[tudedude]

Music is pretty much the only enjoyable thing in my life right now so headphones are an investment in my mental health. They must be sensitive enough to be run with portable bluetooth dac/amps because I don't want to restrict the music experience to sitting down in one spot.

1. Top tier closed back for everyday noisy situations
2. Top tier open back for pure music enjoyment when things are quiet.
3. Collectible quality that I can display and baby. Doesn't need to be sensitive enough to be run with portable devices. I'm still deciding, maybe ZMF.

The less headphones the better. I don't like the idea of having multiple headphones in the same bracket.

 

[iFi audio]

iFI makes memorable products.

I sold my Micro BL only cause I know I’ll get the iCan Pro as my SS amp or maybe now I should wait for the undisclosed Diablo project??

Thanks! The Diablo's out btw.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

I'm quite a simple head-fier.

See it - hear it - like it - buy it.

Well, with an open, but earthed mind.

I'm done for now, i guess. ^^

 

[jonathan c]

A good depiction, Chris. If I may borrow from it, my “covidera” version is: read about it - want it - need it - buy it - (a) like it -> keep it (b) dislike it -> sell it - read about it...

 

[kman1211]

Personally my criteria is that the headphone needs to be comfortable, have a non-fatiguing sound, have a certain subtle quality where I instinctively reach for it. If I don’t feel like reaching for the headphone it’s not really for me. If I have to force myself to listen to it simply because I have it instead of wanting to hear how the headphone sounds on something, then it’s not for me and should be sold off. The headphones enjoyment should last well beyond the Honeymoon period which may be days to months depending on the headphone but if I grow sick of it to the point I start disliking it, it’s not for me. Initial impressions won’t necessarily tell me if they’re for me.

Personally don’t care if it’s open or closed, usually prefer open due to comfort reasons, but do like having closed around for isolation at times. I prefer dynamics to planars and electrostatics but also prefer estats to planars. Estats I like the sound a lot but are a bit inconvenient compared to dynamics as they lack portability, are more fragile, etc. and planars my ears don’t seem to like them much and haven’t heard one at length that I wanted to own/keep. I generally don’t want more than 5-6 headphones total. Anymore and they’ll be ignored.

-One main open-back dynamic for long comfortable sessions and this will be my overall main headphone.

-One main closed-back dynamic that is comfortable and for isolation.

-One to two alternate sound signature dynamic headphones for when I want something different. These are generally cheaper than the main headphones.

-One to two electrostatic headphones for when I want that ethereal and detailed estat sound.

-Lastly a portable wireless headphone or IEM for phone calls, work, on the go, exercising, etc.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Naivety is bliss.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

I'd call it mental strength, especially in this hobby.