Choosing the perfect headphones

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Look no further: headphones have become much more than a simple tool for listening to music. They're almost fashion accessories, and a way of asserting one's style and belonging to a "tribe", so important to teenagers. But you can also offer high-quality headphones to a music-loving adult, to give him or her a remarkable listening experience.

Design has become an important criterion in the choice of headphones. However, don't forget that sound quality must remain the priority, as unfortunately some headphones prioritize style over sound performance, and above all keep in mind the listening needs of the person you're giving them to.

With the multitude of brands and models currently available on the market, it's sometimes difficult to choose the headset that best suits the user's needs. To help you find your way around, La Fnac publishes a number of buying guides and high-tech tips, including how to choose headphones.

There are two main categories of headphones: sedentary headphones and nomadic headphones, which correspond to different usage needs, as we shall see in this article.

Sedentary headphones for comfort

Sedentary headphones stand out for their sound quality, for typical living-room listening.

There are two main types to choose from, depending on your preferences:

• closed-back headphones for optimum isolation (you're in your own bubble and won't disturb your neighbors) and generally richer bass reproduction
  
  
• open-air headphones for a more airy, spacious sound reproduction, while remaining in tune with the outside environment.

UHF headphones, also known as TV headphones, are sedentary headphones specially designed for listening to TV without disturbing those around you. They are distinguished by their wireless operation, connecting to a receiver attached to your TV set.

On the move with nomad headphones

Nomadic headphones are the ideal choice for their light weight, their ability to withstand movement and their resistance to the elements. They'll go everywhere with you!

Bluetooth headsets, currently the market leaders, are prized for their practicality and lightness. Since the advent of smartphones, they offer an attractive alternative to wired models.

Their great specialty is digital sound processing, including active noise reduction. They offer a significant reduction in ambient noise, for an immersive listening experience.

Most offer touch control and some have a microphone, an ideal combination with a smartphone.

To recap, if you're looking for a nomadic headset, opt for closed-back or in-ear headphones with Bluetooth and possibly active noise reduction for practical use on the move.

For sedentary use, choose closed-back headphones for immersive listening, or open-back headphones if you're a keen audiophile and enjoy a quiet environment.

Circum or supra-aural? And in-ear? What are they?

There are two types of headphones, depending on your preference in terms of comfort and sound reproduction:

• supra-aural headphones sit on the ear without covering it completely, offering superior comfort and a feeling of lightness.
  
  
• circum-aural headphones completely cover the ear, providing better passive isolation and a wider sound environment.

In-ear headphones are what we commonly call "earbuds", sold in pairs and fitted with a silicone tip that slides into the ear canal. Increasingly, they are also wireless, chosen for their practicality on the move, enabling you to listen to music or podcasts on public transport, for example.

Warning : it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with the use of headphones, particularly as regards hearing problems due to excessive sound volumes. It is important not to wear headphones when driving motorized vehicles, for road safety reasons and to avoid accidents.

When you give the gift of headphones this Christmas, you're giving your loved ones an immersive auditory experience. Whether it's to immerse yourself in a musical universe, relax listening to an audio book, experience a film intensely or lose yourself in a video game, headphones guarantee greater immersion and perception of sound details.

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