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
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,416 posts
 

Well, I pulled the trigger.

ordered the

Sennheiser HD 600,

Dragonfly Cobalt DAC

Lavricable adapter

Thanks everybody for your help

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
liamowen
193 posts
 

Hey, wait a minute.  You didn't give me enough time.😊

I have ideas, opinions, thoughts.  These take time to contemplate and compose.  You can't ask us early in the morning on a Tuesday and then tell us later that day you have made your decision and ordered your new gear.  That violates sub-section 4, article b(8) of the audiophile code of conduct.

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
liamowen
193 posts
 

And, you should have bought Grado's.

ghdprentice
6,363 posts
 

The Sennheiser HD 6oo should be a good choice. Putting together a good sounding headphone system is like putting together a great sounding speaker oriented system. It takes time and money, but you must start somewhere.

It took me over fifteen years to put together a great headphone system (click on my user ID to see it). To do what you want, you need a headphone amp… or head amp. This is frequently the real key as it provides the power to really bring your headphone to life. Then you need to work up to a good DAC. I have tried some of those little DACs… never did anything for me. Ultimately I got a really good DAC, raised my system to the next level. Finally, I addressed the streamer… I tried all sorts of iPods, iPhones, and iPads and finally when they with a real streamer, an Aurender N100. IPads work, but at some point they get in the way of good sound. Also, to get magic. I needed power conditioning and good interconnects.

I think you made a good start with the headphones, but I would have put additional funds into a good tube headphone amp… Woo. I have had 3 Woo headphone amps, they are natural sounding and provide a good amount of power.

scheng's avatar
scheng
4 posts
 

I have another option for your consideration. I have the same requirement as you changing from speaker to headphone setup. Eventually I choose Electrostatic headphone also known as headphone speaker. Means that it's a he@dphone but gives you a speaker effect. It's worth to try. You may start with a used unit and amp if you have a limited budget. I have no regret of choosing this type of headphone. I don't miss too much compared with speaker listening. 

More to discover