New speakers and/or amp suggestions?

[fizzy]

Hi All,

Recently purchased some sennheiser 660s headphones (first "audiophile" grade ones I've bought). Running them on a Creek OBH-11 amp and a HRT micro streamer dac. Big step up from my previous headphones and can hear lots more detail and presence now. Really like them.

Looking to try and get a similar level of detail and clarity in my amp setup now, although I do now it's difficult to compare headphone to amp & speaker setup. Using a Rega Brio (mk1 I think, bought 2nd hand) and at the moment a pair of B&W M1 MK1's and an AW608 sub - leftovers from my surround amp days. Do have a pair of MS25i floor standards but they are showing their age now.

The M1's are pretty decent but feel a bit restrained, probably due to their size and likely to be the current weak point. My line of thought is to get some traditional B&W speakers, such as their 606 or 607's but not sure how much "better" these will be comparatively. Or would I be looking at a new amp and speakers (something like a Cambridge Audio CXA81 and suitable speakers)?

Has anybody who has the same headphones tried getting similar sound from their amp, and if so what did you end up going for?

Thanks,

Ian.

 

[lucid]

Although I haven't followed the same path, I do have a sense of what you're trying to achieve.

What I would say is that speakers and 'phones are two very different solutions. Trying to match the sound isn't really achievable IMO because of the way that speakers and the listening room affect each other. You know this already from the sub: Put it in a room corner and the bass gets very much louder. Within reason, headphones aren't that fussy where you sit. The room and speaker layout plays such a big part in the sound you get from speakers.

The B&W M1 are deceent mini-monitors or satellite speakers, but wouldn't be my first choice as a stereo pair, so I think the choice to change those for something with the capability to do scale better is a good decision.

I like Rega amps. I think it would take quite a big spend to improve on the Brio sonically unless you're just looking for something that highlights detail over musicality.

For speakers, your choices depend on budget and room size/positioning restrictions.

You have the sub to fill in the bottom end, so you could go for something in a really good stand-mount speaker to get the sound stage as well as keeping the sense of rhythm and fun.

Another option is floorstanders that aren't too bass heavy. KEF comes to mind, but Rega would be top of my audition list. The RX3 are definitely worth a listen.

 

[aoaaron]

I had a similar story to you. I had AKG 712s, they introduced me to detail and audiophile grade sound with stereo separation. I've played with a few brands but mostly had at home the KEFs (Floor standers and bookshelves). They didn't provide that audiophile clarity and detail with my headphones did but they were very relaxing to listen to. I've had similar experience with similar priced speakers; they're awesome to listen to, fun, brilliant but that detail you get from a headphone you don't get from them.

Whats your budget?

I thought maybe headphones are for music and detail and speakers moreso for enjoyment. However I then went from KEF speakers to Arendal 1723(/S) series and the difference is astounding. I'd suggest checking them out as I feel for most people, they can qualify as end-game speakers and you'll never buy another pair again. Helps they also have a 10 year warranty.

They've just released the 1961 line which is much more slimmer and budget friendly. They told me via email they are 60-70% of the quality of the 1723(/S) series which still puts them above most other commonly suggested speaker brands.

If you aren't happy, 60 day return period. I feel like a lot of people are sleeping on them.


God I sound like an advertisement.

 

[fizzy]

Thanks for the replies. Budget would be around 1.5k, 2.0k at a push for speakers + maybe amp if it's going to last me a while. Don't want to go crazy with the speakers if my current amp isn't up to the task though (it's not the most powerfull around), something to get the best out of the amp or do an upgrade. Trying to get some options together and the see about some auditions as current restrictions allow.

Got a hifiberry Dac2 HD running on a raspberry pi 3 as a music player/streamer too which is proving to be pretty decent as a sound source as well.

 

[aoaaron]

Thanks for the replies. Budget would be around 1.5k, 2.0k at a push for speakers + maybe amp if it's going to last me a while. Don't want to go crazy with the speakers if my current amp isn't up to the task though (it's not the most powerfull around), something to get the best out of the amp or do an upgrade. Trying to get some options together and the see about some auditions as current restrictions allow.

Got a hifiberry Dac2 HD running on a raspberry pi 3 as a music player/streamer too which is proving to be pretty decent as a sound source as well.

Grab some 1723S montiors if you can't afford the towers and source some appropriate amplification with the money left over.

Obviously this is going up to a different tier of musical fidelity IMO.

Amp wise there are some very very good musical amps. I'm just using a Denon amp and its doing a very very good job with the towers. To the extent believe it or not I can listen to music at -5db quite comfortably.