2. headphones
  3. 173684-89202

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.

128x128rvpiano
csmgolf
871 posts
 

I have started a headphone rig and am curious about applying eq to them. So far I have a Topping A30 pro amp and a pair of Sennheiser HD 58x Jubilee. They are currently connected to the analog out of an Esoteric DV-50s. The 58x could use a bit more upper mids / low treble, a touch more sparkle, and definitely more bass below about 80 hertz. Mid range is pretty good on them. Overall they are very decent, but I would like to tweak them a little. I do not stream music, as I end up with too many dropouts from my internet. What options are out there for adding some eq to them? Is there a reasonably priced (~$500 used) headphone that would appreciably improve on these areas (Hifiman Sundara maybe)? I am willing to try out open or closed back phones. Any input is appreciated.

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.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,416 posts
 

Thanks!

soix
8,654 posts
 

If you end up using a dongle out of the iPad, I found this to be a significant upgrade over the Apple Camera Adapter...

https://www.lavricables.com/cables/reference-silver-lightning-to-chord-hugo-mojo-interconnect-cable-by-lavricables-v2-0/

 

jeankunin's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jeankunin
17 posts
 

I highly recommend checking out IEM’s from Periodic Audio, in particular the Be beryllium version.  The newest models now allow interchangeable cables, which is great if you wish to upgrade.  To my ears they sound detailed and rich.  Periodic also now makes a very small DAC that, along with the earphones and a smart phone for streaming create an incredibly portable system that is great for travel without compromising sound quality.  Can be found on Amazon if you’re interested.

More to discover