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Need new headphone setup.

I have a speaker oriented system that is very satisfying to me. But because of a need to maintain domestic tranquility I’m looking to go to a less noisy alternative: i..e. headphones.
I want to spend a total of about $1000. So, nothing too fancy. Not the equivalent of my much more expensive speaker system.
What do I need to assemble a headphone system independent of my regular system which is accessible from my listening chair and side table?
I plan on solely streaming. My present system contains a WiFi streamer.
Can that be incorporated, or do I need a new streamer?
I understand that I need a headphone preamp along with the cans.
I know my budget is not too high, but can I get something relatively decent at it?

Currently, I listen though cheap ear buds and stream through an iPad.

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Showing 2 responses by holmz

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

If you currently use cheap ear buds, then maybe another option to consider is something like Etymotic “In Ear Monitors” (IEM)?

Even with an iPad dongle, or with a standard iPhone 1/8” audio out they are surprisingly good.

If you are looking at cans. Then you probably want to select the can before selecting the amp, so that you can ensure the that required output impedance works.

Half the time I use the IEM without a pad, as their noise blocking is pretty good, so I use them like ear plugs. But I also have a few Etymotic ear plugs handy most of the time as well.

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

What do you mean by “using the IEM without a pad?’

“In Ear Monitor” = (IEM)
And I meant with an iPad.

If you use an iPad now, then an “In Ear Monitor” (IEM) seem like a progression.

For isolation of external noise the order is:

  1. IEM
  2. Closed Back
  3. Open Back

I usually go #1 or #2, but if it is quiet then #3 also works. If it is noisy or in an public setting then you may want #1 or #2.

The Eytmoytic measure well and sound good, So for an IEM they are a good choice… But a can may be more comfortable.

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