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Need new headphone setup.

I have a speaker oriented system that is very satisfying to me. But because of a need to maintain domestic tranquility I’m looking to go to a less noisy alternative: i..e. headphones.
I want to spend a total of about $1000. So, nothing too fancy. Not the equivalent of my much more expensive speaker system.
What do I need to assemble a headphone system independent of my regular system which is accessible from my listening chair and side table?
I plan on solely streaming. My present system contains a WiFi streamer.
Can that be incorporated, or do I need a new streamer?
I understand that I need a headphone preamp along with the cans.
I know my budget is not too high, but can I get something relatively decent at it?

Currently, I listen though cheap ear buds and stream through an iPad.

128x128rvpiano

Showing 8 responses by soix

soix
8,681 posts
 

Building a HeadFi system is like building a mini “big rig” so the same principles apply.  That said, what sound characteristics are most important to you?  This will help narrow down your choices for headphones, then you can go from there.  But, to answer your question — yes, you can build a surprisingly good headphone setup for $1000 or even less, and I think you’ll be surprised how good it sounds assuming you take the time/effort to choose the right gear.  If you share more about what sound characteristics you’re looking for you’ll get some good recommendations here.  FWIW. 

soix
8,681 posts
 

Given the sound qualities you’re looking for, I think Audeze ‘phones should be on your radar although you might need to up your budget a bit.  And unless you can’t have any sound leaking out into the room I’d recommend open-backed designs as they tend to have more open and expansive imaging.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

soix
8,681 posts
 

If you end up using a dongle out of the iPad, I found this to be a significant upgrade over the Apple Camera Adapter...

https://www.lavricables.com/cables/reference-silver-lightning-to-chord-hugo-mojo-interconnect-cable-by-lavricables-v2-0/

 

soix
8,681 posts
 

Congrats!  You chose some pretty can’t-miss products, and coming from basic earbuds I think you’re gonna be pretty amazed.  BTW, what streaming service are you using?

soix
8,681 posts
 

Just pulled a reverse and cancelled the Sennheiser and spent a lot more on the AUDEZE.

I love you man!  Which model did you get?  I hate to say it, but they will scale up considerably with a better amp/DAC, but the Cobalt will definitely be a good start.  Congrats...again!

 

soix
8,681 posts
 

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, arguably the best on the market

Maybe the best noise-cancelling headphones, but that’s about it. 

soix
8,681 posts
 

@rvpiano So how’s the new HeadFi rig working out for you?

soix
8,681 posts
 

I upgraded from my Dragonfly Red to a Singxer SA-1 Class A, fully-balanced amp (still fed by the Red as a DAC) and it was a huge improvement. Then I added a Musician Pegasus DAC that again took the sound to much a higher level, and now I’m waiting for my LTA MZ2 tube amp to arrive because this sickness never ends. Anyway, just food for thought for the future FWIW and glad you’re enjoying your new mini rig.

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