[oatp1b1]

I've been very happy with the E-MU Teaks for classical music, in particular smaller ensembles and solo performances but they sound more than acceptable with more complex orchestral pieces e.g. Mahler symphonies.

 

[usery]

I prefer the Denon AH-D9200 for classical music.

The D9200 is almost like a monitor.

It plays musically correct and doesn't exaggerate. It doesn't have to, because it doesn't have to conceal any weaknesses or prove itself in any other way.

Easy to drive. Any headphone output from any device will do.

Balanced, playful, direct, fast, precise, differentiated, high purity and color fidelity.

The precise contrasts (sound depth and separation) in particular produce good spatial differentiation.

But beware: merciless towards poor recordings. These headphones have already literally ground some cherished albums to dust and called my listening habits into question.

But please, it's just my insignificant opinion.

Thanks for the AH-D9200 suggestion - I've been considering it for some time now for general listening (since Aug 2022), but hadn't 'vetted' it for classical music.

Have you compare-listened to it against any other closed-back headphones?

 

[usery]

Agree D9200 could be a good fit given its treble extension.

Think the Bokeh might be too warm to be truly suited to classical tbh.

Thanks for that. I see you have the ZMF Verite closed - how does that compare with the AH-D9200? I'm wondering if there's a ZMF 'house sound' that carries across their hp models including the Bokeh, and whether it's a pro/con for classical music.

 

[yrstruly]

Thanks for that. I see you have the ZMF Verite closed - how does that compare with the AH-D9200? I'm wondering if there's a ZMF 'house sound' that carries across their hp models including the Bokeh, and whether it's a pro/con for classical music.

The VC is my fav closed back ever and I prefer it to the D9200 overall, but I wouldn't pick it for classical really. ZMFs do have a house sound and they tend to lean towards a coloured, warm, romantic sonic profile (although there are variations on this and some deviations e.g. Auteur Classic is more neutral and the Caldera leans neutral/bright to some people).

Here's a comp someone did of the VC and D9200:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the...parisons-reviews.939901/page-36#post-15925514

It might be worth you looking into the Audio Technica ATH-AWKT. I do think the D9200 would be a solid pick for classical though.

 

[Spearthrower Owl]

If you like the DT1990 Pro over the 650, add the Meze Liric II to your list. I suspect they're not as good as the DCA E3 (which has a great neutral tuning but really needs power), but they are probably closer to a Beyer sound. I'm trying them out for the first time this weekend.

Having now had some time with the Meze Liric II, I think they sound fantastic. While not hard to drive, they do need to some volume to fill out. At lower levels, which I often prefer, especially with a headphone that provides some isolation (and the Liric II offers very good isolation), they come across as thin. But at a moderate volume, they're spellbinding, spacious and detailed.

A couple minor qualifications: I do not have a small dome (like, at all), and I have the headband on the tightest setting. That was surprising. It is likely for most people a very comfortable headphone and beautifully built. However in my case the bottom of the pads press too firmly under my ears. I'm not a marathon-listening-session kind of guy, so it won't get in the way of my keeping and enjoying them. But the design is probably suited for someone with a different skull and jaw. Oh well, you can't have everything. You should definitely listen to them.

OP, are you looking for a closed-back because you want something portable, or just because you need some isolation at home?

 

[Running Nightmare]

Thanks for the AH-D9200 suggestion - I've been considering it for some time now for general listening (since Aug 2022), but hadn't 'vetted' it for classical music reproduction.

Have you compare-listened to it against any other closed-back headphones?

Of course I made comparisons, but that was in 2019 when I bought the first AH-D9200. I didn't take any notes and it's been too long. That would just be a guess. Please bear with me. However, I have tried one or two wired headphones since then, but haven't bought any more, except for another AH-D9200. There is simply no need for another, in my insignificant opinion.

So I can only compare them with the closed headphones I currently have: an Audeze LCD-XC and a Fostex TH-610.

With the Audeze LCD-XC, I notice a slight increase in the bass range. Hardly perceptible without a direct comparison with the Denon Ah-D9200, but noticeable in direct comparison. In my opinion, the Denon comes closer to reality.

In a direct comparison with the AH-D9200, the treble on the Fostex TH-610 is also clear and precise, but in my opinion it falls slightly short of the bass and mid-range, which tarnishes the sound impression somewhat when listening to classical music.

Both are excellent headphones and, without a direct comparison with the AH-D9200, both are ideally suited. But as is so often the case: the better is the enemy of the good!

I suggest a direct listening comparison to form your own opinion.

 

[usery]

Having now had some time with the Meze Liric II, I think they sound fantastic. While not hard to drive, they do need to some volume to fill out. At lower levels, which I often prefer, especially with a headphone that provides some isolation (and the Liric II offers very good isolation), they come across as thin. But at a moderate volume, they're spellbinding, spacious and detailed.

A couple minor qualifications: I do not have a small dome (like, at all), and I have the headband on the tightest setting. That was surprising. It is likely for most people a very comfortable headphone and beautifully built. However in my case the bottom of the pads press too firmly under my ears. I'm not a marathon-listening-session kind of guy, so it won't get in the way of my keeping and enjoying them. But the design is probably suited for someone with a different skull and jaw. Oh well, you can't have everything. You should definitely listen to them.

OP, are you looking for a closed-back because you want something portable, or just because you need some isolation at home?

Thanks for the intel on the Meze Liric II, esp. the fit 'issue' (pads press too firmly under your ears): I have a very similar experience with the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, even after repeated (careful) outward bending on the headband and all manner of loose-to-tight adjustment. Apparantly the over-enthusiastic clamping is a known thing with them. Like you I'm not a marathon listener either, and I've tolerated the 'squeeze' for the quality of the sound.

And yes, closed-back for more isolation at home - don't need portable.

 

[usery]

Of course I made comparisons, but that was in 2019 when I bought the first AH-D9200. I didn't take any notes and it's been too long. That would just be a guess. Please bear with me. However, I have tried one or two wired headphones since then, but haven't bought any more, except for another AH-D9200. There is simply no need for another, in my insignificant opinion.

So I can only compare them with the closed headphones I currently have: an Audeze LCD-XC and a Fostex TH-610.

With the Audeze LCD-XC, I notice a slight increase in the bass range. Hardly perceptible without a direct comparison with the Denon Ah-D9200, but noticeable in direct comparison. In my opinion, the Denon comes closer to reality.

In a direct comparison with the AH-D9200, the treble on the Fostex TH-610 is also clear and precise, but in my opinion it falls slightly short of the bass and mid-range, which tarnishes the sound impression somewhat when listening to classical music.

Both are excellent headphones and, without a direct comparison with the AH-D9200, both are ideally suited. But as is so often the case: the better is the enemy of the good!

I suggest a direct listening comparison to form your own opinion.

Thanks for the clear and specific descriptions. I too am a fan of reality (whether I like it or not : ), and prefer honest, accurate reproduction when it comes to music playback. The direct-compare suggestion is a good one.

How has the fit of the AH-D9200 suited you? I've seen at least a couple separate comments about over-clamping and small-ish ear cups - in this case, reality may be uncomfortable over longer listening sessions.

 

[Running Nightmare]

Thanks for the clear and specific descriptions. I too am a fan of reality (whether I like it or not : ), and prefer honest, accurate reproduction when it comes to music playback. The direct-compare suggestion is a good one.

How has the fit of the AH-D9200 suited you? I've seen at least a couple separate comments about over-clamping and small-ish ear cups - in this case, reality may be uncomfortable over longer listening sessions.

I'm not the right person for this question. My head is small and narrow. So I'm not really representative.

I can wear these headphones hour after hour. On some evenings, when I let my curiosity get the better of me or I get "lost" in my music collection, it can be four to five hours at a time.

What's more, the sound of the headphones makes it really hard to stop. Enchanted and captivated sounds far too pathetic, but on the other hand it describes it best. I enjoy every single moment of it.

 

[yrstruly]

Thanks for the clear and specific descriptions. I too am a fan of reality (whether I like it or not : ), and prefer honest, accurate reproduction when it comes to music playback. The direct-compare suggestion is a good one.

How has the fit of the AH-D9200 suited you? I've seen at least a couple separate comments about over-clamping and small-ish ear cups - in this case, reality may be uncomfortable over longer listening sessions.

Yeah the D9200 headband does cause an uncomfortable "hot spot" for some people. Not for me (for what it's worth I have a massive head). It'll very much vary from person to person so always best to demo a pair first (as is the case for all headphones).

 

[ThEvil0nE]

Any of the ZMF closed offering except Bokeh. I'm also going to be the odd man out here and recommend AWAS and AWKT.

 

[usery]

I'd drop the Sennheiser 820 from the list. Or give them a listen and see what you think. They are very spacious and comfortable, and they can sound great with something simple, like a piano or harpsichord. But the tuning is strange and with more layered music (e.g. opera recital) IMO they will start to sound confused.

If you like the DT1990 Pro over the 650, add the Meze Liric II to your list. I suspect they're not as good as the DCA E3 (which has a great neutral tuning but really needs power), but they are probably closer to a Beyer sound. I'm trying them out for the first time this weekend.

What will you be using for amplification? The E3 really needs a lot of power, so much that you can barely do the job with a portable. If you want a closed back because you'll be taking it places, consider that. The Liric is definitely easier to drive.

I don't know the Bokeh or JM, so can't speak to them. Good luck!

Thanks, Meze Liric II added. Amplification is Beyerdynamic A20, JDS Labs Atom, Micromega M-100 and if I can get away with it, Shanling M6 Pro 21

 

[usery]

Any of the ZMF closed offering except Bokeh. I'm also going to be the odd man out here and recommend AWAS and AWKT.

Thanks for that. You and @yrstruly both suggested the AWKT - any specifics for why that's a good candidate for my spec?

 

[yrstruly]

Thanks for that. You and @yrstruly both suggested the AWKT - any specifics to add for why that's a good candidate for my spec?

By all accounts, extended treble and airy, spacious sound for a soundstage + good resolution which should work well for classical.

 

[ThEvil0nE]

By all accounts, extended treble and airy, spacious sound for a soundstage + good resolution which should work well for classical.

Yes, AWKT's sense of space is really good. It's soundstage is the widest I've experienced on closed backs, wider even than some open backs. I have both AWAS and AWKT, I prefer the latter more.