How to Compare Headphones Specs: Decoding Audio Jargon

Selecting a headphone can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of technical terms. From "frequency response" to "impedance" and "THD," the sheer volume of specifications can be overwhelming, leaving many unsure of how to compare the specifications of different headphones. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but understanding what these terms mean is your secret weapon.

Let’s explore some of the key specs and what they tell you about a headphone’s performance.

Frequency response refers to the range of sound frequencies that a headphone can reproduce. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz) and Kilohertz (kHz), often appearing as a range like "20Hz – 20kHz.” However, some headphones might boast a broader range, such as "5Hz – 40kHz."

While the human ear perceives frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz, headphones with extended ranges can capture subtle harmonics and overtones that fall outside this core range. This means you might hear the deep thrum of a bass guitar with more clarity or the shimmer of cymbals with greater sparkle, allowing you to immerse yourself in every layer of your favourite tracks.

At the same time, understanding what the frequency response is helps you anticipate the headphone's sonic character.

Impedance refers to the electrical resistance they present to an audio source, which is measured in Ohms (Ω). Understanding what impedance is in audio is crucial for matching your headphones to your playback device.

Headphones with lower impedance (typically under 50 Ohms) are easier to drive. This means they don’t require much power to produce a loud sound, making them ideal for everyday devices like smartphones, laptops, or portable music players.

On the other hand, higher impedance headphones (100 Ohms or more) demand more power to reach their optimal volume and sound quality. These often benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier, which can provide the extra juice needed, leading to a clearer, more dynamic, and powerful audio output.

Sensitivity, often expressed as Sound Pressure Level (SPL), measures how efficiently headphones convert electrical power into sound. It’s typically measured in decibels per milliwatt (dB/mW) or decibels per volt (dB/V). It indicates the maximum volume the headphones can achieve for a given power level.

So, is higher sensitivity better for headphones? The answer depends on your usage. Headphones with higher sensitivity will produce louder sound with less power, making them suitable for use with portable devices like smartphones and tablets.

Conversely, lower-sensitivity headphones require more power to reach the same volume level, often indicating a design meant for use with powerful, dedicated amplifiers. Understanding the meaning of SPL can help you determine if a pair of wired headphones will be loud enough for your audio source.

What is a driver size? The driver is the core component inside your headphone that produces sound, so the driver size refers to the diameter of this driver, usually measured in millimetres (mm). You’ll commonly see drivers ranging from 6mm in compact Bluetooth earbuds to 50mm in full-sized over-ear models.

While not the only factor in stunning sound quality, larger drivers often pack the potential to move more air, delivering that deeper, more impactful bass and a truly expansive, open soundstage that pulls you in.

But here's the exciting part: thanks to JBL's innovative designs and cutting-edge material science, even our smaller drivers can achieve incredibly impressive results, proving that powerful sound can come in any size!

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a technology that uses built-in microphones to pick up surrounding sounds, then generates an "anti-phase" sound wave that cancels out the unwanted noise before it reaches your ears.

For anyone seeking peace in noisy environments, understanding the meaning and difference between active and adaptive noise-cancelling is key. The main benefit of active noise-cancelling headphones is a quieter listening experience. This is particularly helpful when commuting on Singapore’s public transport or working in a bustling office.

By neutralising external distractions, ANC allows you to enjoy your music, podcasts, or silence at lower, safer volumes, protecting your hearing and enhancing clarity. 

When choosing wireless headphones, there are two key factors that determine your audio quality: Bluetooth version and the audio codecs.

The Bluetooth version (e.g., 5.0, 5.3) signifies the stability of the connection, range, and power efficiency. Codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC) are algorithms that compress and decompress audio data for wireless transmission, directly impacting the sound quality.

This means that newer Bluetooth versions offer a more stable connection, a greater range, and improved battery life for your devices. For instance, Bluetooth 5.3 provides lower latency and more robust connections compared to older versions.

The choice of audio codec is even more important for sound fidelity. SBC is the basic, universal codec, while AAC offers better quality sound. AptX provides near-CD quality, and LDAC can transmit even higher resolution audio, closer to lossless. Understanding these audio codecs ensures you get the best sound possible.

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures the level of unwanted harmonic frequencies added to the original audio signal. It tells you how a headphone reproduces sound without introducing its own "noise" or alterations, which is often expressed as a percentage.

A lower THD percentage means cleaner, more accurate audio reproduction with less distortion. For example, a THD reading of less than 0.1% is considered excellent for headphones. While very low levels of THD might not be audible to everyone, particularly at moderate volumes, high THD can lead to a less clear or even harsh sound, especially at higher volumes or with complex music.

For audiophiles and gamers who demand crystal-clear sound, knowing the total harmonic distortion acceptable range helps identify headphones that deliver a true representation of the original audio.

Now that you're clued in on these headphone specs, you're all set to choose the perfect pair that truly matches your listening style! Explore our collection today and discover your perfect audio companion.