Headphones vs Speakers.....Go!

[Summit]

All speakers and headphones are design compromises, some more than others.

 

For example it’s generally better to have only one transducer if we look sole on the crossover filters that is known to reduce some transparency and resolution. But to make only one transducer that is optimal for all audible frequencies and that doesn’t roll of is (next to) impossible for speakers. Most speakers use different transducer for different frequencies (for example: one for bass, one for mid and one for treble) and that reduce the problem of big and heavy bass cones, for the mid and treble, which can use smaller and lighter membranes. The higher the FR the faster response is needed to sound correct. To make a headphone with just one transducer that can play all audible frequencies are easier in that regard than with speakers, but the sound it produce is made very close to the ear, so it will never really sound like playing live in a big concert hall not even the best of the best HPs.

 

With speakers it’s crucial to set up them correct and that they can play properly with the room’s size and acoustic. With headphones the room and placement is of little importance. Still the room in the ear cup is very small and is limiting SQ. The sound reach the ear direct and the ear pad room is restricting that amount of air that can let the membrane properly push and pull with no compression, which can make HPs to sound a bit closed in and without the same image and soundstage as speakers do.  

 

Good speakers, that are set up correct in an audio playback treated room is better than all HPs I have heard, and I have heard most of the SOTAs including Sennheiser HE1. Still some of the best HPs are really good and can be a good alternative then you can’t play as loud as you want because of neighbors, family or lack of proper room to set up good full range speakers. If not accounting soundstage, image and physical bass my modded Hifiman HE6 and Audeze LCD3 are great IMO and can produce superb SQ that goes deep in the bass, have good punch, timber and are as reviling as most of the best speakers that you can buy.  

[Summit]

Sennheiser HE 1 has a very clean and detailed sound without sounding analytical or lean like many HPs can do. Compared to Beyer dynamic DT 770 Pro using something like a Hegel Super dac/amplifier as well as many other headphone system it’s doubtless very resolving and highly detailed. The lower mid/upper bass has some natural bloom and the transient respond was good IMO.

 

Was the Sennheiser HE 1 a perfect all-in-one package HP/DAC/amplifier? No, the subbase was a bit rolled off compared to some of the best planar magnetic HPs. However the main bass and upper bass wasn’t missing so the overall sound was still full and well balanced. The image was spot on and the headstage seemed proper, though not as deep and out of your head like with the Abyss or Hifiman HEK mk2. Also the upper midrange has a small touch of steely glare to it that am allergic to.

 

My verdict of the Sennheiser HE 1 (after a private 15 minutes session) was good but no cigar. With another DAC or tubes than the implemented I would maybe like it a bit more, but for the price they ask for it you can get a really good speaker setup or a super duper good HP setup and still have money left.  

[Summit]

1. To get 20-25 Hz quality sub bass out of your speakers you need not only a top notch audio system but also a big treated listening room. With headphones you don’t need a big room and acoustic treatment and can obsess over other things.
2. Even the quietest room has noise floor of 35-40 db or more.
3. For XXXX dollar/euro you can get a really good new headphone system. A new speaker system at the same price would maybe sound okay, but no cigar.
4. Btw most record studios use headphones to mix and record and use speakers for the last arrangement.