Dear Forum Members,
In my last post I ended up requesting a recommendation for a nice pair of headphones to complement a Nait XS 2 "A Class" headphone amplifier. I suppose the first question is how much do I want to spend. I like what I have read about the new Focal Utopia's but this might be aiming too high for my amp.
Music that I will be listening to through the headphones. Jazz (Diana Krall) and Bach. I have so many Bach Cd's I do not know where to start. A lot are still in their plastic wrappers. Maybe a little Dire Straits too, Private Investigations.
Money, $500 AUD and up. I do not know where the point of diminishing returns is. I like music, though I would not call myself an Audiophile.
Warm regards,
Paul.
Just in case you missed the last post.
CD player Marantz CD-85 to be replaced by a CD 5 XS or a CDX2. Please refer to answers in previous post.
Amplifier Nait XS 2
Posted on: 16 September 2017 by J.N.
Hi Paul,
It's good that you are aware of the point of diminishing returns. I have a Nait XS2 and whilst it comes with a respectable integral h/p amp; it falls far below the sonic quality of a good, separate h/p amp - a Sennheiser HDVA 600 (for Sennheiser 'phones) in my case. It's quite remarkable how a good h/p amp opens up the sound-stage, particularly with open-back 'phones and makes it a more enjoyable and less claustrophobic listening experience.
Clearly if h/p listening is occasional; stay sensible and find a pair of modestly priced 'phones to suit you and the Nait. Or if you plan to do a lot of listening on headphones, it's worth exploring the other avenue of a good dedicated amp to do justice to high quality cans.
The irksome paradox with headphones it that open-back designs generally provide a nicer more 'out of the head' listening experience, but are impractical for both parties if someone else occupies the same room.
John.
Posted on: 16 September 2017 by Dre
Hi,
Can recommand the Senn HD700, and because it's easy to drive, easier thsn hd800, it might work well with the xs internal amp.
It's not too expensive, but modern design, transparant, dynamic and very comfortable lightweight. Also, good and fun for all kind of music.
I found it much better as HD650, and serious alternative for HD800.
Posted on: 17 September 2017 by Perol
I wouldn't personally use that high budget without a dedicated HP amp.
Something like Beyerdynamic DT 770/990 or AKG K271/272/550 would be great vfm direct into XS
