Headphones
Headphones
For headphone shoppers, it's all about the music, so you need great sound, and Audio Authority builds the best media players. Next, consider the user experience – keep it simple, but draw them in with a choice of music, or even let users play their own music. 
How it Works
Audio Authority® Headphone systems usually include two modules: a media player and a switcher/amplifier. The player reads music from an SD card, and the switcher routes the audio signals to each headphone on display. Multiple switchers may be linked together to carry the music to eight, 16, or more headphones.
Simple Systems
Headphones may be simply presented using a push-button next to each pair. Unless the headphones are wireless, you should include a master volume control. Very small systems (two or four pairs) may not require a separate switcher since our players can handle limited switching functionality on their own.
Complex Functions
If the user experience requires complex functions, such as play, next track, and volume controls, a touch panel or a touch screen are both great choices. With a touch screen (e.g. tablet) presentation, you have more opportunity to guide the experience, but a single touch screen may be difficult to use if the display is large. Our touch sensitive panels may be positioned next to each product, and still offer an array of functions such as play next track, previous track, pause, or mute.
Players
Many headphone presentations include video, and our MediaHubs offer excellent video playback with BrightSign Built-In. Our Model 1703 music player is ideal for most audio-only headphone applications. It plays uncompressed music (WAV or FLAC) as well as MP3 files. If you need high resolution audio, the Model 1803 is an excellent music source with similar features.
Customer Music
An auxiliary music input can provide a persuasive demo, encouraging customers to really connect with your merchandise. Our players have auto-sensing customer music inputs, and many of our switchers and amplifiers also have that feature.
Power
Many headphone models are designed for use with a standard cell phone, but some require a more powerful headphone amplifier, and our 1715 demonstration amplifier will provide the power and flat signal response you need to fully demonstrate better quality headphones.
Audio Distribution Amplifiers and Switchers
 |  |  |  | |
| Model Number | MH6-HD | 1710B | 1714 | 1715 |
| Video Media Player | Y | |||
| Inputs : Outputs | 1 : 4 | 2 : 4 | 1 : 4 | 2 : 4 |
| All Positions Active | Y - optional | Y | ||
| One Position Active | Y | Y - optional | Y | |
| Analog Audio | Y | Y | Y | high power |
| Adjustable Gain | Y | |||
| Digital Audio | Y | |||
| Audio Format Converter | Y | |||
| Customer Music Input | Y | (see note) | Y | |
| Visual Volume Option | Y | Y | ||
| Volume Control - Rotary | Y | Y | per position | Y |
| Volume Control - Buttons | Y | Y | Y | |
| Timeout | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Volume Limits | Y | Y | Y | |
| Theft Detect | Y - enhanced | Y |
Headphones FAQ
Q: Can I simply distribute audio to all headphones all the time?
A: Yes, some of our switchers have a distribution mode, making it possible to distribute audio to all the outputs at once; however, this option is not ideal for higher end headphones which should be demonstrated one at a time, so that the signal is full strength, not shared among multiple outputs.
Q: Why do I need a master volume control?
A: You don't need a volume control for products that have their own volume controls, such as wireless headphones or portable speakers. Wired headphone demos should always empower the customer to adjust volume, within limits. Our systems have an adjustable default volume level as well as volume limits so that you can protect your merchandise, and your customers' ears.