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New Headphone User

Due to family considerations, I recently bought a new pair of Sennheiser HD600 (with stock cord) for a great price here on AudiogoN. As my preamp already has a build in headphone amplifier, I did not have to purchase one. What a fantastic purchase! For $259 I have outstanding sound with no room interactions and I can listen however loudly I wish without disturbing everyone else. Also as a bonus, the sweet spot is a 10' radius.
I am posting this because I am actually shocked at the fidelity one can obtain in a pair of headphones that, relative to my system cost, is inexpensive. How many of you have headphones and what are your impressions compared to listening through your speakers?

David
david_berry
megasam's avatar
megasam
798 posts
 
I have very good Headphone set-up also listed in my systems,
I love Senn HD600 but stock cord must go, get good aftermarket brand like Cardas......the improvement is not subtle, this is mandatory upgrade.

Headphones are capable of incredible detail and tonal variations that rivals or surpasses best stereo systems but 3D soundstage is severely limited vs full stereo system.
An analogy:

Good headphone system - very clear detailed photo of object
Good stereo system - seeing same object in real 3D form
dannylw's avatar
dannylw
172 posts
 
I use Stax Gamma Stats. I've also owned Superex stats, Koss and Sennheisers.
david_berry OP
211 posts
 
Megasam,

Good analogy. I am currently looking for a Cardas 15'cable as I have read many times what you have posted. I really do not know what improvements I will notice with the Cardas, however, as I require 15' vs the stock 10' I thought that I might as well take the plunge.

Regards,
consttraveler
250 posts
 
David,

Headroom has a couple of replacement options for the Senn. cables, as well as high quality extensions (my "sweet spot" is +/- 25 feet). Their web site is www.headphone.com

Best regards, Dave.
danlib1
819 posts
 
The 600's were my headphone reference for quite a while. The Cardas cable is a nice upgrade. You may also want to experiment with dedicated headphone amps later- especially tubed units.

I've since moved on to the Stax Classic System, which I'm thoroughly enjoying. With a 5 year old daughter in the house, headphones are an essential part of my audiophile experience!

Have Fun!!
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