Sennheier 598 Vs BeyerDynamic Dt990 600ohms Vs Dr Dre Studio

Over the last few weeks I've fallen hard into headphones as if the global recession never happened, or maybe Im just hiding under my headphones because the global recession did happen. I havent decided yet.
 
So I bought myself a pair of Senn 598's for $200.
 
Immediately I noticed better Bass reproduction compared to the 555's I had owned for many years. But I got to say the 555's had a fair bit of charm and I still think highly of it. 
 
So being a gadget kind of guy, I ended up with a tag team pair of Fiio E7/E9 DAC AMP in the mail a week later. 
 
Immediately I noticed better separation and soundstage using the amp. It wasnt amazing improvement but very subtle. 
 
My setup drew crowds to my house, well just two guys actually. but they swore I should give the bass pounding Dr Dre Studios a go. They insisted that they were amazing.  I purchased them based on not only their recommendation but also glowing reviews by amazon, and elsewhere.
Cost $400.
 
Simply put, Dr Dre Studios are crap. I returned them within a few days.
I dont know how in the world they could be considered amazing in any way.
 
Sure, they look cool in your sweaty palms... but not even on your head. I wouldnt walk around in public with that. In fact I wouldnt even say they look better than the Senns. It seems fashion has gone full cirlce in some ways, with Apples straight line angles somehow plastic is back in vogue. Honestly my Senns commercial grade styling looks better to me in every way. But harping on about its looks is beside the point.
 
Im not used to closed headphones, but Dre's narrow soundstage, horrible midrange and exaggerated thumping sound reminds me of that time when it was cool to dump your nissan pulsar. Broom broom. "Oh but it has blisterring Bass!...". I disagree, the Senns have this timbre warmth I preferred so much more. Perfectly balanced soundstage and separation. Fully realised midrange. Dr Dre Studios are for the most part, the biggest scam Ive ever come across.
 
Following that disaster, I was directed towards a high Impedance Headphone to take some real advantage of my albeit relatively cheap amp.
 
I purchased the BeyerDynamic DT990 600ohms for $280.
 
Ive been listening to them all day today and my reaction is mixed to be truthful. Listening to these headphones, I have to say Im just more impressed with the Sennheiser 598's.
The DT990 600ohms are not a bad pair of headphones. But I dont see anything special about them either. Requiring a set of amps to drive them, I would expect significant results.
The Sennheiser 598's has noticeably better soundstage and stronger midrange again. The Dt990 admittedly has great Bass which I expected but really I cant say its better than the warm tibre bass of the Senns. Actually the DT990 gives me a headache. They are bright. I cant get an hour without wanting to take them off for a break. But then some might argue it depends on what your listening. Im starting to disagree. The Senns are great for everything. I can not honestly say I find it worth the time to switch headphones for better inclined DT990 genres like R&B, dance, hip hop. I find the midrange to be crucial in all types of music including these genres and the Senns really get this right.  
 
The senns are a clear winner in my conclusion. I can listen to them without effort, they sound brilliant. I could have saved myself a headache and just stuck with the Senn 598 and maybe a Fiio E7 Amp.
 
I dont know, am I missing something here? Im no audiophile as you may have gathered from this analysis. Someone suggested a better Amp. Really? Keep throwing money at this?
 
 
 
 

You'd probably need an amp that is better suited to go with the beyer.  A warm tube amp does it real nice.  The sound signature of it (recessed mids, prominent highs) is just that.  I personally only think it's overly bright on a select few songs that were recorded and mixed wacky to begin with.  The mids are recessed, but not to the point of taking the life out of the music.  Recessed literally just means they appear further away from the ear for me, while the highs take a forward role.  It still means the mids are there, and with full glory and detail, but it just makes for a different soundstage representation.  The HD598 I felt (listening to it through iDecco at music store) was the exact opposite.  Its mids were more forward and full, while the highs took a backstage.  Neither one of them had a particular advantage to music for me, just different representation of the music that surrounded you.
 
Strident highs is also an issue of listening level as well I'm learning.  People who listen at high volumes never come to like overly energetic highs.

You got it right. Look at my profile to see all the gear I've heard and see my HD598 review. You'll notice that I really like the HD598. I suggest you get a good DAC. The HD598 will improve on it's already wide soundstage with a good source.
 
About the highs on the HD598, I don't really feel they are recessed if at all. I actually rolled down the treble with EQ which I felt improved timbre and imaging. I also disagree that if you don't like treble, it's because you are listening loudly. I'm incredibly treble sensitive and I prefer listening to warm sounds at low volumes.

Yup, those HD598's are quite special. My favorite dynamic driver headphone.

Quote:

katun said:

Yup, those HD598's are quite special. My favorite dynamic driver headphone.

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Mine as well.  Amazing set, first set in 5 years I want to keep outside of the old T1 ( god rest its soul ) :[