Question Wired headphones for Marantz model 40n

Simston

Member
Nov 25, 2024
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Hi folks
Newbie here.
I’ve recently bought a matantz model 40n and I would like to pair some decent headphones (wired) for listening to in the evening.
I will be primarily listening to vinyl-CD and genres are vocal, instrumental (esp. brass) and orchestral. I love jazz and also listen to classic pop/rock.
I have some momentum’s for digital streaming

I believe the headphone amp on my amp is decent, and would favour not having to buy an external headphone amp.
I’ve been eyeing up Sennheiser 660s2 but I believe bass is a little light? Any other suggestions (I’m not scared of spending a bit of cash but would rather limit budget if poss!)
Thanks so much.
Simon
 

Jasonovich

Well-known member
Jul 28, 2022
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Hi Simston welcome to the forum.
The Sennheiser 660's are an excellent choice.
If you want quality but not spend too much for it, then consider the FiiO FT1 (real wood! And I own a pair :))
I lamented when I had to sell my Focal Elegia (far more costly) but FiiO's punch well above their weight and I was amazed in the sound quality.

View: https://youtu.be/r8nama8l9qY?si=dhT3FXGJZ1MCaBpa


1732534976913.png

Also Hifiman are doing their sales right now, their headphones much reduced. Do check the link.

 

Simston

Member
Nov 25, 2024
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0
20
Hi!

Thanks for the message - I will look them up - not heard much on FiiO - guess I am a bit apprehensive on the Ali Express stuff!..they look good and review seems good too.

RE Hifi man i will take a look - UK based so not sure on deals here.

Many thanks

S
 

nopiano

Well-known member
When I had exactly this problem I booked a slot in Richers, sat in their demo room and listened to everything they had. Ended up with a pair of Oppo PM-3s (no longer made alas) but I recommend that approach. No substitute for listening.
100% agree, and we all have different shaped heads and ears. For me getting a good fit is even more important than the sound. (I bought some unused Oppos a couple of Christmases ago. Great aren’t they?!)
 
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Vincent Kars

Well-known member
Mar 6, 2021
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You might check the output impedance of the Marantz model 40n. Often the headphone out is simply the output of the power amps reduced in power with some resistors. As a consequence the output impedance could be high.

The damping ratio should be 8 or better.
Couldn't find any specs except John Atkinson measuring a whopping 240 Ohm. If we use a ratio of 8, you need a headphone with a 1920 Ohm impedance!

I wonder if Atkinson is right but even if it has been a typo (24 Ohm) don't combine this amp with low impedance headphones.
 
Last edited:
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good_enough

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Mar 12, 2016
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100% agree, and we all have different shaped heads and ears. For me getting a good fit is even more important than the sound. (I bought some unused Oppos a couple of Christmases ago. Great aren’t they?!)
Indeed - back when I had a motorsickle, there was a saying you either had an Arai-shaped head or a Shoei-shaped head. (I was a Shoei).

PM-3s - great cans. There was a project around to resurrect them with some third party licensing the original pattern, but don't know what happened to that. And emphasising the need to listen oneself - WHF only gave them 4 stars. I listened to everything at Richers in stock under £650 and went for the Oppos. Each to his or her own.
 
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Simston

Member
Nov 25, 2024
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0
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Hi Simston welcome to the forum.
The Sennheiser 660's are an excellent choice.
If you want quality but not spend too much for it, then consider the FiiO FT1 (real wood! And I own a pair :))
I lamented when I had to sell my Focal Elegia (far more costly) but FiiO's punch well above their weight and I was amazed in the sound quality.

View: https://youtu.be/r8nama8l9qY?si=dhT3FXGJZ1MCaBpa


View attachment 7950

Also Hifiman are doing their sales right now, their headphones much reduced. Do check the link.

Just checking you ran these FiiO ft1s with the marantz m40 pal? Do you think they will be a musical choice for me with classical, jazz, vocal as well as pop etc?
 

Jasonovich

Well-known member
Jul 28, 2022
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Just checking you ran these FiiO ft1s with the marantz m40 pal? Do you think they will be a musical choice for me with classical, jazz, vocal as well as pop etc?
The FiiO ft1 I'm actually using with my DAP TempoTech V6 when I'm commuting to work. I've also tried them on SingXer headamp and Marantz 8500 sacd headphone socket and these CANs really punch way above their weight. They will sound good in all genres.
I have listen to them, playing Jazz, blues, pop, Pink Floyd all good. I like these a lot. :)
 

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