I am a headphone addict.

[dolifant]

I realize I must have an addiction.

Only 3-4 weeks ago I got my MDR-R10 setup, for which I paid a pretty penny. I love it, really. It has barely broken in but I find myself listening to all my favorite music all over again, and hearing stuff I never heard before. Beside the music itself. More than once I have thought I heard a noise in my house, but it was in the recording, probably a stray sound in the recording studio or live venue. I had not heard it before. On jazz especially, and chamber music, I hear the breaths of the musicians as I would if I was next to them. The movement of their fingers on the bass or guitar, or even on the piano. On symphonic recordings I can sometimes hear the conductors movements.The realism is astounding.

So now, why am I starting to "research" electrostatics? Why am I learning which amps are the "best" with STAX Omega IIs? Why am I checking Audiogon for stray pairs of HE-90s or 60s?

Back to dynamic headphones, why do I always want to hear yet another amp, when I already own two that I think drive the R-10s beautifully? Is the amp always greener on the other side?

I think the solution will be to travel to the next big meet, like in NY or LA and bring my R-10s and favorite demo discs and listen to them with different amps. Sample the electrostatics. Nevermind,then I will probably hear bozebutton's front end (Meitner) and I will be back in the upgradeitis cycle. Help me! Is there no end!!!!

 

[Jahn]

I hope there is no end - I'd like this hobby to last forever, with something else out there always ready to knock me off my sonic high horse. By the way, I know it's not that comparable, but I was listening to Fat Joe's "What's Love Gotta do with it" on the MS-2s while holding the baby and I swear I heard my wife behind me say "hey." I turned around but no one was there - it was Ashanti.

I'd love to make the next NYC meet and try those R10s out! I'll bring the gear I have as an aural sacrifice for the privilege!

 

[Jasper994]

I'd recommend not getting the HE60, IME they are extreamly light in the bass and have poor imaging. YMMV but I wasn't the only one who felt this way. Omega II's on the other had are very nice when paired with the right associated equipment and listening to the right kind of music. Some music will just sound a lot better on the R10. Anyway just my opinion. I'm sure we'd love to have you for the next big LA meet.

 

[BowerR64]

I think sometimes i hear strange things myself. I will hear loud thumps now and then and have to remove the cans to see what it was. When i back up the track i will hear it again. It really is amazing the more things you hear with a good set of cans.

 

[ReDVsion]

Honestly, do you really WANT to be completely satisfied with your headphones? To come to the realization that that pair is really 'it', and there is nothing and will be nothing better that comes along? Where's the fun in that?

 

[Kirosia]

Satisfaction. We don't want but we do need it.

 

[Jon L]

called "Upgraditis." If you go hang around www.audioasylum.com, you will see hundreds of audiophiles who are slaves to this disease even after 20-30 years of swapping equipment.

Been there, done that, have the multiple T-shirts. The only viable advice you need at this time is this: If you are happy now, STOP!!

 

[John Reeves]

Hi,

Please don't stop searching for the ultimate sound. Keep upgrading then tell us all how good it is. That way we can all save up and buy the same, then argue about it. If not, it's the demise of Head-Fi "as we know it Jim" LOL

John

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasper994 I'd recommend not getting the HE60, IME they are extreamly light in the bass and have poor imaging. YMMV but I wasn't the only one who felt this way.

Aaron, you've gotta remeber that we've only heard the HE60 with the HEV70, which by most accounts is a big steamin' pile of poo. I think Hirsch, among others, can vouch for the HE60 sounding better than the SR404 when used with a KGSS or other good amp.

 

[Mastergill]

Maybe you are more a gear head than a music lover?

Maybe the R10 really sucks?

My personal experience is when you have the real high-end stuff, you cannot get bored, it's too good.

You realise it's extremely good when everyday that you listen it feel like the first day. The WOW factor never disappear, day after day for years. Yes that's possible to end upgrade.

That's also true many audophiles suffer from this disease (upgraditis), i've worked in a nice audio shop and i've seen countless guy like that, never happy.
Don't take offense i don't say that for you but many of these guys have better put their money in a good shrink rather than audio product.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastergill You realise it's extremely good when everyday that you listen it feel like the first day. The WOW factor never disappear, day after day

Ever since I acquired the Benchmark DAC1, that is what it has been like for me. Every time I sit down to listen, I just think "how do I have something this damn nice sounding!"

 

[LTUCCI1924]

dolifant
HI: How are you? It took me two years of upgrades to settle down and keep just one headphone and down grade to a lesser amp from the PPA. I now buy what is good for my rig and don't care to upgrade it. LOL. I think newer members have a thing to go though here at head-fi but in time you will settle down to a slower pace. I have bought so many headphone that I can't remember all of them and have also bought lots of amps to remember. It is a lot of fun to buy lots of stuff and then to sell it here but in the long run it will cost you lots of money and the worst thing about it is waiting for the new thing to arrive at your house. LOL. Rather than worry about it just enjoy your self and do your thing.

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReDVsion Honestly, do you really WANT to be completely satisfied with your headphones? To come to the realization that that pair is really 'it', and there is nothing and will be nothing better that comes along? Where's the fun in that?

Um, listening to and enjoying the Music ?.

 

[tom hankins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReDVsion Honestly, do you really WANT to be completely satisfied with your headphones? To come to the realization that that pair is really 'it', and there is nothing and will be nothing better that comes along? Where's the fun in that?

I want "that" pair to be it so bad I can taste it! How much better can it get than having "THE" pair of headphones that no other can satisfy you like they do. The fun is in knowing (and not wondering ) that nothing out there can make you as happy listening to music than these. In my case the HD650/Zu is as close as I've come. I'm not going to plunk down the big money ($2-3K) until I know for sure that those phones will be the ones, and not just almost there for me.

 

[Bill Ward]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hciman77 Um, listening to and enjoying the Music ?.

That's what it's all about, yes? The music? Equipment is a means, not an end? I agree with LTUCCI1924 that we go through a period of sorting things out in the beginning, learning "our sound," seeing what works for us. Once past that, I'm not so eager to go off in search of some "ultimate sound." I like what I'm hearing right now. While that's so, the path of prudence (and parsimony) is to stand pat.

Reminds me of the days when I'd trade in a car I liked because I thought I'd like some other car better. Talk about buyer's remorse. I don't do that any more.

BW