[Palpatine]

My dad listened to my Beyer DT770/250 ( 2005 ) through my LD Mk III with classical music and loved it. I couldn't get him away from the phones.
He would like a pair of headphones to listen to classical music now.
He doesn't want the fuss of a dedicated headphone amp, so he will be plugging them directly to the stereo amp at his home... so low impedence high sensitivity is a must.
He isn't sure about the open/closed aspect yet.
He's turning 80, so in addition to a very expensive bottle of brandy, the headphones will be his gift. $500 or less for the phones.
I was thinking about the ATH AD900 if he doesn't mind open. Any other recommendations for unamped open phones for classical?
Now how about closed? ATH A700? Others?
Thanks!

 

[Graphicism]

I think a headphone like K701 even though plugged directly into a stereo will do better for classical than the above.

 

[Palpatine]

No...I have heard the K701 and K702 unamped...and I don't like them that way.

 

[Graphicism]

I'm sure the stereo amps somewhat... I have a LG home theater and the headphone out is pretty decent, better than say my Zune or sound card. With a $500 budget I would give the AD900s/A700s a miss, how about Sony SA5000... I had the SA3000 and they didn't really improve much with amping but sounded terrific with acoustic and classical, Enya and the likes.

 

[Palpatine]

Good idea...I have heard good things about them. I will investigate further. Same drivers in each I have heard...just a few differences in cable, pads, etc.

 

[Mink]

The Sony SA5000's (from reading on these forum, I never heard them though) obviously have a very different sound character than those Beyers, extremely detailed and I should think pretty cold in comparion with these rather warm and bass driven Beyers.

If your dad liked the Beyer DT770's with classical, why not buy him the 80 ohm version of these Beyers?
Yes of course the DT770's are not considered to be the best for classical music, but if your dad liked them, that's all what counts I guess.

 

[Palpatine]

I thought about these, but wasn't sure about being able to drive them from a regular stereo amp, even at their lower impedence. Besides...the guy who does the Darth Beyers uses these to build from and said that they aren't the greatest stock.
I don't find the 2005 edition Beyer DT770 250 ohms heavy in bass. I use them for classical.
Perhaps the 32 ohm version?

 

[Graphicism]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palpatine /img/forum/go_quote.gif Good idea...I have heard good things about them. I will investigate further. Same drivers in each I have heard...just a few differences in cable, pads, etc.

SA1000/3000 share the same drivers, SA5000 is different.

 

[Amarphael]

For classical I'd definitley consider primarily open cans for their greater soundstage and somewhat more balanced sig than closed. The AD900 is a sound choice IMO, they have the traits above, in addition to the nice detail and airiness they bring.

 

[pataburd]

How about the (25 ohm) AH-D5000? With a decent solid state push--I used the AMC XIA integrated, the closed D5000 pleasantly surprised me with classical venues. What stereo does your dad have? The mahogany ear cups would make a nice compliment to the brandy, too. : )

 

[Palpatine]

Thanks for the info.
He has an aging Yamaha receiver, can't remember the model number off hand...as well as a Yamaha CD player single disc style.
Wood ear cups is a brilliant idea!

 

[mgrewe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pataburd /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about the (25 ohm) AH-D5000? With a decent solid state push, the closed D5000 pleasantly surprised me with classical venues. What stereo does your dad have? The mahogany ear cups would make a nice compliment to the brandy, too. : )

These are made by Denon if you didn't know. They could be what your after if the stereo your dad uses has a decent HP out, but if it's crap, the bass may be a little too slow and uncontrolled for classical. You can get them at B-Stock Items - HeadRoom: Stereo Headphones for a pretty good deal I'd say. Also, don't be hesitant with B-Stock items, I purchased my D2000 from B-Stock and they are 100% awesome.

 

[mgrewe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palpatine /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the info. He has an aging Yamaha receiver, can't remember the model number off hand...as well as a Yamaha CD player single disc style. Wood ear cups is a brilliant idea!

If it's an aging receiver, that could be a good thing. Older HP outs actually sound great

(at least on my older stuff).

 

[pataburd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palpatine /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the info. He has an aging Yamaha receiver, can't remember the model number off hand...as well as a Yamaha CD player single disc style. Wood ear cups is a brilliant idea!

Palpatine,
Yamahas usually follow a high current design, which is more good news for the Denon AH-D5000! : )
PAB

 

[charliex]

Directly into his receiver eh - think about electrostatics by way of Stax.