A question about headphones

I have been using headphone systems for fifty years (the top of my head hurts from remembering the Koss headphones… ouch). I got really interested in high end headphone systems about twenty years ago. You can see my current headphone system under my user ID. I was listening to it just this morning and was simply stunned at the sound.

I have Bose QuietComfort and I love them on airplanes and while traveling… but they are cartoonish and simply terrible in terms of High-Fi. Blu-tooth sounds terrible.

First of all, I can assure you headphones can be absolutely stunning. They will not replace a regular audio system… but, as in your situation… wanting to let your partner sleep… they can be wonderful.

I would stick to wired for your test. Bluetooth is terrible. Once you know how wonderful they can be, then you can decide how to proceed.

Lots of high end preamps have headphone jacks… many sound simply terrible. They just throw them in, without thought. The best system is a separate system. But, you are not there yet. You are testing the waters. I would recommend a set of Focal headphones which are plugged into your Mac as a start. Focal are very efficient… so will sound pretty good.

To escalate, you probably want a good headphone amp… I recommend a Woo. Their tube headphone amps are incredible… warm, natural and dynamic… the more you pay the better they sound. I own a WA6, WA6SE, and WA5. I recommend any and all.

Headphone systems are exactly like main systems. Every component maters… and the sum of the parts equals the whole. The good thing is you can put together an incredible headphone system for a tenth of the price of a main system. Well, worth having both. For me, sitting in front of the fireplace while listening to music on my headphone system is wonderful.

ASR (Audio Science Review) has the best tests (measuring and listening) of headphones and headphone amps. I suggest you check them out before any purchases.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions

@r042wal   Keep us posted on your journey.

Just came across this YouTube panel 'review' of Wireless / ANC headphones across price points. They do a good job covering general points and you may find the perspective on wireless vs wired, at the end of the video, informational.

ecoustics: Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones 2022

UPDATE:

I just wanted to give all of you that took an interest in my project an update.  I purchased a 'new to me' Shitt LYR 2 headphone amp and a pair of Hifiman HE-R9 cans.  To sum it up, I couldn't be happier for a first time setup and came in under $1000 CDN.

The amp and headphones sound fantastic.  There are two tubes in the amp and they have a great sound.  As a bonus, I don't have any of the interconnect hassles I thought I might have.

RCA Output 2 on my preamp ran directly to the line inputs on my SVS SB-2000 Pro sub.  I plugged these directly into the line in on the LYR 2.  Line out on the LYR 2 goes to the sub.  When the headphones are connected, the inputs to the sub disconnect by themselves automatically.

The only manual step I have to do is turn off Output 1 on my preamp that feeds the balanced input to my power amp.

The HE-R9 can kick out a lot of bass that I like with the 60s and 70s music I enjoy.

Prior to all this, I did have a set of Bose BT ANC headphones.  You know what they say, 'no highs, no lows, must be Bose'.  Anyway, there is no comparison.  I was looking for a hi-res audiophile type solution for home and am satisfied with my start.  Knowing me, now I will want to collect headphones and an open-back design will be first on my list.

A lot of your opinions factored into the direction I went so my thanks goes out to your knowledge, experience and willingness to help.