Why headphones?

[proglife]

So I frequent this forum (daily), though I participate very little...and today I'm feeling chatty. Honestly, it's the best audio forum I've been to. I can't help but wonder what made a website dedicated specifically to headphones the best?

What I really want to know is what compelled you to become so interested in headphones? My reason for coming to this site: when I started my first "real-world" job, I knew my work experience would be improved dramatically and I wanted the best bang for my buck headphones to go with my iPod (got SR-80's and returned them for SR-125's). I'm constantly amazed by the knowledge and passion you people have for such a specific thing.

So. Why are you here all the time?

 

[HiWire]

Good people.

 

[Kirosia]

No school atm. I'll probably start spending less time here in the upcoming weeks,
going to school and getting a job. (And hopefully some dates)

Plus, this place is the only forum I know of with "real people". As you spend time here, you'll notice a cornucopia of different head-fiers. Young to old, male and female, poor to rich. The thing is none of that really matters much here. There are doctors, scientists, students, trolls, etc. But everyone acts pretty much as equals. (except trolls, they're frowned upon here)

Most of the other forums I visit (not frequently) , the members are usually just a bunch of unjustly-critical teenage losers obsessed over one thing or another. The term "go outside once in while" scares the crap out of them. (There are some messed up people out there)

No stupid facades here, only people trying to hang out, and get advice. We're all friends here, complete with pointless quarrels and smiley-filled make-ups.
I myself am a crazy headphile-music freak, and visiting this place eases some of my insatiable hunger.

 

[sbulack]

Why headphones? That's pretty easy. A great-sounding headphone system can be put together for a fraction of the cost of an equivalent-sounding speaker system, and can be listened to at any desired volume at any time without disturbing anyone else. Also, there is a privacy and an intimacy to headphone listening that I very much enjoy.

Why am I here so much? It gives me something interesting, entertaining and personally satisfying to do while listening that does not detract from the listening experience.

 

[RYCeT]

Head-fi is addictive, better run while you still can, Me, I'm stuck to death here

 

[Mr.PD]

This is not going to be a well thought out reply.
I love headphones, because the other person in my house doesn't like to listen to music as much as I do, and she doesn't care much for some of the music I listen to.
Then there is work. I ride trains, I ride in the locomotive. Noisy environment it is. If I want to hear the music I must use good isolating headphones. I used to use some Sony clip ons, with the clips removed, and stuffed into a pair of shooting muffs. These were worn over ear plugs.

Needless to say, since coming here I have found a much better way to listen to music at work.

As for hanging out on the site all the time; well, I have no social life. This place has the biggest bunch of friendlies I have ever seen, and I can hang out here with out feeling the pressure of talking in person.

Actually I know I am addicted to this site, but I refuse to start another 12 step program.

edit; I forgot to mention that the cost of a killer audiophool system using headphones is also a big draw for me too. I've always wanted a top drawer stereo set up, and now I have one even if it is only in my headphones (so far)

 

[mega]

I can't really explain it. It all started out for me needing a new pair of headphones, simply because my old pair broke. I got a pair of Senn 497's, and thought that would be enough. When i got em though, they seriously lacked the bass that i wanted. So out of curiousity, i looked up "best headphones" and other things of the sort...and that led me here. That was the start of my downfall

After i discovered this place, i then realized that my 497's were crap compared to what everyone else had/talked about. I became addicted ever since. Im not an audiophile by any means, but i cannot stop coming here....it's addicting!

 

[Oddball]

On headphones
I like to isolate myself from the world one in awhile. At high school, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and need a moment to chill out. I also enjoy playing with gadgets and technology...so the portable audio forum is irresistable to me.

On Head-Fi
It's fun and funny. I get to hear about the latest mp3 players. This place is also an awesome place to ask questions and the archive can serve as a shopping guide for things besides audio equipment. Besides...great links pop up here. I've been on other forums with people closer to my age and I couldn't stand it. They wud type lyke dis or mebbe even l1ke dat. I'm not a grammar freak, but I appreciate an attempt at it. And there was the serious lack of maturity on other forums. Here, I'm probably one of the more immature posters.

 

[Alex Altorfer]

It is certainly true that the people who post here are awesome and you get to develop a strong connection with them.

You can find out everything you want to know about all sorts of audio equipment not just headphones, and even computers as well. Moreover, you can discuss anything you want in the General Discussion area. In the Outside area you can even discuss religion and politics, if you are sufficiently civil. Oh yeah, let us not forget our Music Forum, where you can find out about all the great new CDs that are coming out.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Edwood]

I was a crazy posting fiend like many newbie posting wh***s when I first joined. But most of them seriously burn out, and post very little or stop posting altogether.

But here I am 5000+ posts later. Yes, it's very impressive and sad all at the same time.

Yes, I am trying to find a way to get my Head-fi fix intraveiniously.

-Ed

 

[warubozu]

As for headphones, I couldn't afford a good pair of speakers. While I was trying to save some money for them I came across headphones and realized just how great they can sound at a fraction of the price. Eventually I will get set of speakers.
As for Head-Fi, this is a great community with many knowledgeable members in many things besides audio gear. The amount of info posted here and the many things one can learn just by plumbing thru the various forums is very vast.

 

[m0nKeY bUsiNeSs]

What got me into headphones was the fact that most PC speakers are bad. When i started looking for better sounding alternatives i realized that headphones offered the best bang for the buck.

 

[Wmcmanus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood But here I am 5000+ posts later. Yes, it's very impressive and sad all at the same time.

No, Ed. It's just sad.

 

[D-EJ915]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wmcmanus No, Ed. It's just sad.

amen!

Headphones are good for when you need quiet time, or at least the people around you do!

 

[ayt999]

I move between apartments too much that having a large speaker system isn't too practical, and being in an apartment I figure headphones are a better way to listen to music anyways.