Feature Article #1
How to get the best sound from in-ear headphones
I love in-ear headphones, the ones that fit inside your ear canals, as opposed to ear buds that rest on the outer ear. I’m a big fan because in-ear headphones’ ultra-close proximity to eardrums offers the potential for highest resolution sound quality.
The better in-ears also do a great job sealing out external environmental noise so you can listen at a lower (safer) volume and still hear all of that amazing detail. Problem is, unless both earpieces are sealed tight you’re not going to get the sound you paid for.
Everybody’s ears are different so achieving perfect fit can be a tricky exercise. Most in-ear headphones come with a selection of differently sized and shaped eartips. Try ‘em all, the goal is to produce a the best possible “seal,” which reduces the amount of outside noise you hear–and delivers the headphone’s fullest possible bass response. The difference in sound quality between a good seal and an iffy one isn’t subtle, it’s definitely worth a little extra effort to maximize each tip’s seal. Remember too that poor sealing makes for a less secure fit, so the ear piece is more likely to fall out of your ear.
Tip: Your left and right ear canals may not be exactly the same size; you might need, for example, the smallest eartip for your right ear and a medium tip for the left ear.
I’ve included a gallery of images to help perfect your in-ear insertion techniques. First, try rotating/twisting the tip slightly as you push the headphone inside the canal. Gently push it in, and when you hear less external noise you’re done. The quieting effect can be at least as powerful as the better noise reduction headphones. If the tip still feels loose and/or external noise level is about the same, try using a larger or different type of tip if it’s provided by the manufacturer (foam, silicon, or flange tips (see gallery). If the tip feels too tight or uncomfortable, try a smaller or different tip type.
If the push-in technique doesn’t work try the “lobe tug”: Before you push the headphone in gently tug your earlobe down and/or out, then push the headphone in, then release the lobe. I use this technique with my Monster Turbine headphones. Again, experiment with the tugging direction, it might take a few tries before you get it right.
If that doesn’t work try the opposite approach, the “ear pull”: Before you push the earphone in, reach over your head with your other hand and gently pull you ear up, then push the headphone in. Release the ear. If it’s not working, try different pulling angles, before pushing the headphone in.
If you’re using silicon tips or flanges you might try moistening the tips in your mouth before inserting them, that trick can work wonders. In any case, don’t be afraid to really push the eartips into the ear canal. That’s how you get the tightest seal, but if any of these technique hurt or cause discomfort STOP!
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Originally posted at The Audiophiliac
Steve Guttenberg | January 29th, 2009 | Continued
Feature Article #2
Price Watch: Refurbished Magellan GPS, $59.99
This surprisingly well-equipped navigation system can be yours for just 60 bucks.
(Credit: CNET)
Ladies and gents, we have a new low! Buy.com has the Magellan RoadMate 2200T GPS for $59.99 shipped (after a $30 mail-in rebate). It’s a refurbished unit, but it’s also the least-expensive …
Originally posted at The Cheapskate
Rick Broida | January 29th, 2009 | Continued
Feature Article #3
More News…
View more news and analysis from Computerworld.com
Latest from Computerworld | January 29th, 2009 | Continued
Feature Article #4
Wii Fit with a professional touch
Will the Wii Fit get doctor's approval?
(Credit: Nintendo)
The next iteration of the Wii Fit may be getting professional medical credentials.
Nintendo is roping in Panasonic Medical Solutions, Hitachi, and NEC, to develop accessories to enhance the popular fitness game. One of the features would uploading personal …
Philip Wong | January 29th, 2009 | Continued
Feature Article #5
Japan’s Chipmakers Warn of Annual Losses Amid Downturn
It’s looking grim for the world’s top chipmakers these days. Last week, it was German memory chipmaker Qimonda filing for bankruptcy and Korea’s Samsung Electronics reporting its first-ever quarterly loss. This week, it was the Japanese chipmakers’ turn: On Jan….
BusinessWeek Online -- Eye on Asia | January 29th, 2009 | Continued
