I love headphones for the same reasons already mentioned this thread but still prefer listening to speakers despite their faults. I think it’s important to have a sound wave actually traveling across your head, with the driver far enough away from your head that your head doesn’t become reactive with the driver. The ear and the driver are best acoustically uncoupled to create externalizing effects. With software it is possible to simulate the effects of sound waves traveling across the head and outer ear to make an externalized sound field. I know the Smyth Realizer does this and Apple and others are starting to work on it too. I haven’t heard these technologies myself yet. Occasionally I’ll get a startling effect on headphones that tricks me into thinking I’m hearing something far away so I know it can work. Another issue though is it’s more comfortable and relaxing to not have things on or in my ears when I’m in the comfort and relative quiet of my home. When traveling headphones can block noise and sometimes keep ears warm so they make sense on multiple levels. I might wear them even if I’m not listening to anything. One thing that amazes me is just how noisy a car interior can be on the highway. It’s mostly bass rumble and that becomes apparent if I put on headphones that don’t block or cancel noise. I turn them way up and still can’t hear any bass!
Headphones vs speakers….
So I’ve been patiently waiting to buy the final pieces for a Benchmark HAB2 and DAC3 system. I have the Totem 1 speakers and decided to hook them up to an old Naim Nait 5i (probably not the best pairing) and Cambridge Azur 840C CD player. Over the last few months I’ve been on a quest for great sound through headphones and a headphone amp while I’m waiting and after maybe five sets of headphones I’ve found what I was looking for and I’m very happy.
After hooking up the Totems and Nait today I’m very disappointed. However, my room is far from treated yet - I have installed a large carpet, furnishings and will be hanging thick floor to ceiling curtains on the three walls - one behind the speakers and two side walls. However, wether I’ve been spoiled by the incredible sound of my headphone setup or I’ve been expecting too much from a full system I can’t imagine after room treatment and dialing things in that I’ll be anywhere close to being as impressed as I am with my headphones…..do any of you guys feel this way or am I being too pessimistic?