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Hi guys,

So I am planning on buying a Nord Piano HA88 and I wonder if I should buy a headphone with it as I got one right now specially for my computer. I have the Sennheiser PC 363D which isn't exactly specialized for keyboards. I was wondering if there is a distinct difference between a PC headphone and a keyboard one?

Do keyboard users use studio headphones?

I also see a lot of different headphones sometimes they got the near same price and are from Sennheiser (I really like Sennheiser). So I was wondering if you have any recommendation of around 200 euros (or more or less is there is a big difference) for a headphone?

Thanks a lot!

Am happy with my AKG K240s (original and II) for playing a Nord Electro. I like the half-open concept. YMMV.

Typically a good headphone is a good headphone; the ones I've enjoyed the most with my MP10 are also my favorite for music in general.

The above mentioned AKGs are highly regarded, and I'm personally a Sennheiser fan as well.

Not sure of the price in euros, but Sennheiser HD558, HD598, and HD600 are all considered to be quite good (I'm personally a big fan of the HD600, but they might be a bit above your price range).

I thoroughly enjoy my Sennheiser HD380s. Very clean and flat. More warm than bright. Slightly heavy on the bass but clear and not muddy. Great for under $150.

I also want to mention the Yamaha HPH-MT220. I recently visited my friend who runs a home studio and he has a few pairs of these headphones. I was amazed at how clean and accurate these cans are. The detail and separation of each instrument was the best I have ever heard. Very comfortable too. He said he has owned over 20+ pro headphones in the past 25 years and these have been one of the best he has ever used for studio. HOWEVER, I did not try them on a digital piano. I might buy a pair - IMO they are very reasonably priced at $250. I also read some great reviews on them - but not many out there.

If interested:
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music-production/accessories/headphones/hph-mt220_w/?mode=model

review:
http://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/index.php/2013/08/yamaha-hph-mt220-monitoring-headphones-review/

http://worshipleader.com/yamaha-hph-mt220-review/

I use Sennheiser HD-280 phones, and like them. The HD-380 is reported to be better, but I haven't tried them.

"Studio headphones" (or "hi-fi headphones") are what you need for keyboards.

. Charles

Thanks for the replies!

Is there a huge difference between de HD 280 and HD 600? Despite the number?

Get the HD600. The 280's were among the worst phones I've ever tried.

As you see, there is a lot of subjectivity in evaluating headphones!

The HD600 and HD598 get some excellent comments, here and elsewhere.


Now, the HD-280 is a "closed" headphone -- it blocks out external sound. I believe the other two are "open" headphones -- the don't block external sound.

. Charles

PS -- if you want to get completely lost, try the dealer website:

www.goodcans.com

But be careful -- there are brands that they don't sell, and (therefore?) don't recommend.

Good point, CC.
goodcans.com (and heaphones.com) will lead you astray. Their commentary is pure marketspeak rubbish.

The only judgement that matters is the one that comes from your own ears in a live test.

The problem, though, is that there are precious few places where you can try out headphones. Can you imagine buying under such conditions?

But fortunately some online retailers have liberal buy-and-try-and-return policies. Amazon is good. So it B&H in New York.

i have the sennsheimer hd 600's and love them. i much prefer the open headphone although i realize there are times when the closed phones are a better fit. i can wear the 600's for hours without ear fatigue. the sound is very natural. i started out with the AKG K240's and they are very good headphones, but the 600's blow them away.
i also have some audio technica ATH M50's which are closed phones- i don't care for them for digital piano- seem a tad brittle and bright, but i use them a lot for iTunes or Youtube

I absolutely love my HD598, which I bought based on good reviews and recommendations by Pianoworld members. Very comfortable, great sound and sound-stage. And they are OPEN ! Open design is a must for me from now on, it feels much more natural and spacious. Hard to describe, but with closed design I feel something like an air pressure to my ears all the time. If you want to save some money, you can consider HD558 or HD518.