Pleased so far. Nice sound balance. Quite comfortable although I have some IE80 double flange tips on order which may improve things further.Thanks for the recommendation. Great value for money.

Thanks very much for the suggestion. Currently trying out the Havi B3 Pro1 in-ears but will put this one on the list.

Thanks again. For my hifi based setup I have a Marantz CD6003 CD player coupled with a NAD C350 amplifier. For my digital files I use a MacBook running the Fidelia software player and the HRT Micro Streamer USB DAC/Amp. I don't listen to music on the move that much. In the main I listen to audio...

Thanks for your helpful reply. I'll look into the Mad Dogs, although I'm not sure how easy they are to get in the UK. Interesting suggestion on IEM's. I hadn't really thought about using IEMs in a home setup but it might be worth considering. A couple of questions. I assume I could drive them...

My AKG K550’s arrived today and I thought I’d post my initial impressions. I’ve been using  Sennheiser HD 598s for a few years and my reason for choosing the AKG K550s was that I wanted to start building a range of headphone options and I thought I’d start with some highly regarded closed...

I have the HD 598's and they are an excellent headphone. A very relaxed sound and comfortable too. I'm not really into the same kind of rock as you (mostly jazz, blues etc) but they are always reliable in the way they present the music. Not too heavy on the bass, which is fine by me. I'm...

I understand that these phones need an amplifier to drive them properly. I already have a HRT Microstreamer which is fine with my Sennheiser 598s (via a MacBook using Fidelia). Would the HRT be suitable with the AKG's?

Thanks, Music Alchemist.   I've just ordered the AKG K550's. I've read good reviews, here and elsewhere, plus they are available at a very good price at Amazon UK so I can take the risk without breaking the bank. I'm interested in experiencing closed headphones. I'm still keen on trying the...

That's pretty much my situation, Mr Rick. I might find that I don't come up with a better option than the 598's but the journey should be interesting! I'm looking forward to your feedback on the Philips.

Thanks again, billybob. This gives me some nice choices to review and narrow down my options.

Thanks, billybob.   Yes, it is all pretty subjective. Perhaps rather than 'marked upgrade' I should have said that I'm looking for some new headphones that give me a 'different' kind of experience than the Sennheisers. As I said, they are fine headphones but perhaps a little 'polite'. I'm not...

Hi,   I’m seeking some help and advice in choosing an upgrade to my Sennheiser 598’s. One problem I have is that there are hardly any specialist retailers near where I live ( Cornwall, UK ) so I’m mostly ‘flying blind’.   I am interested in a home setup ( I mostly listen to audio books on my...

Hi,   I'm a newbie interested in getting the best audiophile experience I can from my set up. I have the Sennheiser 598 which are fine but I'm wondering what else is out there that would be better at a similar price point.   Most of my headphone listening is via my MacBook via a HRT...