Question Wired headphones for Marantz model 40n

[Simston]

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]

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

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007558148660.html?src=bing&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=true&isdl=y&albch=shopping&acnt=135095331&isdl=y&albcp=554961363&albag=1300723396699541&slnk=&trgt=pla-4584894777278311:aud-805535557&plac=&crea=81295267452986&netw=o&device=c&mtctp=e&utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=PA_Bing_UK_PLA_PC%2FM_SFFC_HOT%20SALE_MaxValue_20240613&utm_content=Hot%20sale&utm_term=FiiO%20ft1%20Amazon&msclkid=9519eba398f913312f618ce7fa6ca6ab

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

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=c105c67716de9f5f79980b69a77fdb97d46c4875cadbba146c0ed3d545127168JmltdHM9MTczMjQ5MjgwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0db5a6a6-03a2-6af4-3cf8-b39a02db6baf&psq=Hifiman+store&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yZS5oaWZpbWFuLmNvbS8&ntb=1

 

[Simston]

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

 

[good_enough]

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.

 

[nopiano]

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?!)

 

[Vincent Kars]

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.

 

[good_enough]

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.