Any idea which headphones I’d like?


I’ve sold all of my 2-channel gear, and am stepping into the headphone realm.  Unfortunately, there is no place around me that sells high end headphone gear.  I loved Dynaudio and Harbeth speakers.  I ran the Confidence C4’s, and Harbeth Super HL5+ on Pass Labs XA amps.  I’m open to input as to which headphones would encapsulate the qualities of those speakers.  Any input is greatly appreciated.
toddcowles
As with speakers, the headphone and amp pairing is critical. As much as folks will try to help, choose a starting point (headphone amp + headphones) and figure it out for yourself.

Attend a can jam if possible.

I personally find "professional" reviews of headphones to be far better done than those of speakers. Comparisons with different amplification are included as are comparative notes to other headphones.

Stating your sound signature preferences / goals as well as your budget for the chain will help.
Putting together a headphone system is every much as challenging as a two channel system although it can be less expensive. You can see my main system and headphone system by clicking on my ID.

Major players include Focal, Sennheiser, Hifiman, Audeze, Beyerdynamic, Abyss, Denon… but there are dozens of brands..


What they sound like is strongly dependent on what electronics you use to feed them. All components matter: streamer, DAC, and amp (let me repeat… streamer… my system didn’t get good until I got a dedicated high end streamer). Focal are great sounding and pretty easy to drive. I would start there. Beyerdynamic may be the most musical.. I love my T1’s. But can be hard to drive to get full dynamics. The Sennheiser flagship 820s are outstanding but need really good natural sounding electronics or they can sound trebly. The electrostatics usually sound best using an amp made for them. If you are into rock  high end Denon can be good but need massive current to get bass under control.

If I were starting again I would start with something Focal… Clear. Then build your system around them. Almost all of us have several sets of headphones so these would remain relevant in any collection. You asked given your preference for speakers… my guess would be high end Beyerdynamic.


I actually listen to my Sennheiser 820s the most, but not until I bought a $5K 300B amp to power them, with the equipment I have behind them they sound remarkably similar to my Focal Utopias… my feeling is when feed a really high current natural signal, really high end headphones start sounding similar because the are converging on the best possible quality reproduction. My preference for the Sennheiser, I think is that they are full open back compared with the Focal… more open sound stag.


Welcome to a brave new world.  What’s your budget, assuming with decent ‘phones you’ll need an amp/DAC as well?