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Need new headphone setup.

I have a speaker oriented system that is very satisfying to me. But because of a need to maintain domestic tranquility I’m looking to go to a less noisy alternative: i..e. headphones.
I want to spend a total of about $1000. So, nothing too fancy. Not the equivalent of my much more expensive speaker system.
What do I need to assemble a headphone system independent of my regular system which is accessible from my listening chair and side table?
I plan on solely streaming. My present system contains a WiFi streamer.
Can that be incorporated, or do I need a new streamer?
I understand that I need a headphone preamp along with the cans.
I know my budget is not too high, but can I get something relatively decent at it?

Currently, I listen though cheap ear buds and stream through an iPad.

128x128rvpiano
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
1,991 posts
 

I recommend the Graham Slee Novo headphone amp and a pair of Shure 1540 headphones...right at your thousand buck budget. I think you will be happy with both. The Shure's are closed back but with an open back sound. Another option is the AKG K550's, also closed back with an open back sound. 

barryaudiophile
57 posts
 

You might consider the Austin Audio Works Black AMP.  It was on a SBFA tour as a good a great headphone amplifier - no feed back current mode when used with the Audeze LC series of headphones is a most rewarding combination of detail and clarity. 

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,423 posts
 

Just pulled a reverse and cancelled the Sennheiser and spent a lot more on the AUDEZE.  

it’s only money!

robshaw
223 posts
 

I have a reasonable system that sounds fabulous!!!!! (When not using my speaker based system)   Apple i phone 6S, Amazon HD service, Apple Lightning device, (whole system wired) Through a fiio IEM FH5 and all WIRED into a Fiio BTR5.

Can be used Bluetooth, but doesn't sound nearly as good.  Wired gives you ultra HI DEF, when music allows. WOW       BTR5 does wonders with the HD service!!!! Enjoy

oiche_shamhna's avatar
oiche_shamhna
19 posts
 

As a budget Audiophile. Basically one who has no budget 😁 I needed something that was affordable and could be a mix of office and portable. It was hard to have a nice system at home then come in to work to listen to earbuds. So I thought how do I do this without breaking the bank, but can also use at home and office as well. So I picked up A Fiio X5MIII(used for $150.Plus two 256SD cards) portable unit so I could use the DAC on the go. I also wanted one that would do most Hi=Res file options but wanted Native DSD Conversion and this had the AK4490. you get two for them, one for each channel . It also has the ability to pick up DLNA for streaming from a Serviio server I have running. I then picked up two K5 (75.00 used ) Amplifiers that use the X5 as the DAC. Then I added a pair ESS422H Heil headphone (on sale for $99.00 ) Swapped out the cushions with Sure 1540 Pads. This opened them up quite a bit. I had read many reviews that put them up against 800 to 1000 dollar headphones and still preferred them. I have to say the sound vs $$ has worked out better than I could have imagined. Milage may very as the Dap is getting a little on the old side and there are many newer ones out depending on your needs.

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