headphones suggestions?

[Teo]

Dipped a toe in music streaming and liked it. So, I'd like a good sound from Deezer on my tablet in the bedroom and think maybe a headphones set could be the best way .In time , probably I'll get a HRT microstreamer to provide best signal ( or do you think it's not so good ?)

I'm listening mainly jazz ,vocal, strings,progressive,classic .No heavy metal.I'd like to have a good real soundstage and not the voice in middle of the head,bass in left ear and saxofone in the right one if you know what I mean.

What should I get? I'll drive it directly from the tablet for the moment.

 

[JoelSim]

I think that all depends on your budget. The best hifi systems and headphones will place the artists in the recording studio so you will be able to close your eyes and hear where everyone is in relation to one another.

The most important thing is to ensure that there isn't too much compression on your recordings, this will enable all headphones to perform better. I'm not familar with Deezer as I use Spotify myself and the sound of the premium service is much better than standard at 320kbps. I suspect Deezer will be similar, but also if you use iTunes or similar, rip at the best you can.

If sound quality is your goal rather than fashion, avoid the Beats and Skullcandys of this world and look at brands such as Audio-Technica, Musical Fidelity, Sennheiser, Grado, SoundMagic, PSB, Beyerdynamic, Klipsch, B&W, AIAIAI. The manufacturers place lots of value in sound quality, unlike some others.

If you tell more about your budget and musical tastes then I can perhaps recommend a couple of models to consider.

 

[Teo]

Thanks for the answer .

-my main source of music is on CD ( Naim CD5i , Consonance A100 amp, Epos ELAN 10 speakers ) and on vinyl ( Technics SL-1500 ,Benz Micro MC20 cart, Leema Elements phonostage) so I am used to good sound and not compressed mp3. Deezer has as well a premium service for high quality files.

-The budget is around 100 € max for the headphones and, in time ,maybe 200-250 € for a DAC/headphone amp,later

-I am listening mainly jazz ,vocal,acoustic ,blues, some progressive rock ,classical.

 

[Teo]

I would say that you should spend more on the headphones rather than the DAC/amp. Can you use the DAC on the Naim? A DAC is a good idea but I don't feel that a headphone amp is absolutely necessary for headphones less than several hundred Euros to be fair. For your taste in music look at Beyerdynamic, but of course these start at much more than you are budgeting. For true, good sound quality the entry point is higher in my view.

In fact, the DAC is going to come latter. I was thinking about the Grado SR 80i but not shure ,I didn't heared them ( in fact none of them ) .I'll look at the Beyerdynamic to see which are the prices here .which models ? What about AKG ?

No , I can't use the nàim's dac . I'll use it mainly from my tablet in the bedroom .It won't be my main system ( probably )

 

[JoelSim]

I would say that you should spend more on the headphones rather than the DAC/amp. Can you use the DAC on the Naim? A DAC is a good idea but I don't feel that a headphone amp is absolutely necessary for headphones less than several hundred Euros to be fair. For your taste in music look at Beyerdynamic, but of course these start at much more than you are budgeting. For true, good sound quality the entry point is higher in my view.

For someone who is used to good quality kit like Naim then I would say the order would be:

1) Good source material

2) Good headphones

3) DAC

4) Headphone amp if your headphones are high quality and hard to drive

 

[nopiano]

I was going to suggest Grado before I saw you mention them. I use my 60is on an iPad and they work fine. The newer e series model 80 would be great as long as you dont need isolation from those around you. They leak inwards and outwards!

 

[JoelSim]

I would say that you should spend more on the headphones rather than the DAC/amp. Can you use the DAC on the Naim? A DAC is a good idea but I don't feel that a headphone amp is absolutely necessary for headphones less than several hundred Euros to be fair. For your taste in music look at Beyerdynamic, but of course these start at much more than you are budgeting. For true, good sound quality the entry point is higher in my view.

In fact, the DAC is going to come latter. I was thinking about the Grado SR 80i but not shure ,I didn't heared them ( in fact none of them ) .I'll look at the Beyerdynamic to see which are the prices here .which models ? What about AKG ?

No , I can't use the nàim's dac . I'll use it mainly from my tablet in the bedroom .It won't be my main system ( probably )

AKG are good, as are Grado. Worth a look. My feeling is you will gain benefit from spending a bit more. I've compared AKGs at £50 ish against a Musical Fidelity at £120 and the difference was huge. Compared to a £300 Beyer, there really is no contest.

 

[tinkywinkydipsylalapo]

My feeling is you will gain benefit from spending a bit more.

Spoken like a true salesman!

 

[JoelSim]

My feeling is you will gain benefit from spending a bit more.

Spoken like a true salesman!

Ha ha. No, it wasn't meant in that way. We are only UK anyway so can't sell to the OP. I just feel that the money would be better spent on headphones rather than a headphone amp.

 

[Teo]

In fact , I fully understand that one can't have quality for free.On the other hand ,there is a poit where you can get most quality for the cent and , of course , I am one that is carefully buying .The headphone/streaming won't be my main system as I see the things now,so I am not prepared to pay too much on it .but it has to be a best buy.

As talking about the most important element I understand why you emphasize the headphones over the headph amp. It's the old talk about speakers over amp. My amp surprised me when I upgreded the speakers this spring*dirol* so, double satisfaction.

Should I understand that Grado are lacking bass and Beyer and AKG are better at this ?

 

[nopiano]

Should I understand that Grado are lacking bass and Beyer and AKG are better at this ?

All you need understand is that sweeping generalisations are common, and what you hear with your ears may differ significantly from what others hear with theirs!

 

[Teo]

Should I understand that Grado are lacking bass and Beyer and AKG are better at this ?

All you need understand is that sweeping generalisations are common, and what you hear with your ears may differ significantly from what others hear with theirs!

OK, agreed.

So what models should I watch for even if they are costlier than the Grado SR80i that I was thinking initially ? maybe I am patient and can stretch to a 200 GBP let's say ?

 

[Teo]

Should I understand that Grado are lacking bass and Beyer and AKG are better at this ?

All you need understand is that sweeping generalisations are common, and what you hear with your ears may differ significantly from what others hear with theirs!

OK, agreed.

So what models should I watch for even if they are costlier than the Grado SR80i that I was thinking initially ? maybe I am patient and can stretch to a 200 GBP let's say ? .With a very good spatiality and presence effect and confortable enough.

 

[MeanandGreen]

If space and presence in the sound are important to you I would recommend you look at the Senheisser HD range of headphones. They start at around £120/£130 and progressively go up in price as you go up the range.

They are open backed which generally have a better chance of giving you the kind of sound you are after. I Think the Grado's are open backed too.

Speaking from experience of the 3 pairs of Senheisers I've owned from the HD series in the last 20 years, they are always super comfortable, well made and full of space, clarity and detail.

Oh... And the more you spend on headphones they seriously go up in performance.

 

[Teo]

Great answers , thank you all . I'll move to a new topic , more specific .