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Newbie HiFi Headphone & Amp pairing suggestions

Hi Gang,

I know headphones and headphone amp pairings are very subjective and vary person to person. Being new to the HiFi world of headphones, I've narrowed down (I think) a new headphone purchase to:

• Audeze LCD-X
• HiFiman Arya
• Sennheiser HD800S

I've not had open ear headphones before but have a relatively quiet office in the house (when the kids aren't around) and am excited to explore the HiFi headphone world. 

So, I'm curious if any of you have had any experience with the above and would make any recos either way and if so, what amp you reco pairing with it. I have a buddy who has the Viiolectric V281 and swears by it but it seems impossible to find (and quite pricey).

Lastly, is there any hope of getting a great DAC and headphone amp in the same unit or would you reco separates for longevity's sake?

Cheers
fourminutesong

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,561 posts
 
I don't think you would go wrong with any of the headphones you're considering.  I have not heard the exact models you are considering, but have LCD-XC (closed back version of LCD-X), Hifiman HE-560, and Sennheiser HD800 (not HD800s).  Audeze and Hifiman have a fairly similar sound signature, with Audeze being just a little warmer and maybe a little better in the bass department.  The HD800 is a very "clinical" headphone, not really bright, but they can be too detailed for some.  From what I've read, that was tamed down a bit in the HD800s.

So the first thing you have to consider is what kind of sound signature you like.  

Then you need to think about things like comfort and amplification.  Some of the Hifiman headphones can be pretty hard to drive, the HE-560s are.  The HD800 is lighter and more comfortable to me than any of my Audeze or Hifiman headphones.

If you want to put together a really nice rig, take a look at Sony - MDR-Z1R headphones and the TAZH1ES amp.  
big_greg
6,561 posts
 
Thanks! I tend to like a warmer, fuller sound but I'm still new to figuring out what all of the different sound signatures mean. But sounds like I may be drawn to the Audeze and HiFiman more with that in mind.

I'd love to find an all in one amp/DAC solution to drive them to sit on my desk as well.
I'd cross the Senns off the list then.  Audeze might be your cup of tea.  The Sony headphones I mentioned have a sound signature that is similar to Audeze, but a little more neutral.  They will do bass better than most headphones, especially open backed ones.  The Sony headphone amp has a great DAC in it.
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