2. misc-audio
  3. 1298303537

Headphone Tutorial

Folks:

I'm looking to get into headphones but know little about them and could use some assistance. Some questions: Do I need a separate head amp? Maybe they are old school since I do not see any for sale with a separate amplification unit. Are they offered with and without? If so, is one approach better than another? Do I need a separate headphone jack on my linestage or can I connect to one of the "out" jacks on the rear panel of my LS36.5? Do they make "noise canceling" versions like the Bose? Do the non-noise canceling versions block out environmental noise? I'd like to use them while my wife is watching TV in the next room and do not want to have to turn them up to block out the tube. Next, I see some are available with higher quality connecting wire--worthwhile? What models should I be looking at--the Sennheiser 650 looks like it is the default high quality set from what I can tell.

Thanks for the help!
dodgealum

Showing 1 response by ckoffend

ckoffend
684 posts
 
First, go to headfi.org for the best information on headphone systems. Second, you need a preamp, source device or something that has a headphone jack.

As to active noise canceling headphones, if you are seeking maximum performance you want to avoid these. The concept really doesn't work as one would think - they do a decent job of addressing airplane noise and such, but not variable real-world noises. Besides, even the active noise canceling phones don't really do any better of a job vs. in ear (preferably custom fit) or closed cans.

I have a few pair of phones (4), 2 in-ear and two on-ear. Of the two on-ear one is a closed design and the other an open back design.

If you are planning on taking you listening with you, you may want to consider some of the many excellent portable headphone amps. If you travel for business these are really nice to have.
More to discover