Headphone Recommendations for Baroque/Vocal music
Jul 5, 2023 at 5:48 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 7

Sheo

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Hey everyone! I have been trying to do research (both on here and other websites) to see what kind of headphone would suit me. I am a complete novice, so bare with me as I try to explain what I am after!

Budget: all in all, not more than £300 ideally

Music: as the title suggests, I would like headphones that make baroque music and choral music sound good - I am less concerned with huge orchestras, and prefer listening to chamber music or smaller choirs. I have seen people claim that a big soundscape is less important for this sort of music, but I have no idea.

Other info: Ideally something portable that I could use at work. I am not opposed to the idea of using portable amps (as long as they are valid and don't make me go overbudget). I would prefer wired over wireless (my phone has a headphone jack).

Let me know if you need any other info! The reason I am posting is that seemingly this type of music is a little niche and I couldn't find much good up-to-date info on what people suggest.

Thank you very much for reading!
 
Jul 6, 2023 at 12:49 AM Post #2 of 7
I am a great booster of the ATH-R70X, which was built to one-up the Sennheiser HD650. Comfortable, natural, clear, analytical, amazing.

Best prices are probably from Thomann in your country.

https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/6/17535412/audio-technica-r70x-review-professional-headphones

I suggest you also look at Sennheiser. It has a LOT of models and many grew out of the natural timbres -- so imporant! -- of bass-to-midrange relationships in classical music (and the acoustic instruments in jazz hang in there too). HD6xx, HD600, HD650 and some of the 500/5xx series. They all sound like what you might want.
 
Jul 6, 2023 at 9:06 AM Post #4 of 7
Hey, give the Sennheiser HD 660 S a look, they are open-back headphones known for their accurate and detailed sound reproduction, which can be well-suited for classical music. They provide a balanced and natural sound signature, making them a popular choice among audiophiles. They are within your budget and offer a detachable cable for portability.
 
Jul 6, 2023 at 11:18 AM Post #5 of 7
Hey, give the Sennheiser HD 660 S a look, they are open-back headphones known for their accurate and detailed sound reproduction, which can be well-suited for classical music. They provide a balanced and natural sound signature, making them a popular choice among audiophiles. They are within your budget and offer a detachable cable for portability.
I am a great booster of the ATH-R70X, which was built to one-up the Sennheiser HD650. Comfortable, natural, clear, analytical, amazing.

Best prices are probably from Thomann in your country.

https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/6/17535412/audio-technica-r70x-review-professional-headphones

I suggest you also look at Sennheiser. It has a LOT of models and many grew out of the natural timbres -- so imporant! -- of bass-to-midrange relationships in classical music (and the acoustic instruments in jazz hang in there too). HD6xx, HD600, HD650 and some of the 500/5xx series. They all sound like what you might want.
The problem with open back is that they bleed out sound, which wouldn't be good at work!
 
Jul 6, 2023 at 11:21 AM Post #6 of 7
Jul 6, 2023 at 11:40 AM Post #7 of 7
From reviews I was looking at it seems these have a weaker high end, so while they might be good for piano (I care less about this as harpsichord is standard in baroque) they are not as good for strings (like violins) which I care very much about.

Then also check out the Meze 99 Classics or Audio Technica ATH-WP900 for a more compact design and get a headband cover for either one to protect the headband pleather:

https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/meze-99-classics-walnut-and-gold.html

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254619120260

https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/audio-technica-ath-wp900-portable-over-ear-headphones.html

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooling-Gel-Headband-Protector-Compatible-Headphones/dp/B094Y67C21/
 

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