Look at it this way: the equipment will probably be with you longer than you'll be stuck in that room, so just hang some blankets on the walls, maybe carpet the ceiling, install some inexpensive tweaks etc. This way you won't need to start all over again later on. If the ARC doesn't have a headphone jack, you can easily fabricate some pigtail wiring off of the speaker outlet connections, connected to a dangling headphone jack. Or go to Radio Shaft & buy premade, cut & strip the cable & connect it yourself. Just unplug the phones when playing the speakers, & vice versa. It's a compromise, but not permanent; you're already in a compromised situation.
Terrible room. Contemplating headphones. Help
I need help here. I have PSB Stratus Bronze speakers, an Audio Refinement Complete amp, and have just sold my Denon 1650ar, because it just wasn't "doing it" for me. I realize the Bronze speakers might like a different amp, but I used to have Triangle Titus speakers(needed more bottom end) for which I purchased the ARC amp. I am a college senior who got the short end of the stick during room selection and have moved from a suite with a large common room to a single that is a dismal 10'x13' with nasty sound-reflecting walls. If I clap my hands or whistle I get a nice echo. So, I am thinking of either purchasing a Sony 9000es(perhaps after the replacement drops the price) and hoping the room doesn't completely ruin the sound, or selling it all off and getting a nice cdp and headphone amp. If I go the speaker rout I have about $700 to spend on a player. If I sell it all off I'll have around $1700 (my gear isn't in perfect condition). If I had to I could stretch a couple hundred more, but not far. What should I do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.