@samosa
+1 on your post. Headphone systems are a wonderful entry point into the world of 'HiFi'. I wish I had started with a good headphone system. Once I did (similar to your story, but for other reasons), it allowed me to become more and easily aware of changes and sound quality differentials based on the cabling, amplification, headphones, music files used, etc. Taking the room out of the equation is helpful, as was having a simpler chain, as was the ease of swaps.
I say your start to the hobby is terrific and you are well on your way! As you move to speakers and a 2ch (non-headphone) system don’t get caught up and overthink your choices. In other words, make mistakes!
Consider your "90’s era pair of HiFi Japanese speakers" a Teacher. Learn and apply what you learn...Enjoy the Journey!
Once I found out that I didn’t have a Hifi system (because I couldn’t tell the difference between an MP3 stream and a 16-bit FLAC), I’ve been seeking better audio quality. It started with better headphones, then eventually getting an Amp/DAC, then getting even nicer headphones, and a dedicated tube amp, and dedicated NOS DAC.
+1 on your post. Headphone systems are a wonderful entry point into the world of 'HiFi'. I wish I had started with a good headphone system. Once I did (similar to your story, but for other reasons), it allowed me to become more and easily aware of changes and sound quality differentials based on the cabling, amplification, headphones, music files used, etc. Taking the room out of the equation is helpful, as was having a simpler chain, as was the ease of swaps.
I say your start to the hobby is terrific and you are well on your way! As you move to speakers and a 2ch (non-headphone) system don’t get caught up and overthink your choices. In other words, make mistakes!
Consider your "90’s era pair of HiFi Japanese speakers" a Teacher. Learn and apply what you learn...Enjoy the Journey!