2. headphones
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Tried and true recommendations: headphones, amp, source

So long story short - I’m trying to find my way back into hifi after a long bit of life experiences (see http://https//forum.audiogon.com/discussions/long-hiatus-from-audio-getting-back-into-it-speaker-room-help-please for context).

I think based on some thinking, I think I’d like to pursue a reasonably decent high(er) end headphone system for dedicated personal musical enjoyment.

My listening tastes are accoustical, strings, percussion, piano, vocals, jazz, some classical, and maybe a bit of light rock and roll.

Since I’m still learning exactly what I’d need, I’d appreciate folks sharing what they use in a dedicated headphone system. My preferences would be a tube amp, planar headphones, and a digital source/streaming (qobuz?) solution, and budget, lets say $2k? That’s flexible - but I’d like sort of mid-to-upper end gear in terms of accoustics and quality.

Thanks much, appreciate any guidance...
n6gq

Showing 2 responses by freediver

freediver
1,014 posts
 
OP"I just bought a pair of HifiMan Sundara phones to try out, and since they're middle of the road I can start there and determine if they are "good enough" or if I want to try something upwards from there.
I'm also going to start building the DAC/Amp side of things and I think I'm starting to understand it"....
 First:head-fi.org...
 Second the Sundara are a SUPERB value & a true benchmark of neutrality under $1000.00!
 As for tube amps,with Planar Magnetic headphones stay AWAY from OTL amplifiers,they don't like low impedances.You want a Transformer Coupled tube amp for Planars..IMO a pure Class A solid state DAC/PreAmp/Head amp gets you everything a good tube amp does + better bass control & yes I've owned several tube amps but am now a Class A SS convert..Burson Audio makes some VERY organic sounding Class A gear & also Topping is doing some damn fine work as well...
freediver
1,014 posts
 
^^^Your ignorance shows if you don’t know HeadAmp..As for Utopia being garbage that may be true ONLY for your hearing/brain/tonal preference..I myself simply don’t care for the presentation of ANY transducer with metal drivers,some don’t hear them the way I do...
 Now back on track.
 New HiFiMan HE6SE from Adorama came in & are getting some run in time on an old am/fm radio while I wait until tomorrow for a new Pre/Head Amp/DAC(Audio GD "R28" R t R)to arrive..This thing is a MONSTER with 9.5watts,which should really bring the 50ohm/83.5db.HiFiMan to life...
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