Classical music is revered for its rich tonality, beauty, and intricate compositions. To fully immerse yourself in this genre’s splendor, it’s crucial to have headphones that faithfully reproduce its nuances and subtleties.
With countless options available, selecting the perfect pair can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, consider these three key factors:
- Sound Accuracy: Opt for headphones capable of faithfully reproducing the dynamic range and intricate details of classical music for an authentic listening experience.
- Comfort and Fit: Prioritize headphones with ergonomic designs and plush padding to ensure comfort during extended listening sessions.
- Durability and Build Quality: Choose headphones crafted from high-quality materials and robust build to withstand regular use for enduring performance and longevity.
As a classical music lover, you can easily find the ideal headphones to enjoy amazing sound quality from your music. For this, you need to navigate through our comprehensive Buying Guide and curated list of our top picks for your customized selection of Headphones to elevate your classical music enjoyment with precision and clarity.
Best Headphones for Classical Music Lovers List
| Best Headphones for Classical Music | Connectivity | Frequency Response | Impedance | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SENNHEISER HD 660 Headphone | Wired | 10 Hz to 41 kHz | 150 ohms | Check On Amazon |
| HIFIMAN Headphone | Wired | 6 Hz to 75 kHz | 32 ohms | Check On Amazon |
| Bose Noise Canceling Headphone | Wireless | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | N/A | Check On Amazon |
| AKG Pro Audio Headphone | Wired | 16 Hz to 20 kHz | 32 ohms | Check On Amazon |
| Audio-Technica Studio Headphone | Wired | 15 Hz to 28 kHz | 38 ohms | Check On Amazon |
| SONY Wired Headphone | Wired | 10 Hz to 22 kHz | 220 ohms | Check On Amazon |
| Beyerdynamic Studio Headphone | Wired | 5 Hz to 40 kHz | 250 ohms | Check On Amazon |
| Skullcandy Crusher Headphone | Wireless | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 32 ohms | Check On Amazon |
| Soundcore Anker Headphone | Wireless | 16 Hz to 40 kHz | 16 ohms | Check On Amazon |
| Beats Wireless Headphone | Wireless | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | N/A | Check On Amazon |
Best Headphones for Classical Music Lovers Reviews
Here is a list of some best-selling headphones that provide an immersive, authentic listening experience. Go through them and pick the right option that suits your listening requirement and budget range to enjoy the most in your classical music.
1. SENNHEISER HD 660 Headphone
The first product on our list is the SENNHEISER HD 660S Open Back Headphones. These reference-class headphones are specially designed for music professionals and audiophiles demanding the utmost in accuracy and sound quality.
They feature new and enhanced transducers delivering low harmonic distortion, as these transducers are hand-selected for accurate right/left matching tolerance to assure superior precision and presentation of stereo spatial characteristics. The frequency response of 10 Hz to 41 kHz along with the impedance of 150 ohms will allow this headphone to directly connect to a variety of high-resolution audio devices to experience Hi-Fi sound. It comes with dual detachable cables (6.35mm stereo plug & 4.4mm pentaconn balanced stereo plug) and an adapter (to switch 6.35mm to 3.5mm).
It features 42mm transducers that allow for a natural and spacious soundstage. While its open-back design with 38mm diaphragm, aluminum voice coil, and steel mesh delivers enduring performance. It comes with a set of essential cables for versatile connectivity.
Overall, the SENNHEISER HD 660S open-back headphones deliver revealing, tack-sharp detail of the music, making it a perfect option for audiophiles or music enthusiasts. Its high impedance, frequency response, and sensitivity along with its open-back design will provide an immersive listening experience.
2. HIFIMAN Headphone
If you are a music enthusiast, and looking for the most comfortable headphone to listen to classical music, then prefer to choose the HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi open-back headphones. This is a 2020 version audio accessory that has a planar magnetic driver with a new, hi-tech diaphragm delivering more detail, quick transients, and extended frequency response.
Its updated driver design will offer accuracy and clarity of the audio spectrum. The new headband design of the over-ear headphone provides a separate head strap that spreads the weight evenly over the head. The open-back design will allow enough air circulation and a comfortable fit that makes it look aesthetically and stylish. This headband withstands regular wear and stays durable for a long time usage.
They feature a standard 3.5mm headphone jack that enhances connectivity and a physically robust connector. Furthermore, it has new earpads for enhanced durability and a newly upgraded cable made with high-quality, strong materials (OFC wire) custom designed. All these features will make it clear to hear classical music by preserving sound neutrality.
Overall, the HIFIMAN SUNDARA headphones are the perfect option if you are searching for an open-end design and a U-shaped well-rounded design to enjoy classical music with bass, mids, and treble.
3. Bose Noise Canceling Headphone
Introducing the Most Powerful Noise Canceling Headphones from a reputable brand Bose. This Headphone 700 model is the best wireless Bluetooth headphones that feature excellent adjustable noise-canceling technology allowing you to get control over how much you want to hear the outside world, thanks to its 11 levels.
The conversation mode of this headphone lets you pause the music and adjust the noise-canceling for a quick chat. With its adjustable EQ, you can tune the music as you desired to experience hi-fi audio. Listening to any audio (music/podcasts/movies/calls) make is perfect with the combination of various exclusive Bose technologies together delivering consistent sound (clear details and deep bass) at any volume without acoustic noises.
The integrated voice control of the headphones allows you to manage calls, volume, and music without the phone, thanks to its microphone system. This headphone 700 model consists of capacitive touch controls and low-profile buttons that will let you control the device’s voice assistant (Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa), power, and noise-canceling presets.
The comfortable design with swiveled earcups, plush protein leather ear cushions, and a secure steel headband that fits comfortably on the head and allows for all-day listening. With its 20 hours long battery life, you can enjoy listening to music or taking calls uninterruptedly. The wireless Bluetooth connectivity and Bose SimpleSync technology allow you to connect the device and use them for up to 33 feet
Overall, Bose Headphone 700 around-ear wireless headphones offer a stylish, cozy appearance, powerful ANC, comfortable design, and decent battery life that deliver an exceptional listening experience to your classical music. So, it is a preferred option for those who are looking to enjoy music without ambient noises.
4. AKG Pro Audio Headphone
Next on our list, we have aesthetic and stylish over-ear headphones from the AKG Pro Audio K92 Studio Closed-Back headphones. These professional-grade headphones have 40 mm drivers for the extended frequency response (16Hz to 20kHz) that let you hear every detail in the audio. Thus, it is ideal for mastering and mixing the tracks and general studio use.
Also, it offers an accurate and well-balanced response for precise reference monitoring. Its closed-back design with an innovative acoustic chamber in the earcups will avoid audio leakage and enhance noise isolation, making it ideal to mix and master the sound by blocking external noises, especially for professional use. Its lightweight construction and breathable ear pads ensure comfortable wear for extended listening sessions without much discomfort.
Another great feature is its comfort. These AKG Pro Audio K92 headphones come with a self-adjusting headband design, and swiveling earcups will let you move the head in any direction and remain securely fit. Its aesthetic design with high-quality golden accents provides a stylish appeal, while its single-sided cable offers the freedom to move around easily.
Overall, this K92 headphone has professional build quality, a comfortable fit, and a lighter weight that delivers superior sound quality. This great pair of headphones offer high-quality, balanced audio in a durable, and affordable design that enhances the efficiency of classical music listening sessions.
5. Audio-Technica Studio Headphone
The advanced engineering and excellent build quality have made this Audio-Technica ATH-M30x the most preferred and popular choice for professionals. These wired headphones are equipped with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils and 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets that ensure capturing every nuance in the audio with good mid-range definition, and enhanced detail.
Its circumaural design offers great sound isolation that makes it perfect for studio mixing and tracking, even in a loud environment. With its convenient single-side cable exit (3m long on the left side), these headphones are collapsible and quite easy to store and move around flexibly. It is a versatile choice designed to excel in a variety of situations, including in the field and studio recording/listening to deliver superior sound quality.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x M-Series professional studio monitor wired over-ear headphones are perfect for those seeking pure, professional, and exceptional performance from their headphones. They come with a perfect combination of build quality, sound isolation, comfort, and superior audio quality to play for long sessions either in the studio or on the go.
6. SONY Wired Headphone
If you love to listen to classical music on the go, then this Sony MDRZX110NC pair of on-ear headphones are perfect. Its lightweight, and compact design with pressure-relieving ear cushions allow you to wear it comfortably for a long time and provides music mobility.
The integrated noise-canceling technology of the headphones will minimize ambient noise by up to 95% in environments and deliver a remarkable, noise-free audio performance to make you enjoy the music, irrespective of indoors or outdoors, or while traveling. Equipped with dynamic 1.18-inch drivers, they deliver well-balanced sound to make you immersed in a wide listening experience ranging from 10 Hz to 22 kHz.
Its foldable, swiveling earcups allow for easy portability, while its Y-shaped cord of 3.94 feet length allows you to enjoy your favorite tracks conveniently on the move. Another great feature of these headphones is the longer battery life of around 80 hours from a single AAA alkaline battery. This ensures you an extended noise-free music listening experience. Its passive mode lets you enjoy continued music listening conventionally when the battery runs low.
Furthermore, it consists of high-energy 300kJ/m3 neodymium magnets to deliver a rich, clear, and powerful sound with deep bass, mids, and highs. Whereas, its y-type cable is built to last longer and resist tangles and snags that let you enjoy uninterrupted music.
Overall, the Sony MDR-ZX110NC wired on-ear headphones are the best option for those looking to enjoy music comfortably and peacefully on the go for a long time. They offer long battery life, soft cushioning, and a great noise-canceling system at an affordable price range.
7. Beyerdynamic Studio Headphone
Introducing DT1990 Pro Open Over-Ear Wired Headphones from a renowned German brand, beyerdynamic. It is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, making it the most preferred and trusted option by professional users for sophisticated listening, mastering, and mixing.
This pair of circumaural headphones features a 250-ohm, 45mm dynamic Tesla neodymium driver to deliver exceptional power and precision for sound reproduction (high treble, detailed mid-range, and accurate bass). The open-back design, high output power, and high-resolution drivers ensure a dynamic, wide natural stereo image, spacious soundstage, and sublime sound quality.
The DT 1990 Pro headphones are built with titanium-coated acoustic fabric, high-tech precision woven textiles, and memory foam-filled ear pads that ensure delivery of a balanced sound quality and comfortable wear, even for extended sessions. While its dual sound characteristics, you can switch and choose from deliberately analytical sound tuning and well-balanced sound quality, thanks to its replaceable velour ear pads, which allow for personalized audio preferences.
These studio headphones are built with dual cables (3m straight cable, & 5m coiled cable) single-sided, the detachable cable having mini-XLR connectors, making them durable to last longer. Its soft, replaceable earpads and adjustable headbands provide long, comfortable, drawn-out studio sessions.
Overall, the beyerdynamic headphones are the best option for professionals like sound technicians, music producers, or broadcasters all over the world, especially for studio applications. Their open design and Tesla driver deliver a balanced, unparalleled audio experience.
8. Skullcandy Crusher Headphone
If looking for excellent wireless over-ear Bluetooth headphones to experience the ultimate audio for movies, classical music, gaming, or workouts, then Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Headphones will be your best pick.
Enjoy listening to your favorite audio with its long 40-hour battery life, and also 4-hour playtime is provided with its 10-minute rapid charge capacity. You can easily and quickly locate misplaced or lost headphones with its built-in Tile Finding technology. The Crusher Adjustable Sensory Bass let you customize the bass levels with ease (turn it up for intense and bone-rattling or turn it down for a mellow sound experience). Additionally, the audio quality improvements on Crusher let you experience a wide range of deep, rich bass.
Its collapsible and flat-folding design will allow for easy storing and transportation to listen on the go, thanks to its durable travel bag. Another unique feature of these headphones is its Personal Sound with Skullcandy App. This app allows you to create a Personal Sound Profile to store on the headphones to optimize sound levels as required. This Crusher Tech will enable Android, iPhone, or computer audio experience.
While Audiodo technology in the app inspects the hearing in both ears and then auto-adjusts the audio (especially bass) to optimal levels for a specific hearing. It ensures you experience the audio exactly as it is heard/designed. It is equipped with a thick padded headband and foam cushion ear pads for comfortable wear and also it has an integrated hidden mic for calls.
Overall, these Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Headphones are an ideal option for Android and iPhone users who want to use headphones flexibly without any cords. They come with an integrated mic, long battery life, a built-in Tile finding feature, Personal Sound, and extra bass technology that can be controlled via an app.
9. Soundcore Anker Headphone
If you seek wireless over-ear headphones for your home office setup or journeys, then these Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid ANC Headphones will be your best companion. This pair of Bluetooth headphones are equipped with custom oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce Hi-Res Audio to deliver exceptional music with extended high frequencies of up to 40 kHz for detail and clarity, even in treble.
With its hybrid active noise cancellation feature, the headphones minimize ambient noises by up to 90%. It features 4 built-in ANC microphones and digital ANC algorithm that will detect and prevents a wide range of low & mid-frequency noises. This is tested on various real-life scenarios and lets you enjoy clear, crisp, and accurate audio (music, movies, games, or calls) peacefully. Its exclusive BassUp technology will quickly strengthen the bass output, and double press the play button for amplified listening of bass-heavy genres (hip-hop or EDM).
Furthermore, the headphones offer a long 40 hours of continuous playtime in ANC mode (@ 60% volume) or 60 hours in standard music mode. A single full charge of the battery allows you to listen to over 600 songs or 40 meetings. While its quick 5-minute charge offers 4 hours of listening. It is equipped with memory foam earcups (molds around the ears), breathable mesh, and an adjustable headband (auto-adjust the angle to fit as per the head’s shape) to wear them comfortably, even for extended sessions.
Overall, the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 ANC headphones deliver superior sound quality, wireless Bluetooth (v5.0) connectivity, long battery life, and around-the-ear design with maximum comfort that provides Hi-Res Audio, and hybrid ANC to enjoy chilly mids, well-extended bass and boosted treble.
10. Beats Wireless Headphone
Our last pick is from Beats – these Beats Studio3 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones are the perfect choice for those who are looking for wide compatibility (Apple products) and connectivity options to enjoy listening to music anywhere, irrespective of Android or iPhone devices.
These headphones consist of pure active noise canceling technology and fine-tuned acoustics to deliver a premium listening experience. They not only block external noise but also use real-time audio calibration for clarity, emotion, and range in the music. The Apple W1 headphone chip allows seamless setup and switching between Apple devices for continuous audio play. Its holistic design with soft over-ear cushions, ergonomic pivoting, and advanced venting offers a flexible fit for any head. It is lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear for a long time.
The Beats Studio3 headphones can be used wired or wireless to connect to both Android and Apple devices. While its Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity offers a wider range and strengthens the signal for seamless syncing with a variety of devices. Talking about its battery life, they provide 22 hours of listening time with ANC ON, and 40 hours with ANC OFF. And its fast-fuel, quick 10 minutes charge will offer 3 hours of playback. It has on-device controls, especially on the left earcup to take calls, control music, and activate Siri or default voice assistant on the device.
Overall, the Beats Studio3 Over-Ear Headphones are the perfect option for anyone seeking high-quality sound, comfortable wear, and convenience. It has pure ANC, activates Siri, impressive battery life, comfortable fit, and real-time audio calibration to deliver an exceptional listening experience.
Buying Guide To Purchase The Headphones For Classical Music Lovers
For classical music enthusiasts, finding the perfect pair of headphones is essential to fully immerse themselves in the rich textures and nuances of their favorite compositions. With a multitude of options available, it’s important to understand the key factors that differentiate headphones and ensure an exceptional listening experience.
So, let’s explore the critical considerations that will guide you in selecting the ideal headphones to elevate your enjoyment of classical music.
1. Open Back Vs Closed-Back Design
Choosing headphones involves considering design elements that significantly impact the listening experience. Two primary options, open-back and closed-back headphones, offer distinct advantages:
- Open-Back Headphones feature an open-air design that creates a wide soundstage for accurate sound reproduction. This design also reduces air pressure buildup and provides a natural, spacious sound, making them ideal for classical music enthusiasts.
- Closed-Back Headphones, on the other hand, contain sound within the ear cups, offering a more isolated listening experience with the loudest and fullest music, preferred by many users.
- While in-Ear Headphones offer portability (lighter and compact), they often lack the expansive soundstage desired for classical music listening.
Ultimately, the choice between open-back and closed-back headphones depends on personal preference and desired listening experience.
2. Comfort
Comfort is paramount when choosing headphones, especially for extended use during travel or work. Opting for headphones with cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband ensures a comfortable fit over time. Additionally, the material construction and weight play a significant role in comfort.
The lighter models are more comfortable for prolonged wear compared to heavier ones. Prefer leather-made ear cups offer a lighter, more comfortable, and durable option, while some prefer breathable fabric for a cushion-like feel. Choosing headphones with these comfort-oriented features enhances the overall listening experience.
3. Sound Signature
When it comes to classical music, headphones’ sound signature becomes particularly significant. Unlike other genres, classical music demands a balanced approach to frequencies – from lows to highs. This balance ensures an accurate representation of instruments and vocals without any particular range being overly emphasized.
Headphones suitable for classical music should offer a neutral sound signature, allowing for a faithful reproduction of the music without distortion towards any frequency range. This neutrality ensures a balanced, precise, and authentic listening experience across all genres and sounds.
4. Sound Quality
Sound quality is another deciding factor for classical music enthusiasts. Headphones can adjust volume and frequency response, enhancing the overall sound quality and musical experience. However, preferences vary – some prefer the authentic, unaltered sound as recorded, while others appreciate enhancements for a richer listening experience.
Additionally, consider the type of drivers used in the headphones. There are three main types: dynamic, planar magnetic, and electrostatic drivers. These drivers convert electrical signals into sound waves, each offering unique characteristics that can influence the listening experience.
5. Portable Vs Studio
Consider where you intend to use the headphones when making your selection. If you’re seeking portability for on-the-go use, opt for lightweight, portable headphones. Conversely, if you are using them in a studio environment, prioritize large and durable options for optimal performance. Matching your headphone choice to your usage scenario ensures a better overall experience.
6. Sensitivity and Impedance
When selecting any audio equipment, including these headphones, sensitivity and impedance are critical specifications that greatly influence sound quality. Matching sensitivity and impedance to your listening preferences ensures an immersive audio experience.
Impedance, measured in ohms, indicates the power needed for headphones to achieve high volumes. Higher-impedance headphones require more power to drive them effectively. Matching the impedance of the headphones with the source device is essential for optimal sound quality across all music genres.
Sensitivity, measured in decibels (dB), gauges the loudness of headphones when a specific voltage or power is applied. Low-sensitivity headphones are suitable for portable devices, while high-sensitivity models produce louder sound levels with less power consumption. Look for headphones with a minimum sensitivity rating of 90 dB to ensure sufficient volume for enjoying a dynamic range and detail without external amplification.
7. Type of Ear Cups (On-Ear Vs In-Ear Vs Over-Ear)
The choice between on-ear, over-ear, and in-ear headphones significantly impacts your listening experience, emphasizing differences in sound quality and comfort.
- In-Ear Headphones (IEMs) offer a lightweight, compact, and convenient option ideal for on-the-go listening. These small ear cups fit directly into the ear canal.
- Over-Ear Headphones excel in sound quality and comfort, distributing pressure evenly around the ears for extended wear. Also called circumaural headphones – feature larger ear cups that enclose the ears.
- On-Ear Headphones strike a balance between the two, offering a comfortable fit while still providing quality sound. Also called supra-aural headphones – rest on the outer ear.
8. Frequency Response Range
The frequency response range of headphones determines the spectrum of sound they can accurately reproduce. Vibrations are translated into audible sound through the air, with higher frequencies producing higher pitches and vice versa. Human hearing typically ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, so it’s important to choose headphones within this range to ensure accurate reproduction of bass, mids, and high treble frequencies.
9. Noise Cancellation or Isolation
When choosing audio equipment, it’s crucial to consider noise cancellation or isolation features. Active noise cancellation employs advanced technology to monitor and neutralize both internal and external sounds, effectively reducing environmental noise. Conversely, passive noise isolation relies on soundproofing materials and a snug fit to minimize ambient noise intrusion. Headphones equipped with these features effectively block out unwanted sounds, providing a more immersive listening experience.
10. Additional Features
In addition to these key features, several supplementary features cater to individual preferences. These may include wireless connectivity, extended battery life, weatherproofing, durability, and detachable cables. Assessing these extra features according to your specific listening preferences ensures a more tailored and satisfying headphone experience.
Verdict: By carefully considering all of these features, you can undoubtedly discover the ideal pair of headphones to fully immerse yourself in the joy of listening to classical music according to your preferences.
Conclusion
We hope that our selection of headphone models and comprehensive buying guide will assist you in finding the perfect headphones for enjoying classical music. Look for headphones that accurately reproduce the dynamic range of classical compositions, from deep bass to vibrant highs, to truly immerse yourself in the music.
Have any questions or thoughts to share? Feel free to leave them in the comments below. We’re eager to hear from you and will promptly address any inquiries or feedback you may have.
Headphones for Classical Music Lovers – FAQs
Ans: Open-back headphones often provide a wider soundstage and more natural sound reproduction, ideal for capturing the nuances of classical music instruments.
Ans: Dynamic drivers are commonly preferred for their balanced sound reproduction, capturing the intricate details and dynamics of classical compositions.
Ans: While not essential, noise cancellation can enhance your listening experience by minimizing distractions and allowing you to focus solely on the music.
Ans: In-ear headphones can provide decent sound quality and portability but may not offer the same immersive experience as over-ear or open-back headphones for classical music aficionados.
Ans: Impedance determines how much power headphones require to reach high volumes, so it’s crucial to match headphones with the appropriate impedance to your listening device for optimal sound quality.
Ans: Yes, wireless headphones offer convenience and freedom of movement, but ensure they maintain high sound quality and low latency for an enjoyable classical music experience.
Ans: Quality headphones don’t always come with a hefty price tag. Look for reputable brands with good reviews and focus on features like sound accuracy and comfort rather than just price.
