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Can headphones ever be as good as high end stereo?

I am absolutely satisfied with the sounds of my current setup but I feel like I'm unable to listen at the volumes I prefer on a regular basis due to the ole spouse. I've been considering switching over to headphones. By selling my current speakers and amps I could easily finance stax 009 phones and a suitable amp, which seem to be regarded as the pinnacle of headphones.

My question is, what would I be losing or gaining in the switch? Right now my setup emits a beautiful wall of sound and I would hate to give that up. Understand that I have never owned a pair of headphones worth more than 80 bucks so I have no idea what good ones sounds like. Almost all source material would come from a pyon ultima table. Thanks
bfin3
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
btw, jmcgrogan, hope your wife doesn't read your post.

Why? We've been married for over 32 years now.
Nothing I wrote hasn't been talked about between us.
She is well aware that I do most of my listening when she is not around, and she appreciates that.

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
I should emphasize the fact that top earphones need a top dedicated earphone amp...the results are stunning.  Plugging earphones into jacks with afterthought headphone circuits just don't work nearly as well.
tmare
44 posts
 
I liked my headphone (HD800) much more than my previous speakers until I got my current speakers. I don't think the best headphone can't beat really good speakers in terms of the whole listening experience, but headphone can probably be more enjoyable than mediocre speakers.
mesch
3,484 posts
 
I believe that high quality sound can be achieved at lower cost with headphones mated to a quality amp, however this experience is no substitute for the 'speaker' experience. I have no need for headphones in my dedicated audio room. At my bedside my headphone system prevails.
freediver
1,195 posts
 
This is a no brainer.Do NOT sell a thing if your happy with the sound of your 2 channel system because it can NOT be duplicated by a can based rig!Work out a schedule with the "ole spouse"to get her out of the house long enough for you to enjoy your system the way you want to.
Also invest a small amount in a separate,dedicated headhone system for use when you want to listen & not bother her.There are some fantastic headphones & amps available today that don't cost much $.
Have a look at my little headphone system just for starters & spend time over at head-fi.org going through the buyers guides & user reviews.Good luck & keep us up to date with that new headphone rig!
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