2. headphones
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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
big_greg
6,623 posts
 

I really like Audeze's house sound.  I have LCD-2, LCD-XC, and LCD-4.  You're probably leaving a lot on the table in terms of sound quality with that DAC.  You really need a decent DAC and a headphone amp to get the most out of those headphones.  You're off to a nice start though.

ghdprentice
6,950 posts
 

I have a set of LCD2… they are good sounding, but very heavy.

seekerbob
64 posts
 

An iPhone or Android phone streaming Tidal into a portable amp with the Drop

version of Fostex headphones. 800-1000 bucks total for great sound anywhere.

slaw's avatar
slaw
21,258 posts
 

Just getting into streaming and headphones. Bought a iFi NEO iDSD , Grado gs1000e. Sounds great, very open soundstage. For comparison, ordered Massdrop 6xx ( not here yet) and a set of HD 600 to try. Those don't have the ease of presentation or the big soundstage of the Grados and are muffled by comparison. They are going back. Got a used pair of Hi-Fi Man Sundara ordered to try planar magnetic design. 

The iFi DAC/pre really opened up my Audioengine HD4 desktops as well.

deborah12
1 posts
 

A lovely pair of Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, arguably the best on the market, with only the Bose QC45 and Surface Headphones.

Noise-cancelling technology that leads the industry, incredible sound quality, multi-device support, a very flat response curve, excellent EQ control, and useful features like hold to chat and voice assistant integration, to name a few. There's also a wired mode for even better sound.

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