koss esp 950 or stax omega ?

[BrianS]

interesting, i remember comparing them to he90 or o2 on the same cd and they sounded much better, like a normal headphone.

 

[edstrelow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg . As for what an inexperience headphone user should begin with, I suggest beginning with dynamic headphones, rather than an electrostatic headphones. Use of dynamic headphones provides a greater opportunity to develop and understand an appreciation of music listening enjoyment using headphones. IMO, progress to the use of really high-end headphones should be done incrementally, because it adapts ones hearing to this special mode of listening, and it also establishes ones realistic expectations. Perhaps purchase of two headphones, such as an HD650 and a DT880, and a good single-ended amp., would be preferable to starting with a Stax O2. Good dynamic headphones can readily be bought used, and then sold again, with little financial loss. I suggest listening to a variety of dynamic headphones for about a year, before seriously considering buying expensive electrostatic headphones.

I can't see why one would want to start with dynamics. My first headphones were electrostatics which I bought because I couldn't afford electrostatic speakers, with which I was already familiar.

I would suggest auditioning some products at a dealers, other persons homes, or meets to see where you want to start. I personally think the Koss Esp 950 could be a good starting phone, if you can get one used. It tends to be less edgy in sound than inexpensive Staxen, except possibly the SRM001 MKII, portable. The portable would be another starting option because it would have a use outside of the house no matter what you move on to.

 

[wualta]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edstrelow The portable would be another starting option because it would have a use outside of the house no matter what you move on to.

And don't forget, the 950 is a variety of portable too. Its amp runs on batteries and it comes with that darling black leather carrying case, after all.

I like the 950 but unless one drops into your lap for something like $200 it may be a bit too pricey to be a starter 'phone for a starter audiophile. And you're stuck with the amp; there's no transformer box option.

Since they often enough go for less than 50 bucks, I'd still recommend an old Realistic HP-100 (Stax SR-3 clone). They're not the ultimate 'stat, but they do sound 'statty enough to fulfill the 'stat baptism function, as long as the beginner 'phile has a decent speaker amp to drive them. If he doesn't have a good speaker amp / preamp yet, he should probably hold off on 'stats until he's got some serious electronics and sources to feed some good headphones. Don't want to put the 'stat before the horsepower. Or something. Just a thought.

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