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.
A question about headphones
I've decided I would like to give the headphone experience a try because I am an early morning person and I would like my wife to enjoy her sleep. She is definitely not an early bird.
I have a McIntosh C48 preamp and it has a headphone jack on front. I have plugged my BT transmitter into this and paired with my Bose noise -cancelling headphones but can't say its anything to write home about. Do I need a headphone amplifier and where do I connect the amplifier to my rig?
I like headphones that fully encapsulate my ear. 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?
I live in Canada and I was thinking to make a start, I would not want to sink more that $500 into headphones until I am convinced this is the route to go. I still don't know about the headphone amp and its cost - if I need it.
I don't post much here but I follow this forum daily ad appreciate all opinions and feedback. Thanks in advance everyone.
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@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
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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. |
Congrats! And that’s for the follow up.
Neat little setup there! Nice job figuring that out and picking some nice pieces, and glad the sound is giving you what you were looking for. I’d absolutely encourage looking for some open-back ‘phones. You seem to really like the Hifiman sound, so something like the Ananda Stealth or Arya Stealth (which I own) should be high on your list. Anyway, congrats again and enjoy!
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