Headphones vs speakers

Back at you @fire_water. I would say that I'll be waiting here in 30 years ... but that would be truly wishful thinking on my part. 

For what it's worth, I think the world of headphones is quite exciting. There are a few solid forums to check out. I don't know where you and your relative are located, but there's a big headphones show (Canjam) in NYC next month. I find the hardest thing about buying headphones is auditioning them. They're a more personal purchase than speakers, in part because it's not only sound but also comfort. Good luck to your relative!

@northman Actually 30 yrs would be a stretch for me, 25 yrs is more realistic unfortunately :(

Anyways this past month I had the horrible experience of demoing and Audience FrontRow USB and Furutech JumperFlux-S spkr jumpers. Time and money wasted.  These Furutech jumpers are beautiful so I'm really disappointed that they didn't work out for me. XLRs are next as well as spkr wires.  I'm starting to think headphones are the real deal myself!

I have several excellent headphone sets I listen to daily. However, the sound is even better through a good set of IEM's. It's the best I've ever heard. The problem is they begin to bother my ears so they get limited use. I love the way they sound!

I have a decent headphone amp and a few pairs of phones and I rarely use them.  They sound great but it's just not the same to me. 

I should add that I like to preserve my hearing which is actually still pretty decent......