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Headphones and amp questions

I am contemplating getting a set of headphones and headphone amp, again.

In the past when I considered this, the Senn 600's and the Grado RS-2's seem to be the leaders in my research, as well as some AKG's.

First question, the Senn's are open back and can be easily heard by others from what I have read, is this true? Are the Grado's quieter than the Senn's in this respect?

I don't know anything about headphome amps, I was thinking about the Musical Fidelity X-can, is this a good choice?

Will it hinder the music much if I get a long extension for the headphones? I would like to sit, comfortably, a good 14ish feet away.

Any and all opinions will be appreciated.
brianmgrarcom

Showing 2 responses by garfish

garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi Brian; The Senn. 600s are an open back design and can be heard-- at very low levels-- for a few feet, so it might bother someone you were in bed with? But the 600s allow air flow through the cans (don't want hot, sweaty ears) and are more comfortable than the Grados. The Grados are quieter to nearby people. I haven't heard the RS-2, but it has an excellent reputation.

I use a Grado 15 ft. headphone extension cord with Senn cans when I need more distance from source-- sounds good too-- available from Audio Advisor or others.

My SF pre-amp has an excellent headphone section so I use it, but for travel I have a Headroom Supreme that will operate off batteries or an AC adaptor, and the little amp sounds excellent. FWIW, the Supreme used to be a Stereophile Class B component, and Headroom still makes it if portability appeals to you. Cheers. Craig
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Like Sd above, the Senn. 600s are the best 'phones I've heard too.

In my above post, I should have mentioned that the Headroom Supreme amp makes an excellent headphone amp for home use too-- as well as for travel. Great versatility, and it's small. Good Luck. Craig
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