As an audiophile, it is essential to take the time to decide on the right equipment. The practicality and popularity of certain items make them perfect choices for almost every audio enthusiast. Let's look at our top picks for must-have items for audiophiles.
Headphone stands
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, protecting your headphones is essential. Headphone stands are a must-have accessory, especially for those who use high-end and expensive headphones. Brands like Hifiman may include polystyrene stands, but most don't, so a durable stand is vital to keeping your headphones safe during and after listening sessions.
A highly recommended option is the SW-HS01 from Strauss and Wagner. Its universality, durable aluminum construction, and overall stability make it an excellent choice. Even heavier headphones, such as the Audeze LCD-X, which weighs over 1 pound, are held securely by this stand. It is also advisable to remove any cables before placing headphones on any stand to avoid accidents. Tripping over a cable can damage headphones, so if your headphones do not have a detachable cable, try to carefully coil it up.
Extension cords
Extension cables are another essential item for audiophiles. They allow you to listen to your headphones from a distance without having to move your amplifiers. For those who want to relax on the couch or in bed and still enjoy their wired headphones, the right extension cable is invaluable. However, some low-quality cables can cause signal loss, so it's important to choose cables made from high-quality materials.
He Strauss & Wagner Extension The series is an excellent choice. Featuring 4-core OCC silver construction, these cables ensure you can listen from a distance without any signal loss. Options such as Ennis, Alta, Otta, and many more offer a variety of terminations to suit your specific headphones. These cables are also perfect for engineers who sit far from the output jacks of their headphone amps or move around a lot during recordings.
Portable Bluetooth Amplifiers/DACs
For audiophiles who are always on the go, portable Bluetooth DACs/amps are a perfect match for wired headphones and IEMs. Bluetooth amplifiers can significantly improve your listening experience, with modern versions providing enough power to drive even the most demanding planar drivers. They are especially useful for IEM enthusiasts who prioritize portability over raw power. Fortunately, there are numerous options available at different price points.
Notable options include the Ifi tap, Diablo 2, Fiio Q7, BTR7, Hugo Chord 2and Questyle CMA 18 portableAll of these amps offer great sound quality and can also be used with a wired connection. Having a portable amp allows you to leave extra cables at home and still enjoy high-fidelity music. Since most phones don’t have a 3.5mm wired connection, relying on the charging port for audio can be a matter of luck. Using Bluetooth avoids this problem and provides a seamless listening experience. Some of these amps include Qualcomm codecs to ensure lossless audio quality – be sure to look for these if you’re using lossless streaming or saved files.
Conclusion
Every audiophile understands the importance of having high-quality accessories and equipment. Headphone stands, extension cables, and portable Bluetooth amplifiers/DACs are essential items that enhance the overall listening experience. Investing in these items ensures that your headphones are protected, audio quality is maintained over time, and your portable listening experience is top-notch. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned audiophile, these items are a must-have in your collection.
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