Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Ticonderogue t1_je6wwss wrote

I think it greatly depends on where you started your audio journey, and use case. If you're very mobile, you maybe started with so-so earbuds, and the naturally progression from there may split to wireless BT TWS or wired IEMs. Or wireless to wired. However, I started with so-so headphones (Koss and Sony circa late 80s early 90s), eventually enjoyed over ear more than on ear, soon found myself in limbo with gaming headsets, and naturally ventured out into greater over ear headphones (AKG, I'd preferred, until I got the Nighthawk which have been a blast). They're comfortable and I use them for many different things, gaming (very zeroing on audio cues, but other headphones have lower bass and greater treble), DAP, phone, etc without disturbing others. Although they're open back (Er semi open really), which I prefer. Where closed back mobile are concerned, I use ANC earbuds (Sony xm4, realizing that great AQ but weak isolation and ANC, is not ideal for my use (in a less than pristine, somewhat noisy environment), so there's some tradeoff, sure).

Ive Just gotten into speakers because, I realise that for home theater, with the occasional friends and fam over, the soundbar I'd been using is so-so. It'll always be so-so compared with speakers (but a ton better than stock tv speakers, yes). The natural progression from there is either getting a better soundbar with a sub (which I have, and I think hit ceiling), or 5.1 surround system (if not 7.1 but to achieve very good there is a significant investment I feel) or, just pool my money into great towers, and a sub, along with a very good receiver... which is what I've begun to build. I'm not a stranger to speakers, as I was a live audio tech for several years, though some years back now. You certainly, of course, don't get full body feel with headphones like you do with speakers. That's a good point some of you have made. Although I don't have huge rooms to make the most ideal case for speakers. Though, I don't need to go beyond what my situation/dimensions can handle.

And I still intend to use headphones, because I love that ear hug and semi isolation. Besides, when gaming, speakers intrude upon the mic. It's been years since someone was critical of my mic, and that's a point of pride. But I now see no reason why I shouldn't have a stereo system - as well as headphones. I would enjoy them Both.

2