Sound Advice: Headphones don't replicate the exact sound you get from speakers

Q: I purchased a vinyl record playback system based on your recommendations, notably Wharfedale Diamond bookshelf speakers on Sanus stands, an Onkyo TX-8020 receiver and an Audio-Technica turntable that I recently upgraded with the LP Gear Vessel A3SE cartridge.

I am really happy with the sound — but my wife isn't. I'm not talking about the quality of the sound; this is about the amount of sound: I am listening to way too many albums for my wife's sanity. I need to get some wired headphones to use with my receiver and turntable.

How much do I need to spend to maintain sound quality comparable to my system? Is $200 enough, or should I look for something pricier?

A: My first — and perhaps most important — bit of advice is that you wait before spending $200 or more on a pair of headphones. Listening to headphones that are clamped on your ears is much different from listening to speakers filling a room with sound.

What if you find that headphone listening doesn't suit you? Then you will have spent a lot of money on something you are unlikely to use very often.

You have built a very good system with affordable components that provide an audiophile-quality experience. You can get comparable headphones for $100 or less. I'd start there, and if you like the headphone experience, you can upgrade later and use the extra pair of headphones with a portable device. The headphones I am going to recommend sound so good that you may not feel the urge to upgrade, anyway.

My top choice for under $100 is Grado's stupendous SR60e, which sells for $79 (gradolabs.com). These are the audiophile's go-to budget headphones, and for good reason. Though the build quality and fit makes them feel a bit insubstantial (at least around my head), these wonderful headphones make sweet music. The sound quality has a touch of Grado's characteristic warmth, with excellent clarity and a sound that is never fatiguing.

Please note that these are open-back headphones, a format that provides the best sound quality but also lets outside noise in — and some sound from the headphones out. This sound is audible at close distances, for example, if your wife is sitting next to you on the couch. (For this reason, they also may not be the best for use on airplanes or public transportation.) They are handmade in the United States, and I have always been impressed by Grado's ability to make a class-leading product domestically.

If you want something closed-back that isolates you from outside sounds, check out the Koss Pro4S (koss.com). It lists for $149 but can be found online for $104. These lightweight, comfortable headphones are very pleasing to the ear and have tremendous clarity, reproducing every part of the audible spectrum with excellent definition. They come with a semihard case and Koss' hassle-free lifetime warranty.

Regular readers have seen these headphones recommended before, and I realize that it might appear that I'm just repeating myself. But this column has always been about what's the best, not what is the newest. I am always on the lookout for products to recommend, though, so stay tuned.

Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.