[Donald North]

The K501s are great but are no longer in production and finding used sets in good condition is not easy. For a little over $200 + shipping from Amazon you can get the K601 which sounds like an improved K501 to me.

And I'm with you Erik: Classical on vinyl sounds the best!

 

[ting.mike]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif A side benefit is picking up a receiver with a phono stage. You'll be able to run a turntable. Classical on vinyl is hugely underappreciated, so you'll be able to find more LPs than you can store on the cheap.

I find the selection on Vinyl very very limiting. Especially if you're scouting used ones. Mostly you'll only find recordings up to the 80s, but almost nothing newer. The newer recordings are soo much better than 80s or 90s recording.

 

[CDBacklash]

AKG 501, used HD600.

 

[Pars]

I would disagree on the Senns (650 or 600) for large scale symphonic. In my listenings to them (at meets) they just turn into mush even thru very good amps. Too smooth and laid back. I prefer the AKG sonic signature although they can be a bit lean in the bass.

 

[Donald North]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ting.mike /img/forum/go_quote.gif I find the selection on Vinyl very very limiting. Especially if you're scouting used ones. Mostly you'll only find recordings up to the 80s, but almost nothing newer. The newer recordings are soo much better than 80s or 90s recording.

OK, let's make a deal: You can have all the classical CDs and I'll take all the 50s-70s classical LPs

 

[ting.mike]

Yes, I'll gladly choose the CDs anytime..

Have you ever compared a Furtwrangler Beethoven recording from the 50s (mono) to a modern Beethoven recording like Osmo Vanska? Even the mp3s shows tremendous difference.

Also, strings on an old recording is pain to the ears.

 

[Murugesh]

My order of preference

1) Used HD 600
2) Used K501
3) New HD 595


If you have any money left over, buy some good CDs to listen.

 

[Weller]

Hey, thanks for all the replies.

I've had a good read through of the reviews of the headphones suggested.

I won't be looking to drive the new headphones with my cowon, that's strictly for portable use!

Looks like the k501s are the ONE for classical. At least for its price.

But, I am starting this home listening thing from scratch. So I don't have an amp. And I live in Sydney, where k501s might be a bit hard to get. And that after reading more, I might need to get a better source, which at the moment is just my laptop.

Hmm. Seems like there's a long road ahead of me...