The cycle of musical melodies in the "Open Space" format: TOP-5 overhead open-type headphones

The legendary Koss brand is considered to be the inventors of stereo headphones and the creators of the technology of projecting sound directly into the auricle, which laid the foundation for "earbuds" and "droplets". For more than half a century, the company has been producing products that are popular with music lovers around the world.

The Koss Porta Pro model has a huge popularity, thanks to high-quality sound, affordable price and stylish design, which has practically not changed since 1984. The design of the headphones is foldable with a spring-loaded metal headband, which allows it to be automatically adjusted and conveniently arranged for transportation. Interest is also aroused by the changing angle of the speaker suspension, which provides ease of operation. In general, the design makes it clear that the device is ready to work "for wear", doubts are caused only by foam ear pads, which will have to be changed over time. Headphones are distinguished from modern models by a solid thick wire, but connecting it to each cup in order to preserve sound qualities can cause inconvenience.

There is a stylish case included with the headphones, but you can only meet it in the original version. By the way, one of the most global problems of the model has become an incredible number of low-quality fakes, so if you want to touch the legend, you will have to choose very carefully.

For the younger generation, the sound can cause a lot of controversy, but looking ahead, it is worth saying that in its price range, the quality of reproduction of the model does not leave competitors.

The sound of the bass deserves special attention, it is warm and velvety, slightly reminiscent of a lamp. Low frequencies are very competitive, despite the overhead status, the "failure" of the bass is not felt, but rather the opposite, the composition acquires volume and "airiness". The middle and high frequencies are also perfectly tuned, but if you are picky, then the sound of high frequencies, especially in electronic and pop music, is a bit plastic, and at high volume, the bass line begins to dominate and the sound gets a little "dirty". Usually, such an effect is always noticeable when headphones work with devices with a powerful amplifier.

In general, the model is not very picky about the sound source, and even the average impedance (60 ohms) is not a hindrance to "friendship" with elite and powerful players. By the way, the best control over the bass is carried out when pairing headphones with players of low output impedance.

The British from Bowers & Wilkins approach each of their creations with special pedantry, carefully considering all the details. That is why the brand's products have the highest ratings from both avid audiophiles and ordinary users. The B&W P3 model was able to conquer the consumer not only with sound quality, but also with design finds.

In a compact and bright case with cups no bigger than a matchbox, the company's engineers were able to fit a good sound that is not inferior to massive models. The low weight of the device at 130 g also emphasizes mobility, and the rigid operation of the sliding bars and the strong metal construction promise long-lasting operation even after prolonged and active operation. The company also abandoned the discrete ratchet, preferring a dynamic design, the work of which is based on the principle of hydraulics. This is both good and bad at the same time, since on the one hand you can more accurately adjust the size to yourself, but on the other, you will have to do it again every time.

The rim and the front part of the speakers are made of a special polymer material, on which there are no traces and scuffs. The model is presented in four colours: white, black, red and blue, by the way, statistics show that in the last colour the headphones were scattered in the greatest number.

Two cables are included at once, connecting to 2.5-inch ports hidden behind the cup pads. The first cable is equipped with a remote control and is designed to pair with Apple appliances, and the second is a standard cord with a mini—Jack plug (3.5 mm) for any other devices. It is noteworthy that unlike many other headphones with a remote control for Apple technology, the model will not distort the sound and be capricious with modern representatives of the Android industry. And yet there are questions about the cords — they are thin, and this can lead to rapid wear or tear.

Before writing about the sound of headphones with a kontakar letter, it must be said that the first impression is sometimes deceptive. Very often, users complain that the newly unpacked device is seriously upsetting, as it produces a flat and very mediocre sound quality. This happens because a temperature drop or a long journey of an untouched gadget in the cold adversely affects the membranes of the headphones and the device as a whole, so it makes sense to let the headphones play out a little.

The sound is very balanced and balanced. This is especially noticeable on instrumental music. The rhythm of the band is clearly heard in the rock composition: the cymbals do not creak, and the bass guitar complements the composition with a soft and enveloping timbre. Electronic and pop music also plays out perfectly, the vocal parts are not crushed and without distortion. The volume for headphones is not terrible at all, at maximum volume, the low frequencies do not buzz and do not collapse, and the top remains in an acceptable amplitude for perception.

Since 2005, HiFiMan has been actively engaged in the production of Hi-Fi products, implementing bold solutions and discoveries that favorably distinguish the brand from competitors. The HiFiMan Edition S model became the first swallow of its kind, since only full-size open-type models came off the assembly line until 2016, and the presented instance has its own secret.

The presentation of headphones killed two birds with one stone, as it was able to satisfy the needs of both audiophiles who worship open structures and unbiased music lovers listening to music on public transport. The main advantage is that the model easily turns from closed to open, and vice versa, it is enough to simply remove the panel from the cups.

The quality of the materials leaves only positive impressions, and the hinged design will not let you down even after long-term operation. During operation, you will not feel tired, since the monolithic headband is very soft, and the cups themselves fit comfortably to the head without creating excessive pressure. Even listening to music for a long time will not cause discomfort.

The headphones received a universal cable with a remote control made of oxygen-free copper.

A low resistance of 18 ohms and a sensitivity of 113 dB will allow even a low-cost smartphone or player to rock the device to a decent sound.

The sound of headphones is worthy of attention, as it is able to compete with more expensive models. In the open, the sound stage acquires volume and the effect of "presence". It is noteworthy that even a specifically recorded Soviet bandstand sounds very detailed, conveying all the subtleties of a live orchestra and the timbral purity of the performer's voice. The upper frequencies, sounding without squeaking and tearing, show themselves remarkably. In contrast to the closed, in the open version, medium frequencies also get a new life, even industrial music is voiced in the right tone, although many expensive headphones cannot do this. In the closed version, the headphones were saved with respect to low frequencies, leaving a feeling of buzz and vinaigrette in the head. Removing the covers can significantly correct the situation and the rhythm band will be clearer, but if you are a supporter of the perfect bass, you should pay attention to full-size monitors or just choose headphones of a higher class, for example HiFiMan Edition X .

The American producer, composer and arranger Quincy Jones brought the insane fame of the AKG Q701 model. After his statement that it was these headphones that contributed to "finding" the right sound during the production of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller", which, by the way, went down in history as the best-selling, fame did not leave the device for a minute.

Acquaintance with the device begins with a huge box that could fit several pairs of "ears", but no, only two cords for three and six metres and massive headphones are stored inside. Despite the impressive appearance, the fit on the head is very comfortable: automatic adjustment and velvet ear pads provide complete comfort during operation. Slightly annoying is not tight fixation, because the device can fall off with a sharp movement of the head, but this is done on purpose in order to avoid excessive pressure and fatigue during listening.

The device is presented in three colour solutions: black for classic lovers and bright green for stylists and universal steel. The quality can be traced in all the details, and such a thing as creaking or tight work of components is excluded.

At the first listening, the exact details and verified sound are immediately noted. A pleasant moment — there is no impression that the performers are playing music in your head, but on the contrary, a feeling of a live concert is created, where you can hear every sigh of the singer and the physical touch of the guitar strings. There are absolutely no questions about all frequencies: full balance and harmony at any volume.

Models are absolutely indifferent to your taste preferences, since any genre of music is not a problem for them. Headphones are quite suitable for use in the studio.

Of course, the AKG Q701 will sound good even with an iPhone or a good Android device, but the smartphone amplifier will not be able to "open" the device in all its glory. That is why, in order to get crystal sound, you need high-quality hardware that will pump the headphones to their maximum capabilities. Despite the fact that the device was conceived as a home version or even as a studio version, you can listen to them on the way, the volume reserve is enough for walking, but in a noisy subway, problems will already arise. And also, everyone around you will be aware of your musical tastes.

Minor disadvantages include a long warm-up of headphones. In order to "play" the device to the true sound, it may take weeks, but it's not so long in order to then enjoy the "presence" in the composition.

The German quality is always admired, and the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones boldly fit into the high standards. The elegantly executed model can be used both for professional and amateur purposes, leaving only positive impressions.

The design of the headphones can hardly be called extravagant and refined: everything is simple and tasteful. The cups are oval in shape and large enough to cover the entire ear completely. As in many other Sennheiser models, the usual felt was used for the ear pads. Despite the fact that it is convenient to use, it will take time to get used to it. The design itself is well assembled and causes confidence. Removable cords (mini-Jack (3.5 mm), Jack (6.35 mm) on the one hand cause delight, on the other, experienced musicians believe that the original cord should be replaced immediately if you plan to use the device for professional purposes.

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones can be safely called full-fledged monitors that allow you to work in a recording studio. It is worth noting that when working on the summary, they will become real assistants, since the clarity and detail of the reproduction is at a high level. The model is able to accurately convey exactly the sound that was originally conceived on the recording.

Separately, it is not even necessary to talk about the quality of low, medium or high frequencies, since the entire frequency range is verified and does not fail even on second-rate musical compositions.

However, you need to understand that listening to tracks via mobile, you will never be able to get the effect of "studio". In the case of this model, there is no limit to its fastidiousness regarding the sound source. With ample opportunities to reveal any genre of music, if you do not please with an amplifier, you will get a modest sound with a "Chinese" tinge.