Headphone dealers Boston, Montréal, Toronto?

[drmarkf]

Can anyone recommend any headphone dealers in Boston, Montréal or Toronto where I could spend an hour or two comparing some good cans? I'm particularly interested in listening to some of the cheaper Stax earspeakers +/- amps and I can't seem to find many options here in the UK. I'm going to these North American cities on several trips during the next few months.

I'm looking to set up a second headphone system (in the study). I've already got HD600s driven by a Graham Slee Solo III amp, and I like them for laid-back listening and I'll keep these in the sitting room. A simple solution might be just to get a pair of HD650s, but I would like to try some alternatives with more immediacy and presence. My musical tastes are wide, but in the study I particularly listen to early and classical chamber and instrumental music, and acoustic blues.

I'd also value any other recommendations: AKG 701s are also on the list. Total budget's up to £1000/$2000 for phones + amp, but spending less would be nice...

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions and recommendations.

 

[TSi]

Toronto:
Bay Bloor Radio has a rack of headphones, but they arent that amazingly high end. (ie... no staxs, but they do have HD650/600, RS2 and K701 if i remembered correctly)
They have the lowest of the "audiophile" end (SR60s) to the higher levels... but nothing supreme.
You can brg in your own cds to test, but then I remember my friend saying that they dont connect the phones to a nice amp, so that might be a setback when you try them out. (also, their all a bit old)

 

[Mike_TNT]

In Montreal:
Accueil Filtronique and Audioshop - should carry Stax systems. Not far from audioshop on 1409 Bishop street there's Son Ideal where you can listen to some Grados.

Here's also a good thread on Montreal shops.
Canuck Audio Mart :: View topic - Shops in Montreal area

ps. A little off topic but you must go to Schwartz's Deli when in Montreal. Schwartz's - Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen - A Montreal Tradition Since 1928

Enjoy your stay.

 

[drmarkf]

Excellent, guys! Many thanks.

Any suggestions for Boston [where I'm going to have most free time]?

I'm going to be in Montreal during the Grand Prix and will have a day free afterwards, so any gourmet recommendations will be most welcome...

 

[Pingunugnug]

Last time I went to Schwartz there is a line-up. Don't know if it is always like that.

 

[moogoob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Toronto: Bay Bloor Radio has a rack of headphones, but they arent that amazingly high end. (ie... no staxs, but they do have HD650/600, RS2 and K701 if i remembered correctly) They have the lowest of the "audiophile" end (SR60s) to the higher levels... but nothing supreme. You can brg in your own cds to test, but then I remember my friend saying that they dont connect the phones to a nice amp, so that might be a setback when you try them out. (also, their all a bit old)

Last I was there (buying my SR80s!

) they had the whole Grado line, and their headphone selection changes a bit from month to month. But yeah, no electrostatics on hand, and none of them were connected to a good amp.

 

[Mike_TNT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pingunugnug /img/forum/go_quote.gif Last time I went to Schwartz there is a line-up. Don't know if it is always like that.

There's not too much traffic when they open at 11:00am. There's usually a line up around lunch time but you can bypass the line-up if you order for take out. It might be busier for the Grand Prix though. It's usually fine after 3:00/3:30. My favorite time to go is around 4:00/5:00pm. They seem to give bigger portions then.

 

[Khanate]

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmarkf /img/forum/go_quote.gif Excellent, guys! Many thanks. Any suggestions for Boston [where I'm going to have most free time]? I'm going to be in Montreal during the Grand Prix and will have a day free afterwards, so any gourmet recommendations will be most welcome...

As previously mentionned, a schwartz lunch is worth a million!

 

[centerfold]

I wish bay bloor radio sold amps for headphones as well. Also, +1 to schwartz!

 

[TSi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by centerfold /img/forum/go_quote.gif I wish bay bloor radio sold amps for headphones as well. Also, +1 to schwartz!

they do have amps... its on the opposite side of headphones.

 

[rocdoc]

I don't remember to save myself, but there is a store on Comm Ave close to BU. If you look for my threads, I asked this very question about Boston. That's where I found it. They carry AKG and Grado. Very nice store with knowledgeable staff.

 

[moogoob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSi /img/forum/go_quote.gif they do have amps... its on the opposite side of headphones.

They do, just not portable amps, which unfortunately is what I'm looking for right now. Looks like internet's the only way to go for those.

 

[QRP72]

I do not know if they have Stax, their store web page may not be current. Better email them and ask.

But I got to try my Beyerdynamics DT770 there.
SOLOTECH || SON | ECLAIRAGE | VIDEO

Hope this helps.

 

[LeeMark]

In Boston, the store on Comm Ave is called Spearit Audio (Spearit Sound Home Page). They have AKG and Grado as stated. They have the Cayin tube amp at least to listen to, bring some cds. Audio Lab (Audio Lab Hi-Fi Stereo Equipment, Audio Repair, Used Stereo Reseller, Installation) in Harvard Square in "The Garage" also carries Grado, Sennheiser and maybe AKG and maybe AT and they are really nice. Spearit can be kind of off putting. Message me if you need more info for Boston.

Lee

 

[pomme de terre]

Bay Bloor Radio in Toronto is not that great of a place to try out headphones. It is incredibly noisy in there with people and the air conditioning and on top of that, you are out wide in the open. I have no idea how they have the headphones wired, but theyre wired in such a way that they all play at the same time. To get the K701s at a adequate listening level will also have all the other cans blasting loud enough for a bystanders to hear.

So yea, Bay Bloor Radio isnt a great place to do critical listening. You could probably talk them into taking down a pair of phones and seating you in a quiet room if you were serious about buying though.

Toronto also has a couple of Long & McQuades which I know stocks several popular audio brands and also their headphones. However, Ive never been to one of their stores so I dont know whether they let you audition their equipment. Its best to call/email and ask: Long & McQuade