[ms960]

Yes, I have utilized the search capability of this site. I don't see a lot of discussion about the music and phones I'm considering, hence my post...

I'm looking for a set of open phones that will work well with classical and acoustic music. No rap/metal/electronica or the like. My budget <= $100, but less is better (at least until I get my bailout).

Phones I'm considering:
* Grado SR 60
* Grado SR80
* Senn HD555
* Senn HD485

Of these, what would be the best fit. I'm using an Ipod and do have an amp (E5 & Cmoy) if needed. Have I missed any?

Appreciate the assistance.

 

[m0ofassa]

grado is for rock, not classical.
Suggest you go with something from the senn line.
Generic answers would be HD555, HD595, HD600 with a 650 cable or the 650.

 

[Nestor]

I know the AKG K240 is no good for rock, but I've heard that they're pretty good with classical.

 

[ms960]

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0ofassa /img/forum/go_quote.gif grado is for rock, not classical. Suggest you go with something from the senn line. Generic answers would be HD555, HD595, HD600 with a 650 cable or the 650.

I'd love a set of 595's, 600's or 650's, but they are WAAAY over my budget (roughly $100).

 

[MaZa]

AKG K601, though im not sure how much it costs in USA.

 

[Aimless1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaZa /img/forum/go_quote.gif AKG K601, though im not sure how much it costs in USA.

Agree (can be found for about $200 new) or a good used K501 which should go for 150 +/-. Outstanding cans for classical with K501s slightly better in my view (Bigger sound stage/exquisite mids)

 

[ms960]

Okay, so I'll toss the Grado's out as they don't work with the music I listen to. For those under $100, are the HD555 or HD485 the two best open phones on the market?

 

[esuko]

Eventough this is the full-size headphones forum I would recommend for under 100$ price point an IEM headphone. For example Shure SE110. If you still want a full-size headphone SR60 and PortaPro would not be bad choices either.

 

[REB]

K501 or slightly better K500. Try to find a used pair. You'll be happy. Very.

 

[BigTony]

Try and pick up the AKG 500, should get a nice pair in your price range (secondhand), and they are seriously good for classical.

 

[ms960]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REB /img/forum/go_quote.gif K501 or slightly better K500. Try to find a used pair. You'll be happy. Very.

Are the K500 and K501s discontinued? I don't see them anywhere on AKG's web site.

 

[REB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms960 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are the K500 and K501s discontinued? I don't see them anywhere on AKG's web site.

Yes they have been discontinued, but they frequently appear on Ebay and on the forum here. I am listening at this very moment to Mozart's requiem, a complicated passage that easily sounds congested, but the K500 delivers it beautifully. It's dynamic, detailed, engaging. I used to own a HD600 and liked it for classical, but not as much as the K500, even though the HD600 is significantly more expensive.

 

[vvanrij]

K601, Stax, GS1000 those are my picks.

 

[mbd2884]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms960 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes, I have utilized the search capability of this site. I don't see a lot of discussion about the music and phones I'm considering, hence my post... I'm looking for a set of open phones that will work well with classical and acoustic music. No rap/metal/electronica or the like. My budget <= $100, but less is better (at least until I get my bailout). Phones I'm considering: * Grado SR 60 * Grado SR80 * Senn HD555 * Senn HD485 Of these, what would be the best fit. I'm using an Ipod and do have an amp (E5 & Cmoy) if needed. Have I missed any? Appreciate the assistance.

Do you know how to use search? I mean all those phones been discussed to death and with the music you listed...

 

[S J]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vvanrij /img/forum/go_quote.gif K601, Stax, GS1000 those are my picks.

a bit outside his budget, though the k601 might make it if he streeeeeetches

Sadly, I think that if you can't stretch your budget into the $150-$200 range, there aren't a whole lot of good options for classical. If your need isn't urgent, you could wait a few weeks/months and get some of the $150+ cans mentioned (k601 being my recommendation). And your wallet will thank you later too.