Why headphones are better than speakers.

[idc]

KevinOK:

Not to sound harsh, but what is the point of this thread?

Because we can and this is the forum for such a debate/argument/discussion. If we all switched to listening from headphones then there would be far fewer neighbour disputes over noise and far fewer resources are used, particularly trees, in making headphones. So we will save the earth and make everyone happier.

 

[Anonymous]

this is most probably a stupid question, but have often wondered .... it's a fact that as you get older, your hearing deteriorates ...some people spend thousands on hifi equipment and speakers ...

why don't people get hearing aids, and use then purely for listening to hifi? (obviously not when using headphones, but through normal speakers)

suppose it can be compared to glasses .... you can see, but with glasses, you will see better (if that makes sense)

 

[idc]

So instead of a hearing aid it is a hearing enhancement device. You shove it in your ear and it makes your music sound better.

 

[jimdonnelly]

Interesting idea. Deserves some exploration. I am sure there must be some kind of similar device for the Armed Forces.....if not, why not?

 

[idc]

These certainly made my last concert more pleasurable and less painful....

 

[Diamond Joe]

SpiceWeasel:

EDIT: I am more a trainee headfier, I have only had my phones for 3 weeks. A true headfier has multiple sets of phones for all occasions, idc looks to have 4 sets so he must be fully qualified.

Ooooo, I have three pairs and I'm planning to buy my fourth in the next few weeks, does that qualify me to be a Headfier????

 

[Anonymous]

idc:So instead of a hearing aid it is a hearing enhancement device. You shove it in your ear and it makes your music sound better.

well theoretically, it will still be a hearing aid ... aimed/marketed at audiophiles

just find it strange that some people spend thousands of pounds on hifi and cables but may have very poor hearing ...

dont think it can be mass marketed, as each person would have a test and each set of hearing aids will be unique to the owner (the same as prescription glasses)

it's most prob a dumb idea and getting sidetracked here, but have often wondered about this

 

[Anonymous]

When I'm at concerts, I usually got the music in front of me. Speakers mimic that impression.

Headphones, unless one play binaural recordings (which is few and hard to get, and would sound very wrong through stereo speakers anyway), messes it all up -- it's like having the orchestra inside your head.

So much said, if you can live with that psychotic feeling, inexpensive phones can match a pair of average speakers in an average room. And the convenience of bringing your music with you, without harassing others, is valuable.

 

[idc]

I think a hearing enhancer (sounds better than aid) is a brilliant idea. All we need is Russ Andrews to drill a little hole in a piece of oak that is shaped to fit in your ear and seel it as an enhancer. People will but it and be convinced that their music sounds better. Seriously though it is worthy of further study.

A purchase I hope to make this year is the Ergo Model 1 headphones. They are more like ear speakers than headphones in the mold of the classic AKG K1000, which is reputedly making a come-back.

 

[Ajani]

Like Andrew, I see this thread sinking into flames... ummm... water... whatever... as people each have preferences.... I doubt a person with a pair of B&W 800 Diamonds or other expensive speakers is going to accept that a "relatively" cheapo pair of headphones is better than his speakers...

We might as well start those old SS is better than Tubes or Digital is better than Vinyl debates...

I love both Headphones and Speakers....

Each has its advantages...

I will address a few points though:

There are Cans that are capable of throwing a decent soundstage (so it doesn't sound like the music is originating in your head - AKG K1000 is(was) legendary for this...

Also there are Cans that have bass you can feel... Though they'll kick you in the head and not the chest, like speakers...

 

[idc]

This thread was started as a way of getting people into the new headfi part of the forum, with a nice debate and a bit of mild controversy, which usually goes down well on the forum.

Don't get me wrong, when I get my luxury shed there will be speakers in it as well as the head-fi.

 

[matengawhat]

i think its good that there is a new section - think more ppl will ask for help with speaker setups than headphones but they both offer real music that can be enjoyed