Can cans = great speaker experience ?

[SEAWOLF97]

I like headphones. have read many times that great cans
can give the same or better experience as listening to great
speakers, but at a fraction of the cost/space.

having never had the opportunity to find this out first hand , what
is the opinion of those who have ?

[fpitas]

Hard to directly compare. Good headphones offer detail and transparency that you'd only expect from very expensive speakers. Imaging and soundstage are there, but different than speakers. In a room with any reverberance, speakers will sound more "spacious". Headphones, of course, don't give the physical impact of percussion or bass. I personally prefer the sound of good speakers in a good room. At work, I use headphones all the time.

If you're looking for a "great" headphone, a friend has Grado RS1is that fit the category. Grados have a brighter sound than others, but there are plenty of other good choices. At Headphone.com you'll find measured data and reviews of most popular brands.

[NickH]

I guess Ive never had the experience of good headphones. Just not my bag.


Nick

[Lee in Montreal]

The answer to the question is : yes

Just as with speakers, get quality headphones. Not $50 computer stuff.

[SEAWOLF97]

got a pair of these yesterday .... http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PX2.../dp/B000089GN4

while they won't recreate a high end speaker experience, otherwise really very nice.

The closed, dynamic, supra-aural PX 200 mini headphones are an ideal choice for mobile audio sources. Their excellent isolation lets you enjoy music without being disturbed or disturbing others. The PX 200 was awarded the International CES "Design & Engineering Showcase Honors" for 2003.

(tho this sellers asking price a little high ) ==>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...sn=DealsMania7

[moparfan]

I like headphones a lot because I hear things that I don't with my speakers.

But I don't use them that much. I always tend to keep turning them up over a listening session and I think that is not good for my ears over the long term.