All that has changed now due to the great strides taken in headphone technology over the last few years. An amazing array in varying shapes and sizes, styles and technologies is available to suit nearly everyone's needs."Ear buds", "canal phones", " back phones" and "electrostatic phones" are just some of the items on offer in this very high-tech market. Each comes equipped with its own features, its own plusses and minuses as will be evidenced below.

For the home user, the main type of headphone that is purchased would fit in the "studio monitor" category. This style of headphone has been around for years and certain models have not changed in years. The studio monitor is the standard "over the ear" variety that are common in radio and music studios. They typically have a inch plug (as opposed to the smaller 1/8 inch or "mini" plug). Vendors of this type of headphone include AKG, Sony, Sennheiser, Grado Labs and Fostex. They are available "closed" and "open" varieties.

Different kinds of brands are AKG, Sony, Sennheiser, Grado Labs and Fostex. They are available "closed" and "open" varieties. The open variety headphone has a fuller soundstage and is sturdy but there is the problem of sound leakage, whereas the closed variety 'provides a higher level of sonic solitude'.

For the listener on the go, there are many varieties to choose from. Ear "buds" are a very popular type of headphone which are commonly included in the packaging when you purchase a new audio player. These bud type headphones slip into the outer ear and provide minimal isolation from the outside world. While there are a few exceptions, the majority of bud type headphones on the market are cheap and do not sound very good to the discerning ear.

If the idea of the small ear bud is appealing and you are looking for something a little more sophisticated, try the "canal" phones. These amazing phones actually fit inside your ear canal, unlike ear buds, which stop at the ear lobe, thus affording a higher level of sound isolation and bass response. They are equipped with silicone or foam tips to provide safety and comfort during prolonged use but can cost a lot more than your average headphones. Some models such as those offered by Etymotic and Ultimate Ears are priced at USD $ 350 - 1000.

If you not interested in splurging this kind of money on a set of headphones, but would like to go for something comfortable while you are on the go, try a "back phone". Akin to the popular open, circum aural phones in the '70s and '80s, the headband of these phones is comfortably strapped behind the head, not over it.

There are so many types of headphones that can cater to your needs. Thus enjoy your shopping and happy listening.

Copyright 2006, Erica Cuffsmith, All Rights Reserved. This article may be published on web sites or in newsletters provided this notice and the resource box is included without ammendment.