I have a NAC 332 Preamplifier used in our apartment where I need to keep the volume down to a sensible level and therefore am considering a decent pair of headphones for more “spirited listening”.
What might be a good pair of headphones to enjoy with the 332?
I’d like something on par to my speakers which are Neat Momentum SX5i on the end of a NC250.
Any suggestions?
So many choices, so many previous threads to search…
Without a bit more information it is hard to suggest anything. Budget? Open or Closed? New or s/h? What have you got or heard already? etc etc
You cannot really use your loudspeaker for comparison, the experience etc is totally different in my view.
Cannot stress too high the value of demoing headphones. They vary enormously in musical character and also, crucially comfort. Only you can decide. There is a reason that there are a lot of very lightly used s/h headphones for sale!
Bruce
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I suggest you visit the London CanJam Show as it’s not far off(assuming you’re UK based). I went last year and listened to lots of over ear open-backed/closed-back headphones on various amps, both solid state and tube. Big selection of IEM’s as well as cables.
Focal/Naim also have a stand there with the Atom HE and the full range of headphones from Focal. Worth going if you’re planning to spend considerable money. The 332 headphone stage, is a little better than the Atom HE, but at least you’ll get an idea.
Some informative talks given by guest speakers as well.
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Focsl Utopia here. U dad big SN3. The headphone stage in your Preamp is better. I find the Utopia very comfortable, but I have a long cable and don’t always like being tethered. I am looking at better headphone amps.
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I can only add my preferences as musts—over-ear and leather cushioned pads. The rest is up to your preferences. Mine are also closed and no longer available as far as I know as wired with a considerable chord. I believe they are now wireless.
Warm regards,
Mitch in Oz.
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Thanks for that - I divide my time between the UK and Australia.
Unfortunately I will be overseas when the can jam show is on.
I don’t know if I’d prefer open or closed. I have had some AKG250’s for years and always liked their light weight, open sound but as they’re 30+ years old, I’m open to suggestions really.
Budget wise, I might consider up to £1500 but is that realistic with the 332 built-in headphone amp, or should I aim for better (more expensive) headphones? Or is £1500 overkill for the 332?
Mainly for listening to rock / pop / some classical, some jazz.
Sennheiser HD800S caught my eye.
S/H might be a good option!
I think the new price of the Focal Utopia is probably more than I’m looking to spend.
Even used they are pricey!
In the US they have been the same price since 2022.
I use a pair of Focal Clear Mg’s with my 222 and I have been very impressed with them. Much more reasonably priced than Utopia’s and v comfortable. Should be on your audition list
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Thanks @crispyduck I looked them up and the price is a better fit for me than the Utopia but the 1.2m cable might be an issue due to the location of my amp and where I will need to sit.
Perhaps I should have worded that differently: The price of the Focal Utopia when new is probably more than I’m looking to spend.
I have the regular HD800 and love them - end game 
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Have a look at / listen to Hifiman Arya.
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There seems to be several headphones with the same Hifiman Arya name varying in price between £300 and £1300…
I would strongly agree with the earlier post re comfort, it is worth finding a place to demo where they will let you sit and listen for a good amount of time.
I have the Sennheiser HD800s, I tried the Focal clear mg at the same time but preferred the fit of the Sennheiser.
Audio sanctuary (S. London) have a good selection available for demo and are happy to let you take your time.
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That sounds a bit like having to wear a motorcycle crash helmet for a while.
I cannot wear Shoei helmets as they give me a terrible headache after 20 minutes.
Arai suit my head shape with no issues.
Good tip to try them for an extended time and good to know there is a place that stocks both of the brands Sennheiser & Focal.
I need to do a little more research in my locality, North Oxfordshire.
It’s easy to pick up a longer pair of replacement cables. I would see if you like the fit and the sound at this stage and not worry too much about cable length. ATB
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Don’t ignore Grado. They are distinctive in design and musicality. Comfort is an issue for some, the way they fit and feel is different but I found you do get used to them. The RS1x are a sweet spot of the range in my view, and under your budget. Most Grado are supplied with an extra long cable FWIW. Sound leakage might irritate others around you, an issue with most open back designs but especially Grado. Meze are popular on the Forum. I love my two pairs of ZMFs.
As I said, lots of choices. You have to try them.
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I have the Focal Elear, but discontinued now.
However, when I was looking for and demoing headphones, l looked at models from Sennheiser, Focal and Audeze and found that Focal was not only better SQ, but also better build and comfort.
I had AKG Pro712 previously and they were bettered by all of the above.
My brother has some Meze headphones but they sound quite tinny.
DG…
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