Head-Fi has ruined my ears...

[REB]

Just when I thought I had found my perfect set up (1985 600 Ohm Beyerdynamic DT990, Zero DAC and Graham Slee Solo amp), the Head-Fi virus came back with a vengeance. Under the illusion that with the perfect set up now in place I could do something about my aging vintage Sansui stereo set, I went to the local HIFI shop accompanied by partner in can crime Agnostic (the very same person who infected me with the Head-Fi bug). We auditioned different amps and CD-players and told the salesperson we’d be back with my own CD’s to listen to the next week. In my mind, I was going to choose between a slightly warm Denon set up and a more ‘neutral’ (I abhor the word really, neutral to my ears is what I mean) NAD set up. Over budget of course, but what do you expect?

So we went back. We were given the use of the auditioning basement, put in the first CD (The Ground by the Tord Gustavsen Trio which sounds absolutely fabulous on my home headphone set up) and then… DISAPPOINTMENT!

We were listening to high end gear (not the most expensive, but not very cheap either) through a pair of B&W loudspeakers of 800 euro’s each. I’ll tell you, if my cans sounded like that, I’d send them to bed without dinner! We tried out some other CD’s, switched from the Denon to the NAD and to a Rotel and back again and although there was some difference, there was but only one conclusion: Head-Fi, you ruined my ears by spoiling them! There is no way I will ever buy loudspeakers that sound as good, as detailed, as balanced as the DT990/Zero/Solo rig.

So, what to do

? Haven’t made up my mind yet, but I might have to invest in electrostatic loudspeakers instead. Which would for the sake of symmetry also mean I’d have to invest in a Stax set up. I mean, that’s like a given, right?

And then this morning, completely out of the blue, the Head-Fi bug stung again. I was having my first coffee at work, surfing the net before settling down to work, doing my regular searches on Ebay. And lo and behold, for the first time my search for the AKG K500 (my pair has a busted driver) actually yielded a result

! In Germany, in excellent condition, only 50 hours of use, reputed seller, really not expensive, Buy Now option… You know the drill from there. So there you are, the K500 is coming my way, and I’m thinking of ways to save up enough money to buy electrostatic loudspeakers in a desperate attempt to duplicate the sound of my DT990’s in a pair of loudspeakers. Head-Fi, you’ll be the ruin of me!

 

[nor_spoon]

Nice read. Thanks for sharing. Yes, the head-fi virus is a nasty thing

 

[REB]

Thanks! And isn't it nasty...

 

[krmathis]

Curse you Head-Fi!

 

[nor_spoon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REB /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks! And isn't it nasty...

Sure is. And usually it gets worse

 

[Zorander]

Blame the 'phone manufacturers. Leave us alone.

 

[Agnostic]

Yep, I concur. It was shocking to hear the performance difference between those amps and speakers and a well amped headphone in terms of detail and resolution. I also agree you should hear a Stax system before recklessly declaring you're happy with the DT990.

 

[REB]

Oh man, doesn't it ever stop?

 

[ludoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REB /img/forum/go_quote.gif I might have to invest in electrostatic loudspeakers instead. Which would for the sake of symmetry also mean I’d have to invest in a Stax set up.

A fantastic example of the head-fi bug in action.

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agnostic /img/forum/go_quote.gif I also agree you should hear a Stax system before recklessly declaring you're happy with the DT990.

Ditto!
Audition a Stax system before settling down with the DT990. You may be in for a surprise.

 

[nickchen]

I'm also totally away from standard loudspeaker hifi. The last acceptable I heared was a set of active Backer & Müller speakers for approx. 10000.-€ - that was at least midfi level (DT531, A900 or so).

My wife is quite glad that I've become a 100% HP creature, as she is the Simon & Garfunkel type and feels bodily pain if she is confronted with my Squarepusher stuff.

 

[rhythmdevils]

yeah, we've got a serious problem when we are still doing searches on ebay for new gear even while proclaiming that we don't want anything. obviously, there's always something on our list...that evil elusive headphone deal. for me, it's getting a pair of hp2's on ebay for 50 dollars

 

[rhythmdevils]

although, i might add, that in the back of my mind, that is my goal, as i believe it is many of our goals, to find the perfect setup, walk away from all of the madness, and just listen to music. And once in a while, there's a crazy head-fier who sells all their stuff and just peaces out with nothing but his ksc-75's...

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REB /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh man, doesn't it ever stop?

I'm not sure if it ever stops as new cans, amps, sources, cables, etc will come out and keep the bug/virus going. In the end I'm still going along my journey and having fun every step of the way

. I hope you enjoy your journey as well.

 

[REB]

So far I am enjoying the journey

. And I still have time to listen to music and appreciate the wonders of the headphone world. Madness it is, I guess, but it is a gentle madness and one I feel at home with.