and Sites for Headphone Testing
Thankfully specialized apps and sites exists to put headphones through a battery of audio tests. Let‘s explore top options:
1. AudioCheck
AudioCheck is widely regarded as the most comprehensive headphone test platform. With over 50 different audio tests, you can geek out and explore frequency response charts, channel delays, driver matching and much more.
2. Headphone Test
Headphone Test delivers a nice all-in-one test site as well. Judge bass, mids and treble against sample tracks. Verify left and right driver channels work properly. And even try out binaural 3D audio samples.
3. Left/Right Stereo Test App
If you just want to quickly confirm left and right sides on mobile, then this Left Right Stereo Test app is perfect. Simple and effective.
4. Earphones Test+ App
For mobile users wanting deeper testing, Earphones Test+ evaluates frequency response, stereo width, dynamics and distortion. One of the most thorough testing apps available.
5. SoundID App
The SoundID app takes a personalized approach. Select your headphone model then let SoundID customize and test the frequency response tailored specifically to them.
| App/Tool | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| AudioCheck | Most comprehensive testing web platform |
| Headphone Test | Nice all-in-one testing site |
| Left/Right Stereo Test App | Quick stereo field confirmation |
| Earphones Test+ App | Robust audio testing via mobile |
| SoundID App | Personalized testing and headphone profiles |
This table summarizes top options across platforms capable of evaluating all key parameters. Browser-based sites allow thorough testing while mobile apps offer portability.
Continue reading for headphone testing best practices, buying considerations and proper setup. Your audio insight journey has just begun!
Key Testing Tips
Here are 8 key tips when testing new headphones:
1. Volume match against previous headphones using sine wave sweeps to better judge differences. Our ears perceive louder as better.
2. Try a wide variety of test tracks like binaural samples for 3D imaging, frequency sweeps to judge range limits, sine wave tests to detect resonances and classic songs in your favorite genres to check overall mixing.
3. Listen for any channel imbalance by panning test tones fully left/right and flipped monitoring only one ear at a time. Both sides should test equal in volume and frequency response.
4. Ensure proper channel separation with stereo field tests. Instruments should clearly shift between left, center and right positions.
5. Try compatible headphone apps like the Sennheiser Smart Control App which adds parametric EQs plus environment simulation presets. Custom test profiles further expand options.
6. Compare wireless vs wired connections on headphones offering both. Ideal to check if Bluetooth compression impacts sound quality when untethered.
7. Don properly for extended testing periods to also evaluate comfort, fit and isolation. Movement should not shift fit nor loosen seal. No pinching or hot spots either.
8. Listen at preferred volumes to simulate real world use. Be extra observant for any distortion, echoing or resonances creeping in. Turn up louder tracks and explosion sound FX to check robustness.
Following these best practices ensures you cover all basis. Now let‘s explore buying considerations.
Open-Back vs Closed-Back Considerations
Headphones come in open or closed-earcup designs greatly impacting sound. Here‘s what you need to know:
Closed-back headphones isolate sound in and out. Testing will reveal solid bass response and clarity even in noisy environments. Just ensure gaps don‘t leak audio.
Open-back designs trade isolation for expanded soundstages. You‘ll perceive increased width and depth ideal for classical music. Since open, do take care when increasing volumes.
Test both designs if torn to determine the better match. Closed suits travel while open excels home listening. Combining styles may be the ultimate solution!
Proper Setup Further Optimizes Testing
With knowledge comes wisdom. Before concluding, ensure your source equipment is set up properly:
Clean plugs – Inspect 3.5mm or quarter-inch plugs and port connections for dust, debris or bent pins shorting channels.
Quality source – Test using intended source equipment like your home stereo, phone, computer or portable DAC/amp. Upgrades may further improve driving power and amplification.
Audio formats – Stream test tracks at the highest possible quality levels. Testing lossy 128 kbps MP3s defeats the purpose when you‘ll actually listen to 320 kbps or lossless streaming.
Volume levels – Compensate for potentially louder desktop amps or underpowered mobiles. Volume match audio sources so factors aside from the headphones themselves don‘t skew results.
Environment – Find a quiet spot, eliminate background noises and position identical to actual use for most accurate testing.
Now enjoy scrutinizing every aspect of audio on those new headphones!
Confidently Choosing Your Next Headphones
Armed with insider expertise on parameters for judging quality, specialized apps elevating tests beyond our human hearing limits, actionable methodology to follow and gear setup advice… you‘re now equipped to confidently test and compare any set of headphones.
Trust your ears, listen across a wide span of audio sources and explore every aspect of sound. This full battery of tests will assure you select the very best match catered precisely to your taste.
Here‘s to many years of pristine personalized sound as you sensitively discern every delicate detail delivered through your newest headphones! Let me know in the comments which tests you found most valuable.
