Headphones - Style Over Substance?
Owning a pair of headphones is more of a fashion statement these days, rather than for the primary use of sound quality. Ever since a number of brands entered the headphones market with off-the-wall designs along with creative marketing, the number of DJ style headphones worn in urban settings has increased. This begs the question; are we buying style over substance?
Pro the Statement
Scouring the internet of extreme sport websites, it is interesting to see the number of 'sports' headphones available for when you hit the slopes. How often you listen to music whilst you descend down the slopes is subjective to each snowboarder or skier yet I don't reckon it is high on the priority list. The headphones company which we all know and love (well, some do) changed the perception of headphones and we use headphones. With clever photography and the coolest models, the headphones company in question was able to tap into a market with a product that had no place. Saying that though, there are not many boarding stores across the globe that do not stock headphones. Those that are in the snow and skate board sanctum have an appreciation to surf and snow clothing. Looking the part is important, so having headphones to fit the mould is surely important too?
Against the statement
Looking good is important, yet surely, a pair of headphones should offer a crisp sound and a deep bass? Audiophiles pride themselves in possessing the best performance headphones, with all technical specifications and gadget buzzwords associated. Aesthetics for audiophiles is a bonus, very much the secondary feature to the overall product offering. Non-audiophiles should be mindful of just buying for looks though. Many of the fashion headphones found in extreme sports stores retail for $50+ so a hefty investment for an accessory.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the decision to buy a particular model of headphones is entirely up to you. Whether you are buying for sound quality or to fit your personality then you should be wary about price over quality. You don't want to spend over the odds on a common mould of headphones that has a splash of colour or eccentric designs over it. Look around if that's the case, there are many brands that offer nice designs at affordable prices. Audiophiles should appreciate a wider selection of headphones too. Often it is the case that an audiophile will become loyal to a brand and not try out a range. Remember when evaluating of a pair of headphones that the price should be kept in perspective. A $30 pair of headphones will never compete with a $200 pair, yet value for money should be fairly assessed.
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