Stereo headphones are awesome! They are a great sound accessory…an accessory for the ipod or cell phone they are used for. However, as more and more people discover the true joy of being an audiophile (a music lover, especially with their Ipod and other MP3 players), they are discovering the value that a sound headphone provides. Not only to reduce outside sound, but also to create an environment to truly enjoy music.
As such, these new headphones are becoming more like a concert hall, more and more manufacturers are putting out their own models. Manufacturers like: Shure, SkullCandy, Ultimate Ears, Sony, Panasonic, Etymotic Research and many others.
So what kind of accessories can an audiophile get for their favorite music device? Here’s a sample:
Amplifiers are typically considered necessary for a large stereo system to drive the speakers. Something that is not required, of course, with an MP3 player. However, the bigger the speakers, the bigger the amp required! Since the beginning of sound, the small electrical current coming out of the listening devices was enough to power the listening device (such as the Walkman or portable stereo) had its own small built-in amplifier. But not anymore. Today’s audiophiles want great-sounding devices that need their own power supply for maximum enjoyment…whether it’s for volume or clarity. Enter the special headphone amplifier. These look just like regular amps but are slightly smaller. However, they are not as portable as the old-style headphones that plugged into listening devices with built-in amplifiers.
Briefcases are another essential. It can be frustrating to travel and not be able to find your headset. There is nothing worse than being on a plane and watching TV and trying to lip read! A carry case can be as simple as a small bag to store them.
Cable clips are a great way to keep your headphone cords from getting out of control while you’re listening to music. If there’s a sudden movement while plugged in, it can really hurt your ears, make your hair look terrible, knock off your glasses, or even damage your listening device. Clips keep cords out of harm’s way.
Any time you have a complex piece of machinery, you will need replacement parts. It’s no different with a headset. The most common replacement parts include connectors, cables, and ear pads, all of which can become disconnected from headphones with excessive use. If you only own cheap equipment, you could probably buy new, better-sounding equipment for less money than replacement parts. But if you’re a serious audiophile and want some serious sound, you’ll also want some spare parts in case the music makes you dance too loud!
Lastly, consider getting some rubbing alcohol or cleaning solution to keep everything sanitary. After all, they are around your ears and hair for a long period of time and can get a bit dirty and wax can build up on your stereo headphones after excessive use. Keep them clean and you’ll enjoy them more plus get a better sound from wax buildup.