What headphone and amplifier for classical enthusiast


I’m thinking of headphones as an alternative to the stereo system I love because of complaints about the “constant noise” coming from my listening room. I know nothing about high end headphones or even how I’m going to connect to a CD or streaming source. My preamp doesn’t allow for headphones so I’ll need one, preferably tubed. And the cost of the cans should be in the neighborhood of $1000-$1500.
I understand headphones have unique characteristics. I listen mainly to classical music.
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Showing 1 response by soix

As alluded to in previous posts, just as with traditional systems so much of this comes down to personal tastes/preferences and system synergy.  I’ll just throw out there that with classical music I prefer an open-backed headphone as it provides more of that “out-of-the-head” imaging that I find works well especially with larger-scale classical recordings.  Whether you’d prefer a dynamic driver, planar, etc, only you can decide as they each have their strengths, but if you want to use a tube HP amp I’d shy away from planar models.  

All that said, one combo that might be worth a look would be the Hifiman Arya planar ‘phones you can get open box from Hifiman for $1299 and the Singxer SA-1 Class-A amp for $599 that, while not tubes, could provide some similar qualities.  The Quicksilver headphone amp is a tube amp that might have the juice for the Aryas but would be a little more pricey.  Just some other options to consider FWIW, and best of luck.