Introducing Yourself to Hifi - Speakers or Headphones?

- November 04, 2021

So, how to get started finding what you have been missing in your music? You build your first audio system! It is generally referred to as a “system” due to the multiple steps the audio takes from your output to eventually be picked up by your ears. In some context it will be called audio chain as well, more on that later. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complex, as long as the company that made it cares about how it sounds. You want something that is involving and fun.

Where will you be doing most of your listening, at home or on the go? Do you want the flexibility and low footprint of headphones, or the impactful 3d presence of speakers? Both headphones and speaker set ups have their strengths and weaknesses. Both ends of the spectrum have all in one solutions, but keep in mind as a general rule of thumb that you will tend to get better sound out of separating the audio chain. For example having a standalone DAC or amplifier is usually better than one that is a built in module.

Headphones

Typical Audio Chain: Source - Converter - Pre/power amp - Headphones

Whether they be in ear monitors or over the ear, headphones tend to be the most straight forward. Sound is perfectly separated between left and right channel and with the actual drivers being so close to your eardrum it is easier to retrieve intricate details. Headphones and their accompanying electronics tend to be fairly portable and affordable. Audioquest makes the Dragonfly series that is about as simple and straightforward as it gets, combining a DAC (digital to analog converter) and headphone amplifier into a USB plug in. Schiit Audio also has quality gear for the budget minded. I’ve included links to a few other brands quality brands to look into at the bottom of the page.

Headphone brands aren't as specific as your electronics. Many major store brands have higher level offerings with better quality, tho usually those models are more rare to find in store. It’s honestly best to look up reviews online to compare features and quality for headphones in your budget. Many new headphones have active or passive noise cancelling features as well. It all just depends on your personal taste and how well they match with your electronics.

Speakers

Typical Audio Chain: Source - Converter - Preamp - Power Amp - Speakers

I have to start off by saying, I’m fairly biased towards speakers even tho they tend to be the more complex option. Speakers need to be considered as a piece of furniture in your room, as they will take up a decent foot print and they interact with the room that they are in. They tend to be more expensive to get right and are more technical. All that said, when done correctly you can sit on your couch in your living room and have your favorite artists play in front of you. You can close your eyes and you are in the moment and the room it was recorded in. If you purchase bookshelf size speakers, I would recommend looking into stands for them and possibly a subwoofer.