New Headphones Question

J

jigm

Weaksauce
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
74
Hello, I sold my Sennheiser HD555s about a year ago, and recently built a new system. I really miss my HD555s so I want to purchase a new pair of headphones. I was thinking of getting the HD595s or Beats by Dr Dre. What do you guys think? Thanks :D
 
Around 250 is my budget. I use to have the creative x-fi xtreme gamer but I sold them along with my hd555s :(. I have don't have an amplifier but I do plan on getting one in the future. I was planning on getting the HT omega claro+. Also are the Beats really that bad? Thanks!
 
Between those two, the Senns are definitely the way to go. If you're looking to spend around 250 you may want to look at some Beyerdynamics, Audio-Technica, or even AKG.
 
jigm said:
Also are the Beats really that bad? Thanks!
Click to expand...

yes, they are
why is every other topic here someone asking about these damn things
beats by dre beats by dre
why?
why would anyone even think something called "beats by dre" would be a quality product?
 
Cyclone said:
why is every other topic here someone asking about these damn things
Click to expand...

1. Dr. Dre is a popular figure
2. They are marketed well. (considering the audience)

Anyway, the Beats by Dr Dre aren't flat out terrible, just poor audio performance for the dollar. Your $250 can go much farther (IMO) elsewhere.

Since you don't have an amp yet, consider the Audio Technica ATH-A900.
 
HD595s all the way. I love the Sennheiser characteristics personally and they are the most comfortable headphones out there.
 
Grentz said:
HD595s all the way. I love the Sennheiser characteristics personally and they are the most comfortable headphones out there.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity, are your 595's amped or unamped?
 
I have the HD555s actually. The HD595s just improve on the sound though.

I don't use an amp with the 555s, have never seen a reason to as they need very little volume from my XFI or stereo.
 
Also, I was wondering what the differences were between the hd555 and hd595s? Are the hd595s actually a bit bigger then the 555s?
 
jigm said:
Also, I was wondering what the differences were between the hd555 and hd595s? Are the hd595s actually a bit bigger then the 555s?
Click to expand...

Same physical size. 595s have a more refined sound.
 
HD 595 is a bit higher end product, iirc the headband and stuff has "higher quality" materials (I think they upgrade you to a better grade of simulated leather or something, idk, wasn't all too interested in either of them so I sorta just ignored the dealer's blabbering)

same chassis though, so same fit/size

if you liked the HD-555's, the 595's are *roughly* the same (did I say roughly? http://www.headphone.com/learning-c...raphType=0&buttonSelection=Compare+Headphones I should've said "almost exactly"), you'd probably enjoy them, I wouldn't suggest them as an "upgrade", but if you're buying new headphones they aren't a bad choice given your criteria and budget

otherwise, the world is your oyster, and theres about a hundred other models you could spend $250 on, and whats right for you is based entirely on your taste
 
I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that the only major difference between HD555s and HD595s is that there is a plastic shield removed from behind the drivers, allowing more soundstage and quality at the cost of more sound leakage.

A few months ago I actually opened up my HD555s and did this little mod, and I can confirm that the sound has definitely improved, however I can't compare them to HD595s since I don't have them.
 
I'd recommend these if you plan on getting an amp almost immediately, otherwise I'd go for the HD-595.

If you liked the HD-555, you'll like the 595 for sure. If you plan on upgrading in the near future, or want more money for your amp, you may want to just hit up some HD555 for temporary phones, then shop around, since they're (595 and 555) essentially identical.

All of those are open, which I assume you don't mind since you previously used 555's. If you need to switch to closed back phones, I'd go for these. They sound great and really open up with decent amplification.

Anyways, best wishes, good luck and post back what you end up committing to.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
I have the AKG K701 connected to an Asus Essence ST, (XP w/ Winamp&KS, flacs and cds). I don't have any experience with other headphones but these are comfortable and I love the sound. I considered the HD 650 as well but couldn't get a deal on them.

edit: I paid exactly $250 for the headphones, ~$180 for sound card.
 
Based on recommendations from the pros at rec.audio.pro, I'd spend $150 on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50s. They're on my list for my next audio purchase.
 
Thanks for all the helpful responses! I am kind of torn between repurchasing the HD555s, or getting the HD595s. But from everyone's comments, I might just have to get the HD555s again, or I might try out the Ath-ad700. Mind as well save a few bucks. :D I just feel silly for even selling my HD555s in the first place. Thanks again for all the helpful responses.
 
jigm said:
I just feel silly for even selling my HD555s in the first place.
Click to expand...

Heh, don't feel bad. I had seller's remorse just about every time I'd sell one of my pairs of cans. There was something I liked about all of them.

Grado SR-60, SR-80, SR-225, HF-1
Alessandro MS-2
Beyerdynamic DT-531, DT-440
Sennheiser HD-580, HD-555, HD-595
AKG K240S
Sony MDR-V6
Etymotic ER-4P with ER-4S adapter
Westone UM2

The only ones I have left are my Koss Porta Pros, because those ugly little things are way too high on the price/performance scale to sell. I would like to try the Denon AH-D2000 though, and perhaps the Audio Technica ATH-A900 as well.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
The HD555 (and HD595s) are such a crystal clear sounding and true set of cans for the money, plus at a cheap price (the 555s) really that I think most should have a pair around ;)

They are fantastic for gaming as well, some of the best positioning I have ever heard from headphones in combination with something like CMSS or Dolby Headphone Surround.
 
Last edited:
The 595s are a great set of phones for the price. I'm running my Prelude => PPAv2 => HD-595 right now :)
 
Hey guys, sorry I have another question. I still have not decided on which cans to get. I've decided I want closed headphones, because I want a pair of cans with a decent amount of bass :D. So what do you guys think? HD280s, or ATH-A700? Thanks!
 
Last edited:
jigm said:
Hey guys, sorry I have another question. I still have not decided on which cans to get. I've decided I want closed headphones, because I want a pair of cans with a decent amount of bass :D. So what do you guys think? HD280s, or ATH-A700? Thanks!
Click to expand...

The 280s have a good amount of head clamp. Would that bother you?
 
Well I previously owned the HD555, so if the "head clamp" feels the same, then it wouldn't bother me at all. I am leaning towards the ATH-A700, as I've been snooping around and reading other posts. Still need some more opinions though. Thanks
 
I bit on the ATH-A700. Got it off amazon for 114 total for one day shipping! Its coming on Friday. I can't wait!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top