Novice Question

[CheVive]

I'm new to the world of high-end headphones, and was wondering:

Do headphones give you a better listening experience from your hi-fi system than a pair of high-end speakers?

In other words, if you had your choice, would you choose listening to music at home via headphones instead of speakers, or do you use headphones only when it is not possible/practical to use speakers?

If I have a NAD reciever with my standard stereo setup, would a dedicated headphone amp deliver a significant increase in sound quality, or are headphone amps basically designed for portable music devices?

I'm only in the early stages of looking at high-end headphones, and will naturally try to see for myself, but any input is appreciated.

[SunShip]

I'm a novice, but I'd say high-end speakers are better than headphones. However, top headphones pretty much deliver near the quality of high-end speakers for a fraction of the price. Also, their portability and solo listening are big plusses in some situations.

By what I've heard the few days I've been a member on these boards, headphone amps can greatly increase performance, and the majority I've seen are intended even for high end hi-fi systems. Browse the boards here, and wait till more experienced boarders post. They'll have a lot more useful info

[jpr703]

You're going to get a million differences of opinion on this, but here's my two cents anyway.

I personally think that a great headphone system can be built from the ground up for less money than a great hi-fi system. The main reason for this is the cost of floorstanding speakers vs headphones.

However, if my budget wasn't limited and I had no concerns about distrubing others with a full sized system, that's the way I'd prefer to listen to my music.

Then again, if my budget wasn't limited I'd have both!

Right now I spend most of my listening time at work so I also spend most of my hi-fi budget on headphone gear.

[Swampwalker]

I agree with jpr703. Nothing beats the soundstaging, realistic imaging and deep bass of a great pair of full range floorstanders, coupled to a high end pre/amp/source, with mulitple interconnects and speaker cables. But you are now talking $20-30K (new cost). A top notch headphone system (cans, high end source and amp) can be had for much less, say $4K for a great source, amp, one i/c and a good hp cable.

[clarke68]

I agree with all of the posts so far. Here's a long, impassioned thread on the topic:

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=81839&