Headphone newbie seeking recommendations

[Jasonovich]

Is that a sign of your ears getting old? 🙁 Future-proof just took on a whole new meaning 😉

I'm not sure either if i prefer musical warmth or analytical detail. The type of music makes a difference too, and i listen to many different things. With the recent upgrades i did, it seems easier to fill up a slightly lean sound than it is to tame the frequencies our ears are most sensitive to. No idea if that's generally true - it could be related to room interaction or just my lack of understanding.

At late evenings when I just want to wind down with music, can't play the speakers, so my headphones are my best friend.
It's really nice to get into your zone, without worries!

 

[Rodolfo]

Independent of budget, the Fiio K11 R2R is plenty nice and the newer Fiio FT1 Pro, which are not as large, ugly, or plasticky as other planar magnetics, matches very nicely with it. 😉

Definitely worth at least a trial if available to you.

 

[Entrigo]

Independent of budget, the Fiio K11 R2R is plenty nice and the newer Fiio FT1 Pro, which are not as large, ugly, or plasticky as other planar magnetics, matches very nicely with it. 😉

Definitely worth at least a trial if available to you.

Yeah I am tempted. Would love to trial it first though. Reviews are mostly positive but I have read a couple that mention "distortion" and colouring....

 

[Rodolfo]

Yeah I am tempted. Would love to trial it first though. Reviews are mostly positive but I have read a couple that mention "distortion" and colouring....

I read and heard all the entertaining filtered opinions as well: for all this stuff, what matters, I've learned, is my own tastes and ears, in my home, with my equipment and especially my music and specific recordings.

Enjoy your shopping and your music.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

I read and heard all the entertaining filtered opinions as well: for all this stuff, what matters, I've learned, is my own tastes and ears, in my home, with my equipment and especially my music and specific recordings.

Enjoy your shopping and your music.

This is how we should all judge HiFi, using our own ears, listening to our own music and, in our own home. Reviews are just a rough guide and, sound matters more than graphs.

 

[Entrigo]

This is how we should all judge HiFi, using our own ears, listening to our own music and, in our own home. Reviews are just a rough guide and, sound matters more than graphs.

Yeah in an ideal world. Not always possible though, especially if you buy used...

If you know clearly what you are looking for and gather enough information /reviews / opinions, you should be able to make an informed purchase.

I bought my Rega Elex-R second hand without demo and over the moon with it.

 

[Gray]

If you know clearly what you are looking for and gather enough information /reviews / opinions, you should be able to make an informed purchase.

I dare say most of us have done just that...

I bought my Rega Elex-R second hand without demo and over the moon with it.

...and it's great that it has worked for you 👍
But would you take the same chance when buying speakers?
Again, I think a few of us have done that (against our better judgements).

 

[Jasonovich]

Yeah in an ideal world. Not always possible though, especially if you buy used...

If you know clearly what you are looking for and gather enough information /reviews / opinions, you should be able to make an informed purchase.

I bought my Rega Elex-R second hand without demo and over the moon with it.

I think most people base their purchasing decisions on the opinion of others, reviews from publications like WHF and of course, the nemesis of many dealerships, YouTube.

There are so many variables you need to filter out such as product bias, lazy reviews and sponsorships, this is why going to a Hifi dealer is the most reliable option, then again it isn't perfect.

A good experienced dealership will pick up from your interchange your vibe, the kind of sound you're leaning towards and will cater towards your needs. The kind of experience unmatched, something you cannot replicate on the internet.

However, not all high streets in sparsely populated areas have HiFi dealerships and for most people, myself included, are not prepared to make 50-60 miles journey to the nearest dealer. It just isn't practical.
Growing up in London, dealerships were plentiful. My favourite was the HiFi shop at Gants Hill, ilford. Today, even with London's excellent transport network, there are not many left, which is a great shame. Tottenham Court Road was a rip off.

The crux of it, make a trip to your dealer if it's near you, if not, trust your own judgement. I have made a few bad purchases and sold on eBay at a lost, but most of my purchases has been sound, excuse the pun!

 

[Gray]

Growing up in London, dealerships were plentiful.

Tottenham Court road was always an interesting place for hi-fi and gadget boys.
Been a while since I've been there, I wonder what it's like these days.

 

[Jasonovich]

Tottenham Court road was always an interesting place for hi-fi and gadget boys.
Been a while since I've been there, I wonder what it's like these days.

Same here, I don't think it's changed much.