[JHW]

This forum is a great resource. Thanks in advance for all advice.

I am looking to upgrade my headphones. I currently have a Grado SR60 set, and find that I like the "spaciousness" of the open-back sound. However, I find them fairly uncomfortable.

Within my budget range on the local second-hand market, I am looking at the Sennheiser HD598, AKG Q701, or possibly the Beyerdynamic DT880.

Given that (a) I listen primarily to classical and jazz, (b) I would like to avoid using a separate headphone amp, and (c) I need the headphones to be very comfortable, is there anything to specifically recommend one of these sets of headphones vs. another? Are there other models that I should be looking at as well?

 

[PurpleAngel]

DT880 and K7XX really should be used with a decent headphone amplifier, to sound their best.
The HD598 is more head amp optional.
Currently i really like my Massdrop/Sennheiser HD58X headphones.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-sennheiser-hd-58x-jubilee-headphones

 

[JHW]

^ Thanks very much for that info. How would you rate them on comfort for long-term listening?

 

[serman005]

Of those you list, the HD598 is really the only one that meets all your criteria. Very comfy. As mentioned by @PurpleAngel, the other two really need an amp.

 

[PointyFox]

Sennheiser HD598 sounds muffled. The Q701 is uncomfortable due to the bumps on the headband.
Get either a K7XX or a HD58X. If you get enough volume with them, which you probably will, you won't need an amp.