Alpine SHS-N252 - headphones

Full-size headphones are the largest variety of headphone. The tech-speak description for this type of headphone is circumaural—it includes any 'phones with ear cups that fully enclose your ears. Because of their size and their acoustic isolation, full-size headphones are often considered to be better suited to home use rather than as a portable option. On the plus side, large 'phones offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels, and they effectively block outside noise. However, the large size is cumbersome for portable use, and some full-size models can be uncomfortably hot and make your ears sweat. They're not the best choice for wearers of earrings, glasses, or hats.

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Portable wireless headphones represent the cutting edge in headphone technology. New models employ either Bluetooth or RF transmission between the headphones and a small base dongle that plugs into the audio source, such as an iPod. The great thing about this type of headphone is that you don't have to deal with wires snaking from your backpack, purse, or pocket--no more cord clutter to detangle! However, in addition to needing frequent recharging or battery swaps, the small base station creates extra bulk that cuts down on portability. Furthermore, wireless sound quality is rarely up to wired standards.

For additional information on headphones, please see CNET's Headphones Buying Guide

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Cordless headphones have been around for years, but they have only recently started to approach the sound-quality standards of the better corded 'phones. Nonportable wireless headphones—full-size models with large base stations that aren't suitable for portable use—employ one of two transmission methods: infrared or radio frequency (RF). Infrared uses pulses of light to transmit signals from the base unit to the headphones, but you have to remain within the line of sight of the transmitter to receive signals. Radio frequency models use radio waves to accomplish the same job, and since the radio signals can pass through walls, they generally suffer fewer signal dropouts.Wireless 'phones let you listen to TV, DVDs, and music without being tethered to your equipment, and some models offer surround modes. Plus, the base stations often have extensive connectivity options. The downside is that few wireless models can approach the sound quality of wired models, and many add a certain amount of background hiss or noise. Moreover, some RF models can interfere with cordless telephones or home-networking systems.

For additional information on headphones, please see CNET's Headphones Buying Guide

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