HD550... not impressed at all

C

cannondale06

[H]F Junkie
Joined
Nov 27, 2007
Messages
16,180
well I just got the Senn HD550 phones today and I just dont get why they sound so weak during gaming. the shotgun in HL2 is a joke now compared to the other headphones/headsets I have tried. yes I have everything set up properly for my sound card. I even turned up the bass a bit because I heard these were lacking.

the HD555 vibrate as if they are producing bass but there is no actual hard hitting sounds with gunfire and explosions. I have some some cheap HD205 phones right in front of me and they sound better in the games I have tried out. the Steelseries 3v headset was WAY better sounding when it came to gunfire and explosions. :(
 
Wow cannondale06, you've been unhappy with few of your headphone purchases. :(

First the AD700, and now this!

If bass is what you're after maybe the DT770 (closed) or DT990 (open) will work for you.
 
What did you expect? I've never understood why anyone suggest the HD555s. They are on my list of worst phones I've owned.
 
450 said:
Wow cannondale06, you've been unhappy with few of your headphone purchases. :(

First the AD700, and now this!

If bass is what you're after maybe the DT770 (closed) or DT990 (open) will work for you.
Click to expand...
well the AD700 just didnt fit so I never really got to try them out. I have played around with the HD550 for several hours today and I just cant believe how weak they are. it seems the left side vibrates more than the right and really irratates the crap out of me because they are not even really making good thumping sounds. I would honestly pick the HD205 over these for gaming. I would just get another Steeseries 3v headset but it was so uncomfortable.
 
skyline889 said:
What did you expect? I've never understood why anyone suggest the HD555s. They are on my list of worst phones I've owned.
Click to expand...
well I obviously didnt expect this. lol. when people said they lacked bass I didnt think they meant the kind associated with gunfire and explosions. I figured they meant the bass like you hear with rap songs and such.
 
cannondale06 said:
well I obviously didnt expect this. lol. when people said they lacked bass I didnt think they meant the kind associated with gunfire and explosions. I figured they meant the bass like you hear with rap songs and such.
Click to expand...

Those are both examples of when thump bass is wanted, so I don't see how that's confusing (they both have the intention of physically feeling the bass, rather than it adding to the music/listening experience).

First you need to realize that since you're strapping a small speaker to the side of your head, it's going to be really hard to actually "feel" the bass in any kind of manner that a sub would allow you. Second, you need to look into the beyerdynamic dt770 or dt990. They've probably got the most "slamming" bass that headphone will have without detracting a whole lot from sound (some say not at all, but Beyers just aren't my cup of tea).

The Senns you picked up are pretty notorious for being bass light to some people. I'm of the opinion that they're nicely balance for a sub $100 phone, but there's better out there in the same, and lower, price range.

Perhaps Goldring DR150's are worth looking into, they can be had for about $60 if you look around (I paid $55 for them off of ebay, but I've seen them new in the $65 range). They're a couple years old and are considered by a lot of people to be the "younger brother" to Seen 580's and 650's. They're not a huge into thumping bass, but they've got enough bass that I'm more than satisfied with how guns feel when I game with them on. I'm going to be a bit tentative on this pair though, since they're still probably a bit bass light for some. Beyer DT770 are probably they way to go for you.

If you try a pair of beyers and they still don't offer the bass you're looking for, then I don't honestly know if you're looking for real bass or just some thump thump. If the later is the case, pick up something that's targeted at the thump audience like (god-forbid) skull candy headphones. I think skull candy may have released a gaming headset, so you could look into that too.
 
Crapinapale said:
Those are both examples of when thump bass is wanted, so I don't see how that's confusing (they both have the intention of physically feeling the bass, rather than it adding to the music/listening experience).

First you need to realize that since you're strapping a small speaker to the side of your head, it's going to be really hard to actually "feel" the bass in any kind of manner that a sub would allow you. Second, you need to look into the beyerdynamic dt770 or dt990. They've probably got the most "slamming" bass that headphone will have without detracting a whole lot from sound (some say not at all, but Beyers just aren't my cup of tea).

The Senns you picked up are pretty notorious for being bass light to some people. I'm of the opinion that they're nicely balance for a sub $100 phone, but there's better out there in the same, and lower, price range.

Perhaps Goldring DR150's are worth looking into, they can be had for about $60 if you look around (I paid $55 for them off of ebay, but I've seen them new in the $65 range). They're a couple years old and are considered by a lot of people to be the "younger brother" to Seen 580's and 650's. They're not a huge into thumping bass, but they've got enough bass that I'm more than satisfied with how guns feel when I game with them on. I'm going to be a bit tentative on this pair though, since they're still probably a bit bass light for some. Beyer DT770 are probably they way to go for you.

If you try a pair of beyers and they still don't offer the bass you're looking for, then I don't honestly know if you're looking for real bass or just some thump thump. If the later is the case, pick up something that's targeted at the thump audience like (god-forbid) skull candy headphones. I think skull candy may have released a gaming headset, so you could look into that too.
Click to expand...
to me it still seems like differnent kinds of bass. a thump or thud is a lot different than a dragged out bass the kids like to have in their car. for instance my factory car speakers sound good and punchy but something like a Beastie Boys sounds gawdawful. the Steelseries 3h had excellent sounding gunfire and explosions so something like that is what I would like. maybe they arent full of crap when they say their headsets are tuned for gaming.
 
Crapinapale said:
Perhaps Goldring DR150's are worth looking into, they can be had for about $60 if you look around (I paid $55 for them off of ebay, but I've seen them new in the $65 range).
Click to expand...

Only one on eBay right now is $150 BIN. :(

Also, cannondale06 you should consider getting a cheap receiver (used, $30-50) and some aura bass shakers. The bass shakers should be mounted to your chair or w/e seat you use and you'll definately feel the bass then.
 
450 said:
Only one on eBay right now is $150 BIN. :(

Also, cannondale06 you should consider getting a cheap receiver (used, $30-50) and some aura bass shakers. The bass shakers should be mounted to your chair or w/e seat you use and you'll definately feel the bass then.
Click to expand...
no room for a receiver and the chair things I dont find interesting. I just want more realistic gun sounds and explosions not shaking or vibrating bass.

I think the HD550 phones were defective since the left side vibrated so much than the right when trying to create a sound like a shotgun blast. they are all packed up and tomorrow I will contact Amazon and just return them.
 
It does seem you have a defective set so maybe a blessing in disguise as you can return them and get what you really want :)

About sofa shakers, the quality and response varies quite a lot, the newer models coming out now are much improved.
I'm using a new sofa shaker (Quake 10b, 1KW, 8ohm, more sensitive, 5 to 40Hz without bass controller, 500W bridged amp)
http://www.theshakercentre.co.uk/aspbite/products/products.asp?intProductsID=90
and have tried my friends (Buttkicker mini, 250W, 4ohm, 5 to 200Hz without bass controller, 250W single channel amp,) mounted on a car seat - driving simulator/gamestation.
http://www.shakercentre.com/aspbite/products/products.asp?intProductsID=7
Both are controlled with the same amp and bass controller.

My friend is using his shaker with headphones and no sub and thats not a good mix imo.
(maybe it will be ok if you have cans with very low bass response)
There are a whole load of bass frequencies missing and the LFE shaker effects seem to just pop up sometimes
Its very good for some car racing games like when you run over the kirb or hit a wall, it really feels like you did.

My shaker is a new improved version of the older Quake 10.0 (dont get the old one, its 2ohm and not as sensitive -not as powerful for the same power usage).
Its attached to my sofa and is run with 2 subs in the room to get the full range of LFE effects.
It integrates much better and feels more natural and has massive power, enough to shake things off my sofa.
The effects arent natural enough for general music listening, some music is very good, some is not!
Its truly amazing for films, games and some TV!
 
Last edited:
I like the RX700 for that very reason. It does sound great with bassy things like explosions and gunfire, but it's not muddy.

Some people say it is, but I have them amped with my AV40 speaker amp, and the bass sounds WAY better, a lot more controlled. It is muddy directly into onboard though.
 
Adreneline said:
I like the RX700 for that very reason. It does sound great with bassy things like explosions and gunfire, but it's not muddy.

Some people say it is, but I have them amped with my AV40 speaker amp, and the bass sounds WAY better, a lot more controlled. It is muddy directly into onboard though.
Click to expand...
I might try those out next week. looking at reviews the harx700 does seem to have the gunfire and explosion kick I am looking for in gaming. I hope they arent any larger than the HD550 though because they fit just right on the smallest setting.
 
JaYp146 said:
I beg to differ. My HD555s sound dramatically better when powered by my Onkyo receiver vs. direct plug into soundcard.
Click to expand...

...I don't know how you're hearing a "dramatic difference" between the line-out on your X-fi and your Onkyo receiver's headphone out (This is NOT a headphone amp) when you couldn't tell the difference between the analog out of your X-Fi and your integrated audio?? There is a much bigger jump between the analog out of onboard sound compared to the analog out of a dedicated soundcard like the X-Fi Platinum than there is between the X-Fi's analog out/headphone out and the headphone out on a receiver.

I've owned the entire HD5x5 line and I've used them with several real headphone amplifiers ranging from RSA to Gilmore to Singlepower, they do not improve enough with any amplifier to justify the price of the amplifier. The HD595s scale better than the HD515s and the HD555s however, none see the same kind of improvement as good scaling headphones like the HD650s, the HD600s, the AKG K701s, the K271s, etc do. The difference noticed when using these headphones with progressively better amps is huge and this is what I would define as "dramatically better." The difference when using the HD555s with progressively better amps is relatively very benign.

If you think its just me, ask almost anyone who has owned the HD555s and has actually used better headphones and real amplifiers. Even the general consensus on Head-Fi is that the HD555s are not very demanding headphones and don't scale well with higher quality amplifiers. Any amount you spend towards an amp for these headphones would be better put to better headphones. Of course they'll sound better with an amplifier however, you're trying to max out a headphone with very little potential.
 
My Creative Fatal1ty headset has massive bass and switching back to my Sennheisers the difference in bass is noticeable. I personally prefer the sound on my Senny's, much more clarity, realistic and comfortable on the eardrums.

Cannondale - have you tried changing the Crystaliser and the game mode settings for your X-Fi?
 
skyline889 said:
...I don't know how you're hearing a "dramatic difference" between the line-out on your X-fi and your Onkyo receiver's headphone out (This is NOT a headphone amp) when you couldn't tell the difference between the analog out of your X-Fi and your integrated audio?? There is a much bigger jump between the analog out of onboard sound compared to the analog out of a dedicated soundcard like the X-Fi Platinum than there is between the X-Fi's analog out/headphone out and the headphone out on a receiver.

I've owned the entire HD5x5 line and I've used them with several real headphone amplifiers ranging from RSA to Gilmore to Singlepower, they do not improve enough with any amplifier to justify the price of the amplifier. The HD595s scale better than the HD515s and the HD555s however, none see the same kind of improvement as good scaling headphones like the HD650s, the HD600s, the AKG K701s, the K271s, etc do. The difference noticed when using these headphones with progressively better amps is huge and this is what I would define as "dramatically better." The difference when using the HD555s with progressively better amps is relatively very benign.

If you think its just me, ask almost anyone who has owned the HD555s and has actually used better headphones and real amplifiers. Even the general consensus on Head-Fi is that the HD555s are not very demanding headphones and don't scale well with higher quality amplifiers. Any amount you spend towards an amp for these headphones would be better put to better headphones. Of course they'll sound better with an amplifier however, you're trying to max out a headphone with very little potential.
Click to expand...

Well, you're right. I've only owned pairs of Sennheiser HD555s and HD595s, so my frame of reference is comparably novice. I never tested my 555s directly plugged into my old X-Fi but have since compared my onboard line-out to receiver line-out, and I notice several subtle improvements when powered by the receiver. Same goes for my KSC75s.
 
yea, maybe you need to use gamemode on your xfi or something to "feel" the bass even tho it's millimeters from your head.
 
cannondale06 said:
I might try those out next week. looking at reviews the harx700 does seem to have the gunfire and explosion kick I am looking for in gaming. I hope they arent any larger than the HD550 though because they fit just right on the smallest setting.
Click to expand...

Sorry to inform you but unfortunately they've been out of stock for quite some time now. Same as the HARX900. Seems like JVC might've discontinued them.
 
spicey said:
My Creative Fatal1ty headset has massive bass and switching back to my Sennheisers the difference in bass is noticeable. I personally prefer the sound on my Senny's, much more clarity, realistic and comfortable on the eardrums.

Cannondale - have you tried changing the Crystaliser and the game mode settings for your X-Fi?
Click to expand...

Lanx said:
yea, maybe you need to use gamemode on your xfi or something to "feel" the bass even tho it's millimeters from your head.
Click to expand...
yes I know how to set everything up properly. no matter what setting the bass was bad and lacked any oomph for shotgun blasts especially in HL2. I pulled out my old Sony MDR-V150 and it sounded slightly better and without the driver annoyingly vibrating too.
 
Adreneline said:
Sorry to inform you but unfortunately they've been out of stock for quite some time now. Same as the HARX900. Seems like JVC might've discontinued them.
Click to expand...
well that figures. between dealing with having to order all these headphones online and putting up with creative drivers this quest has almost become more trouble than its worth.
 
cannondale06 said:
well that figures. between dealing with having to order all these headphones online and putting up with creative drivers this quest has almost become more trouble than its worth.
Click to expand...

I think you're making it hard for yourself my friend :).

Though the JVC's being discontinued sucks, there are still good alternatives out there but you seem to dislike them. Could buy the RX700 or 900 used, but even that is a rarity.

I like the AD700, but the anemic bass isn't for me, doesn't feel right for rock music. Classical/jazz it is good. Also, you complain about lack of bass in the 555's, and I'm pretty sure the AD700 were said to have even less bass than that. But they didn't fit you anyway, so...

Maybe try out the Denon 1001, or if you want to spring for a higher end one, the Denon D2000. Other bassy alternatives are Beyerdynamic DT770/880/990 - the latter having to be amped.
 
Adreneline said:
I think you're making it hard for yourself my friend :).

Though the JVC's being discontinued sucks, there are still good alternatives out there but you seem to dislike them. Could buy the RX700 or 900 used, but even that is a rarity.

I like the AD700, but the anemic bass isn't for me, doesn't feel right for rock music. Classical/jazz it is good. Also, you complain about lack of bass in the 555's, and I'm pretty sure the AD700 were said to have even less bass than that. But they didn't fit you anyway, so...

Maybe try out the Denon 1001, or if you want to spring for a higher end one, the Denon D2000. Other bassy alternatives are Beyerdynamic DT770/880/990 - the latter having to be amped.
Click to expand...
well I am very anal and tend to get stressed out having to go through constantly ordering stuff. if all this stuff was local then most of stress wouldnt be there. its much simpler to just return something at a local store and get my money back immediately. I hate waiting days or weeks to get a refund plus having to fool with shipping stuff back and forth. I am really surprised at how good my cheap Sony headphones sound with the x-fi card so I might just stick with that for now. then again I am getting frustrated with x-fi drivers causing probs when I resume from standby. the Steelseries 3h headphones sounded really good even with onboard audio but they were uncomfortable. grrr...:D
 
Buy the logitech Z-5300 speakers. I'm sure you will like them.

There is really no point in stressing out about getting headphones other people think are great when ultimately you won't like them.

If you need headphones over speakers try another sony pair as you seemed to like those.
 
Wraithetc said:
Buy the logitech Z-5300 speakers. I'm sure you will like them.

There is really no point in stressing out about getting headphones other people think are great when ultimately you won't like them.

If you need headphones over speakers try another sony pair as you seemed to like those.
Click to expand...

I had those, and the Z-5500's.

No, do not buy them ...

For gaming, I find headphones were better than the 5300's.
 
Adreneline said:
I like the RX700 for that very reason. It does sound great with bassy things like explosions and gunfire, but it's not muddy.

Some people say it is, but I have them amped with my AV40 speaker amp, and the bass sounds WAY better, a lot more controlled. It is muddy directly into onboard though.
Click to expand...

Curious, is the microphone port on the MAUDIO AV 40s amped?

On many speaker sets, I thought it was just a pass-through.
 
cannondale06 said:
well I obviously didnt expect this. lol. when people said they lacked bass I didnt think they meant the kind associated with gunfire and explosions. I figured they meant the bass like you hear with rap songs and such.
Click to expand...

How is the former different from the latter? Bass is bass... :p
 
But if a speaker or set of cans has weak bass, all bass will probably suffer, I don't see why you'd think a rap beat would suffer any more than an explosion (arguably even more bass heavy, one expects an explosion to shake you...). /shrug
 
Impulse said:
But if a speaker or set of cans has weak bass, all bass will probably suffer, I don't see why you'd think a rap beat would suffer any more than an explosion (arguably even more bass heavy, one expects an explosion to shake you...). /shrug
Click to expand...
I have already explained why I thought that. I have heard plenty of speakers that hit hard but have trouble with the kind of bass in many rap songs. there are differnent kinds of bass and thats a fact.
 
If they have trouble keeping up w/the beat in a rap song then explosions probably suffered as well and you just weren't aware of it, there's more to bass than simply shaking the rafters, that's just the most pronounced quality.
 
Impulse said:
If they have trouble keeping up w/the beat in a rap song then explosions probably suffered as well and you just weren't aware of it, there's more to bass than simply shaking the rafters, that's just the most pronounced quality.
Click to expand...
you dont have to have a sub to get the kind of bass that I was looking for in gunfire. when it comes to the bass in something like a typical Beastie Boys song then it sounds like shit without a sub. I really dont get what are going on about since I have already made that fairly clear that all bass in not the same. :confused:
 
Do the AD700's have more/better bass amped? Also what if you enable bass boost on the soundcard?
 
J87X said:
Do the AD700's have more/better bass amped? Also what if you enable bass boost on the soundcard?
Click to expand...
adjusting with EQ or bass boost didnt help with HD550 at all. in fact it just made them vibrate more without actually adding more punchy sound. thats probably going to be true for the AD700 too.
 
Hey cannondale06, do you have a guitar center (brick and mortar store) near you? They have some good phones like the DT770 Pro. You might want to go check them out.
 
450 said:
Hey cannondale06, do you have a guitar center (brick and mortar store) near you? They have some good phones like the DT770 Pro. You might want to go check them out.
Click to expand...
well I do have some JVC RX900 phones on the way from newegg but it might be worth checking into. I just looked and I do have a Guitar Center near me so I will swing by there on Monday and have a look. thanks for the info
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top