Sound, especially music, is an indispensable part of our lives, which makes us feel sensations and enjoy the moments. This is closely related to the audio inputs that we can use in mobile phones, computers and other devices, among which the audio jack, the U SB Type C or Bluetooth are the essential options.
In recent times, we have seen how sound has gone from coming through audio or television to doing it on our mobile with files that we have stored and later through streaming. This has evolved to make our headphones one of the most important gadgets, turning the audio inputs into something to consider.
Thus began the confrontation between the audio jack and Type C
Mobile phones were the first to take the step of eliminating the audio jack that had been accompanying us for so many years, and that was so standardized. Its use extended from televisions to MP3 players, making it possible for us to listen to the sound with this type of input on aeroplanes, trains, museums or a friend’s device without the problem.
But Type C appeared as a connector that allowed us to charge our mobile and devices more quickly and convert the mobile’s digital sound into analogue. With this, the manufacturers found themselves faced with the possibility of further reducing the size of the mobile phones and giving way to the next stage, which seeks to increase the batteries and offer us flexible screens.
What does the audio jack allow us compared to Type C?
As we have commented, the standardization of the audio jack allowed us to go anywhere with our headphones, regardless of the device we had to use. But with the incorporation of Type C, we have been forced to carry a dongle or adapter that converts the connectivity of our classic headphones with an audio jack to Type C when we need it.
This can be somewhat annoying since when we need it, we never have it, and in the end, we end up losing one more small accessory that only creates problems.
Another drawback with USB Type C arises when our device does not have the DAC (digital to analogue converter) technology inside it, which was used to transform the signal into analogue and that our headphones recognize it.
This will force us to make a more significant outlay on an accessory that converts the signal, and we must always carry it with us. For example, what happened with the Google Pixel 2 XL, a smartphone that reduces the size and weight of the device but prevents us from using the partials with a power adapter.
To this day, in computers, we continue to find the audio jack, but later if Type C continues to gain ground, we will see the possibility of getting a little more out of Type C headphones. If we buy them right now, they can only serve us for the mobile, an expense that not everyone is willing to make, which is why they prefer Bluetooth.
Are Bluetooth headphones the ideal alternative?
Wireless Bluetooth headphones have become the preferred choice for many users avoiding cable compatibility issues. The many options and models that we find already available mean that there are appropriate ones for each user, from those designed for sports, such as those that achieve soundproofing from the outside world.
The evolution of Bluetooth headphones has led companies specializing in mobile technology to go in and launch their versions of this increasingly widespread gadget. In recent times, we have seen how AirPods have spread, and practically all firms have headphones of this style.
However, the sound quality does not compete with those using cables since the sound has to be compressed to be sent fastest and decompressed when it reaches the headphones. Their duration over time also makes them last less over time, and we have to be forced to buy new ones, their small battery receives many charges if we use them daily, and in the long run, it ends up resisting and changing you the best option.
What is the best option to listen to music?
Due to all these inconveniences, the best option is challenging to choose for the general public. If we change devices often, Bluetooth may be the option that works for us at any time and place, but taking into account that its sound quality will not be the best, and they will not last as long as cabled ones.
On the contrary, if we have a next-generation smartphone, we are indeed obliged to use Type C, trusting that more and more devices are compatible with this type of headphones or have to carry the accessory in case we have an emergency.