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Spur07
04-07-2009, 18:48
Hi guys

I've been totally oblivious to the world of headphones since I bought my first Naim kit in the early 90's, but earlier today a mate of mine mentioned he had a pair of Stax and how good they were. In the interests of keeping my neighbours sweet I've come round to the idea that some audiophile headphones might be a worthwhile investment.

I've done a little research and so far I'm looking toward either getting a Naim Headline amp and pairing it with...? or going down the Stax route - (just seen a s/h Stax Classic SRS-3030 System II ).

If anyone's got any advice or recommendations - that would be much appreciated.

Ta:)

speakers-1989
04-07-2009, 19:00
Be very interesting to hear the Stax, I've never heard a pair of Stax phones in my life. I always see people saying having Stax headphones is like having loudspeakers strapped to your head:eyebrows:

Good luck.

StanleyB
04-07-2009, 19:24
Give the Sennheiser HD800 a try. Not sure about the Naim as a headphone amp however.

Spur07
04-07-2009, 19:46
apologies to admin for posting this thread in the wrong section. I didn't see this before - i'll check out some of the previous headphone posts

thanks stan, i'll check out the HD800s

DaveK
04-07-2009, 20:07
While this post is still open, can I ask the same question but limit the choices to 'closed' type headphones, so as not to upset the 'neighbour' (wife) :steam: sat in the same room.
Thanks for any advice.
Cheers,

StanleyB
04-07-2009, 20:47
can I ask the same question but limit the choices to 'closed' type headphones...
Sennheiser HD280 or Denon AH-D2000. That's if you are after quality reproduction on two shoestrings.

Stan

Magna Audio
04-07-2009, 20:55
I mucked around with various amps and phones - easy to buy and get posted and sell on...
My phones / amp history.
Grado SRS-125's with Creek amp

Senn HD-650's with Creek, Chineese J1, Little Dot 2 amps.
Equation 3 RP-21 with MF X-cans V3 inc Rock Grotto mods.

Senn HD-650 with Graham Slee Solo inc PSU upgrade.
AT ATH-W1000's (the woodies) with amps above

STAX SRS basic Earspeakers with SRM-310 amp combo.
I've listened to other higher range models and with everything it is the law of diminishing returns.

Blew everything else I've tried / owned in to the weeds to be honest... Cheap too as a combo 2nd hand. Less than 2nd hand HD's or the ATH's with the Slee.
Sound wise it is clearer, focus, full and with less distortion or sound the other make that I feel should not be there = distortion in my world.

For closed I would say push the boat out and get the recently introduced Stax closed phones. Not at all cheap though - that's what I'll be doing if they pay us a bonus this year...

I've auditioned the new Senns HD800's. Hard to tell in an audition but TBH I'm not hankering after a pair for that sound for that money.

DaveK
04-07-2009, 21:43
Hi Stan,
Thanks for that - you've made my day, probably even my month !!! :) Perhaps my ears are not so clothy after all. A couple of months ago I went to visit my local Richer Sounds (OK, not the best place but they let me audition every headphone they had, with my own music, for about an hour), and I came away with the Senn HD280 Pro, and I'm happy with them. I just wondered if a little more cash could have got me anything much better - it's reassuring that the answer is probably "No". The fact that you are happy with them, and presumably that means when used with the 7520, means that my teaming the two is fortuitous - great !!

Hi Steve (Speedy),
Thanks for your input too - unfortunately I'm not in the closed Stax market, budget wise, but if you care to start a collection going for me, maybe ....... :lolsign:

Cheers both,

PS Stan
Anything further to add to our exchange yesterday (?) re the active sub-woofer?

StanleyB
04-07-2009, 21:50
PS Stan
Anything further to add to our exchange yesterday (?) re the active sub-woofer?
Haven't come up with anything concrete yet. I'll send you a PM.

Stan