Hi - I've been reading reviews on here for the past two months, and while I've learned a lot, I'm actually a bit overwhelmed by the choices available - and not always sure what some of the more technical descriptions in the reviews really mean. So I'd love to get some advice for my specific situation:
I am a classical musician who works in opera. My work involves listening to a lot of classical recordings, ranging from impeccable studio recordings, to historical live recordings remastered on cd, to live recordings made by contemporary composers works hoping new works. As such, the quality of the source material varies.
I usually listen from my iMac in the office, so portability is not a huge issue, but I would like the headphones I get to be able to be powered sufficiently from my iPad or iPod while traveling. Getting a small amp is not out of the question if necessary, though it would be nice not to have to deal with that.
95% of what I listen to is classical music, mostly opera. Recently I had to borrow a pair of beats from a colleague and the experience was almost painful, and very fatiguing. I know I need something that is really made for classical music.
Having a clear, well defined soundstage, where separation of the instruments and the special relationship between voices in well made recordings is a high priority for me. that being said, I need closed headphones because I will use them in my office, on planes etc.
Really faithful vocal reproduction - capturing the true timbre of voices - is also crucial, and obviously I'd like something that is faithful to instrumental timbres as well.
Ideally, I'd prefer not to spend more than $500 (US), though if it is really going tho make a significant difference, I will consider spending more.
One last thing - I'm pretty sure ill be happier with circumaural headphones, provided they really fit comfortably over my ears. I have big ears that stick out a bit! I find that headphones that sit on my ears tend to exert uncomfortable pressure - and I will wear these for hours at a time.
I look forward to your feedback and suggestions - and thank you in advance!