Speakers vs. headphones

Yes a great headphone system is very enjoyable. Overall you can achieve a similar level of detail and overall sound quality for 1/10th the cost (see my two systems, click on my ID). However, ultimately a room system can do stuff that headphones cannot. I had brought my headphone system home from the office and started upgrading it until it reached a really amazing level of performance. Then I went back to my main system and just had to ask, “why does’ t my main system sound that good (tonally and musically?” Then additional upgrades to my main system.

Ok, so $100K later I have two amazing systems. I am luckily can play either without disturbing anyone. Overall, I am happy with the outcome. But watch out, if you are an audiophile… well a headphone system can be truly astonishing… think upgrading all components… and I’d you beat your main system the disease could spread there.

I’m retired, both systems bring real joy to me. But watch out… it may cost you. A great headphone system is really amazing!

Who knew?

Quite a few of us knew. A good headphone amp and high end headphones can give surprising performance and is like getting a second system. I use mine about half the time compared to running loudspeakers.

Evidently two versions of this thread are currently running.

Ironically, the headphones have made me listen to my speaker system with more concentration. I’m enjoying  the music more and appreciating its quality more.

I've had the opposite journey.  I have built three nice headphone rigs and have about a dozen headphones including some high-end cans like Audeze LCD-4, Senn HD800, and Sony MDR-Z1R.

As my two channel systems improved I find myself so involved with the detail, soundstage, imaging, and dynamics of the system that I don't want to limit myself to what headphones are able to present.  And it's nice not to have anything sitting on your head while you're listening.