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Advice wanted on Classical Headphones and IEMs

post #1 of 16
12/14/11 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy some new earphones to listen to pretty much only classical music (orchestral and solo), and it seems like IEMs will provide for me noise isolation, portability and sound quality. I've searched through threads and some people have said good things about the Etymotic ER-4P. Since I am hoping to be able to go ampless with my iPod Touch and Sony Walkman X, these seem like a good choice.

However, it would be really great if I could get comparable sound quality for a bit less. People have said that if I am not using an amp, there will be a very small difference between the ER-4P and the HF5. Is this true for classical too?

 

Also, there doesn't seem to be unanimous approval of Etymotics, or IEMs in general, for classical music. Users have criticized them for a lack of soundstage and timbre. Can I get more info on this? Would I be better off with another brand, or maybe even headphones instead of IEMs? 

 

Thanks in advance!


Edited by wookieecrisp - 12/14/11 at 8:25pm
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post #2 of 16
12/14/11 at 2:01pm

I used the Etymotic 4S with an amp for a couple of years to listen to classical (and jazz) music.  I think they are as good anything.  The soundstage is going to be an inherent problem with most IEM's in this range (and maybe with most IEM's period).  You also might try a portable headphone, such as the Byer DT1350 for a combination of portability and better soundstage.  I used the 1350's last summer and liked them.  They are OK without an amp but do better with one.

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post #3 of 16
12/14/11 at 2:26pm
The HF5 are very close to the ER4P and get louder without AMPs help and offers great instruments separation, imaging, clarity and good bass response. Brainwavz B2, RE272, EX600, M4 are very good for classical genres too with crisp, clear soundsignature.
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post #4 of 16
12/14/11 at 5:09pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for your inputs! I seem to favor the design of the Brainwavz B2 and Sony EX600 over the HF5... can anyone compare their sound qualities?

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post #5 of 16
12/14/11 at 5:22pm

i dont think the ety's are too great for classical because things may sound more cramped than normal

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post #6 of 16
12/14/11 at 7:13pm

hmmm, my recommendation would be going for a BA driver earphone. Due to the natural of classical music which require more detail analysis of the different instrument played. 

 

I had being using my TF10 to listen to classical music and very happy with the performance of it.

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post #7 of 16
12/14/11 at 7:25pm

I can definitely recommend B2 

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post #8 of 16
12/14/11 at 7:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wookieecrisp View Post

Also, there doesn't seem to be unanimous approval of Etymotics, or IEMs in general, for classical music. Users have criticized them for a lack of soundstage and timbre. Can I get more info on this? Would I be better off with another brand, or maybe even headphones instead of IEMs? 

 

Thanks in advance!


Are IEMs generally good for classical music? No, no such thing. Neutral IEMs/HPs are generally awesome for classical. 

 

Do IEMs lack soundstage and timbre? Yes in most cases but I heard that the GR07 has great timbre quality. It's neutral too so you might want to check it out.

 

Going for headphones instead of IEMs? Excellent choice. I've been around IEMs and headphones and my general consensus is that headphones are superior to IEMs (especially on the neutral subject) in every way except for portability. 

 

 

 

 

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post #9 of 16
12/14/11 at 8:23pm
Thread Starter 
Ok, thank you! Suppose that i would go buy headphones instead of IEMs? What would be my best choices for $200 or less that work well ampless and with classical? Portability isn't a huge concern and I would like some noise isolation.
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post #10 of 16
12/14/11 at 8:58pm

I have no experience with headphones under $200 sorry but the FA003 looks like a good one. smile.gif

 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/491632/review-fischer-audio-fa-003-a-neutral-champ

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post #11 of 16
12/15/11 at 2:47pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks nitkp! I'll keep the Fischers in mind. What are my other options? What about the Ultrasone HFI-2400? I would like something that sounds good ampless.


Edited by wookieecrisp - 12/15/11 at 3:10pm
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post #12 of 16
12/15/11 at 3:51pm


For under $200 the HD598 is a great choice, if you're not really looking for portable. For portable, we're a little limited for classical. The ATH-M50 is not bad. The ATH-EW9A has some fantastic mids. I'd probably recommend the DT1350 based on reviews but its a little spendy and has some pretty good head clamp. I'm in the same case and considering either the V-Moda M80 or just sucking it up and going portable with the HD598. You can buy cases for them.

 

The closest I've found that does brilliantly with classical in iems is the Grado GR10. It has some of etymotics strengths, but has better bass, brilliant clarity while still musical and is so much more comfortable.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by wookieecrisp View Post

Thanks nitkp! I'll keep the Fischers in mind. What are my other options? What about the Ultrasone HFI-2400? I would like something that sounds good ampless.



 

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post #13 of 16
12/15/11 at 5:13pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you so much for your reply! I think I will go for the M80s too; while the HD598 would be ideal, I would prefer a closed headphone. The DT1350 is kind of pushing my price limits, and I love the design of the M80s. Thanks again!

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post #14 of 16
12/15/11 at 8:33pm

No problem! I'm really close to getting the M80 myself!
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by wookieecrisp View Post

Thank you so much for your reply! I think I will go for the M80s too; while the HD598 would be ideal, I would prefer a closed headphone. The DT1350 is kind of pushing my price limits, and I love the design of the M80s. Thanks again!



 

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post #15 of 16
12/15/11 at 9:37pm

mdr-ex1000 

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