[Waxy]

Hi all.
I'm new to this forum and I'm looking for universal iems and open back headphones for mostly classical listening. (Symphonies to cello to piano.) I currently have a few headphones - Mr. Speakers Alpha Dogs (not loving and don't know why), UE 900s (which I use for the gym and like a lot but that's usually rock or rap) and some 15 year old Etymotics (used to love, now think they sound very thin and weak). I'm thinking up to $600 and am considering second-hand/ear sets.
And that's my second question - are used headphones usually a decent way to go on sites like this?

Thanks and appreciate your help,

John

 

[serman005]

So, you are looking to spend $600 on a pair of universal IEMs and a pair of open headphones? Just want to be clear.

 

[Waxy]

Sorry for being vague. I'm thinking of spending $600 each. Might start with one and if that scratches the itch, stop there. At least for a while. Thanks.

 

[serman005]

You might look into a Campfire Polaris. I'm a fan. It's a BA/DD hybrid. Maybe read about it and see what you think . It's possible it could work for you.

 

[Waxy]

Thank you. I'll check them out. How do you feel about 2nd hand sets?

 

[serman005]

As long as the seller is reputable, I have no problem with buying 2nd hand, personally.

 

[Waxy]

Great. I figure if used works for mountain bikes...
Thanks again for your help.

 

[serman005]

Let us know how it works out for you, whatever you choose. ---)

 

[Me x3]

You can check this thread for full size open back headphones for classical music:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/best-headphones-for-classical-music.870956/

 

[Waxy]

Thanks. That was very helpful. I've never listen to AKGs but think I'd like the open back headphones more than my closed Mr. Speakers.

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

can you pinpoint what you didn't like about the alpha dogs? Also- were you running them off an amp and dac, and if so what was it? I ask all this because the Alpha dog/Mad dog is incredibly difficult to drive.

 

[ranfan]

Yep, open-back headphones are the ones for Classical genre. If you don't mind the pads, you should try the Grado headphones. For that budget the RS2e seems suitable. But if you could find a used GS1000i/e model around that price, that would also be great considering it has a larger soundstage. Grado headphones are also quite easy-to-drive. So you can listen to them even straight out of your phone, or laptop.

 

[Waxy]

can you pinpoint what you didn't like about the alpha dogs? Also- were you running them off an amp and dac, and if so what was it? I ask all this because the Alpha dog/Mad dog is incredibly difficult to drive.

I'm not sure I can pinpoint any problems. I just don't get that 'wow' feeling I used to get with headphones. And although they're very comfortable, my ears get hot. And yes, they do seem very hard to drive. I bought a headphone amp but even then it needs to be cranked up a bit. So I'm starting to think of IEMs because I don't want to bother everyone with what I'm listening to...

 

[Waxy]

Yep, open-back headphones are the ones for Classical genre. If you don't mind the pads, you should try the Grado headphones. For that budget the RS2e seems suitable. But if you could find a used GS1000i/e model around that price, that would also be great considering it has a larger soundstage. Grado headphones are also quite easy-to-drive. So you can listen to them even straight out of your phone, or laptop.

Thanks for your ideas. I'll definitely give them a listen. I love the stye of Grados, but I am leaning to the IEMs just because I'm doing a home renovations and for six months I don't have a private listening place.

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

Hmmm the sound may have been too neutral for you. Sometimes that can come across as sterile or boring? Regardless- I just wanted to make sure they were amped (which you did)and even after you didn’t like the sound. All is good

Edit- not having a private listening space would definetly call for a closed back in my opinion... Or like you thought- a good IEM