[HugoFreire]

Hi!

I'd like to read opinions about what is considered the best dynamic headphone option for listening to classical music.
I love sweet midrange, but I like a wide soundstage too, so the grados aren't in my list.
The R10s seem to be a perfect match for me, but it's too hard to find a pair, so please suggest me something else.
If that helps, I'm going with a tube amp, probably a Singlepower Supra

Thanks,
Hugo

 

[Andrea]

I guess this is easy ! The HD650

 

[fewtch]

Senn HD6x0 series... you might even like the HD600 better than the HD650 (some do).

 

[TonyTripleA]

Well, my bias is currently towards the SA5000 and the etymotic 4p/s out of the limited range of cans I have heard. The Sony's manage to have a certain clarity I have not heard elsewhere and this really works well for me with Classical. Some omph in the lower bass that surprises when a kettle drum punches out a note is also pleasant. Plus I enjoy the more pronounced upper treble, makes cymbals come alive like you are "there". Classical guitar is also excellant as the Sonys make the detail very easy to pick, although some may find the very fine detail makes finger sounds easy to notice (something I like but I know others who do not). I used to live with a flatmate who did superb classical guitar and the Sonys make me feel he is sitting in the same room with me... a great memory, and something no other cans have done for me.

The ms-pros I no longer own were great for classical but I often found if I was working on the computer I would not get "involved" in the same way as I do with etys or the Sonys. The ms-pros didn't sound quite "right" with some instruments but sounded great with others. Mind you, I loved them, and with the MS-pros it was impossible not to get you involved with rock.

TonyAAA

 

[mikeg]

Last night I listened to some Domenico Scarlatti sonatas, using a K1000, an RS-1, and an R10. The piano sound on the R10 was far superior (i.e., much more life-like) than on the K1000, and the RS-1. I was really disappointed that the sound reproduction of the K1000 did not even come close to that of the R10.

 

[Banfi T.]

I just can not believe that the first post was not the AKG K-501. Those cans are made for classical/jazz.

 

[augustwest]

Without a doubt the best classical headphones are the Sennhieser hd508 / 600 / 650 series.

- augustwest

 

[SptsNaz]

I think the HD6XX series was made specifically for monitoring classical music

 

[WmAx]

My vote goes to either AKG K501 with modified earpads(flattened, they have a much smoother midrange that is easily measurable and audible) and fed from a 120 ohm source jack(or adapter -- whichever you have available) or to the AKG K1000, which is great for large scale pieces, since with the drivers tilted out a bit the soundstaging is improved vs. other headphones.

-Chris

 

[some1x]

HD650 is the best I've heard so far. The SA5000 does not reproduce orchestral timbres palpably. The RS1 is very sweet with small scale string and woodwind works.

I also ordered a K1000, maybe it will give the HD650 a run for its money.

 

[Shosta]

I own Grado 225s and Senns HD600s. Classical music it's what I hear most. For that I prefer the HD600s (but you'll need a good amp to appreciate all his potential)

 

[number1sixerfan]

Please spend the $200 on the akg 501. They have one of the sweetest midranges I've heard. I can't wait for the k1000 to come in.

 

[mikeg]

the akg 501 is available on ebay for about $150.

Quote:

Originally Posted by number1sixerfan Please spend the $200 on the akg 501. They have one of the sweetest midranges I've heard. I can't wait for the k1000 to come in.

 

[sean-xenos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by some1x HD650 is the best I've heard so far. The SA5000 does not reproduce orchestral timbres palpably. The RS1 is very sweet with small scale string and woodwind works. I also ordered a K1000, maybe it will give the HD650 a run for its money.

I like the RS-1 with small baroque orchestras as well.
For my taste the Sennheiser HD650 sounded too pompous and veiled.
I thought about trying the Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000 that is said to have a similar sound signature as the HD650 but should have better resolution, clearer highs and a more controlled bass.

 

[Kram Sacul]

Isn't any of the Grado phones good with classical or do you need the simulated soundstage? Like the music can't create it's own soundstage.