Top 23 Best Headphones for Classical Music 2020 [Buying Tips Provided] – Arkartech

Comparison Table for Top Headphones for Classical Music 

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Best Headphones for Classical Music 

#1 – Sennheiser HD 598 Headphones – Best for Clear and Neutral Sounds

If you are searching for the best audiophile headphones for classical music, look no further than the Sennheiser HD 598.

Looking almost identical to the previous models of the brand, the HD 598 offers unrivaled comfort as well as unblemished audio eminence for classical music.

These trendily-made over-ear headphones are equipped with earcups made of high-gloss burl wood, which is as durable as metal mesh.

Unlike conventional headsets, the HD 598 feature groundbreaking acoustic engineering that delivers exceptionally detailed, balanced, and natural sound. 

This unique headset provides superb comfort for long hours listening periods, thanks to its light construction, leatherette cushioned headband, and velour ear cushions. 

The obvious setback of this headset is the open back design, which can easily bleed sound into your immediate environs, thus upsetting other people with your music.   

#2 – Grado SR80e Prestige Series – Best Budget Buy

Replacing the renowned prototypes, Grado has presented the SR80e. With an almost identical appearance to the previous models, the SR80e offers new sound features for classical music.

These headphones have a low impedance and high sensitivity. The SR80e is redesigned, featuring new drivers, multi-conductor cables, and a new housing.

The open back construction is equipped with special plastic earcups that have nearly zero resonance to keep your sound pure and clean. 

The on-ear black foam pads of the SR80e are more comfortable for long listening. The soft vinyl, adjustable headband fits snuggly and doesn’t apply too much pressure on your head.

This model is more laid-back and the bass is fuller and deeper, adding up to a smoother tonal balance when listening to classical composition.

#3 – Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones – Best for Balanced and Transparent Sounds

Check out another set of high performing audiophile headphones. Distinct acoustics, top-quality components, and state-of-the-art production make them an audiophile’s dream.

The earcups are not heavy, but just enough that you can feel them. The big size means that the cozy like-velvet ear cushions truly serve more as cushioning for your jaw and head.

This also means they may be too large for your portable sound source, but it is okay since they are engineered to work with higher quality systems.

The oval designed headband with polyester cushioning provides exceptional comfort with no excessive pressure on the head.

Sound quality is the key to the excellence of these headphones. Classical music tracks will sound well-proportioned and meshed distinctly in between careful acoustic tones.

#4 – Beyerdynamic DT 880 Headphones – Best Wearing Comfort

These are among the highly-priced phones for classical music enthusiasts. They are produced in Germany with guaranteed performance.

These headsets deliver extraordinary spacious reproduction and exciting, natural sound. These head phones partially lessen ambient noise to provide a pleasant audio experience.

Unlike traditional products, the DT 880 features replaceable parts, which makes this model a dependable choice for many years to come.

The blend of aluminum yokes, cozy ear pads, and flexible headband provide a satisfying fit and an unchanging exterior for many hours of listening.

This model is known to produce highs that are piercing. So, they may not be a great choice for people with sensitive ears.

#5 – Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X Headphones – Best for Vibration Proofing

The ATH-AD900X is a stunningly, well-designed pair of open back headphones. They qualify as the fifth best audiophile headphones in our list because of the array of reliable features. 

The back side of the earcups are equipped with a see-through metal grill that allows you to see some of the internal components of the drivers.

The ATH-AD900X is outfitted with big velour ear pads for maximum comfort. Unlike most over-ear models, this one comes with a very flexible and cozy-fitting headband that applies no pressure to your head.

The vibration-proof housing accommodates CCAW voice coils and 53 mm drivers that deliver superb sound reproduction.

The open back structure and extremely wide frequency response (5 Hz to 35 kHz) delivers natural instrumentals and vocals.

The elegant construction is also fitted with a substantially long cord for easy maneuverability. The cord is equipped with a 3.5 mm jack, and you can also use the detachable quarter-inch adapter. 

#6 – Shure SRH1440 Professional Open Back Headphones – Best for Wider Compatibility

The first thing that you are going to notice about these headphones is their price. Are they worth the money? Let’s find out.

They have an open back construction and high sensitivity rating, which means they are mainly designed for in-house use.

The Shure SRH1440 are completely redesigned. Every design feature you will find on standard models, such as the headband, earcups and cable attachments are pretty much reinforced for durability.

Shure actually includes two similar sets of 7 feet cables. The package also includes an extra set of earpads, and a portable travel case.

The open back style of these headset allows more spatial listening, giving your classical music more depth and direction. The performance is even better at home with a powered amplifier.

If you want a wider soundstage that provides exceptional positioning of instruments and sound effects, the Shure SRH1440 is the real deal.

#7 – Grado SR325e Prestige Series Headphones – Best for Enhancing Vocals

Grado prestige series has been extremely popular in the industry. One of their latest inventions is the SR325e, which is well-known for its brilliant dynamics and excellent vocals.

When compared to the previous models of the prestige series, Grado SR325e provide two important upgrades.

There is more padding on the leather headband, which makes them more comfortable. They are outfitted with full metal aluminum earcups that are powder coated to reduce transient distortions.

If you compare tracks between this model and the previous ones, the SR325e delivers clearer vocals and instruments for a classical music enthusiast.

A classical music track will not sound hard-edged or bright, just well-imaged and charmingly sharp. Extended listening is a true delight with this model thanks to its dynamic, detailed, and balanced sound. 

#8 – AKG Q701 Quincy Jones Signature Headphones – Best for Bass Boosting

These are widely popular audio enthusiast entry-level headphones that most people love their sound signature.

At first glance, you will admire the elegant open back, over ear construction. The headphones have a circular ear cup design with perforation and small AKG accents spread around.

The design is further incorporated with lightweight leather headband with small pockets that feel good. The overhead flexible tubes allow for easy adjustment of the headband.

If you are listening to classical music, you will be pleased with the sound quality of these headphones. They deliver distinct highs with good lows in response.

If you are in favor of a slightly harsh as well as an electric signature, you will be happy with the AKG Q701. But the harsh signature doesn’t fully compliment vocals.

#9 – Focal Utopia Headphones – Best for Wider Soundstage

If you have no problem breaking the bank for a pair of headphones, then you should settle for this insanely expensive model.

It takes the ninth spot in our list of the best headphones for listening to music because of the unique sound quality features and sophisticated appearance.

The headband is made of carbon fiber that provides a cozy and comfortable fit for all head sizes as well as shapes. You get nothing short of ultimate comfort.

The very first convincing feature is the wide range loudspeaker design made of Beryllium. By design, the headphones are open back and over ear. So, bleeding is common with this headset.

The Focal Utopia are quite resolving headphones with a unique sound signature. They tend to be bright sounding with a wide soundstage, which is mostly ideal for classical music.

The frequency response of this model tends to lean towards powerful highs. So, they may not be ideal for you if you prefer mid-range signatures.

#10 – Bose QuietComfort 35 II Noise Cancelling Headphones – Best for Noise Cancelling

If you are in search for the best closed headphones for classical music, look no further than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.

This model looks sophisticated and lavishly made. The headband is made of soft and supple synthetic leather, which is very comfy on the head.

Stainless steel retractable arms are used along with a firm clicking system that prevents any accidental adjustments when wearing.

Closed back, over-ear earcups are expertly made. The right side ear cup is fitted with easy to use controls, including play, pause, and volume adjustment.

If you are in search for truly wireless headphones for classical music, then these are the real deal. They provide a stable Bluetooth connection. You also get more functionality with the Bose connect app.

These headphones sound well-rounded. They are louder and the bass is just a little bit harder, but the mid is a bit more forward.

#11 – Audio-Technica MSR7 Headphones – Best for High Resolution Audio

We complete our list of the best headphones for classical music with the Audio-Technica MSR7. They are designed to deliver extended frequency response from mid to low.

They come with a flexible swivel structure that allows you to fold flat the ear cups for easy storage. This makes them portable for travelling.

The headband and ear pads are made of soft memory foam for superior comfort. Overall, the built quality is good, but the hinges on the headband creak slightly when adjusting.

The sound quality is ideal for classical music. The mid-range is relatively recessed and the highs and bass are slightly boosted.

The most unique sonic feature of this headset is the stunning level of clarity with high agility and razor-like accuracy.

Our More Picks of Headphones for Classic Music

What Factors to Consider when Listening to Classical Music? 

When listening to classical composition, you need to pay close attention to instrument separation, clarity, and voices. You need headphones that can satisfy the following: 

#1 – Soundstage

In very simple terms, headphone soundstage is the stereo image created by the headset. It is all about how narrow or wide the image is.

When positioning sound effects, sounds, and instruments in the stereo image, the headset with superior soundstage will provide you with the best of your classical music.

In most cases, open-back headphones deliver grander soundstage (you can hear the violins on your left and flutes on your right) when compared to closed-back. 

#2 – Frequency Response

This is a measurement of how headsets respond to audio signals. It has everything to do with the intensity of bass, treble, and mid that the headsets deliver in hertz (Hz).

The normal frequency response range of headphones is usually 20 (bass) to 20,000 Hz (treble). Lower frequencies represent bass and higher ones represent treble.

The best headphones for classical music should have a flat frequency response, which generates a more precise image of the original sound source. 

#3 – Impedance

Headphones come in a variety of impedance ratings, all the way from 8 ohms up to 50,000 or more. Impedance refers to electrical resistance.

Preferably, the impedance of your headphones should match the impedance of your audio source (such as a smartphone), although this is not a must in all cases.    

You can connect high impedance headsets to a low impedance audio source with no trouble. However, do not attempt the reverse.

Anything lower than 25 ohms is considered to be low impedance. Therefore, high audio levels can be achieved with a small source of power. But you are likely to experience blowouts. 

#4 – Neutrality

Neutrality simply means that the headsets are capable of replicating the flat frequency response of the speakers’ sound.

A flat sound signature is a desirable output when listening to classical music. Flat means that there is no emphasis on any particular frequency.

If the sound signature is flat, then you can hear the classical music as it was detailed (naturally). Idyllically, there is no headphone driver that is truly flat.

However, most well-known brands try as much as possible to manufacture headsets that produce a natural sound. 

What Features to Look for When Buying Quality Classic Music Headphones? 

There are numerous headphones that you can listen to classic music with. They range from lightweight earbuds to full-sized headsets that produce amazing output.

Here are the major features that you should look for: 

#1 – Over-Ear, On-Ear, or In-Ear

Best headphones for listening to music come in three major designs: over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. The most ideal headset depends on your listening habits as well as preference.

Most users would prefer this design for its high-quality sound. They are usually bigger and bulkier compared to the other designs. They have large earcups that cover the ears completely and a thick headband. 

Normally, these headphones have large drivers, which are capable of delivering clearer and deeper sounding music. Most closed headphones for classical music are over-ear.

Over-ear headsets are not the most portable option. They may not be convenient for long-duration listening.

When compared to over-ear, on-ear headsets are normally compact. They come with small earcups that sits on the ears.

If you want portable headphones for classical music with a more compact construction and a comfortable fit, you should look no further than on-ear headphones.

In-ear or earbuds became famous with the launch of MP3 players and iPod. They are designed to fit into the ear.

As far as sound quality is concerned, earbuds are the least favorite. This is so since they come with miniature drivers.

They are the least comfortable because they put too much pressure on your ear canal. You may also find them uncomfortable due to the shape and material of the earbud tips.

However, if you want the most portable headphones for classical music, then earbuds are the real deal. They are remarkably easy to carry around. 

#2 – Open-Back vs. Closed-Back