When it comes to choosing the right headphones, it's essential to test their sound quality to ensure they meet your needs. While unboxing videos and online reviews provide some insights, there's nothing like experiencing the sound yourself. In this article, we'll explore the key aspects of sound quality and provide a curated list of songs to help you evaluate headphones across various performance factors.

When evaluating the sound quality of headphones, it's important to understand the characteristics of different frequency ranges. Here's a breakdown of each aspect and its recommended song:

1. Sub-Bass (20Hz-60Hz):

   • Definition: This frequency range influences the spatiality of the tone, as most fundamental tones in music lie above this range. It corresponds to the resonance frequency of the room or hall. If fully expressed, it creates a sense of being in a spacious environment. Insufficient sub-bass results in an empty tone, while excessive sub-bass causes a booming, low-frequency resonance.

   • Song Recommendation: “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

2. Bass (60Hz-250Hz):

   • Definition: The bass range primarily affects the mellowness and fullness of the sound. A rich bass imparts thickness and a strong sense of depth. Inadequate bass leads to a weak tone, while overpowering bass creates a booming, resonant sound.

   • Song Recommendation: "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish

3. Mids (250Hz-2000Hz):

   • Definition: This frequency range encompasses the main region of human voices. A rich mid-range allows for clear vocal outlines and a cohesive overall sound. Insufficient amplitude in this range results in a hollow and weak sound, while excessive amplitude leads to monotony.

   • Song Recommendation: "No Time for Caution" by Hans Zimmer

4. High Mids (2000Hz-6300Hz):

   • Definition: The high mids are crucial for the brightness of the sound and have strong penetrating power. Enriched high mids enhance the tone's brightness, while insufficient amplitude makes the sound hazy. Excessive high mids can make the tone dull, hard, and unnatural.

   • Song Recommendation: “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

5. High Frequencies (6300Hz-20kHz):

   • Definition: This range represents the most expressive part of the tone and encompasses high-frequency overtones for soprano and treble percussion instruments. Absence of high-frequency components makes the tone flat, while excessive presence creates a sharp tone. Although the human ear can hear up to 15.1kHz, frequencies up to 20kHz can still be felt through the body and affect the rhythm, color, and emotional character of the sound.

   • Song Recommendation: "You've Got to Have Freedom" by Pharoah Sanders

In addition to these specific frequency ranges, there are other important aspects to consider:

1. Balance:

   • Definition: Balanced performance across high, medium, and low frequencies avoids channel bias, ensuring a well-rounded sound experience without any particular channel standing out or sounding inferior.

   • Song Recommendation: "Wilderness" by Explosions in the Sky

2. Soundstage:

   • Definition: A well-defined soundstage creates an ethereal wilderness where every detail is vividly rendered. You can hear the pounding of drums, the pull of violins, and other instruments with clarity. Closing your eyes transports you to a live concert, allowing you to perceive instrument positioning, spatial orientation, and a sense of hierarchy.

   • Song Recommendation: "Small Hours" by John Martyn

3. Dynamic Range:

   • Definition: Dynamic range refers to the difference between the quietest audible signal and the loudest peak without distortion. It showcases the ability of headphones to accurately reproduce a wide range of volume levels, allowing for a more nuanced listening experience.

   • Song Recommendation: "Bohemian Rhapsody Remastered (2011)" by Queen

By listening to these carefully selected songs, you can assess the performance of headphones across various sound quality aspects. Remember, you don't need to be an audio professional to find great-sounding headphones. Once you understand what to listen for, comparing and determining which headphones offer the best sound becomes easier. Enjoy your audio journey and find the perfect headphones for your needs!