Circumaural: The headphone's pads cup around the ear.

Closed back: The cups of closed back headphones are sealed, minimising sound "leakage" and keeping external sound out.

Dynamic: A system employed in headphones used to convert the electrical signal into sound using a lightweight moving coil design.

Dual sided lead: The cables from these headphones connect on each side and meet in the middle in a "Y" shape.

Ear coupling: The point at which the headphone interfaces with the ear.

Impedance: The measure of resistance of a headphone.

Infra red: Cordless infra-red headphones can be used as long as the headset is within a direct line of sight of the transmitter and within a certain range (usually about 8 metres).

Intra Aural: An in-ear fitting earphone.

Open back: The cups of open back headphones are open on the outside, delivering a wider soundstage and more natural image.

Radio: Cordless radio headphones allow greater freedom than infra-red designs as the signal will pass through walls and ceilings and the headsets can be worn a far greater distance from the transmitter (typically up to 100 metres).

Replaceable parts: Often parts of a headphone will wear. Most commonly the pads may perish or the connections on the leads may break. Replaceable parts offer a cheap and simple alternative to replacing otherwise working headphones.

Single sided lead: The connections for the headphones are made on one side of the headset only. This is neater than dual sided leads and is safer, preventing accidental strangulation!

Supra-aural: A headphone which has a flat pad to couple over the ear.

DISCLAIMER: This page is intended as a guide only. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, please note that we cannot be held responsible for any errors and/or omissions.