Classic 300Ω Open-Back Dynamic Reference Headphone
Specifications
| Category | Open Back Headphone |
|---|---|
| Brand | Classic Audio |
| Driver type | Dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm |
| Driver count | 1 per side |
| Impedance | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 39.5 kHz |
| THD | 0.05 % |
| Cable termination | detachable |
| Recommended amp power | 200 mW |
| Tuning target | neutral / studio reference |
| Weight | 260 g |
| Price (USD) | $549 |
| Release year | 1997 |
Overview
The 300 Ω open-back dynamic that the entire audiophile headphone industry uses as a reference target. A 40 mm aluminum-voice-coil dynamic driver in an acoustically-tuned open-back baffle produces a tonality so consistently described as “neutral” that the Harman target curve was originally derived against it.
High impedance + high sensitivity (103 dB/mW at 300 Ω) means it craves voltage rather than current. The ideal pairing is an OTL tube amplifier — see the OTL tube headphone amp — but a high-output solid-state amp like the desktop headphone amplifier also drives it cleanly.
Detachable cable terminates at a single 4-pin XLR by default; aftermarket balanced cables route the differential signal cleanly back to a Pentaconn or 2.5 mm balanced source. The OCC copper headphone cable is the canonical pairing.
Earpiece / cable connector
4-Pin XLR Balanced — Desktop Headphone Standard
19mm · 4-pole XLR4
Recommended source devices
OTL Tube Headphone Amplifier (6N6P / 6N1P)
120mW @ 32Ω · Headphone Amp
Pure Class A Desktop Headphone Amplifier (Discrete BJT)
3200mW @ 32Ω · Headphone Amp