2. speakers
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Headphones vs speakers….

So I’ve been patiently waiting to buy the final pieces for a Benchmark HAB2 and DAC3  system. I have the Totem 1 speakers and decided to hook them up to an old Naim Nait 5i (probably not the best pairing) and Cambridge Azur 840C CD player. Over the last few months I’ve been on a quest for great sound through headphones  and a headphone amp while I’m waiting and after maybe five sets of headphones I’ve found what I was looking for and I’m very happy.

After hooking up the Totems and Nait today I’m very disappointed. However, my room is far from treated yet - I have installed a large carpet, furnishings and will be hanging thick floor to ceiling curtains on the three walls - one behind the speakers and two side walls. However, wether I’ve been spoiled by the incredible sound of my headphone setup or I’ve been expecting too much from a full system  I can’t imagine after room treatment and dialing things in that I’ll be anywhere close to being as impressed as I am with my headphones…..do any of you guys feel this way or am I being too pessimistic?

 

thomastrouble
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,194 posts
 

I disliked all headphones i bought save one... (9 headphones of three different types )

I prefer my 2 way box speakers M-Audio Mv 40 , payed 100 bucks IN AN ACOUSTIC CORNER DESIGNED FOR THEM , to any headphone.... Save the one i love... AKG K340...After loosing my big speakers/acoustic room , they save me from audiophile despair... My little box now astound me for the ratio S.Q. /price but ONLY in a dedicated corner acoustically designed for them... Nearfield listening NEVER replace acoustic... Sorry ....

I have tried several times over the years to like headphones. I have some nice headphones and headphone amps. I rarely use them; much prefer listening to speakers.

With that said, I have several very nice speaker based systems, two of which use active ATCs.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,393 posts
 

I will take several of each please and toss in some modern DSP like a nice convolution filter in Roon for a specific pair of headphones to take things to the highest possible level cost effectively. Thank you!

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,194 posts
 

Generally there is an headphone like sound inside the head...

Convolution filters cannot change that...It will improve the frequencies response... but will not change the headphone like sound...

BACCH filters can...

In the mean time i use the only one speaker like headphone ... AKG k340..

😊

I will take several of each please and toss in some modern DSP like a nice convolution filter in Roon for a specific pair of headphones to take things to the highest possible level cost effectively. Thank you!

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