What headphone and amplifier for classical enthusiast

As alluded to in previous posts, just as with traditional systems so much of this comes down to personal tastes/preferences and system synergy.  I’ll just throw out there that with classical music I prefer an open-backed headphone as it provides more of that “out-of-the-head” imaging that I find works well especially with larger-scale classical recordings.  Whether you’d prefer a dynamic driver, planar, etc, only you can decide as they each have their strengths, but if you want to use a tube HP amp I’d shy away from planar models.  

All that said, one combo that might be worth a look would be the Hifiman Arya planar ‘phones you can get open box from Hifiman for $1299 and the Singxer SA-1 Class-A amp for $599 that, while not tubes, could provide some similar qualities.  The Quicksilver headphone amp is a tube amp that might have the juice for the Aryas but would be a little more pricey.  Just some other options to consider FWIW, and best of luck. 

Since I was forced to move to headphone listening, I have tried numerous headphones and amps none of which I enjoyed all that much with classical music until I found:

SparkoS Labs Gemini with vintage 12BH7 tube (mine is a Tung Sol 12BH7A black plate)

Grado Hemp with white stitching on headband (the so-called revised version) and the Grado brand G-Cushions and ddHiFi 1/4 inch adapter

RV, FWIW I think you are finding a solution to your problem, i.e. sound v music. If you are careful in your choices you may actually prefer using Headphones and a good matching HP amp to your main system when you want to hear the recordings contents unmolested by room acoustics. It can be a big difference!  I have HP's and amp and I just love them. I do lose some of the great soundstage but the clarity you can get from a headphone system with a good recording is remarkable and a worthwhile alternative.

Couple of warnings. Be sure to try wearing the headphone you think to buy. Comfort can be a huge issue for listening for any length of time. I have gone thru several HP's with near SOTA sound that were so uncomfortable I couldn't wear them for more than an hour or so. Fatal flaw if you just happen to like Mahler/Bruckner, etc). There are headphones which can sit on your head without pressure from the headband and the earpieces feel comfortable on your ears. You can forget they are even there.  As with speakers, your choice of amp and headphones will be synergistic. Be very wary of specific user recommendations (for the same reasons you would other audio stuff).  Re headphone amps, tubes are not necessary. I'm a tube addict and have a quality tube HP amp purchased on the assumption that you needed tubes. I also have a solid state HP amp and found that I much prefer it's sound with my planner headphones.  

Good luck.....

 

@newbee 

Thanks for your interest and suggestions.