Hi,
I am looking to up my audio game. I am very new to hifi audio and I need suggestions on equipment. I currently have some HD 280 pros that I'm happy with, but I want to move up to the next level.
My source is Spotify/tidal on my LG V20.
My listening preferences are basically Classical with emphasis on the Brass.
I bought a Fiio E17k dac/amp to use with my LG G4 previous to my V20 because it needed more juice to drive the 280s. But I haven't needed it with my V20.
I've been really interested in the T50RP mk3s but I'm not sure my setup could adequately drive them.
EDIT: My budget is under $300.
Suggestions?
I am very familiar with the HD280s, though its been a while since I've heard them. Their bass is not the most articulate, clarity isn't the highest, and comfort - well I found them very clampy.
My primary listening is classical. While the HD-600 and 650 are great choices (my experience is with the HD650) they may not be the best for brass. That goes for my LCD2, its very clean, and same with the 650 (it has a bit of grain but still very detailed). The 650/600 are more linear on the top end than the LCD2, but I found that the 650 was still missing a bit of detail on the top most frequencies, that they were masked. The HD700 is great with classical and especially brass timbres. It is open and will give you greater soundstage, clarity and imaging than 650 or LCD2. I really like this headphone, but not everyone one will. Its a hard recommendation. The HD700 is a careful balance in imparting its own signature to create its unique spatial effect while combining very good performance and clarity. Ultimately, you may be better off going for something more neutral.
Therefore, I have an unorthodox recommendation. Find an older, in good condition
Sennheiser HD250 Linear (make sure pads are good or order ones with it, they are inexpensive) and an
HD540 Linear to go with it. Sell the one that you like least or keep both! You can get both for the price of a 600/650. The HD250 would replace your HD280, and it serves a similar purpose. The HD250 was a high-end reference headphone and professional studio headphone. It is lesser known here on Head-fi.org and its design goes back to the 80s, but it had iterations as recent of the early '00s as the Linear II (not that these ones are necessarily better). Right now, there are some on ebay.
I spent all of last night listening to the HD250, and it one of the best tonally balanced headphones, even more so than the HD650 IMO. Especially, the top end of the 250 compared to the 650, is so beautifully linear, that bells, brass, strings, and upper octaves of a piano sound absolutely correct. Imaging is spectacular with these. The HD540 are reported as even better, though may be a bit bass light. I found the bass on the HD250 to be perfect still, with timpani being incredibly realistic. in a number of ways, but certainly tonal accuracy these are even better than the HD700! Bass is on par, and treble is more uniform. Outside of the tonal signature, the HD250's driver performs as well as the HD650 or near its quality. The driver design for the HD580/600/650 and related headphones came from the same 80s era, and are used today. Newer isn't always better, not at all.
I'm sure you'll read lots of recommendations, but this is mine, from a listener that has gone through many many closed backs and a number of open headsets. I feel very few actually nail the tonal signature correctly. Few strive to be a reference, and while its arguable than we all hear differently, many headphone don't really try to get the higher-end of the frequency perfect. Classical music makes this range readily apparent when it is correct or off.
Also look into the Beyerdynamic DT660. The great thing with these older headphones, is you can get something that performs very well for much less. The HD250 and HD540 perform well, even against Sennheiser's HD800. Not in absolute technicality, but because they are tonally on point.
Right now, the HD250 is the most linear of my headphones, and while they all do well with classical music, the HD250 is more true. The Denon AH-D2000 is too tuned up in its higher frequency range, but the low-end is incredible but just a bit boosted (still works incredible for score work and movies and electronic). the LCD2 works well with small chamber - and its eminently listenable. The HD600 and 650 are still great choices, they are just more laid back.
Oh and both the 250 and 540 can have versions that are up to 600ohm. You'll need a good amp to play these on, as out of an iphone they will be too quiet for classical dynamic ranges. Even at 300ohms I would recommend an amp, depending on how loud you listen.
Here is a review of the HD540 https://youtu.be/8d_4l_8MCpw
Also HD560 has been rated well, a bit more relaxed.
