I think we can all agree that audio technology has come a long way in recent years. From wireless headphones to portable Bluetooth speakers, the ways we listen to music and media on the go have been revolutionized. But when was the last time you upgraded your home audio system? Or got a new pair of headphones? If it’s been a while, it might be time to treat your ears to some new audio equipment.
The Infrequency of Audio Upgrades
I was thinking about this topic recently when I realized that I upgrade my smartphone and computer hardware regularly, but I rarely think about upgrading my speakers or headphones. Phones, laptops, TVs – we replace these electronics frequently as new models come out yearly. But the audio gear we rely on everyday often gets neglected and forgotten.
Audio equipment tends to have greater longevity than other electronics. A good set of bookshelf speakers can last 10 years or longer with proper care. Quality headphones also have impressive durability if the cables are intact. But this longevity can make us complacent. We get used to the same old sound and don’t realize what we’re missing with modern advancements in audio fidelity and performance.
Upgrading headphones and speakers is not something most people do annually like their iPhone. But occasionally refreshing your audio gear can have meaningful benefits. Let’s look at some reasons you may want to upgrade, starting with your home speaker setup.
Rejuvenating Your Home Audio
For home theater buffs, upgrading surround sound speakers is an exciting endeavor taken on every few years. But for casual listeners, home audio systems remain untouched for decades. The speakers you bought in college may still be in use 10 years later without much thought to changing them. Here are some benefits of refreshing your home audio after years of use:
Enjoying Quality-of-Life Improvements
Recent years have brought some convenient upgrades to home audio. One is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity and WiFi in receivers and speakers. This allows for easy wireless streaming from your phone or laptop. Older systems require being tethered to devices with audio cables. Modernizing with Bluetooth gives flexibility in placement and use.
Another innovation is the design of compact speakers. Bulky tower speakers have given way to more discreet bookshelf and satellite speakers. This allows quality audio without dominating a room visually. With a subwoofer for the low end, small profile speakers can still deliver immersive surround sound.
Improving Efficiency and Lowering Consumption
Technology improvements have also made home audio more energy efficient. Amplifiers and receivers benefit from improved component design and connectivity options. Optical and HDMI ARC ports allow connection to TVs without multiple cables. And Class D amplifiers provide the same power as traditional amps but in a smaller form factor with enhanced efficiency.
Along with efficiency comes lower power consumption. Upgrading from a 1990s receiver to something modern can cut power demands in half or more. And eco-mode settings recognize when speakers are idle, reducing consumption to a trickle during quiet moments. All of this saves electricity and money in the long run.
Preserving Sound Quality
While electronics advance, speaker drivers deteriorate. Paper cones soften and harden over time, affecting sound reproduction. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause brittleness. Extreme heat from nearby equipment accelerates degradation as well.
Checking speaker cones periodically lets you spot issues before they become severe. If cones look intact but the sound seems dull, upgrading speakers may provide a shot of new life into your home audio. And choosing a durable material like woven Kevlar or stiffened aluminum for the drivers increases longevity.
Elevating Your Bluetooth Speaker Game
Portable Bluetooth speakers provide great convenience for listening on the go. But how long have you had your current speaker? Battery capacity diminishes over time. And new models come out offering better wireless range and audio performance. Here are some benefits of upgrading your Bluetooth speaker:
Improving Battery and Bluetooth Capabilities
Recent versions of Bluetooth like 4.2 and 5.0 offer extended wireless range compared to older 2.0 and 3.0 versions. This allows you to roam farther from the speaker before dropouts occur. Newer Bluetooth also employs better compression for data transfers. This reduces power consumption, extending battery life.
Upgrading from an early Bluetooth speaker to something current takes advantage of these wireless and battery improvements. You may be surprised how much better a modern speaker performs and lasts per charge. Brands tout battery life up to 24 hours on a charge for current models.
Grabbing Previous Flagship Models at a Discount
Flagship Bluetooth speakers are released annually from brands like JBL, Ultimate Ears, and Bose. When new models hit shelves, discounts start appearing for the previous year’s speaker. This lets you score an upgrade at a reduced price point.
Of course, you need to research what improvements the newest flagship brings. If the changes seem minor, buying the now discounted former flagship is smart. But if major upgrades were introduced, getting the latest model may be worth paying full price.
Considering Volume Needs
One limitation of compact Bluetooth speakers is insufficient loudness for some environments. Upgrading to a model capable of higher volume and power helps overcome this.
Look for a speaker with wattage of 10 or greater and volume over 80 dB. This reduces distortion at loud volumes. And having some overhead above your normal listening levels futureproofs the speaker for outdoor and group use.
Reinvigorating Your Headphones
Like speakers, headphones also deserve periodic upgrades. Headphones endure a lot of wear and tear. Ear pad cushions flatten from pressure. Cables fray over time. Drivers loosen with continual use. Upgrading restores that feeling of newness while exploring different sound profiles.
Experimenting with Sound Signatures
Headphone tastes are highly personal. One listener may prefer booming bass while another wants a flatter reference sound. Materials used in headphone construction also impact sound. Open-back headphones offer an airy soundstage. Bundled mylar fiber provides crisp highs.
It’s worth exploring different audio signatures by trying new headphones. You may discover a sound profile you enjoy more than your current pair. Seeking out reviews of headphones described as bright, warm, flat, or U-shaped gives a starting point for exploration.
Improving Your Listening Experience
Even if you loved your original headphones, chances are new models exist that you’ll enjoy as much or more. Technology improves over time. Your old headphones probably can’t match the experience provided by newer choices.
Upgrading to take advantage of these improvements doesn’t mean abandoning your preferred sound signature. Research headphones in your price range complimented for audio quality and comfort. Then compare their sound profile to your old pair. With a little legwork, you can find an upgrade tailored to your listening preferences.
Investing in Replaceable Cables
One vulnerable component of headphones is the auxiliary cable connecting them to devices. Repeated twisting and tension can lead to fraying and shorting out. Upgrading to headphones with a detachable cable allows easy replacement once cables fail.
Look for headphones with cables terminating in a standard 3.5mm or 2.5mm connector. Avoid hardwired cables. When your cable eventually frays, simple plug-and-play replacement is then possible. Just make sure spare replacement cables are readily available for the model you choose.
Final Thoughts on Upgrading Your Audio
We’ve covered why upgrading headphones, speakers, and Bluetooth gear can breathe new life into your listening experience. But how often should you realistically replace these devices? Here are some closing recommendations:
- Home speakers – Every 8-10 years, or whenever the speakers sound dull or faulty
- Bluetooth speakers – Every 2-3 years to keep up with technology improvements
- Headphones – Every 4-5 years, or when cables are damaged or sound quality declines
Following this general schedule ensures you have time to recoup costs. It also lets you take advantage of incremental advancements in audio quality, connectivity, efficiency, and features.
Upgrading audio gear is ultimately about enhancing your enjoyment as a listener. Trust your ears. When your current setup no longer thrills, it’s probably time to browse the options for replacement. Account for your budget to balance costs and benefits. But don’t be afraid to give your ears a treat once in awhile with newer and better equipment. The listening experience you gain is worth the investment.
