The Complete Beginner's Guide to Audio

If you're new to the world of quality audio, you've probably encountered a bewildering array of specifications, terminology, and product types. Driver size, frequency response, impedance, open-back versus closed-back—what does it all mean, and more importantly, what actually matters for your listening experience? This guide will demystify audio basics and help you make informed decisions as you begin your journey into better sound.

Understanding How We Hear Sound

Before diving into headphones, it helps to understand the basics of sound itself. Sound travels as waves through the air, characterised by two main properties:

• Frequency: Measured in Hertz (Hz), this determines pitch. Low frequencies (20-250 Hz) are bass sounds; mid frequencies (250-4000 Hz) contain most vocals and instruments; high frequencies (4000-20000 Hz) are treble sounds like cymbals and sibilance
• Amplitude: This determines volume, measured in decibels (dB). Louder sounds have higher amplitude

Human hearing typically ranges from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, though this range decreases with age. Quality headphones aim to reproduce this full range accurately.

Types of Headphones

Headphones come in several form factors, each with distinct advantages:

Over-Ear (Circumaural)

These headphones have large ear cups that completely surround your ears. They typically offer:

• Superior sound quality due to larger drivers
• Better comfort for extended listening
• Excellent passive noise isolation
• More immersive soundstage

The trade-off is size and portability. They're ideal for home listening, studios, and gaming.

On-Ear (Supra-aural)

These rest on your ears rather than around them. They're more portable than over-ear headphones but may be less comfortable for long sessions and provide less isolation.

In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) and Earbuds

These compact options fit in or around your ear canal:

• True in-ear: Insert into the ear canal with silicone or foam tips, providing excellent isolation
• Earbuds: Rest in the outer ear without entering the canal, offering less isolation but more ambient awareness

Open-Back vs Closed-Back

Over-ear and some on-ear headphones come in two designs:

Closed-Back Headphones

• Sealed ear cups that don't let sound in or out
• Better noise isolation for noisy environments
• More impactful bass
• Sound doesn't leak to disturb others
• May feel warmer during extended wear

Open-Back Headphones

• Perforated ear cups that allow air and sound to pass through
• More natural, spacious soundstage
• Better for critical listening and mixing
• Sound leaks out and ambient noise leaks in
• Only suitable for quiet, private environments

Understanding Key Specifications

Driver Size

The driver is the component that produces sound. Common sizes include:

• Over-ear: 40-50mm drivers are standard
• In-ear: 6-12mm drivers are typical

Larger drivers can move more air, potentially producing better bass, but driver technology and tuning matter more than size alone.

Frequency Response

Listed as a range like "20Hz-20kHz," this indicates the frequencies the headphones can reproduce. Most quality headphones cover the full human hearing range. However, this specification alone doesn't indicate sound quality—a flat, accurate response is generally more desirable than an extended but uneven one.

Impedance

Measured in Ohms, this indicates how much power is needed to drive the headphones:

• Low impedance (under 32 Ohms): Works well with phones and portable devices
• High impedance (over 100 Ohms): Requires dedicated amplification for best results

Sensitivity

Measured in dB/mW, this indicates how loud headphones get for a given amount of power. Higher sensitivity means louder volume at the same power level.

Wired vs Wireless

Both options have matured significantly:

Wired Headphones

• No battery to worry about
• Potentially higher audio quality (no Bluetooth compression)
• Lower latency for gaming and video
• Generally more affordable at equivalent quality levels

Wireless Headphones

• Freedom of movement
• Modern codecs (LDAC, aptX) approach wired quality
• Additional features like ANC and touch controls
• Battery life to manage

For most casual listeners, quality wireless headphones are now excellent. Audiophiles may prefer wired for critical listening.

What Actually Affects Sound Quality

Many beginners focus on specifications, but these factors matter more:

Choosing Your First Quality Headphones

Here's a practical framework for beginners:

1. Define your primary use case: Commuting, home listening, gaming, exercise, or a mix?
2. Set a realistic budget: Quality improvements are noticeable between $100-$400; beyond that, returns diminish
3. Prioritise comfort: You won't use headphones that are uncomfortable, no matter how good they sound
4. Consider your environment: Will you need noise isolation or cancellation?
5. Read reviews from multiple sources: Look for consistency in observations about sound signature

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Obsessing over specifications: Real-world performance matters more than numbers
• Buying based on brand alone: Research specific models; quality varies within brands
• Ignoring comfort: Test fit and weight if possible
• Starting too expensive: Begin with well-reviewed mid-range options to develop your preferences
• Expecting perfection: Every headphone is a compromise; understand trade-offs