Best open air headphones for Acoustic Music

Quote:

Originally Posted by kinsale 

Hi all,

 

I have approx $300 to spend.  Besides the Sennheiser 650 what is the best headphone for Acoustic music.  Really looking for airy and wide soundstage.  Comfort is an issue as well as I will wear them for hours on end at work. Used is ok too.

 

Thanks!

HD600 gets my vote. The FA-003 sounds like an open air headphone and is quite a value as well. IMHO the FA-003 sounds better than the HD600.

AD900

AKG 70x or Beyer DT880. Beyers are more comfortable

Sony SA3000 are my favorites for acoustic music, very open and airy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiTramZ 

AD900

While I can't say I have a lot of basis for comparison, I would definitely vote for the AD900 as well. I use mine for all types of music, though acoustic music would definitely be one of the areas they shine. They also have a great soundstage and are very comfortable. Based on what you've listed as important for your decision, I think they would be very tough to beat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiTramZ 

AD900

I had AD900's

Now I have Q701's, 2 of them.

But a question for the OP: What are you going to use to drive the phones?

I had AD900 but the DT880 is just better than the AD900 in acoustic music.

IMO the K702 is unmatched for acoustical. Haven't heard the flagships though.

-Daniel

Another vote for the HD600 and the DT880.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kinsale 

Hi all,

 

I have approx $300 to spend.  Besides the Sennheiser 650 what is the best headphone for Acoustic music.  Really looking for airy and wide soundstage.  Comfort is an issue as well as I will wear them for hours on end at work. Used is ok too.

 

Thanks!

Heya,

Do you have an amplifier already?

DT880 600ohm

AKG Q701

HD600 (or HD598)

Shure SRH940 (closed, but man it does acoustic well and has a wide sound stage)

The above are worth looking at.

Very best,

The HD-600 is excellent for this sort of music, and the HD-650 is also fine for a darker version of the same sound signature (just a little too dark for me, personally).  They're fairly relaxing and very comfortable to wear for hours. 

Two that I've briefly auditioned were also fantastic for acoustic instrumentation, the DT-880 (semi-open) and AD900. 

My favorite sonically for this purpose is the SRH-940.  It is closed, but has a reasonably spacious soundstage.  However, that and the fact that is is the least comfortable (though not uncomfortable) of these may sway you against it. 

K501, K601 or Q701.

Maybe the SA3000, but some say it's build quality is terrible. Sounds good to me though and it's cheap.

IMO the K501 has the largest soundstage, but it's hard to find. K601 I prefer and it's much warmer than the Q701 and not as treble happy.

HD598, 'nuff said

Quote:

Originally Posted by BournePerfect 

IMO the K702 is unmatched for acoustical.

 

-Daniel

X 2, as well the K-1000