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Re: Cheapest path to audiophile sound = headphones?

I think I'm pretty qualified to answer this question, as I recently ditched an incredibly expensive speaker-based setup for a much simpler headphone rig (though I kept my modified X-01 CD player, which I believe is a big key to the great sound I’m getting).

Like a speaker-centric rig, however, a headphone setup must be well balanced and properly conceived, or you’ll get disappointing sound. (And the ancillaries—cables, isolation, AC, etc.—are just as important with headphones as they are with speakers.) But when the components (and, crucially, the ‘phones) are chosen properly, with synergy in mind, the results can be STUNNING. Granted, headphones can’t do everything speakers can—particularly in the slam and soundstaging departments—but the opposite is true as well, and the slam and ‘staging of some cans might surprise the hell out of you. It just depends on whether you can adjust to the radically different presentation.

There is a widespread perception that headphone systems are for those who can’t afford great speaker rigs. Maybe that’s true to an extent, but make no mistake: There are headphone setups out there that cost as much as a deposit on some homes and that deliver sonic thrills that would convert all but the staunchest speaker devotee. Still, when compared to the cost of better speaker-based systems, and when the price/performance ratio is considered, headphones are an absolute steal, both sonically and financially.

Also, just because you choose headphones over speakers, or vice-versa, doesn’t mean you can’t eventually augment one with the other. I have a speaker-based setup for my second system, and it complements the headphone rig quite nicely.

Good luck with whatever you choose. If you go with headphones, you have nothing to apologize for. And you just might discover your music all over again.


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  • Re: Cheapest path to audiophile sound = headphones? - Quint 11:19:24 05/12/07 (0)

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