Audiophiles Quest: My Favorite Headphones and the Journey

My Audiophile Journey

I am an audiophile with a passion for excellent sound quality, driven by a lifelong love for music. Over the years, I have explored numerous headphones to find the perfect pair, balancing quality and personal preference. My current favorites include the Sennheiser HD800S and Sennheiser HD820. While I admire many other brands, my limited budget has made it challenging to explore every option available in the market. For the moment, I dream of adding Focals and AKGs to my collection, but alas, my financial situation doesn't allow it just yet.

Adjusting to Bias

Due to my hearing loss, my perception of music is undoubtedly biased. However, I compensate for this by relying on my experiences from when my hearing was still good, combined with the guidance of my advanced hearing aids. Through these, I can still partially immerse myself in the music. My remembrance of live music and the sound from traditional speakers further informs my evaluations.

Experimenting with Various Models

I have tested a plethora of earphones. Initially, I found the Monster 1More Triple Driver to be an acceptable option, especially when paired with the Logitech UE900S or Final 4000 headphones. However, the Final 2000 are very close to matching its sound quality, hinting at a potential purchase down the line if finances allow.

Learning from Experience

My experience extends to a wide range of music genres, from classical orchestral quartets and guitar concertos to various forms of vocal music. I avoid genres like rap and modern music, focusing instead on older rock and roll from the 50s to the 90s. It's essential for me to know exactly what a guitar or an oboe should sound like, as their accurate reproduction is crucial. Accentuated bass is simply not for me. I seek clarity and fidelity in my headphones.

Final Thoughts

As an audiophile, the journey of finding the perfect headphones is ongoing. My current favorites, the Sennheiser HD800S and Sennheiser HD820, have earned their place in my collection through careful listening and personal preference. Meanwhile, I continue to daydream about adding Focals and AKGs to my lineup, all the while prioritizing sound quality and avoiding the pitfalls of overaccentuated bass.