We all love a good song. Music is a force of nature that can transport us to a different world. It can make us sing; it can make us dance; it can resonate with our souls; it can offer us a space where we can be alone; or it can be fine as something we use to get by in our everyday lives. However, we all know that what we listen with (i.e., headphones, speakers, etc.) is just as important as the music we listen to.
People may think that they all sound the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some people would like to step into the hobby but are a little intimidated because of the cost of entry. It can feel disheartening when you don’t like the sound of your expensive headphones because it feels like you didn’t get your money’s worth. It’s also difficult to know where to start – but fear not, as here are some we recommend to start your audiophile journey with.
Jargon To Know
Believe it or not, like the medical or art fields, audiophiles have some jargon that it’s best to become aware of now so you can better grasp the hobby. These are the basics, so if you know what these mean or just want the recommendations, then feel free to skip ahead.
There are two general types of headphones: “closed-backs” and “open-backs.” Closed-back headphones are more common because they block out noise and have more bass due to their construction, making them ideal earplugs. Open-backs often employ grills or vents instead of a solid material, which is great for soundstaging which is basically the equivalent of 3D in the audio world. These are great for studio use, but they let a lot of noise in and a lot of music out.
We all know about the bass, but the same can’t be said for its opposite, the top-end, which often refers to the treble tones of the guitar or the gentle pitter patter of the cymbals. They also come with jargon. If you like bassy headphones, you call them “strong,” and if not, you call them “muddy.” If you like top-end headphones, then they are “sparkly,” and if not, then they are “thin.” These are, of course, subjective rules of measurement and you can choose what sound you like.
Without further ado, here are some headphones you should definitely try out.
KZ ZSN Pro
To start things off strong, if you need quick earphones that you can ball up in your pocket and pull out whenever, then the KZ ZSN Pro is for you. This tiny speaker has great volume and a strong bass, making it great if you want to put the world on mute. They have uniquely designed cables that allow them to be durable, which is great for commutes, and the cables are also replaceable if they do break. This product costs around RM60, making it a great introductory product.
Samson SR850
The next kid on the block is the Samson SR850. This pair has received a lot of flak for being a clone of the AKG K240 (may you rest in peace, AKG), and that is true. You can even feel where it has cheapened out, preferring plastic over metal, but that’s where the problems end. For around RM100, these deliver incredible sound quality, as you are paying for the inside that makes the headphones work. The Samson SR850 are open-back headphones, but they are neutral-sounding with no extra bass or top-end, making them great reference headphones for editing videos or listening to music. This pair may be a clone, but it can still live up to its predecessor’s legacy. And if you want a closed-back version, feel free to try the SR880.
Grado SR60e/Grado SR60x
These are perhaps the lightest headphones on the list, but that doesn’t mean they produce low-quality sound. The Grado SR60e has a fantastic top-end quality that puts the spark in sparkly. Handmade in New York, these headphones deliver exceptional clarity, making them perfect for critical listening and allowing you to experience your favourite songs and movies differently. However, they are almost entirely open-back, which means the sound it produces bleeds like crazy, and the steep asking price of around RM400 can be too much for some. If you are new to the hobby, then it’s best to wait a while before getting this, but you should definitely get it if you are confident and comfortable in the hobby.
It’s All The Experience
These are some entry-level audiophile gear we wholeheartedly recommend to get started in the hobby. We would like to recommend more, but the prices will get pretty steep, real fast. These are meant to get your foot in the door, and you are very welcome to do more research if you are looking for a sound catered to you specifically. “Entry-level” may still seem expensive, but so are other hobbies, and if you’re hunting for a specific sound, go after that first.
If you are concerned about price and longevity, don’t be. Unlike games, phones, or PC parts, good headphones stay good for decades with the proper care. What’s more, you can also get vintage headphones secondhand at a reduced price with all the same quality; great headphones from the 1970s or 1980s are still great today. When all is said and done, music is an experience, and what’s most important is that you are enjoying your music the way you like it; that way, you can enjoy the hobby guilt-free.
Sources: Hippopx, Trusted Reviews [1], [2], KZ Audio, RTINGS.com, Flckr, Options, The Edge
