[echiang06]

Hello, Head-fiers. This is my first real post, although I have been reading up on the web-site for about ninety minutes a day every day for the last six months. My brother's birthday is coming up and he's a cellist, he loves music and I believe he knows how to appreciate it. Although I'm not an idealist, I believe that all musicians should be able to enjoy their instrument's sound wherever the instrumentalist may be, so my question is this, what are the best headphones for classical music available for approximately $100?

Many Thanks,

echiang06

 

[blessingx]

Welcome to Head-Fi.

Interestingly, the very un-Classical Grados are very good specifically for the Cello. So the Alessandro MS1 is a possibility. You may get better general Classical phone suggestions though. Everything I can think of goes $125 - $150 (K501/HD580/etc.) and usually requires an amp. If you push it up to $125 maybe Sennheiser HD555 or Etymotic ER6.

 

[bLue_oNioN]

I'm thinking the Grado SR-60s or Alessandro MS-1s might be a good choice here?

EDIT: Someone beat me to it!

 

[TenaciousO]

Out of all the headphones I've owned, I think the d66 eggos sounded the best for classical. Maybe not so good for other genres, but they were amazing for classical music.

 

[Head Creep]

I'm gonna guess that there will be quite a few posts supporting the purchase of Alessandro MS-1's. Those phones have a very good reputation on these forums.

 

[NeilPeart]

A used K501 can be had for under $100 and I can't think of a better headphone for classical at that price-point.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

But wouldn't he need an amp to really bring out the AKG-501s?

My vote is for the MS-1s.

 

[NeilPeart]

I'm sorry, but I like a soundstage when I listen to classical.

He could always invest in a decent PIMETA when funds permit.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

PIMETA + AKG501 sounds good...

Over-budget, but would the AKG501 sound o.k. without the amp while he saves up for it?

I like soundstages for classical, too

.

 

[Natsuiro]

I've never tried the MS-1s but I do know that the AKG K501s are an amazing headphone. I think you would enjoy them with classical music.. but the problem would be driving them. The K501s are pretty cheap, but driving them is what is very expensive.

 

[sir poulet]

You can get a used K501 under $100 and I think it is an amazing phone for classical, but for it to perform its best you would have to definately spend much more than that in associated equipment.

edit: Oops, exactly what Natsuiro said

 

[mulveling]

A used HD580 (or a K501) is by far the best headphone you'll get for $100, and I've had some success driving it unamped out of various equipment. Sure it'll sound better with an amp, but even unamped it can kill anything else at that price.

 

[Budley007]

I've got the SR225s and the DT531s to compare. For some reason I like the DT531s better for classical. Don't get me wrong, both do a great job, but the higher impedance headphones handle the quieter passages with hardly, if any, hiss when I pair my sources with amps. That's the only gripe I really have with the SR225s and classical music w/amp. Without the amp I would go Grado all the way with any music. They are very easy to drive.

 

[blessingx]

The K501 would be my vote for the Classical (see post above), but do you guys really think a PiMeta could power them? I never tried it, but I have my serious doubts. They're much harder to drive then Senn HD580/6X0, impedance be damned.

Any although I'm not usually an Eggos recommender, that's not a bad suggestion. Really depends on what is meant by 'Classical'. I love the MS1s for cello, choral, etc., but there are probably better general purchase Classical phones. Kinda like when someone mentions 'Rock' and you're not sure if they mean '60's Folk' or '90's Speed Metal'.

 

[NeilPeart]

I think a PIMETA with AD8620s, gain set higher and a 24V Elpac will drive the K501 well enough, albeit not as well as an HR-2 or high-end PPA. Grado's aggressive midrange and compete lack of soundstage really doesn't fit with the classical music that I like; listen to Janos Starker play Bach's solo cello suites and you'll hear the sweet midrange and expansive soundstage of the K501 (not even the balanced PS-1 can touch it in this regard).