Editorial: Headphone jack vs. USB audio. Which is better?
- D
- AnonD-450283
- mEU
- 27 Jun 2016
While I personally agree that 3.5mm wired headphones are better than the USB option, as someone who works in a store that sells headphones i have to admit that the headphone socket is a weak point on most devices. The amount of people who come back complaining their new headphones aren't working at all or keep cutting out is huge. when i check the headphones on my own phone and in-store media devices hey presto they work fine. constant plugging in and pulling out, twisting and bending, and snagging on things weakens the port to board connection. Thats an expensive repair. With ALL usb ports be it A / micro-b / c / lightning etc the port is designed to be sturdy while the cable is designed to break first.
The 2 best options i can see are 1) wireless, the advantages are well explained in the article, and 2) headphones with detachable cables so only the cable needs to be changed if needed (like some Beats had).
But seriously i hope it goes wireless. With the exception of audiophiles there is no difference in quality in sound especially when 95+% of people are listening to low quality streaming / mp3's / youtube etc. I hope to start seeing manufacturers replacing in box wired earphones with wireless ones. That way within 2 - 4 years virtually everybody would be switched over to a "new" standard.
- D
- AnonD-108057
- 6TT
- 27 Jun 2016
3.5mm. Way more universal and already able to deliver excellent sound depending on reproduction devices. But then its apple we are dealing with. They hates the environment, making accessories that gets thrown away if user switches to other platforms.
- ?
- Anonymous
- Kxb
- 27 Jun 2016
Lovely article !! .. well written !!
- h
- harlekkin
- ij{
- 27 Jun 2016
But can't you still convert to analogue on the phone and send an analogue signal via USB to the headphones? Or is that impossible? I'm all for space saving, and one port should be enough to do it all.
- G
- GDS Khera
- 7ka
- 27 Jun 2016
First Of... Very Well Done, Take a Bow.
Secondly & Most Importantly, being a Techie Audiophile Myself (I own a Beats Solo HD & a pair of LG Tone Ultra). I totally Agree. (Yes I have heard USB Audio). TRS is the way to go, even in Majority recording studios, that's what they use (Fine they use the thicker Jack, but so what). Why FIX a thing when it ain't broke. Also, consider the Compatibility level, plug in any high quality 3.5 mm jack into your phone/laptop/tablet/2in1.... & VOILA... I wouldn't give that freedom away. So.. NO USB Audio for me. Maybe we consumers should make it a point to boycott phones without 3.5mm Jack.
- D
- AnonD-50795
- bJu
- 27 Jun 2016
when use usb type c then how to charge the phone
- S
- Sandy
- tE%
- 27 Jun 2016
One good thing with usb headphone is that I can use any chip to convert to digital to analog. Like LG introduce the detachable modules for G5. I am free to use the headphones which can convert to analog bet way. I dont have to depend on my phone.
- D
- AnonD-79616
- YiU
- 27 Jun 2016
Good read and i am totally behind a wireless future IF the OEMs provide the wirless headaet inside the box. Otherwise i will stay with the trusty 3.5 jack.
- D
- AnonD-246723
- sF$
- 27 Jun 2016
I dont care about the standard as long as they give 2 usb port if want to remove the 3.5mm jack .
- D
- AnonD-190634
- a0k
- 27 Jun 2016
This is stupid i want my god damned 3.5mm :( usb type-c has already caused enough trouble with the correct cables :S
- R
- Rayne
- tV4
- 27 Jun 2016
3.5mm headphone jack is the best choice... Why chance something when it's not necessary
- l
- loki
- t7X
- 27 Jun 2016
3.5mm audio jack is more durable you can twist it in any direction, unplug it or plug it harshly...with usb type c? I dont know
- D
- AnonD-479319
- v}Q
- 27 Jun 2016
Somethings gotta stay retro.. as far as interfaces go...3.5mm is as simple as it gets... and those puny USB connector look as they gonna shear right off if not carefull. 3.5mm is gonna stay for a long long time...