Headphones; Can't wait lol

[Haselsh1]

I've just bought a basic headphone set up and can't wait for them to arrive to check them out.

Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro and ifi Audio Zen Can.

Just fancied something other than annoying the neighbours. I shall still keep the KEF R5's of course but wanted something different. I guess I'll either be impressed or completely underwhelmed.

[Barry]

I wish you success Shaun, but personally I can't get on with headphone listening for extended periods of time.

[struth]

I wear these contraptions of torture every day... you quickly get used to them physically, and aurally they are a godsend.. wired or wireless(which is what i usually use)


https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/710XWfd7SIL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

[Haselsh1]

I wish you success Shaun, but personally I can't get on with headphone listening for extended periods of time.

Totally understand Barry as I have always had issues with them. My first pair were PWB type back in the late 70's and I had problems with the lack of comfort. A year or two back I had Grado 'phones and couldn't get on with them either but for completely different reasons. Maybe this time things will work out.

:scratch:

[Barry]

For me it's a mixture of discomfort and not liking the effect of the sound appearing inside my head; unlike speakers where the sound stage is laid out in front of you, and doesn't move when you move your head.

That said, I do have several pairs of headphones: two pairs of Koss (hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, but with good SQ) and three sets of Sony headphones (far more comfortable, and with acceptable SQ).

The best 'phones I used were a pair of Sennheiser (forgot the model number). They were comfortable and had good SQ, but sadly the foam ear pads perished.

[Mand]

I’m using those Beyers - look forward to your thought on them.

[Lawrence001]

I have been using headphones more and more in recent years, now more than my Hifi (mainly due to having children).

Once you've got a nice headphone amp and headphones there's no going back.

I've found Meier Audio amps have a useful if subtle crossfeed circuit that helps reduce the "inside your head" feeling.

Also the Sony WH-1000XM3 (and 4) have an app that can change the sound field so that the music is more in front of you. I find it a bit phasy with vocals but it works quite well with instrumental music.

[CageyH]

A good amp, and good headphones are important.
I currently use three sets of ‘phones. Sennheiser HD540 RefII, HD650 and HiFiman Sundara. All are slightly different.

[doodoos]

I really enjoy headphone listening now that there are so many high quality variations - i can sink into my own world happily! So far I’ve Stax 009S, Stellias and HD800S but always open for other flavours. Need a good amp to make the best of them though.

[Haselsh1]

Regarding the 'inside your head' feeling, I picked the ifi head amplifier due to it's 3D sound staging hoping that it helps to spread things about. Again, maybe it will maybe it won't. The headphones are due to be delivered today but I don't know about the ifi as this was bought from Analogue Seduction who don't bother to confirm dispatch. I guess as with most things it'll happen when it happens. Thanks for your comments guys.

[Haselsh1]

I’m using those Beyers - look forward to your thought on them.

Mandeep, I'll post when I can (geddit, can) OK I'm leaving :doh:

[Haselsh1]

Well the 'phones have arrived but not the amp. Fingers crossed.

[southall-1998_mk2]

How are you getting on with the headphones, Shaun? Been almost 4 weeks now.

S.

[Mand]

Any thoughts so far Shaun?

[Haselsh1]

Speaking specifically about the headphones and not the headphone amp, they are way better than I expected. Really good side/side separation, great midrange sound and good bass which was a surprise to me. Very comfortable on my head being fairly lightweight and not too tight. In my opinion though I can't see them being brill for heavy metal/rock.

The ifi headphone amp is another story. Good amp for the money but the bass boost is almost useless producing a fat, overblown bass and the stereo enhancer just separates things out leaving a huge gap in the centre.

Headphones recommended. Amplifier not so.

[Haselsh1]

So far so good. These headphones are just so revealing when compared to my 'speaker system but differ in that they are quite hard and direct compared to the KEF's. When listening to electronic music though such as stuff by Brian Eno/Roger Eno and Carbon Based Lifeforms the lack of seriously low bass is an issue when compared to the R5's.

Great headphones definitely but second place in my system.

[dave2010]

The best 'phones I used were a pair of Sennheiser (forgot the model number). They were comfortable and had good SQ, but sadly the foam ear pads perished.If you haven't already binned them, or passed them on, there are places where Sennheiser pads can be obtained, and unlike Beyerdynamics I think the replacement foam is relatively easy to fit.

I use headphones quite a lot for music production purposes at the moment. I do think the phones encourage problems with ear wax which can become a real nuisance.

[walpurgis]

The Sony ECR-400 I had for years were rather good, hardly used them though. I still think the various Stax I've heard were better than others.

[Haselsh1]

Well had a music sesh last night with the main CD being 'Ultra' by Depeche Mode. Once again stunned by the sheer resolution of these things. Had it not been for the soundstage being behind my head, the sound was close to a live stadium gig. I saw the band at the NEC years ago and the overall sound was very similar. Great headphones with amazing resolution but limited low frequencies when compared to the R5's in my current room.

[doodoos]

New cans in house - Made in UK

https://i.postimg.cc/8P6vFRMw/25514-CC1-A8-B4-4-BF7-847-B-79-B37-B5-EFCF7.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dLJ3pTWT)