Thinking of moving to a Headphone system, thoughts

I couldn't hang with a headphone only system. Even in urban areas there are the suburbs where you can listen to music in the privacy of your own home.

That said, I'd propose a compromise: down size to a 2.0 or 2.1 system with a quality integrated. There are many, but Musical Fidelity makes quality integrateds at good values.

So I'd go with a thinning out verses throwing out. Less to move, easier to setup, but you can still enjoy the sound of music in your house/apt. And you may even end up cash positive :)

You know, I have thought about that too...I think that one of my problems is that I am a 90db guy...and probably going to be living in an apartment again. I hate neighbors, but sometimes there's nothing you can do...

Bear,

I have a pair of Stax sr-80 pro headphones. They are far from the best Stax phones out there though. They are not the ultimate in low end extension,, but are very enjoyable and non-fatiguing otherwise

I like electrostatic headphone designs like the Stax myself for the low fatigue factor.

There are many really good phones out there though I am sure. Frankly, I am not very up to date on this topic so I would hesitate to offer other suggestions. I've owned good Sennheisers in the past and liked those. Ive heard very good things about certain AKG models as well. Goldring sells headphones these days as well...haven't heard them, but I have high respect for that brand from their phono cartridges, FWIW.

A few years ago, I went through times too, I couldn't afford a very good system. So I went with a HP set up and used it for over a year or so and found it very satisfying! But for the real viseral attack of a pair of speakers I found the HPs to sound fantastic and unless I was comparing A to B, I never felt I was missing out on anything...

I had a pair of Senns 500s, a tube Ear Max amp, Cardas HP cables and, over the years, various CDPs..

I have to say that with headphones I learned more then I ever did about critical listening and understanding the "sound", HPs are intimate and offer a great learn vehicle.

Go for it and when you are in a position to get a main rig again, you will.

Enjoy, JOHN

I have AKG 701s and a couple of headphone amps. If you can tolerate waiting for it, try the SinglePower "Extreme". It is an OTL and not extreme at all . The price of entry is about $700 dollars but may be more now and depending on various options you can double the price. Mine is the basic model it uses 6080 power tubes and a single 6SN7. He will throw you some good 6080 but you can opt for better 6SN7s. His tube inventory was diverse and I hear he still has some of the best. Or you can get one barely used ready to go with tubes che moi. It sounds better than good and has the cosmetics to match.