Changing to Headphones

[LBob]

I am in the process of changing my entire system. For a number of reasons, I am trying to simplify my system down to a computer, a headamp/dac, and a nice set of headphones. I will be able to audition the full line of Audeze headphone and have two possible head amps: Moon and Naim. If anyone has any experience/recommendations for specific Audeze headphones or the head amps I'd would love to hear it. I'll be trading in my Wilson's on the new equipment so my budget should be 3-4K.

[LBob]

Thanks for the info on the Audeze as well as on head/amps. I would love to try the Senheisers, but I don't believe my dealer carries them and I'm committed to working through the dealer (who is an absolute gem) in case of any problems. I have read the Audeze has excellent customer service, but my dealer is a know quantity. Will try the LCD-2 and 3 along with the X, and will check manufacture date. I used to have a pair of Magnepans which I dearly loved, so the idea of planar headphones is fascinating.

 

The head amp/dac might be something I would look elsewhere for. I had never thought of this as being a major factor probably because my headphone listening occured at a time when you simply plugged into the back of your receiver. Don't ask how many years ago please ;-). I love the Ayre sound and the codex is in price range, I will have to research the cable issue.

 

What are your opinions on a headamp/dac that would be a good match with Audeze? Simpler the better. I don't want to mess with drivers for the dac at all. I want a really simple set up.

 

Thanks again for the suggestions etc.

[LBob]

It was interesting hearing some experiences of people who have also made a similar plunge.

 

My listening room was in the basement. I had it set up very nicely. I had room treatments and used Dirac to address room problems. All in all it was pretty sweet. But a combination of intermittent seepage due to frequent heavy storms along with a desire simply not to be in the basement any longer has led me to make the change. In a year or two I will probably have another system set up upstairs in a smaller room.

 

If the audeze aren't totally pleasing I will likely try the Cable Company. Since my dealer is taking care of selling my speakers I will be working with him initially. There's actually and advantage to headphones in that I couldn't play DSD's through my old system because of Dirac.

 

I'm not thinking of headphones as a compromise, just a different sound.