… Probably older than many of the people posting here.
I don’t know, disposable income arrives too late in life.
… Probably older than many of the people posting here.
I live in NYC. Given the proximity of neighbors I can't always use my loudspeakers, so have amassed a decent collection of headphones.
1. Hifiman Sundara
2. Hifiman Ananda BT
3. Focal Stellia
4. Focal Utopia
5. Airpods Max
6. Hifiman Susvara
7. Dan Clark VOCE
8. Audeze CRBN
9. Hifman Shangrila Sr. + matching Hifiman amp. Right now equipped with 4 WE 300Bs (new production, not vintage).
In-Ear:
1. Audeze Isine 20
Happy to answer any questions on the above if people are thinking about them and want opinions.
Agreed that there are no "best" headphones. Actually, there are no "best" speakers either. At the top end, my experience is that there are some differences in quality, but they all sound quite nice. The main difference is their sonic signatures.There are no "Best" headphones for listening to music! I have listened to Stax headphones since the early 90’s. I currently have the 009’s. I love the electrostatic sound for its quick, clear transparent sound. It truly sounds like a window on the soundstage. I wanted a more intimate sound so I bought a pair of Audeze LCD-XC, and a McIntosh MHA 100 to drive them. The Audeze are incredibly comfortable (albeit heavy) and it would be hard not to like them. The sound is powerful and dynamic but I miss the transparency of the Stax phones, so I move between them.
Could I find a better sound if I spent more money? Maybe. You didn’t mention your budget, but I suspect it’s not unlimited. Jim’s comment above indicates that he loves his Sennheisers, and I’m sure they are great as well. My advice would be to settle on a budget and audition as many as you can. Find a pair that you like, and can live with long term. If you constantly chase different, more expensive headphones it will get expensive. When these lockdowns end, try to attend a Hi-Fi show. They all seem to feature a demonstration room for headphones. Believe me, you will find a pair that you like and an amplifier to drive them. I recommend a tube amp. Good luck in your search.
The Shangrila and the Airpods Max. I'm just really happy with the Shangrila, it's my main set for listening. It's overpriced, sure, but I haven't found a better sounding headphone. I think it's better than the Susvara which is already excellent. (I haven't tried the newest Stax model). The 300B tube set up works well with the electrostatic sound. Very comfortable too; that's often underestimated in this area. Downsides besides the price is it's not portable at all and the amp generates a lot of heat so you need a cold climate or air conditioning. If you like the Hifiman sound signature on their higher end headphones, you'll love it.If you had to reduce to two headphones, which would you choose and why?
Did you listen to Dan Clark Stealth?It's overpriced, sure, but I haven't found a better sounding headphone.
I live in NYC. Given the proximity of neighbors I can't always use my loudspeakers, so have amassed a decent collection of headphones.
1. Hifiman Sundara
2. Hifiman Ananda BT
3. Focal Stellia
4. Focal Utopia
5. Airpods Max
6. Hifiman Susvara
7. Dan Clark VOCE
8. Audeze CRBN
9. Hifman Shangrila Sr. + matching Hifiman amp. Right now equipped with 4 WE 300Bs (new production, not vintage).
In-Ear:
1. Audeze Isine 20
Happy to answer any questions on the above if people are thinking about them and want opinions.
Can you write something more about these Neumann?Neumann NDH 30
Can you write something more about these Neumann?
Hi, no I haven't. Amir's review seemed very impressive, though.Did you listen to Dan Clark Stealth?
They are amazing, I agree. What amp are you using to drive them? For me, they were so power hungry that upgrading my amp made a noticeable difference.I just got the Susvara's in tonight. They are blowing away anything and everything I've listened to previously.
They are amazing, I agree. What amp are you using to drive them? For me, they were so power hungry that upgrading my amp made a noticeable difference.
I have heard the Susvara on the OOR. It is a great combination. No coloration. Just the music. The female vocals in particular with this combination are the best I have heard. So good.Thank you! I’m using the Ferrum OOR - it’s pricey but it measures very, very well and has plenty of juice for the Susvara as well
The Shangrilas are my favorite. This is anecdotal, but when my friends who have heard it (about 5-6) prefer it as well to at least the Voce, CRBN, Utopia and Susvara. Granted, the system looks impressive so there's probably some bias there.Impressive! Do you have a favorite and why?