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Speakers vs. headphones

I’ve spent many, many years building a stereo system that I finally can say I’m satisfied with, but recently had to make a change due to a complaint of “too much noise” in the house.  So, headphones were the answer.  
After just a few days of listening with a middling headphone (HIFIMAN Ananda) and inexpensive DAT (Firefly Cobalt,) I find myself enjoying (and getting into) the music  more.  Of course my system objectively is much better and cost light years more.  However, I find there is a certain intimacy, seemingly being closer to the music, and of course no distracting audible room effects to deal with. 
I’m not giving up speaker listening but what a pleasant surprise.
 

Who knew?

128x128rvpiano
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,708 posts
 

Ironically, the headphones have made me listen to my speaker system with more concentration. I’m enjoying  the music more and appreciating its quality more.

big_greg
6,674 posts
 

I've had the opposite journey.  I have built three nice headphone rigs and have about a dozen headphones including some high-end cans like Audeze LCD-4, Senn HD800, and Sony MDR-Z1R.

As my two channel systems improved I find myself so involved with the detail, soundstage, imaging, and dynamics of the system that I don't want to limit myself to what headphones are able to present.  And it's nice not to have anything sitting on your head while you're listening.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,708 posts
 

There’s no doubt that my speaker system is better in every parameter, but the headphones present a great alternative.

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

Bare in mind that headphone listening should be limited to void possible health hazards. Probably half-hour maximum if headphones are over ear cans and 10..15min with ear buds.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,543 posts
 

My portable headphone system drove me to change my whole perception of audio. My portable system with Grado phones had bounce and warmth that my hi-fi system didn't have. I could play lessor quality CDs on the headphones, and they sounded great. So I went from extreme accuracy to a system that just sounds best for me. I probably have a tad too much bass underline and too sweet midrange but damn does it sound good on 99% of the stuff I play. It changed the way I approach hi-fi and I'm way happier. 

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