Best Around Ear Headphones
A majority of users are not satisfied with the sound quality of headphones that come with the iPod or MP3 player package. Therefore, many a time they opt for an upgrade to a better one. Headphones available in stores today are embedded with impressive technology such as noise cancellation, wireless function, and good sound-enhancing features. Few of the best headphone manufacturing brands are Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, JVC, Creative, and others. In the following, you will get to know some of the best over-the-ear headphones available from these brands and also some aspects of the features and estimated prices.
List of the Best Around Ear Headphones
Sony MDR-NC500D
Sony is probably the most reliable brand when it comes to products related to music and sound. The best from the company is the MDR-NC500D headphone, which the brand advertises as the 'World's First Digital Noise Canceling Headphones'. This noise cancellation device is believed to reduce up to 99% of surrounding unwanted noise. The $400 headphone also consists of a built-in monitor which enables the user to listen to surrounding sounds, without the need for actually taking off the headphones.
Sennheiser HD 800
If you are thinking about best sound quality, and a comfortable fit, these are for you. The HD 800 headphones are most appropriate for long music listening sessions. Moreover, this model is suitable to be used in music studios or just for general music listening. Its 56-mm-wide transducer contributes to a crystal clear sound. Some might think that a price tag of about $1,500 is not affordable.
Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic
Bose is also a known manufacturer of audio products, with QuietComfort 3 Acoustic being an ideal example. These headphones are a combination of a good fit, quality sound, and a decent price. The ear-cups can be rotated up to 90 degrees, which makes it easy to carry. It is implemented with the trademarked Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology which electronically reduces unwanted sounds. You may have to pay about $350 for these noise cancelling headphones.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint
A positive point about these headphones is that they have a very thumping bass response and clear treble. Also, their ear-cups have a cushioned padding which gives comfort to ears of any size. They provide both active and passive noise-canceling functions, which eventually reduces incoming surrounding sounds by 90%. It's a suitable accessory for the iPhone, iPod, MP3 player, or in-flight entertainment. The company has set the price of this model at around $200.
Sony MDR-XB700
This is another performance headphone from Sony which is mainly meant to provide an enriching bass response. They are incorporated with 50 mm drivers with low frequencies that give out the bass. Moreover, due to its acoustic design, the sound is not leaked out of the ear-cups. The big ear cushions help the user to keep the headphones on for a longer duration without a problem. These are the best home use headphones at a price of just about $130.
Denon AH-D7000
It is said that the housing material used to make this product is real mahogany and rosewood. It most importantly consists of the Acoustic Optimizer and transducer technology which enhances the sound quality. It has soft leather ear pads and a lightweight headband which is why a person can keep them on for hours. Keeping aside all technical specs, the D7000 is available for around a $1000. This product comes in to the top-line offerings from the brand.
These are some of the best around ear headphones for an iPod or any other MP3 player. Note that the aforementioned rates are approximate and may change as per company pricing policies. In order to get a fuller range of other good alternatives, it is suggested to visit the company showroom or the regional website for more details on products.
