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Best Headphone system under $1000???

Hi all,
I've been a 2 channel audiophile for 30+ years, and I'm ready to liquidate the big system and simplify.
I'm interested in finding a really nice set of headphones and a headphone amp, to pair with my DAC and MacBook based Tidal streaming source.

Interested in staying within the $1000 range (or under) for headphones and a dedicated headphone amp/preamp.
As far as tastes go, I prefer a "musical sound" to the more hyper detailed hifi/neutral sound. I enjoy jazz, funk and R&B, classic rock, and some classical, so I'm hoping for a headphone system that is slightly warm and has good soundstaging.

For reference, my big system has Vandersteen 2CE Sig 2s, Odyssey Kismet amp, and a nice 6SN7 tube preamp from JE Labs. I like the full, colorful, dynamic sound of this rig and hope I can replicate it in a headphone set up. 

Any recommendations would be very much appreciated!
Thanks!
Lincoln
lincnabby

Showing 11 responses by lincnabby

lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Wow guys! I truly value all of your feedback! 
I’m definitely checking out all of the possibilities that are available on Massdrop. It seems like a great place for dipping my toe in the headfi pool. 
The Focal cans and the Sennheisers were two that I was looking at closely. 
James63- I especially appreciate your way of comparing different cans to speakers I’m familiar with. My initial impulse was to get Massdrop HD6xx and pair them with the Massdrop Cavalli CTH headphone tube amp. Has anyone heard this combo?
Net cost for above would be $550. 
However, the Elear and Elex has piqued my interest. Especially if I could drive them with my iPhone X when I want to be portable. 
I have a decent DAC already- MHDT Stockholm 2. 
Any further advice or suggestions is most welcome. 
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Update. 
I found a pair of Senn 6xx on my local craigslist for $160. I think I’ll give them a try. Also will probably try out the Cavalli CTH from Massdrop for $299. 
I’m a tweaker by nature so this will probably end up being just the beginning of experimentation. 
I wish I could find the Focal Elex somewhere used. Gotta sell some other stuff before i start dropping larger amounts of cash. 
I’ll update you all on this thread as to my impressions on this first combo. 
Thanks again to all!
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Thanks again guys!
My impulse control failed miserably as I just bought a pair of the 6xx’s and also saw a decent deal today for the Focal Elex’s, so I made an offer. It will be fun to compare both. 

Regarding amps, I’m planning on checking out the JDS Labs recommendation. Is this just a good match with the Sennheisers or would it mate well with the Focals too?
I understand that the Focals are more efficient. 
Also- any opinions on the Bottlehead Crack with Speedball mod kit? 
Going DIY to save on a possibly good amp sounds like fun. But not sure about impedance matching. So much to learn. 
Hopefully with all of your help I will avoid potentially expensive mistakes. 
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
I’m now in a bit of a conundrum. I’ll be getting the Focal Elex cans soon, and also have the Senn HD6XX. Wondering if I should just be frugal and get the JDS Labs Atom amp for starters to listen to both?
Since I don’t have the Elex yet, I’m not certain, but imagine they’ll be the ones I keep. I like the liquid sound of tubes and have a tube based DAC. Do you think the Atom and Elex with tube DAC will suffice?
Ultimatley, I know my ears will be the final judge. Still more opinions are welcomed. 
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Also- it sounds like the BH Crack might not match well with the more efficient Elex. Does that sound correct? 
I’m such a newbie to head-fi...
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
@bstatmeister or @mzkmxcv-
does the JDS Labs Atom Amp require a separate preamp for me to run it with my MHDT DAC? I’m hoping not, as it seems like many of the HP products combine components, such as amp/pre/dac. 

Im also wondering if there’s an amp/pre combo I should consider since I could easily unload my non-head-fi DAC for $600 or $700. As per usual, so many variables to consider...
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Thank you for the info @umn 
I will find it hard to not live with that 6sn7 sound. 
I’m enjoying the Focal Elex right now with my tube based MHDT DAC, and a temporary solution with an old Yamaha receiver as I await a JDS Labs Atom HP amp. I also have Senn HD6xx cans. 

I prefer the Elex on this non-ideal system, but still would like more of the warmth and soundstage of tubes. I’ll update once the Atom arrives. 
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
This is fun- haven't created a thread with this many responses in quite awhile. I'm still waiting on my little Atom amp and in the meantime, beginning to surf the web looking at IEMs too. 

Anyone have recommendations for an IEM that leans more toward the warm side of neutral and has exceptional sound staging/imaging?

I might explore this realm of headphonia too, but probably wouldn't want to spend more than $300
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Update- with the Focal Elex, the JDS Atom amp, and my MHDT Stockholm 2 DAC, things are sounding pretty damn good. I do have a VD Nite II power cord running into the DAC and a pretty high $ IC from amp to DAC (stupid considering cost of headphones and amp?) but I’d say the PRAT, detail, and immersive soundstage rivals and in some ways exceeds my full size rig. 
Hopefully, I can manage to just relax and enjoy the tunes for awhile!
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Update-
I’m officially on the head-fi crazy train now. 
I purchased a Woo Audio WA-6 amp to replace the Atom, and have enjoyed a fairly significant improvement with the Focal Elex cans. In my former 2 channel system I really loved my 6SN7 & 5ar4 based tube preamp, and the Woo uses these same tubes.
 If any of you out there have specific tube recommendations for the WA-6, please share. 

Also, curious if anyone with the Focal Elex has dabbled with cable upgrades?
it may be a waste of money, but I definitely fall into the “believer” category for audible improvements with speaker and power cord upgrades. 
Thank you for any advice. 
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Geoffkait- I’m actually leaning toward vintage Sylvanias. I had Shuguang Black Treasure CV181z tubes, and they surpassed NOS with my old pre, but they’re very pricey and I’m wondering if it’s as critical in this Woo amp. I bought it used and it came with a Sophia Princess 274b rectifier, which is pretty well regarded, but considering a Mullard GZ34in that spot. Might call Andy at VTS. 

Bstatmeiser and big_greg:
Appreciate thoughts on cable...
I was actually looking at litz braided upocc cable from a company called Dyson Audio. 
About $135 for a 2 meter. 
I can definitely hear clear differences between ICs, PCs, and speaker cable, but it does require lots of A/B tests and tweaking. For me, that’s part of the fun, but I respect those who don’t hear it. They’re saving lots of money!
Once I empty more of my wallet, I will post again with impressions!😀

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