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Best Headphones for Classical Music

 


Classical music. It may actually be the most difficult to define musical genre. In one sense, we are talking about music from a specific time period, the so-called Classical Period from 1750 to 1820. This period includes well-known works from the likes of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. However, there are other periods and styles of classical music: Baroque, Romantic, Renaissance, and Modern, to name a few.

And what is the essence of classical? Some might call it relaxing, but people who listen to classical music know that this isn't a one-size-fits-all description. Sure, classical music can soothe you, but it can also be highly invigorating and thought-provoking. It can make your spirits soar and it can move you to tears. It can even (arguably) make you smarter -- the so-called "Mozart effect." Read more about music, mood, emotion, and cognition.

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When it comes to the best headphones for classical music, we generally recommend a neutral or neutral-warm headphone. Much of classical music exists in the midrange, so you don't want a headphone that puts too much emphasis on either the high end or the low end. We find that a warmer sound signature provides more of a lush, immersive listening experience. We like the music to sound cohesive and flowing without an over-emphasis on details.

Now, some people do prefer a brighter sounding or more analytical headphone for classical for bringing high-pitched instruments to life (or for focusing on details in instrumentation). As far as open-back vs. closed back headphones, an open-back headphone will provide a wider soundstage -- great for reproducing music recorded in a concert hall. A closed-back headphone, meanwhile, will give you a more immersive, in-your-head listening experience.

To help you narrow your choices, we've curated a list of what we consider to be our best headphones for listening to classical music. If you're looking for the best headphones for classical under $1,000, you've got some great options. If you're looking to spend a little more, we've recommended a few headphones in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Finally, you'll see some "cream of the crop" headphones over $2,000. Click on any headphone image to learn more.

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Under $1,000

  • Sound: Forward, engaging
  • Style: Open back
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  • Sound: Energetic, fun  
  • Style: Closed back
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$1,000-$2,000

  • Sound signature: Analytical
  • Style: Open back
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  • Sound signature: Analytical
  • Style: Open back
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  • Sound signature: Warm
  • Style: Open back
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Grado GS1000x Statement Series Headphones

  • Sound signature: Warm, rich
  • Style: Open back
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Over $2,000

  • Sound signature: Warm, lush, engaging  
  • Style: Open back
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Focal Stellia Closed Back Headphones

  • Sound signature: Analytical, detailed, resolute
  • Style: Closed back
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  • Sound signature: Analytical, smooth top end  
  • Style: Open back
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  • Sound signature: Warm, detailed
  • Style: Open back
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Video

Best Audiophile Headphones for Classical Music