Entry Headphone, Grado Sr80(i) vs Sennheiser HD555

I have the HD555 and the SR60i, which is supposedly similar to the SR80i but with less bass.

In response to comfort, at least for me, the HD555 wins by a long shot. The around-ear pads are like pillows around my ears and the pad on the top of the band means I can wear them for hours without discomfort. The SR60i has pretty nice pads that sit on your ears, but they can get tight after a few hours, though stretching the band might help. There is also no padding at all on the band, which can make the top of your head hurt after a while.

They both sound great, but I tend to prefer the HD555 for its bigger soundstage as you said; it sounds excellent for music and it also awesome for gaming. I haven't tried it with movies but I have used it for Halo 3, which is basically playing a movie.

So, I'd recommend the HD555s.

I'm going to tell you my little story real quick.

I first heard about the SR80s (well, really the MS-1s). I checked them out, they looked pretty sexy looking. Had some decent reviews, etc.

Then someone told me about the HD555s. Again, checked them out and they also had some good reviews and such. I thought they looked better than the Grados, but that's just me.

Then, another friend told me about the AD-700s from Audio Technica. Well, he linked me to a thread on these forums I believe, and then I came across this review. After reading that review, I was pretty much sold. He says they are THE most comfortable out of the three, they sound amazing, and the price is just around the same as the SR80s and HD555s.

So, now I find myself waiting for Amazon to re-stock them so I can make my purchase (I don't want to buy from a different distributor).

That's just my input.

For the AD700s:
Insanely comfortable? Check.
Amazing soundstage? Check.
Good for rock? Check.
Movies? Probably, he just doesn't mention it in his review.

Now, don't take my word for this. I don't own any of the three headphones just yet (no way I'm going to own even two). This is just my research in the headphone market.

Hm, they do look a bit more comfortable. And they're back in stock now.

I want to buy from Amazon, not a different distributor.

That's just in case something happens. I don't want to get screwed over if I buy from a place that isn't all that well known. Yes, I did look at the ratings, but remember, it's my money.



Edit: Oh, and one of the my biggest concerns is if I do get the AD700s, how they will sound. I'll be using them on my laptop the most, so I am really hoping they don't sound like crap. Also, I'm worried that they may now have enough bass. I listen to the genre drum 'n bass a lot, so I don't want to miss anything. :\

I'm also looking at some AD-700s. I have heard great reviews on the comfort of them and since I have giant ears, its a plus in my bag.

AD700

Looks in stock to me.

I haven't heard the SR-80's, but I bought a pair of AD-700s for my friend and they were much better than the HD555s.

~Thomas

The AD700 easily wins over the HD555. Its bass is less than stellar but the HD555's bass is even worse. Unless you listen mainly to Jazz I really don't see a reason to get the HD555 over the AD700. As for the SR80 it has a better bass and may sound more exciting to some people but its lackluster comfort, bright sound and poor soundstage means that the AD700 is a safer and more all-rounded choice.

I A/B'ed the SR80i with bowl pads and HD555 at a local B&H. In my opinion, the HD555 are by far more comfortable than the SR80i's, and seem to be much sturdier. The Grado's are much flimsier, because the headband is thin and the only thing holding them together is that thin metal piece... it might be easier to understand if you look at a pic of them again. They do seem to be durable though. I also happen to be deciding between these two... kind of a coincidence that this thread even came up. With that said, I would definitely look into the HD555 or AD-700's, atleast that's what I will be considering.

Click

Right?

Owned both AD700 and HD555. Enjoyed both. Preferred the AD700. Sold the HD555.

I own the SR80s and the AD700s. I much prefer the AD700s for comfort. I find myself enjoying music more with the SR80s but can only wear them for a short time.

I wouldn't dismiss the SR80 so quickly. They have good sound and are very durable. You can get a taste of the Grado sound without spending too much.