I'm planning to reconfigure/downsize my home audio system this year. My existing system is good but dated and oversize for the room. I'm not terribly interested in portable audio at least for the near term.
- I would appreciate input on headphones, especially open back phones for ≤$600 USD (preferably significantly less). I've almost pulled the trigger on the Massdrop x Sennheiser 6xx phones numerous times but I've always been held back by prior experience with the "Sennheiser veil" and the polite but somewhat boring house sound. I do, however, like accurate sound - anything that is all bass and sizzle need not apply. I'm certainly willing to listen to suggestions for closed back or in-ear phones but they are of secondary interest.
- DACs/Digital Hubs - Processors/Headphone amps All I have right now is the Massdrop x Grace m9xx which is semi-adequate but limited. I won't buy anything over $500 unless I can audition in person and I have near zero interest in PRC made gear unless it has a full North American service base. I'm more interested in Chord Qutest/Hugo 2 or Ayre Codex level gear but might consider up to the $5k ballpark.
- Speakers that don't have a huge footprint - either stand mounts or floor standers. Prefer to stay in the ≤$3k realm. Sub 40Hz bass isn't particularly important but speakers that are -3dB at 70Hz might be too bass light. Again I have to be able to audition in person without traveling thousands of miles. I would consider shipped gear if they have great shipping packaging and painless return freight. Assume solid state amplification.
- I have a strong preference for companies with good product support. Ayre at least used to be amazingly good (I'm not current) and Bryston was well above average. Harmon International companies have historically been terrible but I'm not sure how they operate under their current ownership.
- Edit - I mostly listen to jazz including very outside stuff, singer-songwriters, first gen and early 2nd gen punk, 50s to early 70s R&B, psychedelia, and the catchalls of alternative/indie/"Americana" - very little metal, prog, or hip hip. My classical listening is mostly Baroque/early classical or 20th & 21st C.
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