Help on setting up a HeadPhone System...

[admin_exported]

Hi there,

Im wanting to set up a headphone system. Im after a middle of the range system, and was thinking on perhaps some Shure In-Cannal headphones.

From what Iv read it seems the headphones seem to be the most important part? Many seem to be spending 70% on these, and 30% on a headphone amp (assuming they have a CDP). Can good headphones really make all the difference over a cheaper headphone amp and maybe using an iPod?

How important is the source with a headphone system? Many even seem to be using an iPod and getting good results with very expensive Headphones.

Any help on how much to spend on amp/phones would be appreciated

Also if Shure In-Canals seem to be ok.

Thanks - Jonno

 

[Ajani]

Kiwi_Jonno:Hi there,

Im wanting to set up a headphone system. Im after a middle of the range system, and was thinking on perhaps some Shure In-Cannal headphones.

From what Iv read it seems the headphones seem to be the most important part? Many seem to be spending 70% on these, and 30% on a headphone amp (assuming they have a CDP). Can good headphones really make all the difference over a cheaper headphone amp and maybe using an iPod?

How important is the source with a headphone system? Many even seem to be using an iPod and getting good results with very expensive Headphones.

Any help on how much to spend on amp/phones would be appreciated

Also if Shure In-Canals seem to be ok.

Thanks - Jonno

Headphones really shouldn't be treated much differently from speakers. There is no exact percentage of money spent on phones versus amp versus source to achieve the best results. It really just comes down to finding a pair of headphones you like and ensuring that you have appropriate amplification to drive it and a good source...

An expensive pair of speakers can be driven by an ipod connected to a cheap power amp, and might still sound good, but it will sound much better with a good amp and source. Same thing for headphones...

 

[Anonymous]

You can never go wrong with a pair of Seinheiser HD600s - they are superb headphones for the money, and if you grab yourself a Project Headphone amp for £70, then you've got yourself a serious sound for silly money!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that.

Are a set of full size headphones like the Seinheiser's HD600s as good sonically as in-canal ones like the Shure? Assuming the price is the same?

I will keep the Project Amp in mind also

 

[Anonymous]

Kiwi_Jonno:Thanks for that.

Are a set of full size headphones like the Seinheiser's HD600s as good sonically as in-canal ones like the Shure? Assuming the price is the same?

I will keep the Project Amp in mind also

Full size circum-aural headphones are far better than in-canal ones for the same price! Like, way better!

 

[Audiofoolius]

Hughes123:Kiwi_Jonno:Thanks for that.Are a set of full size headphones like the Seinheiser's HD600s as good sonically as in-canal ones like the Shure? Assuming the price is the same?I will keep the Project Amp in mind also
Full size circum-aural headphones are far better than in-canal ones for the same price! Like, way better!

ÿ

That's so true! Very expensive in ears (+£300) can be slightly better in giving the utter details. But in all other areas there is no contest whatsoever. Full sized HP's sound has much more body than any in ear will ever be able to produce. ÿ