Thread: Headphone Evaluation

This is my last update to this thread. Given all the permutations and combinations of headphone amps and headphones I have tried, I am ready to choose my optimum configuration. The relatively new dCS Lina headphone amp (standalone with my front end) and the Abyss 1266 TC headphones gave me the best combination of frequency response, soundstage, bass and overall 'presence". The STX Egoista with CRBN phones were a very close second. The Egoista is enchanting and made like a tank. However, the Lina got the nod because of my long standing bias for solid state amplification's detail and accuracy.

I started this experiment to see if headphones with a state of the art front end could offer the same listening satisfaction as pure two channel audio with speakers. It did...for a while. I find myself missing the scale of a two channel system. I will keep my preferred headphone set up but have placed the additional components required for two channel audio on order. I picked B&W 802D4 speakers and Vicoustic Room treatments from Mike at Suncoast and a CH Precision M10 to complement my L10 preamp from Ron Buffington at Liquid HiFi. I didn't need to pick between headphones and speakers. They can both happily co-exist.

Eric

Eric - Great news to see you embrace again 2 channel audio in addition to headphones. The new B&W D4 series are really special and a “bargain”. And, the CH Precision 10 series are fantastic. Congrats and happy liestening!

Originally Posted by Cincy2

This is my last update to this thread. Given all the permutations and combinations of headphone amps and headphones I have tried, I am ready to choose my optimum configuration. The relatively new dCS Lina headphone amp (standalone with my front end) and the Abyss 1266 TC headphones gave me the best combination of frequency response, soundstage, bass and overall 'presence". The STX Egoista with CRBN phones were a very close second. The Egoista is enchanting and made like a tank. However, the Lina got the nod because of my long standing bias for solid state amplification's detail and accuracy.

I started this experiment to see if headphones with a state of the art front end could offer the same listening satisfaction as pure two channel audio with speakers. It did...for a while. I find myself missing the scale of a two channel system. I will keep my preferred headphone set up but have placed the additional components required for two channel audio on order. I picked B&W 802D4 speakers and Vicoustic Room treatments from Mike at Suncoast and a CH Precision M10 to complement my L10 preamp from Ron Buffington at Liquid HiFi. I didn't need to pick between headphones and speakers. They can both happily co-exist.

Eric

Interesting changes! What is your opinion of the CH gear from your other, former electronics?

Originally Posted by KeithR

Interesting changes! What is your opinion of the CH gear from your other, former electronics?

Th build quality and human interface are off the charts impressive. I can't compare the sound directly as my entire front end (server and DAC) have also changed.

Eric

Eric-

Your efforts in this project have benefited and will continue to benefit for some time to come.

Enjoy the Sounds,

John

Originally Posted by Leatherneck

Like you, I am retired. I've spent the last few years spending (and wasting) money looking for my end game audio system.
I have one bit of advice. Don't let sound quality influence you over things like ease of use, convenience, etc. I find myself listening to my Naim Mu-So more than my 500 level Naim system. I replaced a Violectric V281 headphone amp with an entry level Naim Uniti Atom HE because the HE is an absolute joy to use and I can listen to it for hours without ever skipping tracks.

I too have a Naim Uniti Atom HE. VERY highly recommended. I'm running it with Focal Stellias. Very tasty.