A question about headphones

Since you want to ’test’ the waters, and given your opening post: go over ear, closed back, Bluetooth 5.3 (5.2 at least). BTW, the Bluetooth version needs to be supported both on your phone (for instance) and your headphone (to get the full benefit of the version).

If the pair you go with works to your satisfaction with BT, it will perform better wired. However, your need for a 20 foot long cable is fairly long and that length will require careful selection and audition (i.e. might pose pairing issues with a headphone amp and the type of headphone you choose) .

With BT you can skip the headphone amp and cabling (for now) while you are figuring out how to move forward.

Check out sites like Headfonia, Headphone.guru, Headphonics, etc. for recommendations and reviews.

B&W just released the PX8 (slightly above your current budget). The previous PX7 S2 is available well within your budget.

If you want something that is almost portable and decent sound check out the following DAC with headphone amp. (limited to digital only)

Matrix Mini-i Pro 3 Wireless Bluetooth DAC/Amp – Apos Audio

You can keep this next to your seating position and use the WiFI for streaming (it has BT, Ethernet, etc,,). WiFi is not the most reliable streaming option but when it works it is good. I had this unit and gave it to my friend since it was so easy to use, and my friend does not need the hassle of complicated setups.

Now if you want to step up to the very best quality sound you should explore RAAL-Requisite’s headphones. You can even use your 2-channel amp to drive them (not your preamp).

My BT transmitter is something cheap off of Amazon.  It fits the 1/4" plug on my preamp through an adaptor.  There must be something better out there?

I have a DAC and a Matrix DCC.  Thanks .

The B&W lineup looks nice but it seems BT only, no combo.  Is this correct?

I can’t see that open-back headphones appeal to me. I am about 20’ away from my rig and although I would consider a cable, what’s the consensus on BT headphones or a combo BT / cabled?

If you can’t have any sound leaking out of the headphones and want a more closed-in and intimate soundstage then closed-back headphones can be fine, but if you prefer a more expansive soundstage and a more “out of the head” imaging/soundstage experience then open-back is the way to go. I’ll also add that most of the best headphones extant are open backed. Also, if you at all care about sound quality ditch the Bluetooth and spring for a cable. End of story. While I almost always recommend a headphone amp with any decent headphones, I’ve read McIntosh may design their headphone section differently and may be perfectly fine, especially just to get started. I’d check with Mac to see how your pre’s headphone section is configured, but eventually a $500+ headphone amp will likely provide meaningful improvements.

All that said, if I’m recommending headphones in the $500 range it’s the Hifiman Ananda with their newer Stealth magnets that’s being offered at a substantial discount right now — $599 down from $999. They’re also relatively easy to drive so your Mac shouldn’t have too hard a time with them, at least to get started. I own their $1600 Arya Stealths that are stellar and I’m gonna have to spend almost double to get a meaningful upgrade, and these Anandas incorporate much of the Arya’s technology. I can also help with a headphone cable if you decide to go this route. Anyway, that’d be my recommendation FWIW, and welcome to the wonderful world of headphones. Hope this helps, and best of luck.

https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/ananda-stealth-magnet-version-open-box.html?utm_source=storewebsite&utm_medium=landingpage&utm_campaign=FallSale20221014