Headphone Heights

RE: Best headphones for classical music

68.35.30.139

merlinus

A

In Reply to: RE: Best headphones for classical music posted by Travis on February 28, 2014 at 16:33:07

I considered that approach, Travis, but decided not to for several reasons. The biggest ones were having to shell out around $4K to compare just the phones I listed, and knowing I would be returning all but one, and the others then would have to sold as used.

Another issue would be break-in time.

Very different from being able to go to a shop and try out their demos.

Follow Ups:

don't underestimate HD600 - DrChaos 23:05:11 03/01/14 (1)
The Senn HD600 is the "classic" for classical. Grado house sound probably isn't right for classical.

HD600 is used by recording engineers all over and has a very neutral and natural tonality.

I have the predecessor (HD580) which is supposed to sound almost the same, and even though it's my oldest headphone, I still like it the best.

I haven't heard HD800 or any of the super expensive ones, but not everybody prefers them to the 600.

Another option that's well reviewed and has neutral tonality is Hifiman He-500.

Also consider weight and comfort---HD600 will win on this.
- RE: don't underestimate HD600 - pbarach 12:10:34 03/02/14 (0)
  I second the emotion... I have a pair of HD600s that I use with classical music. I didn't know how good they were (the bass sounded muddy with a Headroom MicroAmp) until I got an adequate amp (Burden HD160) to power them. I don't know the Bryston amp, so no comment about that.
  
  My other good headphones are AKG-K702s, which are not as airy in the midrange and have less bass output than the HD-600s. So I use them for watching TV.
RE: Best headphones for classical music - Travis 06:31:03 03/01/14 (0)
To address your original post, I only know the Grado. They're very comfortable and have a big soundstage requiring less fuss with an amplifier than some cans. They're not particularly good for sub-bass, as in, orchestral bass drum, organ pedal, contra bassoon. Those notes are for the Audeze and HiFiMan phones but I've never warmed to planar highs. Trade offs.

IMO, open vs closed is an issue, especially with classical music. I want a big soundstage for symphonic works and closed cans tend to have narrow soundstages. I only use closed when sound leakage in and out is a problem. Otherwise, it's open all the way for me.

Cheers.

"If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok

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