Hi, I am going to upgrade my current headphones. Does anyone have recommendations? I assume that wired is better than wireless? I want something with a long cable I suspect! I also have a Uniti2 DAC sitting directly below my Nova. Should I use that for headphones? I think I recall mention of it having a preamp on it for headphones output. Would it be any better than the Nova? Thanks in advance.
A search of the forum for existing threads about headphone suggestions would be a start.
Bear in mind that recommendations are good but phones are very personal.. everyone has a different shape head and comfort is key.
It depends on your budget. If your listening space permits, I would go for open-back headphones. I have headphones from brands like Sennheiser (HD 800S), Hifiman (Arya) and Focal (Elear). The best thing to do is find a dealer where you can try them. Every headphone sounds a bit different, so personal taste plays a big role.
I have the Focal Elear headphones and when I was looking, the Focal were better SQ than Senheisser and Audeze models, more comfortable and better looking in my opinion.
I had a longer cable made up by Cxnnected to the length I wanted, plus it’s a better and nicer cable than the original.
At the end of the day, it’s what is your budget, but don’t worry about the stock cable length as there are plenty of better aftermarket cables available.
DG…
Performance and fit / comfort are the important….
Buying headphones I would argue is more personal than buying speakers…. No good getting the best headphones and finding out they are uncomfortable…
I would recommend doing some demos - richer sounds and Sevenoaks to name but two have a good selection.
I didn’t get on with Meze (too dark) Sennheiser (too bright) Focal (very pretty but not as good as others) I ended up with HIfiman.
Hope that helps
Gary
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So much to read if you search…
Totally with Gary; headphones are very personal, very different sound characteristics even at the same price point and if they are not comfy on your head (and they may not be) then it is all academic.
There’s a reason there is usually a good choice of ex-demo, ‘open box’ or lightly used s/h quality headphones available. Try before you buy if at all possible.
Beyer Dynamic headphones come with a three metre cable. They offer the choice of closed back or open back. I have the Amiron open back phones myself. They are pretty good value in my opinion and sound good to me.
Just a thought, didnt Naim use the Beyerdynamic Amiron for developing certain products?
Martin
Yes, IIRC Naim used Beyerdynamic headphones when developing the Headline. One of my headphone sets is a pair of Amirons and they do seem to work very nicely with the HL2. Nicest thing about the Amirons is that they must be one of the most comfortable full-sized headphones around, which counts a great deal!
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I have Beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro headphones also, but I just can’t get used to closed-back headphones. Once you are used to open-back, I do n’t think there is a way back.
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Why would you do that? The Nova can do almost everything the Uniti 2 can do except for playing CDs.
I have always used Sennheisers: 420, 650, and latterly 800S driven by a Headline2/NAPSC2.
As others have said, they are a really personal thing.
I have Senn HD820’s, which lots of people hate, but I love. Run them in a headphone system, with a HDV820 amp, fed by a WiiM Pro.
Would help if you gave your budget as there is a vast range of prices of cans and amps.
I prefer electrostatic’s myself.
There are a couple of dealers that I know of that have a wide range of demo headphones, one is in Birmingham and the other is in Biggleswade.
I actually have three sets of Headphones. I was undecided, between the Sennheiser HD800S and Beyerdynamic T1 Ver 2. I bought both, the Beyer’s being a SH Ebay purchase. I also have a pair of Shure HD1540 cans.
I have a Lehmann audio Drachenfels headphone amp.
My HD800S is my favourite headphone. It has a spacious detailed natural sound. But is not bass heavy. I love these headphones, when I listen to Jazz, especially acoustic Jazz.
The T1 is for those records with deep thumping bass. The soundstage is not so wide as the HD800S, but they are clear and detailed.
Both the above are open headphones, meaning they will leak sound. The HD800S leaks a lot of sound.
The Shure HD is a nice neutral headphone, not as exciting as the other two. But it is a closed headphone. Others around you will not hear what you are playing. I use these cans when I am in the same room as my wife.
Sound leakage is something to consider. If I am out on the balcony, and sit too close to the door, and my wife is indoors she will complain about my squawky music. Jazz is not her thing.
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