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Will decent speakers always out do headphones?

I was just curious for some feedback. I have decent bookshelf speakers (Sonus Faber) and a quality power supply (MAC6700) but also have two teenagers who play drums and guitar. Since I don't have a sound proof/dedicated listening room I decided to invest in a  pair of headphones which I hoped would allow to listen to my music in the evenings while they practice. The headphones accomplish the goal of giving me a break from the endless Black Sabbath/Led Zeppelin riffs (not that its a bad thing... but its a small house...) however its a night and day difference when I sit down in my sweet spot and listen to the same music through the speakers. So much more open and "full". Is this to be expected?
telemarcer

Showing 7 responses by telemarcer

telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
I'm really going to take the whole music through the skin thing to heart. Makes me think of Bull Durham (breathe through the eyelids) but seriously. I never really thought of that but its real. I play concert and jazz trumpet and now that you guys talk about it. Its not skin pre se. Its top to bottom. You feel string bass and drum a little lower in your body than sax and cymbals. Middle tones are right in your chest.... Very interesting concept. Now are there headphones that can do it?
telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
So, just in reply to all. Why are headphones not the answer? I spent thousands on my speakers that I cant listen too when I want? Unless you have a family don't judge..... When I have that space when I can open up my system its like magic. I can only imagine what some of the systems that I see profiled here are like. I would think there would be a headphone following in that arena? when I travel for business? I don't see it?
telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
I would appreciate feedback specifically on my system. I don't want this thread to go off track. Macintosh MAC6700 using the integrated pre headphone amp with the Prima headphones. To me the headphones sounded thin. Is this a symptom or a general expectation?

telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
I get what you are saying regards to detail. I could definitely hear tiny nuances such hand claps etc (in live recordings) that might not have been as pronounced through the speakers but as far as the general sound size (does this make sense?) its not the same. Speakers make the music fill the room. Headphones filled my ears but not in the same way. Maybe just need to get used to the difference. Headphones are the Sonus Faber Pryma. I have tons more hours on the speakers and only a handful on the headphones which may be a big difference also.
telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
Sorry if that post came across wrong regarding the skin thing. I totally agree. Listening to the Beatles white album for the first time in ages. I see it and still think there must be a way to make good headphones replicate the full sound.
telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
The sound from my speakers is like a (heavy blanket on a cold winter night :-) Joking but its the best I can put together at my time.
I wonder how many of us that spend big dillars would not want that same feeling on a flight to ... 

telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
I agree with George's jumbled mess comment. That's exactly how it feels. Speakers turned up feel great. Even at a loud volume its calming. Headphones turned up are detailed and take away the background noise but don't have the same feel. If there are other brands of headphones I should look at I would appreciate a recommendation. At the same time I also wonder if this is an area in general that the speaker/audio industry is missing from a consumer perspective. I bet most people who can afford decent systems are unable to listen to them as much as they would like. 
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