[aaronz]

Does anyone know a good store in Chicago that lets you try on and test headphones? Seems like there should be at least one decent option, but my rudimentary internet research hasn't yielded anything of note so far. I'm currently looking to buy some closed headphones for the office, and I'm interested in Sennheiser. Just would rather try some on first to make sure they are what I want.

Thanks!

 

[intoflatlines]

Guitar Center has some cans that you can try out. I don't remember what Sennheiser (if any) stuff they had, but they let me try out the DT770/80.

 

[dclancy]

Exactly where in Chicago, and how far are you will to go? I know this place used to have Senns for demo, and some real high end equipment to play with. They're right off of 355 on the 75th street exit.
Of course it's a ways SW of Chicago, but you can take 55 S to 355 N.
Otherwise you can try the meet on Sat.

 

[aaronz]

Thanks for your help. It would be nice if i could find something in the city proper, preferably CTA-accessible. But all suggestions are welcome.

 

[tom hankins]

See if Import and Domestic Vinyl, SACD, DVD Audio, Audiophile Hardware - musicdirect - (800) 449-8333 has there headphone stuff setup. They sell lots of headphone related items and headphones.

 

[ChicagoNB]

There is also a dj/music store at the corner of Diversy/Clark/Broadway by the Century Landmark that sells a lot of audio equipment. I don't remember the name. Something like Audio World. I don't know if they demo as i haven't been in there in a long time. CTA accessible but with the Diversey stop closed you have to use Wellington and its about 6 blocks.

 

[intoflatlines]

I just called Guitar Center on Halsted (2633 N Halsted, kind of by Diversey) and talked to a guy named Joab, I told him I was calling for somebody else. He was pretty helpful. They don't carry the higher end Sennheisers like the HD650 and HD600, but they have some Ultrasones and Beyers and such that you can demo. He said that he'll let you demo pretty much any headphone they have in stock. He seemed pretty helpful and I actually might go there one day to try out some Ultrasone stuff. If you go there, go to the pro audio department and ask for Joab. IIRC, they're pretty good with price matching too, so that might work out for you.

 

[guzziguy]

There are lots of CHI Head-Fi'ers. Why don't you try to host a mini-meet. You'll hear a lot of different amps and phones that way, probably more than you could find in 2 or 3 stores. All it will cost you is some food, beer and PMs.

Of course, you could always buy a round trip ticket to Grand Cayman. The President of the Cayman Islands Headphone Association has an example of almost every headphone and headphone amp ever created.

 

[intoflatlines]

There's a meet this Saturday.

 

[dclancy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by intoflatlines /img/forum/go_quote.gif There's a meet this Saturday.

Yeah, I linked in my original post.

 

[dclancy]

Too bad I can't be there. Well... I could, but it's just to far to drive just to be tempted to buy more I gear I can't afford!!!
Been dieing to try a MS2i on my Cantante laptop setup, so I would have a good pair of "Rock" cans

 

[intoflatlines]

Yeah, I'm worried about my bank account after the meet. I'm pretty excited though!

 

[chouman]

there's a place out by wicker park...

Decibel Audio Inc.
1429 N Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 862-6700

but it's mostly got Grados to demo. Cool store though with speakers/amps/ etc.

Not too far off the Damen stop on the blue line I believe.

 

[BlackstoneJD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does anyone know a good store in Chicago that lets you try on and test headphones? Seems like there should be at least one decent option, but my rudimentary internet research hasn't yielded anything of note so far. I'm currently looking to buy some closed headphones for the office, and I'm interested in Sennheiser. Just would rather try some on first to make sure they are what I want. Thanks!

Do yourself a favor and go to Audio Consultants. They have Grado, Sennheiser, and Stax and they should demo them for you no questions asked. Bring a test CD you like or use one of theirs. Best Hi-Fi shop in Chicago.

Audio Consultants - Homepage

Audio Consultants
1014 Davis St.
Evanston, IL 60201
Click for a map
(847) 864-9565
Fax: (847) 864-9570
email

Audio Consultants
757 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Libertyville, IL 60048
Click for a map
(847) 362-5594
Fax: (847) 362-5621

Audio Consultants
110 E. Ogden Ave.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Click for a map
(630) 789-1990
Fax: (630) 789-1995
email

Audio Consultants
910 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
Click for a map
(312) 829-5950
Fax: (312) 829-5995
email

 

[Ansel]

I second Audio Consultants. My current rig all come from the Evanston store. I was there today returning some Sr-80s and noticed they had SR325s used for I think $175.