High-quality sound with droplets in your ears

Modern manufacturers of headphones try to please even the most fastidious consumer, providing him with a wide range of varieties of accessories: from mini-headphones - “droplets” to full-sized monitor ones, backlit on plastic “cups” or with a discreet metal frame and so on. The choice is huge, however, acquiring the "ears" of any of the declared species, the buyer wants to be absolutely sure of the quality of the product being bought. Headphones "put" in the ears usually cause the greatest amount of doubt. But are they really justified? What are and what can “give” to their owner a “drop”? What should I look for when choosing an accessory of this type? To these and other questions related to the choice of mini “ears”, a potential buyer will be able to find answers by carefully studying the article below.

What is called "droplets"

The “droplet” headphones are an in-ear accessory placed during operation inside the auricle and held there due to the force of elasticity and special nozzles that hermetically close the front of the ear canal. Due to their compactness, portability, reasonable cost and ease of operation, they are considered one of the most popular types of “ears” in the modern market of accessories for electronics.

Despite the simplest design, the type of headphones in question has an “intricate” internal working scheme, complicated by the fact that the product is miniature.

Between two permanent magnets place the so-called "anchor", soldered to the earphone design on one side. The input signal in this case will be repeated due to the movement of the "armature" surrounded by a wire, resulting from changes in the magnetic field. It should be connected to a membrane that directly recreates the frequency, which is a consequence of the "rocking" of the "anchor".

Types of "drops"

In order to provide consumers with the maximum choice, manufacturers of the “drip” device offer their product in various variations, the most popular of which are:

• cable vacuum headphones (plugs), providing high-quality transmission of surround sound with an emphasis on low frequencies (bass);
• “in-ear” headphones, which are the most budgetary wired version of the accessory, with a primitive average sound;
• Wireless “droplets”, considered a good option for people who prefer high quality sound along with the lack of jamming due to the presence of an accessory cable.

In deciding to purchase a specific model of “drip” headphones, it is best to rely on indicators of basic (defining) characteristics, most of which are the same for all types of “ears:

1. The range of reproduced frequencies or frequency response (amplitude-frequency characteristic) is an indicator that maximally illustrates the possible level of frequency transmission by headphones. The segment from 18 Hz to 20 kHz is considered to be the most suitable type of “ears” considered for the high-quality reproduction of the audio stream. It is important to understand that figures significantly lower or higher than those mentioned are not perceived correctly by the human body and are nothing more than a marketing move by the manufacturer.
2. Sensitivity, coupled with the characteristic below in this list, allows you to choose headphones with the highest volume indicator. In the case of a “drip” accessory, ideally, its level should be at least 90-100 dB.
3. Resistance of not more than 64 ohms should be possessed by devices intended for use with portable electronics with an average input signal power, for example, they are ideal for a phone, mp3 player, and so on. Higher-impedance headphones for their maximum performance will require powerful equipment that can “swing” them.
4. The best type of nozzles in the choice of headphones, "droplets" is considered foam. Compared to silicone (most often found on the consumer market), free and hybrid types, foam nozzles provide the greatest sealing and, as a result, better sound insulation and sound reduction along with surround sound.
5. The cable length required for the comfortable use of “drip ears” should be from 80 to 120 centimeters. This size of the accessory wire will not hinder movement, which is most likely with an insufficient length of the headphones and minimizes the likelihood of “tangling” of the device cable.
6. When choosing a wireless device, you should give preference to the "ears" with a Bluetooth connection, not inferior in quality to the playback of the cable device. It is worth emphasizing the convenience of its operation in comparison with a wired analogue, however, as a rule, a higher cost.
7. The contact of the headphone jack “droplets” located in the top, as a rule, is covered with a special coating, which allows to provide maximum protection of the device from corrosion and oxidation. This feature guarantees long-term service of acquired “ears” and high-quality reproduction of the audio stream.

In addition to the technical characteristics, it is important to pay attention to the presence of additional functions offered by many manufacturers. Such "bonus" features, such as:

• extended warranty period;
• water tightness;
• dustproof housing;
• case for storage;
• optional adapter

help to extract the maximum amount of pleasant emotions from using the selected headphones.

Top of the best "droplets"

JBL Reflect Mini BT

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 10 Hz - 22 kHz
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 98 dB
• The presence of a microphone: yes
• Connection Type: Bluetooth
• Standard cable length: 1.8 m

Ideal for use during sports, thanks to moisture protection and the absence of restriction of movement during operation.

Panasonic RP-HJE125

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 10 Hz - 24 kHz
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 97 dB
• The presence of a microphone: no
• Type of connection: wired
• Standard cable length: 1.1 m

The ideal accessory for music lovers, combining excellent quality at a budget price.

Sennheiser CX 300-II

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 19 Hz - 21 kHz
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 113 dB
• The presence of a microphone: no
• Type of connection: wired
• Standard cable length: 1.2 m

The best headphones in their price range, able to satisfy even the most demanding user.

Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth Mini

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101 dB
• The presence of a microphone: yes
• Connection Type: Bluetooth

An excellent alternative to branded accessories (Sony, Apple, Philips), absolutely not inferior to them in the basic characteristics.

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB;
• The presence of a microphone: yes
• Connection Type: Bluetooth

Sony MDR-XB50BS

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 4 Hz - 24 kHz
• Impedance: 24 ohms
• Sensitivity: 102 dB
• The presence of a microphone: yes
• Connection Type: Bluetooth

A decent product from Sony, combining ergonomics and sound quality.

Meizu EP-51

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 88 dB
• The presence of a microphone: yes
• Connection Type: Bluetooth

Beyerdynamic Byron BTA

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 10 Hz - 25 kHz
• Sensitivity: 90 dB
• The presence of a microphone: yes
• Connection Type: Bluetooth

Panasonic RP-HJE118

• Type: "droplets"
• Frequency range: 12 Hz - 23 kHz
• Sensitivity: 96dB
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• The presence of a microphone: no
• Type of connection: wired
• Standard cable length: 1.1 m

Due to the huge assortment of “droplet” headphones on the modern market, a potential buyer has to independently analyze the goods for compliance with personal requirements. Based on the decision to buy on the information given in the article, choosing the perfect accessory for yourself will not be difficult even for a “beginner” music lover.

Title	JBL Reflect Mini BT	Panasonic RP-HJE125	Sennheiser CX 300-II	Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth Mini	Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex	Sony MDR-XB50BS	Meizu EP-51	Beyerdynamic Byron BTA	Panasonic RP-HJE118
Frequency Response Range	10 - 22000 Hz	10 - 24000 Hz	19 - 21000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	-	4 - 24000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	10 - 25000 Hz	12 - 23000 Hz
Sensitivity	98 dB	97 dB	113 dB	88 db	-	-	88 db	90 dB	96 dB
Impedance	16 ohm	16 ohm	16 ohm	32 ohm	-	16 ohm	16 ohm	32 ohm	16 ohm
The weight	10 g	4 g	4 g	14.5 g	51 g	22 g	15.3 g	12 g	4 g
Membrane diameter	5.8 mm	10 mm	-	-	11 mm	12 mm	8.6 mm	-	9 mm
Price	from 3200 rub.	from 360 rub.	from 1300 rub.	from 1800 rub.	from 3500 rub.	from 4000 rub.	from 1700 rub.	from 14000 rub.	from 300 rub.