[immtbiker]

I'm not sure if I'm missing what you are saying, but the HE-6's's and T-1's do not sound anything alike. They are like day and night. The T-1's are 600Ω but drive like 300Ω, and are easier to drive than the HE-6 prodos.  However, they, in no way sound anything alike. I love the T-1's and sold my HD800's in order to keep them, but comparing them to the 6's is way out there. 
I know that we all hear differently, but the 2 headphones are apples and oranges. Please do not take offense to this, but I have own both, have spent quality intimate time with both and don't see this comparison at all.

 

[dukja]

In the thinking process of getting a HE-6 and searching for speaker amp, I also found quite a few nice monitor-sized passive speaker such as NHT Class 3, Ascend Sierras, or Era Design 5, etc.  It just occurs to me if those speakers (even cheaper than HE-6 or any currently flagship headphones) can sound as good (or even better than) HE-6 with an integrated amp, then the purpose of getting HE-6 seems to be defeated a little.
 
So I wonder anyone has heard of good small-sized speaker and HE-6 (or other flagship headphones) may provide some comparison or justification of each route.
 
Many thanks!!

 

[BebopMcJiggy]

... ultimate sound quality is not the usual reason one chooses headphones over speakers.  If that is why you choose headphones, I think you should re-evaluate ALL of your audio purchases.  If I could listen at all hours as loud as I wanted (and had a proper room for it) I probably wouldn't even own a good pair of headphones.

 

[dukja]

Certainly, I use headphone with my office and home systems for non-interfering purpose.  It just that after surveying currently claimed "top tier" headphone systems I start to wonder if it is time for me to start speaker system again (last time was when I was in college, long ago

).  I was kind of surprised to find out that with the money I spend in headphone system I may be able to get a good entry-level speaker system.  Hence, I wonder how does the sound of those entry systems (power amp + speaker < $1500) will compete with HE-6.  Do we top out what headphone system can provide or not?
 
Not trying to criticize headphone system (especially HE-6), just try to get a reality check with the ground truth since both route require full amp.  Thanks!!

 

[Frank I]

I am finding I enjoy both the high end headphones and a speakers system. I now  have added a second system with my upgraded Taboo amp with headphone jack for the LCD2 and use the CSP-2 but now added Omega high efficiency speakers and I feel the only headphone time will now be in evenings when the kids and wife is home. I am also contemplating letting one reference can go now that the speakers are here as I really will not spend much time with my T1 any longer I feel at least thats the feeling today. I will see how I feel when my Omega speakers burn in to see if something goes. My Maggies are in my other room but the system by my PC is getting 98 percent of the time. I like both but for $600-$1000 you can get amazing speakers and my amps do both super well.

 

[BebopMcJiggy]

I mean... your room is more important than the amp for speakers imo and the cost/need for acoustics treatment is all over the place.

 

[jelt2359]

 
Quote:

I'm not sure if I'm missing what you are saying, but the HE-6's's and T-1's do not sound anything alike. They are like day and night. The T-1's are 600Ω but drive like 300Ω, and are easier to drive than the HE-6 prodos.  However, they, in no way sound anything alike. I love the T-1's and sold my HD800's in order to keep them, but comparing them to the 6's is way out there. 
I know that we all hear differently, but the 2 headphones are apples and oranges. Please do not take offense to this, but I have own both, have spent quality intimate time with both and don't see this comparison at all.

 
So how would you compare the two? I've been getting the impression the two are very similar from HF.

 

[wuwhere]

Quote:

I mean... your room is more important than the amp for speakers imo and the cost/need for acoustics treatment is all over the place.

I know this is off topic but I used to believe that until I heard systems in rooms with no acoustic treatment and they sounded really good.

 

[wuwhere]

Quote:

In the thinking process of getting a HE-6 and searching for speaker amp, I also found quite a few nice monitor-sized passive speaker such as NHT Class 3, Ascend Sierras, or Era Design 5, etc.  It just occurs to me if those speakers (even cheaper than HE-6 or any currently flagship headphones) can sound as good (or even better than) HE-6 with an integrated amp, then the purpose of getting HE-6 seems to be defeated a little.
 
So I wonder anyone has heard of good small-sized speaker and HE-6 (or other flagship headphones) may provide some comparison or justification of each route.
 
Many thanks!!

To hear what you can hear with the HE-6 on speaker based systems, you would have to spend some serious money, IMHO.

 

[dukja]

Really?!  That is what I want to find out.  In the past, I have been told what you said.  Now, HE-6 actually prompt me to get some gear that may be dually used for both headphone and speaker system.  This gives some opportunity to test what I have been told.  I have no doubt that my current headphone system sound great and may be hard to beat with same amount of money.  And I really hope that HE-6 is another step up from what I heard from my current system.  It is just like opening up a temping door to another world.
 
Thanks for your sharing.  I would like to hear more sharing from people who have both HE-6 and speaker system.
 
Quote:

To hear what you can hear with the HE-6 on speaker based systems, you would have to spend some serious money, IMHO.

 

[wuwhere]

Whenever you have the chance, try listening to a pair of Wilson Audio WATT monitors or any of their small speakers.

 
Quote:

Really?!  That is what I want to find out.  In the past, I have been told what you said.  Now, HE-6 actually prompt me to get some gear that may be dually used for both headphone and speaker system.  This gives some opportunity to test what I have been told.  I have no doubt that my current headphone system sound great and may be hard to beat with same amount of money.  And I really hope that HE-6 is another step up from what I heard from my current system.  It is just like opening up a temping door to another world.
 
Thanks for your sharing.  I would like to hear more sharing from people who have both HE-6 and speaker system.
 
Quote:

To hear what you can hear with the HE-6 on speaker based systems, you would have to spend some serious money, IMHO.

 

 

[Kremer930]

For anyone interested in giving the HE6's the power and headroom that they thrive on, check out the new Schiit Lyr hybrid headphone amp. Has 6 watts into 32 ohms and 4 watts for the HE6's impedance. Not out until March 1 but taking orders now. Great value at $449. I have my name down for one specifically as a hopeful match for Hifiman cans.

There is a forum running on Head-fi discussing specs etc.  

 

[singh]

is not 4 watt a bit less !
I mean OKish.  if i am getting an amp specially for HE6 I would want more.
 
Well thy certainly know better. But i will wait for reviews.

 

[somestranger26]

I think 4 watts is fine (if it's per channel) and at $449 you're going to be hard pressed to find a headphone amp that puts out much more.

 

[wuwhere]

You can ask the Schiit folks if they plan on testing their Lyr amp against the HE-6.
 
Quote:

is not 4 watt a bit less !
I mean OKish.  if i am getting an amp specially for HE6 I would want more.
 
Well thy certainly know better. But i will wait for reviews.