Night Practice Headphones for a Digital Piano: HD 560S vs DT 900 Pro X (or other recs)?
Following up on a previous discussion where I decided on a Kawai CA701 (still on order, expected to arrive mid-February馃), I am now focusing on the other half of the night-practice setup: headphones.
The piano will mainly be used late in the evening, so clarity, realism, fatigue-free listening and a convincing piano sound are key. I am deliberately looking at open-back models for the soundstage and spatial realism, even with some sound leakage (it should not disturb anyone in other rooms...).
After some research, I have narrowed it down to two options:
Sennheiser HD 560S
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
Both are often praised for accuracy and neutrality, but I would really value pianist-specific impressions: touch-to-sound translation, sense of space, dynamics, long practice comfort, and durability/reliability over time.
Also open to other headphone suggestions you have had great experiences with!
Looking forward to your insights 馃幑
14 replies
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You should try them on if you can. Otherwise it's pretty much a guess. I've always liked the fit and sound of Sennheiser around-the-ear headphones. I've had an HD 580 and HD 598. I've also used other brands and designs with my Yamaha P90 and P525. My conclusion is that virtually any headphone costing more than $100 is going to sound vastly superior to built-in speakers or any external sound system costing 10 times as much (or more). As for the 'absolute' sound of the headphones, both the Sennheisers and Beyerdynamics could be run through an amplifier and equalizer to tweak the tonal balance according to your preferences.
So just go for it. Flip a coin if necessary. You'll be happy with the sound: a concert grand in your practice room!!! Wow!
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I use the Sennheiser for my Kawai ES920 and I very satisfied with it. Good clarity yet warm sound, and I'd say it checks all the boxes you mentioned. I haven't tried the other one though.
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I bought the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2, which are not open-back but do have active noise cancellation, which is a plus for me. They have very accurate and neutral reproduction and solid but not boomy bass all the way to the piano low A. My Yamaha digital has selectable acoustic settings that provide a very good sound stage regardless of which headphones are used; your incoming Kawai may have them also. For the current price of $220 I couldn't be more pleased with the B&W headphones. I do wish Yamaha had provided a decent internal amplifier and speakers; their sound is excruciating.
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I have the Sennheiser HD 560S, & am really pleased with them. My priority was ear comfort due to occasional tinnitus alongside good sound. Sometimes I have to slip them off to check they're plugged in, because the sound doesn't feel like it's coming from headphones! If ever they broke, I would definitely choose this model again.
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Hi, I use the HD560s with the Kawai ca701 and I am very happy with them, I tried various other sets both cheaper and more expensive and found these to be the best.
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I personally own the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X and they are certainly accurate and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I own 2 pair.
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I use wired AKG K240MKII semi-open studio headphones. I also use AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless headphones for Bluetoothing to my computer as well as low latency wireless to the plug in transmitter module wit my digital piano. The TMA-2 is super lightweight and gives you the freedom to move around the piano. Kind Regards Richard
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I will go ahead with the HD 560S for now.
Thanks for your comments and advice!
Will let you know about my experience...