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How many have replaced systems with headphone systems?

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Posted on May 2, 2016 at 07:45:14
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 How many members have replaced full blown "audiophile approved" systems with a headphone/amp system?

I thought the day would never come when I would contemplate such a move, but wheels are turning and the thought has crossed my mind. The last serious headphones I owned was some Grados back in the 90s. But I never had a serious headphone amplifier, just plugged them straight into a dis player.

So is it possible to get very high quality sound for say, 2K or less? Good enough to walk away from the big rig?

Oz




Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

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For 2K, assuming that you already own at least one source component ..., posted on May 2, 2016 at 11:06:45
genungo
 For starters?

- HiFiman HE-400S planar or Sennheiser HD-600 dynamic (as long as you don't need closed-back, noise-isolating headphones). $300 for either. The HE-400s is much easier to drive than the HD-600 is, so keep that in mind if you ever plan on using a portable source for amplification. Either one of these headphones can provide you with a *comfortable, non-fatiguing, pleasing tonal balance* (very important!) when driven by a very good heapdhone amp.

It would be hard to get significantly better headphone sound for under $1000. However, a pair of Beyerdynamic Tesla T-1 (V-1) on clearance (now that V-2 has replaced it in the Beyer lineup) might just do the trick.

- For versatile and seriously good amplification, I'd look at the Decware CSP3 OTL tube preamp/headamp for $1279. Obviously, I don't recommend scrimping on amplification as it can make a crucial difference in headphone listening. With the CSP3, you will probably NEVER feel the need to upgrade your headphone amplification ever again - unless you get onto the really difficult-to-drive planars made by the likes of Audeze.

BTW, I don't like most planars because they can feel very heavy on the head, mostly because they ARE. The HE-400S planar, however, is a bit lighter than most...

This might leave you with almost $400 left over for aftermarket cable upgrades, should you wish to go down that route. If you go with the Tesla T-1, fuggedaboudit, you're at your budget limit but probably won't regret it.

If you decide to go with noise isolating closed-back headphones, I would recommend going for the best there is, those that typically cost over $1000. This would also leave you with much less to spend on decent amplification. To my ears, all but the best closed-back headphones have a "closed-in" sound that I don't like. In contrast, decent open-backed headphones have a much more "open", airy and natural sound.

And Hey, let us know how it goes...

 

RE: How many have replaced systems with headphone systems?, posted on May 2, 2016 at 13:56:52
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4384
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
 I should - as the big rig has been down more than up over the past few years...
However I spent my money on another set of Quad '57s...
Happy Listening

 

I don't fire up the tube amp much anymore, posted on May 2, 2016 at 20:00:13
jedrider
Audiophile

Posts: 15166
Location: No. California
Joined: December 26, 2003
 Hardly see the point as I'm the only one listening.

While staring at a computer screen, it makes sense too.

I don't think you have to spend a whole lot either. Oh, headphone amps have gotten expensive, too! Some pre-amps have sufficiently good headphone amps to satisfy IMO. Still the same hobby, though, and you'll spend a lot for that last 5 percent.

I personally would spend $500 for headphones and $500 for a headphone amp. Many here would be able to double that, though.

 

Thanks for the replies........., posted on May 3, 2016 at 01:26:39
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 I already have a pretty good vinyl and digital source. 2K is not the ceiling for my budget, but I would like to keep it close to that. I will have a pretty good chunk to spend if I sell my Grand Veenas, LDR preamp and CJ amp. I am doing my homework and narrowing down components. The next step is to get out and demo some cans. That might be easier said than done in my neck of the woods.

Thanks for the suggestions. I had really thought about the Hfiman HE-56 or the Oppo PM 1. Any thoughts on those?

BTW, Open air designs are fine. I will continue to listen in the dedicated room that the system is in now, so no ambient noise issues.

Oz


Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

RE: For 2K, assuming that you already own at least one source component ..., posted on May 3, 2016 at 04:24:03
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 I checked out the Tesla T-1 and the buzz online is a mixed bag. What can you tell me about them?

Oz




Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

RE: For 2K, assuming that you already own at least one source component ..., posted on May 3, 2016 at 08:05:10
genungo
 Well, you'll find "mixed" reviews of practically every headphone out there so take the news with a grain or two...

I have not listened to the new T-1 V2, but the reviews seem to be saying that it is better suited to acoustic music, jazz, and classical than the original T-1.

The original T-1 caters slightly more to the tastes of those who liked the old Beyer "house sound" (DT-880, slightly up-tilted upper frequencies, etc...), while providing a smoother, more extended, more refined sound and a bigger "soundstage".

So, either version could be an excellent choice but the V-1 would be the better choice if you listen to a lot of Rock, Techno, and similar styles. Also, the V-2 would cost you $200 - $300 more than the now discontinued V-1.

 

RE: For 2K, assuming that you already own at least one source component ..., posted on May 3, 2016 at 08:11:54
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 Thanks for the reply. What kind of power would I need for these? I like the Decware amp you mentioned, but I am also looking at the Woo Audio WA6-SE. Would either/both of these work?

Oz




Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

RE: Thanks for the replies........., posted on May 3, 2016 at 09:34:50
Douger
Audiophile

Posts: 745
Location: Nebraska
Joined: January 2, 2001
 Hey Ozzy, if possible consider Mr. Speakers Ether... Read about it on Head-Fi, call Dan Clark (owner) and find out the nearest method to audition. The Decware or the Woo would be great. Open air, $1500 and worth every penny!

 

RE: Thanks for the replies........., posted on May 3, 2016 at 10:25:09
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 So the "C" is the closed version, and the Ether is the open back?

Oz



Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

RE: For 2K, assuming that you already own at least one source component ..., posted on May 3, 2016 at 11:13:01
genungo
 T-1 is a 600 ohm headphone, so you can cross some cheap amps and most portable amps off of your list. The best thing to do before buying any amp is to contact the manufacturer for recommendations.

Either the Decware or the Woo would do nicely, I'm sure. I like the Decware because it is so adjustable.

 

Correct nt, posted on May 3, 2016 at 12:24:08
Ned
Audiophile

Posts: 633
Location: Manhattan (NYC)
Joined: July 23, 2001
 nt

 

RE: Thanks for the replies........., posted on May 3, 2016 at 15:33:14
Douger
Audiophile

Posts: 745
Location: Nebraska
Joined: January 2, 2001
 That's right.

 

RE: Thanks for the replies........., posted on May 4, 2016 at 07:49:42
rrsands
Audiophile

Posts: 2568
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Joined: July 11, 2001
 Haven't replaced the system, but I find the sound from my HiFiMan 560s to be about the best I've heard. Haven't heard everything of course, but when I'm listening to them in the early AM so as not to disturb my wife, I'm constantly blown away by the quality of the sound as well as the bass. Just using my Mac 6900's head out, not a dedicated amp. Also listen to some 24/192 files through my TASCAM 3000 as dac. Just stellar to my ears. 560s are not too hard to drive, but need some extra power to be sure.

My one huge complaint is the cables/connector. Cable is so GD frustrating with it's constant kinks and bends...I'm getting p!ssed off just thinking about it. Make sure you get the new cable/connector (NOT the screw-in connector. Aargh!) Nothing in audio period has been as frustrating as this crap, a shame since the cans sound so wonderful.

Check out the HE400i as well, might get you most of the way there for much less $$. Another inmate rec'd them earlier this year. I just wanted to get out of the under $500 range and try something on the higher end, and picked the 560s up for $700 on sale.

 

RE: Thanks for the replies........., posted on May 4, 2016 at 16:36:25
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 Thanks for the reply. My plan is to go big or stay home. I will either replace my main speakers/amp/preamp with a good rig, or stay with what I have. I really don't need both.

What I have to figure out is if I can live without what conventional speakers do. I have never really heard good cans with an amp, so it should be pretty telling.

Oz


Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

RE: Thanks for the replies........., posted on May 5, 2016 at 07:15:28
rrsands
Audiophile

Posts: 2568
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Joined: July 11, 2001
 Good luck whatever your path.

I'd rather not be without either, now that I've heard some top-level cans. But I love my speakers too. You might try the used route, and sell if you don't like them.

It is hard to find the really good stuff in order to audition at length. Not sure of your location, but HeadFi has meets where folks bring their equipment and share.

 

RE: How many have replaced systems with headphone systems?, posted on May 5, 2016 at 09:24:40
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7956
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 I'm using a pair of HD800S's and a Questyle QP1R.

Just over your two grand limit, but I split my listening time between it and the Quads about 50/50.





'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

I did, posted on May 5, 2016 at 16:59:17
nl
Audiophile

Posts: 730
Joined: March 18, 2002
 I replaced my horns/SET system with headphones only. I prefer it for simplicity and the ability to listen to whatever I like, whenever I like. No more speakers here.

I recommend the Sennheiser HD600, if open-back is OK. I have heard a number of headphones that were "supposed to be better" but haven't really found anything to beat these. (The Audeze LCD-2 is comparable.) I listen to these straight off the outputs of a Metrum Octave DAC, with a Slagle 600 ohm autoformer. Pretty exotic. If I was buying new, I think I would go with a DAP like the Fiio X-7. I would also get some IEMs. The classic Etymotic ER-4P is a nice place to start.

 

I am surprised that nobody has mentioned..., posted on May 11, 2016 at 19:01:45
JimL
Audiophile

Posts: 3773
Location: New Mexico
Joined: November 24, 2002
 a Stax electrostatic ear speaker based system. You can get a used set of Lambda Nova Signature headphones for around $500 and a used or new Stax amplifier for anywhere between $500 and $1500. An acquaintance of mine listened to my Stax system (which, granted, costs more - modded Stax SR007 Mk II and my home-built SRX Plus tube amp), then bartered for a set of used Stax Lambda Pros and a used Stax T1 amp and sold his modified Sennheiser 800s within a week saying that he couldn't listen to the Senns any more. He is also selling his Magnepan-based system in favor of the Staxes.

 

RE: I am surprised that nobody has mentioned..., posted on May 12, 2016 at 06:41:22
genungo
 Nothing at all against Stax, at least not on my part!

It's just that a brand new Stax system runs well outside of the $2000 budget suggestion. The OP didn't specify a preference for new gear over used gear but I tend to assume that first time buyers will prefer new, if only because of the need to clean or change out old earpads and other parts related to prior personal usage with used heapdhones.

 

No, but, posted on May 13, 2016 at 09:02:12
Dingojazz
Audiophile

Posts: 1045
Location: Sonoran Desert
Joined: January 3, 2005
 I find that the headphone set up is a nice augmentation to loudspeakers. Very do-able for under 2k, I've gotten very good results from a Bottlehead Crack/Senn 600 and a Bottlehead SE experimenter/HiFi Man 400i
combo, each well under the $ mark.

Cheers,

K.

 

I had a Stax setup, posted on May 13, 2016 at 13:06:06
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7956
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 And sold it when I heard a pair of HD800's. Couldn't listen to the Stax after hearing the Senn's.

That was four years ago, I've never looked back. In fact just upgraded to HD800S.




'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

I did for a year, posted on May 15, 2016 at 13:59:06
RJeff
Audiophile

Posts: 1347
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Joined: June 27, 2001
 We were between houses. Everything was in storage. We were living in a small apartment for the school year. I thought I could live without a system for the year. I was wrong.
I got a pair of AKG 702s and a Furutech GT40 DAC/Head amp. Managed to survive.. :-)
When we moved into our house, I unpacked the Sennheiser HD600s and sold the AKGs. I kept the Furutech for its A/D converter for LPs.
My current head amp is the Schiit Valhalla, which is a great match for the Sennheisers. I use them regularly for evening listening when the little one is asleep.
But I did go back to my system for serious listening.

Jeff

"Decaf is for cowards."
Jack Kevorkian

 

Interesting, because..., posted on May 15, 2016 at 14:43:59
JimL
Audiophile

Posts: 3773
Location: New Mexico
Joined: November 24, 2002
 I just recently demonstrated a Stax system at a Head-Fi meet in Albuquerque and one of the people who heard it immediately sold his Senn HD800s in favor of a Stax system. Personal preference, I guess.

 

RE: How many have replaced systems with headphone systems?, posted on May 18, 2016 at 14:23:58
Yehuda
Audiophile

Posts: 350
Joined: August 13, 2002



I didn't replace my main setup, but I have a nice headphone setup.

 

Excellent!, posted on May 18, 2016 at 16:38:17
genungo
 Inspirational!

 

No but my main rig..., posted on May 19, 2016 at 12:14:10
EdAInWestOC
Audiophile

Posts: 6828
Location: Glen Burnie, MD USA
Joined: December 18, 2003
 Has featured a set of Stax Lambda Pros that I got as a Christmas present for Christmas 1990. The driver needs servicing or replacement.

I have tried a lot of different dynamic headphones and they all sound slow and incapable of generating realistic sound. Nothing is like the sound of full range electrostatic headphones.

I miss my Stax phones and will fix the driver or replace it ASAP.

Ed
Life is analog...digital is just samples thereof

 

RE: Interesting, because..., posted on May 26, 2016 at 14:44:36
trioderob
Audiophile

Posts: 753
Joined: May 15, 2015
 I thought the 800 were extremely over rated the 15 times I heard them at the can jam in costa mesa.

 

RE: How many have replaced systems with headphone systems?, posted on May 31, 2016 at 12:36:44
SteveM324
Audiophile

Posts: 164
Location: Michigan, USA
Joined: January 25, 2002
 Ozzy,
I would recommend staying with what you already have or making changes to your speaker system if you're not pleased with the sound quality. I have 2 high quality speaker systems and a load of some of the best headphones including the Stax SR-009, Audeze LCD X, HifiMan HE6, Sennheiser HD800, and a highly modified Denon D7000 (LA7000 by Lawton Audio). I also own 2 really good headphone amps: Ray Samuels A10 Thunderbolt II for electrostatics and the Audio GD Master 9 for dynamic cans. At one time I listened most of the time to my headphones because I didn't want to disturb my family. I much rather listen to my speaker systems now than any of my headphones and I have a private listening room.

For me headphones are for private listening times. If you don't have issues with disturbing your family when listening to speakers, then stick with what you have. If you need to do private listening then you are pretty much forced into headphones. Lately given the choice, I always prefer to listen to my speakers. The soundstage is more natural and you can feel the bass. Vocals on my speaker system puts the vocalist in my room. I do get a soundstage or a headstage with my headphones but its not quite the same. Also even with the most comfortable headphones I still know that something is on my head and I'm tethered to my headphone amp. Don't get me wrong, I like headphones but not as much as speakers.
If you make the switch, you will probably spend a lot of money doing so. If you get involved in Head-fi like I used to do, you will always want the latest best headphone or amp and it will burn a hole in your wallet.

 

RE: How many have replaced systems with headphone systems?, posted on December 24, 2016 at 05:22:47
claud
Audiophile

Posts: 958
Location: North Carolina
Joined: February 13, 2001
 I was sort of headed that way. Have not really listened to my Cary /Merlin/ Rega system for several years. Got interested a couple of years ago and retuned the Cary V 12 with Gold Lion's best. Started off listening to headphones with Schiit Lyr and Bifrost Uber. Moved on to Yiggy and Ragg fed by Oppo 83 . Added a Vali 2 and Modi Multibit for computer system and then started upgrading wires. Bought a Richard Gray 400 Pro for Yiggy system and fed it with TG Audio SLVR power cords except Ragg which has a 688 per Frank. Bought a Wywires Platinum coax to connect the Oppo and Yiggy and a Wywires Platinum balanced IC to connect Yiggy and Ragg. Mostly use Mr. Speakers Ether C 1.1 and Ether Flow with Platinum headphone cables.
After enjoying the results of the Yiggy upgraded system, I decided to change the wires on my computer headphone system. Changed the Audioquest USB cable to a Wywires Platinum USB and the $20 Schiit IC to a Wywires Silver one. OMG it totally transformed that system. You no longer have to even listen carefully when testing new tubes in Vali 2. The sound changes are very discernible. and thats for a 68 year old duffer. I usually use AKG 702s, Fostex MassDrop and Seen HD 600s with this system
Well I have begun my revamping of my good old tube system I managed to buy two TG Audio Hi Purity ICs in the last few months to replace the Luminous ones and just received a used Running Springs Haley to replace the VanEvers. At some point I will think about upgrading my Rega P-25 and Shelter cart after I have had it checked out by my local AV shop.

 

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