Buying the best headphones for classical music is not as simple as buying the most expensive headphones. Classical music includes a significant amount of detail and intricate sound. In this post, we have curated a list of the best headphones for classical music.
Most headphones come with a preset sound signature which is either bass-oriented or bright.
EQs would be different for different sound genres. Music genres such as EDM, house, hip hop are more bass oriented. The EQ curves of these songs would have a spike in the bass.
Similarly, when it comes to classical music, the spike would be in the mid-range.
Since classical headphones include more of vocals and instruments, looking for headphones that place emphasis on the mids range would be ideal as this would help us hear every minuscule detail of the classical music.
Open Back Vs Closed Back Headphones
Before we look at the best headphones for classical music, it is vital to address whether you should opt for open back or closed-back headphones.
It would be advisable to opt for open-back headphones for a variety of reasons.
Open back have a wider sound stage which makes it easy to notice the details in classical music.
Due to the open back nature of the headphones, the sound waves can pass through easily without getting dampened or reflected within the earcup.
Thus open-back headphones provide an accurate and authentic representation of the sound compared to closed-back headphones.
Besides, open-back headphones are breathable and reduce heating or sweating, which makes it comfortable to wear open-back headphones for long hours without experiencing any ear irritation or hearing fatigue.
The sound signature of the headphones should be flat or neutral without any exaggeration in the bass or treble.
Top 3 Best Headphones For Classical Music
1. Sennheiser HD 800 S
What We Like
- Mids are detailed
- Wide sound stage
- Absorb technology
What Is Missing
- Amp needed
2. Beyerdynamic DT 1990
What We Like
- Detailed sound
- Mids are detailed
- Wide frequency response
What Is Missing
- Ear pads diff to replace
3. Sennheiser HD 660 S
What We Like
- Vocal focussed audio
- Detailed and crisp audio
- Wide frequency response
What Is Missing
- Plastic build quality
Best Headphones For Classical Music
- 1. Sennheiser HD 800 S
- 2. Beyerdynamic DT 1990
- 3. Sennheiser HD 660 S
- 4. Shure SRH1840
- 5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700
- 6. Beyerdynamic DT 990
- 7. Philips Audio Fidelio
- Open Back Vs Closed Back Headphones
- Best Headphones For Classical Music
- 1. Sennheiser HD 800 S – Best Headphones For Classical Music
- 2. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 – Headphones For Classical Music
- 3. Sennheiser HD 660 S – Best Headphones For Classical
- 4. Shure SRH1840 – Good Headphones For Classical Music
- 5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X – Best Headphones For Listening To Classical Music
- 6. Beyerdynamic DT 990 – Best Headphones For Classical Music
- 7. Philips Audio Fidelio – Headphones For Classical Music
- Conclusion
1. Sennheiser HD 800 S – Best Headphones For Classical Music
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones is one of the most popular headphones in the audiophile company.
These German made headphones are one of the best headphones for classical music in 2020.
The human ear can hear sound frequencies of roughly 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz.
However, these headphones have a wide frequency response of 4 Hz – 51,000 Hz, which means these headphones are capable of delivering accurate sound without recessing it.
The headphones include a 56-millimeter ring radiator transducer which is one of the largest used in headphones for delivering a premium sound experience.
Since the headphones have an open-back design, the surround sound is vast and it provides a spatial music experience, thereby making ideal to hear classical music.
The headphones provide exceptional detail, clarity and accurate representation of sound.
The Absorber technology included in these headphones absorbs unnecessary resonance energy.
This Absorber technology smoothens high-frequency response which reduces an ear irritation while hearing high notes.
Also, it enhances the low-frequency response to provide the best musical presentation.
The earcups of the headphone include durable, lightweight microfiber material which doesn’t weigh you down, thereby providing a comfortable experience while wearing these headphones for long hours.
The headband of the headphones is well padded and layered with dampening polymers to reduce any unwanted vibration which could get transmitted from the headphones to the earcups.
The headphones need a good amp to get the best sound performance. The better the amp quality and power, the better will be its sound performance.
Sound Quality
The bass response on these headphones is clear and the placement is unique compared to other headphones.
The bass is crisp without any distortion, which is impressive.
The treble response on these headphones is exceptionally detailed, clear and bright without causing ear irritation.
The mid-range on these headphones are accurate and the vocals on these headphones are incredibly precise with good audio separation.
The instruments on these headphones, including the placements, are fascinating.
The details on these headphones are crisp and one of the most detailed headphones.
The bass is not high or overpowering, which is ideal for classical music as they allow you to hear every detail easily.
Overall the headphones are one of the best investments you can make to hear classical music.
Pros
- Premium sound
- Mids are detailed
- Wide sound stage
- Absorb technology
- Build quality is good
- Wide frequency response
Cons
- Amp needed
- Sound isolation
2. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 – Headphones For Classical Music
Beyerdynamic DT 1990
Beyerdynamic has been the favourites for professional users for years because of its premium sound quality.
These headphones are commonly found amongst sound technicians, music producers and people who monitor sound.
The DT 1990 headphones have an impressive design with soft foam to keep your ears comforted while wearing these headphones for extended periods.
The open-back design provides a phenomenal spatial sound which makes ideal for hearing classical music.
The earpads of the headphones are comfortable and velour. Besides, the earpads can be replaced as well.
The headphones have a wide frequency response of 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz, which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
The case provided with the headphones is durable, which makes it easy to carry these headphones everywhere you go.
Sound Quality
The bass response on these headphones is punchy and powerful with the right balance.
The mid-range is slightly recessed, but the sound quality is premium with detail.
The stock sound signature of these headphones is unique and superb. The bass and treble response blend well together without overpowering each other.
The treble on these headphones provides every detail of the instruments, which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
The headphones include a 2-year warranty to ensure that your headphones are protected from any damage.
The imaging on these headphones is superb and the sound stage is wide, which makes it easy to notice every detail, thereby making it one of the best headphones for classical music.
The headphones are worth every dollar in terms of the detail, sound quality and surround sound they provide.
Pros
- Protective case
- Detailed sound
- Mids are detailed
- Detachable cables
- Comfortable ear pads
- Wide frequency response
Cons
- Ear pads diff to replace
- Amp for best performance
3. Sennheiser HD 660 S – Best Headphones For Classical
Sennheiser HD 660 S
The Sennheiser HD 660 S is known for its high-resolution audio.
These open-back headphones include improved new transducers which are designed to provide low harmonic distortion, which makes them ideal for classical music.
The HD 660 S open-back headphones have a wide frequency response of 10 Hz – 41,000 Hz, which is impressive.
The transducers included are known for providing exceptional precision and presentation of stereo spatial characteristics which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
These headphones are known for their phenomenal accuracy and transparent sound, which makes the audio experience immersive and pleasant, providing every nuance of the music.
The HD 660 S headphones can be used without an amp which is worth mentioning. However, for the best audio experience, it would be ideal to use an amp.
These headphones weigh 260g which makes them lightweight and comfortable due to which you can wear these headphones for long hours without any worry.
Apart from that, due to the open-back design, the headphones prevent sweating or heating of the ears, which makes it ideal to hear music comfortably.
The earcups of the headphones are shaped as per the anatomy of the ear. Besides, they have a soft cushion to ensure a comfortable fit.
The headband of these headphones is thick and well padded to provide premium comfortable audio experience.
Sound Quality
The bass response on these headphones is well balanced without overpowering the mids.
The mid-range on these headphones is premium and crisp. When it comes to mid-range, very few headphones match up to the audio quality these headphones deliver.
The treble response on these headphones is sharp and crisp.
However, even on high volume and high, headphones do not cause ear irritation which is why these headphones are one of the best headphones for classical music.
The vocal presentation on these headphones is rich and detailed, which is why these can headphones can be considered as one of the best headphones for classical music.
The build quality is plastic which makes the headphones lightweight.
These headphones are ideal for vocal focused music such as classical music. Overall the headphones can be considered a classic in terms of the sound quality they provide.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Vocal focused audio
- Comfortable ear cups
- Detailed and crisp audio
- Wide frequency response
- Clear audio at high frequencies
Cons
- Plastic build quality
- Sound leak due to open-back design
4. Shure SRH1840 – Good Headphones For Classical Music
Shure SRH1840
Key Highlights
- Wide soundstage
- Neutral sound signature
- Vocals and instrument separation is great
These Shure headphones are premium headphones which deliver the most exceptional sound quality.
The 40mm neodymium drivers are responsible for its impressive acoustic performance along with precise bass and crisp high ends.
The open-back design provides a wide stereo image, natural sound and added depth of field.
The headphones are lightweight and durable due to the aluminium alloy yoke along with stainless steel grills.
The steel driver frame along with the vented center pole is engineered to enhance linearity and eliminate internal resonance which ensures consistent sound quality at all volume levels.
The headband of the headphones is well padded, adjustable and dual-frame, which provides a comfortable experience while hearing music for extended periods.
The earpads of the headphones are replaceable velour earpads which include slow recovery foam to provide maximum comfort while wearing these headphones.
The travel case provided is good quality which makes it easy to carry these headphones.
The cables provided with the headphones are replaceable, which is worth mentioning. The build quality of the headphones is sturdy and durable.
Sound Quality
The bass is present and well balanced without being too loud.
The mids on these headphones are stunning. The vocals are well separated from the instruments which make these headphones ideal for classical music.
The high notes on these headphones are crisp and clear without causing hearing fatigue.
The vocals and mids on these headphones are sharp, accurate and precise, which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
The velour earpads eliminate sweating or heating which is incredible.
The sound stage on these headphones is wide, which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music since every detail and nuance of the song is evident.
The sound signature of these headphones is neutral, which makes it ideal for classical music.
The headphones would need an amp for the best performance.
Overall these headphones have a flat or neutral sound signature which is ideal for classical music.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Mids are crisp
- Wide soundstage
- Detachable cables
- Neutral sound signature
- Vocals and instrument separation is great
Cons
- Amp needed
- Highs could have been better
5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X – Best Headphones For Listening To Classical Music
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
Audio Technica is known for providing premium audio headphones at affordable prices.
The headphones include 53mm drivers which reproduce accurate mids and treble. The build quality of the headphones is sturdy and premium with durable materials.
The headphones are lightweight due to their lightweight honeycomb casing along with exceptional acoustic properties which makes these headphones ideal for classical music.
The earpads of the headphones are soft and comfortable, which makes it convenient to wear these headphones for long hours without any hearing fatigue.
The headphones do not need an external amp for an optimal experience which is another added benefit.
These headphones have a wide frequency response of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz, which is worth mentioning.
Sound Quality
The bass on these headphones is well balanced. However, the punch or oomph is not present compared to headphones which are bass oriented.
However, the bass is clear without any distortion.
The mids and vocals on these headphones are precise, accurate and clear, which makes them one of the best headphones for classical music.
The treble on these headphones is crisp and detailed.
The headphones have a flat sound signature which is ideal for classical music. The highs on these headphones are sharp and forward.
The sound stage on these headphones is airy and vocals sound distant, which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
The vocals and instruments are detailed and clear, which makes ideal for classical music.
Overall the headphones offer way more than their price and are ideal for those who want premium sound on a budget.
Pros
- Crisp highs
- Wide sound stage
- Premium audio quality
- Wide frequency response
- Detailed mids and vocals
- Earpads well-cushioned
Cons
- Sound leaks
- Fit is a bit loose
6. Beyerdynamic DT 990 – Best Headphones For Classical Music
Beyerdynamic DT 990
These headphones by Beyerdynamic are ideal for people who are looking to hear classical music.
The headphones are known for their high fidelity audio.
The open-back design provides a wide soundstage which makes it easy to notice the details of the song, thereby providing a premium experience.
The headphones provide detailed tonal depth and exceptional spaciousness which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
The earpads of these headphones are soft and well padded, which makes it comfortable to wear these headphones.
The headphones have a wide frequency response of 5 Hz – 35.000 Hz, which makes it ideal to hear classical music with these headphones.
Sound Quality
The bass on these headphones is punchy.
The mids on these headphones are detailed, which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
The headphones are crisp and clear on high volumes and high notes as well, which is impressive.
The open back design prevents any sweating or heating of the ears, which makes these headphones ideal for long listening sessions.
The headphones are lightweight along with a comfortable fit which makes these headphones ideal for monitoring or hearing classical music.
Overall the headphones are worth the dollars in terms of the sound quality they provide.
Pros
- Soft earpads
- Comfortable fit
- Wide soundstage
- Premium build quality
- Wide frequency response
- Mids are crisp and detailed
Cons
- Amp needed
- Cable is not detachable
7. Philips Audio Fidelio – Headphones For Classical Music
Philips Audio Fidelio
Few times we come across headphones that offer way more than their price.
Well, these headphones offer premium sound for those on a tight budget.
These headphones have a wide frequency response of 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz, which is stunning.
The headphones are an open back acoustic architecture which enhances sound transparency and smoothens high frequencies which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
The headphones are designed with double-layered ear shells to reduce vibration and resonance, thereby providing you with accurate sound quality.
The ear cups of these headphones are comfortable and soft, which makes these headphones ideal for regular usage.
Sound Quality
The bass on these headphones is well balanced without overpowering the mids.
The mids on these headphones are accurate and sharp, which makes these headphones one of the best headphones for classical music.
The headphones provide clear audio on high frequencies as well, which is impressive. The treble response on these headphones is detailed and warm.
The 50mm drivers installed are capable of delivering robust and powerful audio.
These headphones are widely used for gaming as well. If you want headphones for gaming as well, check our post on the best open back headphones for gaming.
Overall the headphones are ideal for those who want to hear classical music without the usage of an amp.
Pros
- Premium sound
- Value for money
- Detachable cable
- Wide sound stage
- Premium build quality
- Wide frequency response
Cons
- Ear Cups are big
- Headband design could have been better
Conclusion
This post was an in-depth review of the best headphones for classical music.
While there are many other headphones available, in terms of sound for classical music, we found these headphones to be the best headphones for classical music.
Since everyone’s needs would vary hence we have mentioned seven headphones we find to be the best headphones for classical music.
Let us know your views about the best headphones for classical music in the comment section.
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