Headphones or speakers?

[Mark]

An oldie, but a goodie.

For me, headphones 90%-95% of the time. I enjoy the more intimate experience of having the music right inside my head. Plus, I rarely get chance to sit and listen through speakers.

You?


NB: Anyone who says 'ears' will get a virtual clip round theirs. 

[Todd]

Probably headphones, but only because I can't use speakers at work.  If I had my druthers, I'd always listen through my main speakers.

[bhodges]

As an apartment dweller, I end up using headphones probably 75% of the time, especially since some of my listening is late at night.   I prefer the more natural soundstage of speakers, but with good headphones (e.g., Sennheisers, at my house  ) one can't really complain.  I have 4-5 pairs of headphones of various types (e.g., collapsible, noise-reducing, etc.) and I'm getting ready to splurge on a pair of Sennheiser 580s:



--Bruce

[The Mad Hatter]

As speakers would annoy my housemates, headphones.

[karlhenning]

As speakers would annoy my housemates, headphones.

Well, and you might have posted:

As speakers would annoy my housemates, speakers.

[Bonehelm]

My friends, don't use headphones for too long at once. (Take breaks between Mahler symphonies
!) because it can really cause permanent damage to your hearing. Experts suggest that one should never have their headsets louder than 80dB, or higher than 75% of the device's max volume.

[toledobass]

As an apartment dweller, I end up using headphones probably 75% of the time, especially since some of my listening is late at night.   I prefer the more natural soundstage of speakers, but with good headphones (e.g., Sennheisers, at my house  ) one can't really complain.  I have 4-5 pairs of headphones of various types (e.g., collapsible, noise-reducing, etc.) and I'm getting ready to splurge on a pair of Sennheiser 580s:



--Bruce

Do it Bruce!!!!  I got in some in the fall and love them.  They are what I listen to at home in Cleveland.  When I'm in Toledo I listen to Senn 280's. 

Allan

[Robert]

As an apartment dweller, I end up using headphones probably 75% of the time, especially since some of my listening is late at night.   I prefer the more natural soundstage of speakers, but with good headphones (e.g., Sennheisers, at my house  ) one can't really complain.  I have 4-5 pairs of headphones of various types (e.g., collapsible, noise-reducing, etc.) and I'm getting ready to splurge on a pair of Sennheiser 580s:



--Bruce

Excellent choice, been listening thru these babies about 12 years, no complaints, send them back to senn every few years for a good cleaning replacing the pads and whatever needs replacing...as long as your going this route you might as well go for a headphone amp.....

[bhodges]

Do it Bruce!!!!  I got in some in the fall and love them.

Allan

They're all but on the way.  I absolutely love Sennheisers, mostly because you can listen for extended periods (and noting Bonehelm's comment, at reasonable volume levels!) and they are amazingly comfortable.  They are the first headphones I've found that don't squash your ears; they fit around them.  It's a simple concept, but a surprising number of headphones basically put a mild, vise-like squeeze your head, rather than resting on it.  Big difference!

--Bruce

[Bunny]

I prefer speakers, but use headphones late at night and always with the ipod.  I've picked headphones that don't need an amp to drive them as I hate carrying an amp around with me, but I may break down one of these days and get something from Ray Samuels if I'm making a long trip again.  These are what I use with my ipods: Sensaphonic Prophonic 2x; Ultimate Ears Superfi 5 pro; Westone UM 2 (the most comfortable IEMs ever made).

   

Here's what I'm considering from Ray Samuels:

The Emmeline Tomahawk (you have to like a guy who names his products after his daughter ) designed for IEMs. The first picture shows the Tomahawk next to an Emeline Hornet (his newest amp).  The second picture shows the hornet next to a quarter so you can see how small it is.  They are really beautifully constructed, and compact enough not to be a bother on the road. 

[Harry]

100% speakers Young master Mark.

[rubio]

Always speakers as long as my neighbours don't complain.

[caulfield]

headphones

[Papy Oli]

Headphones 95% of the time (HD650 - just superb)

Speakers would only be used if I want the music as background entertainment.


Papy

[BachQ]

Recently, iPod headphones.

Historically, speakers all the way, baby ........

[Mark]

Recently, iPod headphones.

Historically, speakers all the way, baby ........

Please, in the name of all things decent, please say you're not using those white trash earbuds that the iPod comes bundled with (presumably, as a sick joke?). Be kind to your ears and replace those buds with headphones that don't suck.

[BachQ]

Please, in the name of all things decent, please say you're not using those white trash earbuds that the iPod comes bundled with (presumably, as a sick joke?). Be kind to your ears and replace those buds with headphones that don't suck.

Fret not, mon ami ........ I absolutely detest earbuds ......... loathe them with every fiber ..........

[Mark]

And my heart rate returns to normal ...

[Bonehelm]

Recently, iPod headphones.

Historically, speakers all the way, baby ........

Please don't tell me you are using the iPod earbuds...oh god I can't stress enough how horrible they are 

[Solitary Wanderer]

Speakers.

I used to use headphones when the house was more 'family' orientated but these days theres no complaining teenagers so...

I will get a decent set of Senn's though...one day...