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Incorporating headphones into my pc audio system

  I already have a good computer audio setup for playback through my speakers but would like the option of using a high quality headphone when I need to keep things quiet.

    My current system consists of a laptop running JRiver, a Synology 2 TB NAS and an Oppo 105 as a preamp and DAC.  Even though I managed to construct a fairly solid system for ripped CDs and downloaded 24/96 flac files recorded direct to digital, I still consider myself somewhat of a newcomer to computer audio that  still has a lot to learn. 
   My current need is to learn how to best incorporate a yet to be purchased pair of high quality headphones into my system.  My confusion centers around the way my system is currently setup;  my Synology storage device is hard wired into my Comcast wi-fi router. My laptop running JRiver and my Oppo 105 serving as my DAC are both connected to my wi-fi and operating wirelessly.  The Synology, router and Oppo are all located between my speakers in my rack along the 14' short wall of my 23' x14' room.  My listening chair is along the opposite short wall where I also have my laptop.
     I know I could plug headphones into the 1/4" headphone jack of the Oppo but the chord would need to run the entire length of the room.  I was hoping someone had a better solution.  I also know wired is generally considered better than wireless for sound quality but I'm open to a wireless solution since I haven't noticed any sound degragation using wireless connectivity in other areas of my system.
     Just curious what solutions others here use and  would also appreciate any good over-ear headphone  recommendations in the $200-600 range.  
Thanks,
 Tim
noble100
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Hi willemj,

Do you have the Senn HD-1 wireless headphones, the ones for $399? I checked them out online and they look very nice, could be a good option. I think I could actually audition these at a local Best Buy, which would be a big plus.
I’m a little confused about exactly how I would install them in my system. Do you have the time to explain how you have them hooked up and your general thoughts on how they sound? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

perfectpathtech's avatar
perfectpathtech
226 posts
 
@noble100

I recently did a headphone system, picked up a pair of Sony Z7 saw what the modders where doing to them, medical tape in the cups.

I came up with a permanent solution, takes 5 hours to do, but the transformation is stunning, just sent them to oregonpapa to scrutinize.

Sure he wouldn't mind, send him a pm and see what he thinks.

I am thinking of offering the mod specifically for this headphone.
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Hi perfectpathtech,

     Very interesting but I'm estimating a 5 hr mod on these would likely cost $500 or more (5hrs x $100 plus profit margin added).  I love the way these look but I'm getting quickly scared off from a $700 headphone that immediately requires an extensive mod.
      Can anyone suggest an over-ear and closed back headphone in this price range that has a solid  frequency response from top to bottom without any suck-outs or softening, is dynamic, detailed, comfortable, looks good and sounds good right out of the box?
Maybe I'm naive but I don't think that's too much to ask for $700.


willemj,

 You stated: " make sure the headphone amp has a low output impedance."

      The output impedance of the Aune X7s amp is 10 ohms and the Sony 7Z headphonesimpedance is 70 ohms @ 1kHz. 
      As I understand matching impedances of amps to phones, the impedance of the phones should be about 8 times the amp's output impedance.So 10 ohms X 8 equals 80 ohms, which  makes the Sony 7Z phones  10 ohms under this calculation.  However, I believe this '8 times' figure is more of a guideline than a hard and fast rule, so the Sony 7Z phones' 70 ohm impedance  are a relatively good match with the Aune X7 amp's 10 ohm output and the pairing is unlikely to produce any negative safety or sound quality issues. 
     Can you please confirm and offer a good alternative headphone to buy?
     I'm considering the Audeze EL-8C might be a good option.

Thanks,
  Tim 
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Update:

     I decided a few days ago to just setup a separate headphone system at my listening seat and bought a JDS Labs OL Dac, Aune X7s amp and an 'open box as new' pair of Sony MDR-7z headphones.

     I also started a new thread on this:  Best USB DAC to pair with the Aune X7s Class A headphone amp 

     I included more details on this thread if anyone's interested.  I still may run a long headphone extension cord to my other seating position in my room, as we previously discussed, to have the option of using phones for ht and listening to music through the Oppo's dac .    

     The components should start arriving this Friday.  Once I have my new headphone system up and running for a couple weeks, I'll post my impressions on that new thread.

     I just wanted to let everyone know about this new thread and thank you all for your assistance on helping me decide on the good solution to setup a separate headphone system.  

Thanks again,
    Tim
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