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Headphones, or Speakers???

An audiophile typically portions a noteworthy sum for speakers. Not only will speakers, empty the wallet, their performance changes when auditioned in a different room. Therefore in home trials are a must, which are sometimes inconvenient in terms of time, and portability (speakers over 80 lbs). Is there an alternative? Sort of...

What about headphones? I recently auditioned the AKG K-1000, and Sennheiser HD600 and I was amazed! I never knew headphones could sound so quick, transparent, non-fatiguing, and provide a more than decent soundstage! In addition to that, I can listen any time without disturbing others.

Is the headphone a better alternative to the loudspeaker even when cost is not an issue?

My current “Headphone system”

Pioneer DV-47a~ DVD Universal
Krell KRC-3~ Preamplifier
Grado RA-1~ Headphone Amplifier
(2) Siltech SQ-88-G3 ~ Unbalanced Interconnects
Kimber KCAG~ Custom 12 foot cable headphone cable
Sennheiser HD600~ Headphone

By the way: any recommendations for a 20-amp power cord for the Krell KRC-3, and Krell KAV-250a?

What about the Sennheiser Orpheus ($11,000)? Has anyone auditioned that?

Best Regards,
Jayson
xcellentaudio
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Lack of imaging, lack of room vibrations and feeling the deep bass. Headphones are very useful but don't come close to speakers for me.
tibina590d
19 posts
 
Try listening to Stax headphones while sitting on a first class subwoofer.
sfstereo
215 posts
 
I am listening to my Stax Lamda Signature this very minute. It's a very good headphone but it can't reproduce the imaging and bass as my Revel Studios.
bioman
44 posts
 
I have HD600 and an Antique Sound Lab Tube head-amp.
Headphones can't be beat for “quite time” listening, when others members of household are doing their thing. Also, for some critical listening they are excellent. No room interactions to cloud detail. In this regard, headphones are an excellent tool for the purpose of speaker setup in determining additive or subtractive issues.
However, there is no way that headphones are a substitute for a good speaker system...even the best don't do stereo spread, depth or bass well.
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