ATH-ES7 a no go for classical music?

[jaymrobinson]

I was almost set on getting a pair of these, but then I read in quite a few places that these are not well-suited to classical music - which I listen to quite a bit. The reasons I was thinking about getting the ES7 are: they are closed so I can use them on the train / at work, the portable size, the relatively low-cost, and reported good sound quality.

I'm not opposed to getting other brands, but I like to support local industry (the Audio Technica main office/factory is only a few minutes drive from my house). I don't want to go past $150.

I think I read that the SD280 is good for classical music and is close to what I am looking for. How do these compare?

 

[Squirsier]

While the ES7 are indeed closed, their isolation is not very good. They would probably be helpful at work, if your work environment is not too noisy, but on a train, I doubt they'd isolate very much.

I can't really recommend anything for classical, as my music tastes diverge, but I just thought I'd let you know about their isolation (or lack of)

 

[jaymrobinson]

>> Squirsier

I see that you have both the ES7 and the HD280s. How do they compare?

 

[Squirsier]

The HD280 isolate a lot (being circumaural), are more comfortable, but sound rather "thin" ; lacking in soundstage and bass compared to my ES7.

 

[scytheavatar]

The ES7 has an all-rounded sound signature and doesn't do too badly for any genre. Most closed backs aren't exactly fantastic in classical music, so beggars can't be choosers. Have you considered an IEM like the ER6i? The thing about classical music is that you will need as much isolation as possible, and portable headphones are probably not going to cut it.

 

[jaymrobinson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scytheavatar /img/forum/go_quote.gif The ES7 has an all-rounded sound signature and doesn't do too badly for any genre. Most closed backs aren't exactly fantastic in classical music, so beggars can't be choosers. Have you considered an IEM like the ER6i? The thing about classical music is that you will need as much isolation as possible, and portable headphones are probably not going to cut it.

I hear what you are saying. I actually bought some Denon C452 IEMs a few weeks ago, but one of the buds was accidentally crushed and doesn't work anymore.

I realize that all phones have some drawback whether it be cost, weight, SQ, isolation, etc. Actually, I'm willing to live with imperfect isolation as long as the SQ is there. I like to be able to hear some of what is going on around me when I am not at home. I friend of mine has the ATH-A500, and I'm looking for something like its SQ in a more compact package.

 

[kboe]

The soundstage is maybe not good as others when it comes to classical, but the detail and tonality is good for the price. The only others I could suggest looking at are the denon 1000s, or maybe the shure 210s.
Kevin