Asphodyne
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2004
- Posts
- 6
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- 0
I am new to hi-fi audio, as my signature easily shows. I have been browsing these forums, and naturally the discussion is heavily slanted towards headphones. However, I am wondering about the basic differences between speakers and headphones. Some on these forums have said most people are "speaker people," meaning they would prefer speakers to headphones. I guess this is true in the way that most people prefer cars to motorcycles.
I have also heard it said that headphones can outperform speakers five times their price. But yet, I find myself using my crappy Altec Lansings for ambient music, even though my Grados are superior in sound. It just seems that headphones are inherently uncomfortable, being that they are on one's head and restrict movement. Also, psychologically, I find myself enjoying music more when I know other people can hear it and enjoy it as well. These factors sometimes outweigh the increased detail and fidelity headphones offer. Is this what commentators on these forums mean when they say most people are "speaker people"? Also, what percentage of people can actually appreciate the differences high-costing equipment can bring? I bought the SR-60s knowing that the difference would be palpable, and they are. But it is just an additional amount of visceral enjoyment. I can't reductionalize music and sound the way people on these forums can. I just find that I enjoy things more. When people analyze headphones here, they often comment on accuracy and technical aspects of sound reproduction. However, will upgrading from Grado SR-60s provide obvious additional enjoyment, or can only 10-15% of the population appreciate the technical differences?
On a side note, how does a moderately expensive set of speakers, like the Swan M200s, compare to my current Grados and other higher-end headphones? Is a comparison possible?
Thanks for any advice.
I have also heard it said that headphones can outperform speakers five times their price. But yet, I find myself using my crappy Altec Lansings for ambient music, even though my Grados are superior in sound. It just seems that headphones are inherently uncomfortable, being that they are on one's head and restrict movement. Also, psychologically, I find myself enjoying music more when I know other people can hear it and enjoy it as well. These factors sometimes outweigh the increased detail and fidelity headphones offer. Is this what commentators on these forums mean when they say most people are "speaker people"? Also, what percentage of people can actually appreciate the differences high-costing equipment can bring? I bought the SR-60s knowing that the difference would be palpable, and they are. But it is just an additional amount of visceral enjoyment. I can't reductionalize music and sound the way people on these forums can. I just find that I enjoy things more. When people analyze headphones here, they often comment on accuracy and technical aspects of sound reproduction. However, will upgrading from Grado SR-60s provide obvious additional enjoyment, or can only 10-15% of the population appreciate the technical differences?
On a side note, how does a moderately expensive set of speakers, like the Swan M200s, compare to my current Grados and other higher-end headphones? Is a comparison possible?
Thanks for any advice.