Best Headphones for Classical Music

Best Headphones for Classical Music

Classical music is rather sophisticated, and enjoying the melodies depends on breaking them into tunes and notes highlighting the beauty of this unique genre. In classical music, the balance and harmony between the highs and mids play a significant role. The best headphones for classical music show off the beauty of strings and the melodies of woodwinds, especially at higher notes.

When you are enjoying a piece played by an entire orchestra, you want the headphones to highlight the beauty of the music so that you can experience every detail. In this article, we will suggest some of the best headphones that will appeal to classical music lovers. We will answer a few questions to help you choose the right headphones.

Reviews of the Best Headphones for Classical Music

These headphones will highlight the beauty of every instrument and show the harmony and balance between them. Check out our top picks.

Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO open Studio Headphone

• Open over-ear headphones, ideal for professional mixing,...
• Perfect for studio applications thanks to their transparent,...
• The soft, circumaural and replaceable velour ear pads ensure high...
• Hard-wearing, durable and robust workmanship - Made in Germany
• Practical single-sided cable (3.0m coiled cable)

$159.99

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Enjoy every detail of classical music, whether you are mixing, editing, mastering, or merely listening to the tunes. The open over-ear design allows you to enjoy every detail without straining your ears. These headphones are designed to provide remarkable spaciousness, providing exceptional tonal depth with their three-dimensional sound and the wide frequency range between 5 and 35 kHz.

Combining strong bass and clear trebles, these headphones will excel if you are interested in studio applications as they created a detailed soundstage. The clarity of the sounds is exceptional so that you can feel fully immersed in the tunes played.

The bass is not overstated, and the treble is not sharp, as the headphones will create precise and accurate melodies. The single-sided 3 m coiled cable is practical and will not restrict you regardless of your setup.

However, since it is non-detachable, it might be a bit limiting. With 250 Ohm, you might not need to pump these up using an amplifier for professional purposes.

Because they are designed for avid music lovers and professionals, these headphones feature soft velour ear pads that eliminate ear strain. Thanks to the memory foam padding, these headphones provide luxurious comfort after wearing them for extended periods.

The headphones are available in 2 colors. The ear cups are adjustable, and the spring steel headband will keep them in place. However, the ear cups themselves are not replaceable, and the memory foam tends to wear with time.

• ✓ Open over-ear design for professional users.
• ✓ Balanced melodies, enhancing the bass and trebles.
• ✓ Soft velour ear pads and memory foam padding.
• ✓ The wide frequency range for various music applications.
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• ✗ The cable is not detachable.

AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear

• 55 ohms impedance, plug-in cable
• Self-adjusting headband for optimum fit
• Single cable for ease of use
• Semi-open, circumaural design

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If you are on a tight budget, these headphones will help you enjoy the tunes with their semi-open design. They can be used by amateur and professional users, as they feature the Varimotion diaphragms. These headphones increase the sensitivity and show the details at low and high frequencies because they have a frequency range between 5 and 25 kHz.

With 55 Ohm, these headphones are suitable for classical music lovers because they will enhance the details of your melodies. They feature a 3 m cable that can be detached, to give you more freedom in your preferred audio setup. They are accurate enough to help you enjoy the details with solid bass and clear highs.

The earpads are replaceable, and the comfortable quality will appeal to professional and amateur users. The self-adjusting headband will reduce strain after long hours of playing music, for the most comfortable fit. They feature a convertible jack plug that allows you to connect your headphones to multiple devices.

These headphones are lightweight and are easy to put on and take off. However, they allow much of the surrounding environment to leak in. They do not need an amp, as connecting them to your smartphone is enough to let you enjoy the melodies.

What We Like

• ✓ Affordable and comfortable headphones for amateur and professional users.
• ✓ Enhance the details with solid bass and clear highs.
• ✓ Replaceable earpads.
• ✓ Lightweight design with a detachable cable.
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• ✗ They do not provide good noise cancelation.

Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones

• Individually matched 40 mm neodymium drivers for unparalleled...
• Open-back, circumaural design for exceptionally natural sound,...
• Lightweight construction featuring aircraft-grade aluminum alloy...
• Steel driver frame with vented center pole piece improves...
• Ergonomic dual-frame, padded headband is lightweight and fully...

$498.95

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If you do not mind spending the extra cash, these studio-quality headphones will not disappoint you. They provide smooth and extended high-quality highs and accurate bass for an immersive experience. The open-back design creates a complete stereo image with an increased depth of field.

Unlike other models, these feature an aircraft-grade aluminum yoke that combines lightweight with durability. The stainless-steel grilles are sturdy so that you can enjoy your headphones a little longer.

Featuring a vented center pole piece, these headphones eliminate the internal resonance at all listening levels for clear audios. The ergonomic design of the dual-frame headphones allows you to enjoy your headphones for extended periods with no issues.

They are designed to provide you with an exceptional listening experience with replaceable velour earpads, and an extra pair that arrives with your purchase, in addition to an elegant storage case. These headphones are optimized to be connected to multiple amplifiers and other devices for mixing and mastering purposes. They also feature slow-recovery foam that decreases discomfort when they are used for extended periods.

With efficient 65 Ohm impedance and a wide frequency range, these headphones won’t disappoint any audiophile. They are also heavier than other models.

What We Like

• ✓ Clear highs and accurate bass for an immersive acoustic experience.
• ✓ Open-back design for a precise stereo image that highlights all the details.
• ✓ Durable construction of aluminum alloy and stainless steel.
• ✓ Memory foam padding for more comfort and replaceable ear pads.
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• ✗ More expensive than other models.
• ✗ Heavier than other headphones.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro Over-Ear High-Resolution Audio Headphones

• Designed to reproduce Hi-Res Audio, allowing you to hear your...
• Exclusive 45 mm True Motion Drivers improve transient response...
• Features multi-layered air damping technology for extended...
• Housings constructed of an aluminum/magnesium mix provide a...
• Three precisely placed vents within the layers work to control...
• Highly flexible swivel design, with soft, memory foam earpads and...
• Stainless steel acoustic mesh resistor provides improved...

$199.95

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The headphones offer a high-resolution and comprehensive sound image that appeals to every audiophile, especially if you prefer detailed audio. The 45 mm True Motion Drivers minimize distortion and enrich your audio production. Moreover, the headphones feature multi-layered air damping technology to enhance low to medium frequency response.

These headphones are made of aluminum and magnesium mix that combines durability with the lightweight. The rigid structure eliminates the resonance.

There are three well-placed vents to control the airflow and improve the audio dynamics. There is a special version with total noise cancelation that will help you feel fully immersed in your audio mixes.

With flexible memory foam, these headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods. The adjustable swivel design will fit the contours of your head, so you can spend more time enjoying your music. Moreover, they look incredibly appealing and feature a wide adjustment range. The mesh resistor is made of stainless steel to deliver accurate bass and low-frequency melodies.

They are incredibly versatile with detachable cables that you can connect to multiple devices, including your smartphone, thanks to the mic. The headphones are lightweight with a wide range of frequency of 5 to 40 kHz.

The low 35 Ohm is enough to enhance all the details in your music. They do not muffle the outside noise unless you choose to upgrade to the full-noise cancelation version.

What We Like

• ✓ Clear audio with impressive details.
• ✓ Durable aluminum and magnesium mix housing.
• ✓ Flexible swivel design.
• ✓ Lightweight headphones and multiple cables.
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• ✗ The headphones do not muffle the outside noise.

Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Headphone System

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• Open back, around ear, reference class dynamic headphone
• 56mm ring radiator transducers are the largest drivers ever used...
• Innovative absorber technology reduces unwanted frequency...
• Unique ear cup design directs sound waves to the ear at a slight...
• Includes two connecting cables: single ended 1/4 inches And...
• Connectivity technology: Wired

$1,389.99

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With a hefty price tag, these headphones are designed to improve your acoustic experience. The dynamic open-back design will enhance your listening experience and make these headphones appeal to professional users because they will improve every detail of your tunes.

With the ergonomic design of the titanium-like material, the headphones feature stainless steel mesh to increase the level of comfort and improve your acoustic performance. Dampened between multiple layers of polymers, the headband prevents unwanted vibrations from affecting the headphone mountings.

The 56mm ring transducers are the most significant drivers that you can find on any headphones. The unique ear cup design directs the waves towards your ears, so you will not miss any detail. There is an angle that emphasizes all the details for a natural and spatial listening experience.

Featuring innovative absorber technology, these headphones will reduce the unwanted noise so that you can feel fully immersed in your audio experience. They come with two cables so that you can connect your headphones to multiple devices.

Wearing these headphones will not cause any discomfort, thanks to the comfortable microfiber ear pads. The 300 Ohm feature and wide frequency range highlights all the details in your music. They are more expensive than other models.

What We Like

• ✓ Highlight all the details.
• ✓ Direct the sound waves towards your ears.
• ✓ Durable construction with comfortable padding.
• ✓ The headband prevents unwanted vibrations from affecting your melodies.
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• ✗ More expensive than other models.

How to Choose the Best Headphones for Classical Music

Headphones come in multiple shapes and designs, so the ones that you use for gaming won’t work if you’re looking for a pair of headphones that can improve your experience as you enjoy your classical music. Here are a few things to think about.

Open or Closed-Back Design for Classical Music

Classical music is delicate, and the balance between the highs, mids, and lows play a significant role. The perfect headphones for listening to classical music should enhance all of these elements. The closed-back headphones are better when you are in a noisy environment. The noise cancellation features help to cancel out the exterior noises, and this provides a great listening experience. The open-back design is ideal for classical music because it allows the sound to flow freely in the room.

How Do Open-Back Headphones Work?

In open-back headphones, the back part of the earcup is made of a mesh material, and this allows the sound to flow freely into the room. When these headphones are used in a public place, you are going to attract attention because you hear music with so much bass. Most of these headphones do not have noise cancellation because this feature is not needed.

Open-back headphones are ideal for classical music because they allow the sound to flow freely into the room. Most of these headphones have a natural sound that makes the music stand out. The subtle highs and mids are brought out, and the bass is not overpowering.

When you are choosing open-back headphones, they should be comfortable and provide a natural listening experience. The sound should be less directional, and the music should stand out without being drowned out by other instruments. You do not want to listen to classical music only on your headphones and miss out on the real experience.

What Type of Classical Music Do You Listen To?

The type of classical music you listen to is another factor that will influence your choice of headphones. For some people, it might be Mozart, while others enjoy Beethoven or Bach. These composers have different styles and musical compositions that will affect your choice of headphones. Open-back headphones are ideal for romantic composers because they provide a balanced listening experience. The other composers have a lot of intricate elements, and you will need the right headphones to enjoy the music.

Material and Build

The material and build of the headphones will influence your listening experience. Most open-back headphones are made from wood or metal, and this gives them a natural sound. The ear cups are soft and comfortable, and they do not produce too much noise during your listening experience. Most of the open-back headphones are designed for home entertainment, and they do not have too much bass.

When you are choosing open-back headphones, you should look for the ones that are lightweight and comfortable. The padding should be soft, and the ear cups should not produce too much noise during your listening experience. Most of these headphones have a natural sound, and this makes it easy to enjoy your favorite classical music.

Wearing your headphones for extended periods can become a little tiring if your headphones are not designed to minimize discomfort. You should choose high-quality and durable headphones that can withstand heavy-duty use. At the same time, the ergonomic and lightweight design will allow you to enjoy your headphones for extended periods.

The headband should be flexible enough to fit your head. You should be able to put it on and take it off comfortably. Pick a headband that you can easily adjust for a tight fit, so your headphones will not fall off if you move around.

Frequency Response

The frequency response and sound stage of the headphones are essential characteristics that you should look for. Most open-back headphones have a high-frequency response, and this makes the music stand out. The best open-back headphones will produce a balanced sound that will make your favorite music stand out in the room. You should look for the ones that enhance the highs, mids, and lows without compromising the experience.

Look for a frequency response around 10Hz to around 20,000Hz. This range will make the music stand out without being drowned out by other instruments. The sound stage should be natural, and the bass should not be overpowering.

Unlike other music genres, classical music relies more on the overall balance between the bass and trebles, so you should choose balance over any other detail. This guarantees that your headphones will help you enjoy a realistic sound image of your favorite classical music.

Soundstage

The soundstage is an indication of how the music sounds in the room. When you are listening to classical music, you should look for a soundstage that is balanced and wide. This soundstage will provide a realistic listening experience, and you are going to hear each instrument clearly. The smaller soundstage is typically found in the closed-back headphones, and this makes it harder to enjoy the music.

When you are listening to classical music, the soundstage should be wider. It should be more than 60 degrees, and this makes it easy to listen to all the instruments. When the soundstage is reduced to less than 60 degrees, you will not be able to follow the music as it is being played.

Wrap Up

Defining classical music is not an easy task, as the music is the full image of multiple instruments that play together to create a lively picture. To enjoy an immersive experience while enjoying your classical music, you should pick a pair of headphones that can highlight all the details to provide a dynamic soundstage.

We chose the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO open Studio Headphone as the best headphones for classical music because they’re designed to cater to the needs of amateur and professional users. Thanks to their design, no detail will be missed whether you are diving into the music for pleasure or mixing and editing.

It would be best if you understood that not all the headphones on the market are designed to deliver the feel of classical tracks. But the ones we chose on our list will not disappoint you. Look at them, and you will be able to enjoy your classical pieces for hours.