I know you recommend them from time to time. But you also did with the Meze. That's why I bought them and I don't regret it. There were headphones needed my wife wasn't forced to join listening anymore.Fretless wrote: ↑Thu Apr 30, 2020 1:03 pm As for headphones - after many different models from Grado, AKG, Sennheiser, B&W etc. I have settled on the AudioQuest NightHawk Carbon as being the best-sounding and most comfortable headphones EVER! (yes, I know, I rave about them at regular intervals)
As they were discontined a year or two ago they can now still be found, heavily discounted, on Ebay.
Recommended is the later Carbon model over the original NightHawk as the sound is a bit tighter and the cable is better (although very short - you need an extension). And the NightOwl is the closed version with an even tighter sound.
Headphone Amp
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Re: Headphone Amp
- Fretless
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Re: Headphone Amp
Meze 99 Classic is also a great performer for the price with a clear and highly detailed sound. Could be described as a closed-back Grado
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: P50sa - Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a (x2)
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 - BMU+ Aiyima A07 MAX (x2) + Arcam One
HP: HifiBerry Digi+ PRO + Sabaj A10d
Office:
Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith THX AAA 887
Headphones: German Maestro & AudioQuest
- slinger
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Re: Headphone Amp
I think headphones are something you really do need to audition. Quite apart from how they sound there's the added factor of "are they comfortable." More to the point, are they still comfortable after an hour... two hours... an all-night session, etc.
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
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Re: Headphone Amp
Both Beyerdynamics and Meze could be comfortably worn for hours.
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- slinger (Thu Apr 30, 2020 2:49 pm)
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Re: Headphone Amp
I'd seriously give these a try if I was looking for a new headphone set-up. https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-koss-es ... gecarousel
There is a pair listed on ebay but without photos. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-New-Ma ... 3986931134
There is a pair listed on ebay but without photos. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-New-Ma ... 3986931134
- savvypaul
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Re: Headphone Amp
It's decent. Compared to my 2 box NVA (MKIII with 2 x 120va Toroidy transformers) set up it lacks a bit of weight, depth and timbre, but the NVA is exceptional (I know, I would say that).
- TheMadMick
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Re: Headphone Amp
I've just taken delivery of a pair of AKG K92's. Not for HiFi but recording. I have been amazed at how comfortable they are (despite the advice from Slinger) and they sound pretty good to me. I've never been a headphone love with my tinnitus. Listening to myself I can hear every nuance and the flaws in my technique. If there are better value out there I'd be surprised - £37.00. Maybe it's a case of good enough???
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- slinger (Fri May 08, 2020 3:46 pm)
Blusound Vault 2, P50SA, A80's, BMU, TIS, LS7, MA PL200, Meridian 506 (18 bit).
- slinger
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Re: Headphone Amp
I've just ordered one of these: The Bard's Headspace from Sonneteer. Gawd knows if it'll make any difference, and I hardly use cans these days, but it'll be a bit of fun finding out.
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X