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Can headphones ever be as good as high end stereo?

I am absolutely satisfied with the sounds of my current setup but I feel like I'm unable to listen at the volumes I prefer on a regular basis due to the ole spouse. I've been considering switching over to headphones. By selling my current speakers and amps I could easily finance stax 009 phones and a suitable amp, which seem to be regarded as the pinnacle of headphones.

My question is, what would I be losing or gaining in the switch? Right now my setup emits a beautiful wall of sound and I would hate to give that up. Understand that I have never owned a pair of headphones worth more than 80 bucks so I have no idea what good ones sounds like. Almost all source material would come from a pyon ultima table. Thanks
bfin3

Showing 1 response by clio09

clio09
3,363 posts
 
This component is designed to be used with headphones. When properly calibrated the soundstage will be in front of you as if you were listening to music through speakers. I had the experience of hearing it myself a few years ago and came away quite impressed. At the time I believe the cost was about $3500. They also sell the component in combination with Stax kits. If you are willing to pay $4500 for a set of headphones plus an appropriate amp to drive them which could run you at least a couple thousand more, then this may be an interesting alternative:

http://www.smyth-research.com/products.html
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