Looking for new cans, what about these?

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Patton

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Jul 22, 2004
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I've decided to invest in a good set of headphones, since I've pretty much stopped using my Z-680s nowadays. Now, I'm not looking at a $20 set at Wal-Mart, or at the HD 650s over at Guitar Center even though I would love to have a pair. I'd prefer to keep it around $150 for the cans themselves. I'd be using these on the computer, which has a Audigy 2 in it right now.

I've been looking at the HD 555, and I was wondering if anyone here has used them before. If so, are they worth the $140-150? I'd be using these for gaming and music, and they will see heavy use. Are they comfortable, or will I have to replace the pads with something else? And is there a better set of cans in my price range? I don't need, nor particularly want, sealed headphones.

Another thing which I need some help on is whether I need a headphone amp or not. I'd prefer not to spend an arm and a leg on this, if it is needed. What brands are good, and where would I buy these at?
 
Well.. as far as the headphones go.. what kinda music do yo listen to? That can make a big difference. I've found my a500s to be fairly versitile but have a set of alessandro ms-1's on their way for more rock oriented stuff.

If you decide to get an amp... talk to misterX before looking at any of the big names. For what you're getting he has VERY reasonable prices and his work looks top notch.
 
I currently have the 555s and they are great headphones. Only complaint would be that they are a little bass shy for my tastes. But they are extremely comfy, I have actually forgotten i had them on a few times. But soon they will not be used much as i am getting the 650s for my birthday :D . As for the amp i have a Mister X PIMETA and it cleans up the bass and adds a little. Hope this helps.
 
I listen to damn near everything, what with well over 3000 FLAC-encoded songs on my system. It leans towards rock, so a weak low-end isn't too important. Not too much rap or drums and bass on there. For gaming, though, I would like some punch in there when a Redeemer goes off in my face, now. :p Another thing I've been looking at is soundstage. I like having a full 3D environment, and I hear the Grados have a very flat soundstage. I've heard what a nice, full soundstage is like in games (nice guy at Guitar Center let me hook up the 650s to my laptop, and I damn near fainted). I've also heard what a flat soundstage is like.

Paxonator, that's good to know that the 555's are comfortable. Like I said, these are replacing the 5.1 system I got for Christmas several years ago, so these cans are gonna see some heavy use. Anything would be better than the Sennheiser 457's I got on sale for twenty bucks for use as a backup. I think I will shoot MisterX off a PM, when I've got everything lined up and all.
 
I have Grado SR-125 phones, and about all I can say when listening to rock or metal through them....so nice :D

I havent had any gripes in games, but maybe my expectations for gaming audio is low, who knows?



They are pretty efficient too, so you don't need an amp (but might have to buy a miniplug adaptor so it will work with your portable players or PC), but a good amp will really let these guys shine.
 
mustang_steve said:
I have Grado SR-125 phones, and about all I can say when listening to rock or metal through them....so nice :D

I havent had any gripes in games, but maybe my expectations for gaming audio is low, who knows?



They are pretty efficient too, so you don't need an amp (but might have to buy a miniplug adaptor so it will work with your portable players or PC), but a good amp will really let these guys shine.
Click to expand...

Gotta love Grados. Probably the best sounding overall when undriven. Great for portable use.
 
If you have $150 to spare, my opinion:

ATH-A500 + CMOY/MINT Amp + Chaintech AV-710. (puts you just slightly over budget)

Properly amped, you would not believe how much better the AV-710 sounds compared to the Audigy2. I run a dual soundcard setup, and there are no conflicts between the two cards. Do not drive any headphones out of the AV-710 line out, because it is not amped at all, while the Audigy2 has a built in amp, though it is a very mediocre source.
 
Sony monitor headphones, lol, thats what I use. I don't listen to a whole lot of music, I mainly just play CS:S and they work for that.

I don't think they're that good though.. :D
 
the 555s are perfectly decent all-around phones, open, comfortable, play anything pretty well. $150 sounds a bit too much to pay for them though. You ought to be able to get a pair of 590s or something for that much, which would be better. There's a lot of choices, there's definitely nothing wrong with the 555s though.
 
I agree with the comment made by Paxonator. I currently own the Senn's HD595 (a model up from the 555's) and have heard the 555's very briefly so I couldn't give it much of a comment. My 595's (amped by Purreaux SHX1) sounds good, however bass is a little unexciting when it comes to listening to certain music genres, more specifically rap, techno and some hip hop. I am considering the HD600's pretty soon, as bass reproduction is said to be better then the 595's.

Comfortable? I find the 555/595's to be very comfortable. But just tested a pair of 600's and damn did they feel nice :)
 
I just got the HD555 over the 595 (due to very similar sound) and I believe that these cans are very good and offer great bang for the buck... even at retail of $169.

However, here's the good news, Newegg.com has them on a limited sale for $99 (WITH SHIPPING!!).... I bought from them and it a ridiculously good deal! I'm even thinking about getting another pair for my girlfriend or something...

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=26-106-392&depa=0

It should go back to the regular 149$ price in a day or two (if I know newegg).

Get them while they're hot! :D
 
I also have a pair of HD-555's and find them very nice + comfy. Especially considering their price. I have no bass issues with mine, but I don't listen to a lot of bass heavy music. (I listen to mainly rock).


Although if you plan on using them for a portable cd player/IPOD/whatever, you'll probably want to get an headphone amp for them, because it improves the bass a little. They do sound better through an amp.

EDIT: I wish I saw that deal when I bought mine :eek:
 
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