Headphone Amp

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Hannes-Gregor
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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by Hannes-Gregor »

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.
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.

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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by Fretless »

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

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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by slinger »

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

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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by Hannes-Gregor »

Fretless wrote: Thu Apr 30, 2020 1:35 pm 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
The Drop ones are identical to the Classic except the color and the cable.

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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by Hannes-Gregor »

slinger wrote: Thu Apr 30, 2020 1:36 pm 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.
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

Unread post by antonio66 »

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

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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by Hemmo1969 »

Paul I do remember us taking about the RME ADI-2 DAC, just noticed this has a headphone out socket. Have you tried this? Is it any good?

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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by savvypaul »

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).
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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by TheMadMick »

slinger wrote: Thu Apr 30, 2020 1:36 pm 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.
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??? :P
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slinger (Fri May 08, 2020 3:46 pm)
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Re: Headphone Amp

Unread post by slinger »

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

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