I went through a similar move myself, for various reasons. I have spent a lot of time researching and trying different products, and I feel that I have come up with a TERRIFIC system.
As a point of reference, I once owned a Boulder preamplifier and power amplifier, Westlake speakers, Basis turntable with Graham tonearm and Benz Micro cartridge, and a Sony SCD-1 SACD/CD player. I also had all the associated audiophile paraphenalia (Echobusters treatments, Zoethecus racks, dedicated power lines, expensive cables, etc.).
I know this may seem hard to believe, but I actaually enjoy my current headphone system far more. And it is anything but expensive.
Okay, so the headphones are the Etymotic ER-4S(retail $330, but can be had for $250 from various online dealers).
The amplifier is the Meier Audio Porta Corda II , which retails for $205 and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer.
Of course, the source can be anything. Personally, I have retained and use my Sony SCD-1.
A GREAT on-line community for headphone enthusiasts is Head-Fi!
Hey for $450 for the system (source excluded) even if you don't like it it's hardly much of a loss. Heck, I used to spend more than that on a 0.5m interconnect. I'm glad I finally woke up...
As a point of reference, I once owned a Boulder preamplifier and power amplifier, Westlake speakers, Basis turntable with Graham tonearm and Benz Micro cartridge, and a Sony SCD-1 SACD/CD player. I also had all the associated audiophile paraphenalia (Echobusters treatments, Zoethecus racks, dedicated power lines, expensive cables, etc.).
I know this may seem hard to believe, but I actaually enjoy my current headphone system far more. And it is anything but expensive.
Okay, so the headphones are the Etymotic ER-4S(retail $330, but can be had for $250 from various online dealers).
The amplifier is the Meier Audio Porta Corda II , which retails for $205 and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer.
Of course, the source can be anything. Personally, I have retained and use my Sony SCD-1.
A GREAT on-line community for headphone enthusiasts is Head-Fi!
Hey for $450 for the system (source excluded) even if you don't like it it's hardly much of a loss. Heck, I used to spend more than that on a 0.5m interconnect. I'm glad I finally woke up...