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I have an Oppo HA-1 headphone amp but I use it mainly as a DAC for my regular stereo setup driving my tube amp and speakers.
My idea of decent headphones are my pair of Grado SR80. I have no experience with higher-end headphones. To me a higher-end headphone would cost less than $1000 and more like $400 - $600 or so.
I'd hate to buy a pair only to learn that I can't stand the way they feel on my ears. Are there online shops that welcome trying out a pair (or two) and shipping back the pair you don't want for a full refund?
What to do? Thanks.
Follow Ups:
I got to visit B&H one day and tried 20-30 phones. I got an Ultrasone. I went to a local Can Jam and tried some of the $2k ones which did not sound better to me than my $200 ones. The better ones are likely more comforable. Mine get hot if there is no breeze. But I have not heard better sound from headphones at any price.
I'm having the same problem right now with $100-$200 headphones. Picked up a pair of AKG Y50 from Crutchfield that i'll be returning (60 day satisfaction). They're uncomfortable after a while. Listening to a pair of V-Moda XS right now. Sound better than the AKG, a longer fit, but also pinch the ears a bit after a while. Not sure if I'll keep these either. The difference between headphones and other parts of a system is not only do they need to sound good to you, they need to FIT. I'd hate to make those decisions on headphones 2-4x the price of mine. Not sure if high-end dealers have return policies like Amazon or Crutchfield or others. I'd be willing to drop more money if I KNEW they would be exactly what I'm looking for.
I was at a local high-end dealer recently and tried their Grado headphones. I went from one to the next, right up the line and saw little difference regardless of cost, and really did NOT like the sound of any of them. They just seemed lifeless to me and thin. LOVE my Grado cartridge though :-)
The two top of the line Grados, GS-1000e and PS-1000e are circumaural. These same pads can be used for all the other Grados. I use the G Cushions on my 325i. More comfy and wider headstage.
But then, I'm a Grado fan.
"If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
Amazon has 30 day trial.
Also, try the link below.
"If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
I'll have to see what brands & models they offer. I'm willing to pay their asking 5% deposit and not make a mistake on a costly purchase that can't be returned. Like others, the headphones not only have to sound good but they have to feel good on my ears. Thanks!
I have been doing business with them for years with their cables. Their service is a great way to audition cables (or headphones) in your environment. I have purchased as well as returned many cables. They are true to their word and I have never had a problem with them.
Unless you live near a city where headphone enthusiasts hold meetings, shows, and other demo events, you're basically forced to buy and try until you find exactly what you're looking for.Because headphones are considered personal items, you won't find headphone manufacturers advertising "30 day in-home trial" offers like you might when shopping for loudspeakers. You might find a few retailers with limited return policies, though.
Headphone reviews can help you choose the best possible options.
Edits: 02/06/15
At almost any big show, one of the best places to hang out is the headphone area. This typically consists of a large room with MANY different companies displaying (no need to worry about one demo disturbing another). These rooms tend to be really friendly, often with those displaying allowing you to take one piece of gear to another vendor's display to try a different combination.
Most large metropolitan areas have a fairly active community of headphone fans that have meets where home made DIY ptojects are tested, ideas on modifications are shared, etc.
This is really the best way to hear a lot of different phones and amps and get an idea of which sounds the best to you and which are comfortable.
How to get any piece of gear into your home and in your system can be a real struggle, right?
Observe, before you think. Think before you open your yap. Act on the basis of experience.
Look for a local headfi meet. At the ones that I have been to, there will be at least 50 different pairs of cans to try out.
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