Upgrading from HD-580, Suggestions please.

I'm also interested in what happens to this thread. I have 580s (got them used) love the sound they produce and wonder if I can really improve on them without spending a considerable amount of money. From what I've read the 600s are just a small step up and the 650s have rather different sound.

I suppose it all depends on budget from this point

580 + open back drivers ( i removed the grills ) + pad and cable upgrade won on me over 600 and 650 , and ended to be my sennh. can of preference ..

580 and 600 are not really hat different out of casual rig , difference is  subtle

 600 scales better then 580  on good chains

not that much ... but the difference can be heard .

next step if you really like the sennheiser signature ( very lightweight , disappearing , open stage etc. ) would be again sennheiser ... imo

Heya,

Time for some Beyers.

(DT990 600ohm)

Very best,

I loved the senn HD-600 and did not like the Beyer DT-990.

DT-990 reminds me of when I was younger and got into a car - the first thing I would do would be to turn the car stereo treble and bass up all the way..  More bass, More treble - Awesome!

I think orthodynamics are in your future, namely Hifiman's HE-400.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digital-Pride 

I think orthodynamics are in your future, namely Hifiman's HE-400.

Care to elaborate?  I  too am a long-time fan of the HD580 but more recently have focused on portables (westone 3, HD25, among others), but I'm intrigued by the orthos. 

Why do you think thats the next step?  And why the hifiman?

My HD580s have been tweaked but are getting quite long in the tooth having been originally acquired in 1993 :)   The newly announced Senn HD700, Hifiman HE-400, and several others have piqued my interest as possibilities as new main cans.  But like the OP, my HD580s have carved out a very deep level of affection that will be very difficult to replace.

Sony MDR-SA5000, MDR-F1 or AKG K701. All will have somewhat less bass than the HD 580 overall. I would consider all of them "tighter" though. I would pick the K701 or SA5000 if you can only buy/try one (I found the SA5000 too cold and narrow, but it's somewhere between the F1 (warm/happy - bass light) and the K701 (analytical/flat)). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by n19htmare 

I've been using my Sennheiser HD-580 for about 5 years now. I've replaced the pads recently and just want to try something new plus one of the drivers is going out, it's starting to buzz (I've tried multiple sources). I love the sound of the senns, just would like something with a little tighter midbass. 

 

Would like to keep the wide soundstage and the comfort. I wear these things for hours and forget I'm wearing them. I mean I've often just gotten up and walked off tugging the cable. 

 

Budget is around $300.

 

I built myself a mini^3 so that's what I'm currently using, I know it's not a lot of power but it's not bad. Even my modded XtremeMusic x-fi runs the 580s well.

 

I mostly listen to Alternative Rock and lately been listen to bit a house music. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by davewave 

 

Care to elaborate?  I  too am a long-time fan of the HD580 but more recently have focused on portables (westone 3, HD25, among others), but I'm intrigued by the orthos. 

 

Why do you think thats the next step?  And why the hifiman?

The Hifiman is around your price range and is a true upgrade from the HD580, while at the same time sharing sonic similarities(from what I've read).  I suggest the orthodynamic as it has certain advantages over the more common voice coil dynamic headphone.  Other than that, you'll have to spend much more for a true dynamic upgrade over the HD580.

Quote:

Originally Posted by obobskivich 

Sony MDR-SA5000, MDR-F1 or AKG K701. All will have somewhat less bass than the HD 580 overall. I would consider all of them "tighter" though. I would pick the K701 or SA5000 if you can only buy/try one (I found the SA5000 too cold and narrow, but it's somewhere between the F1 (warm/happy - bass light) and the K701 (analytical/flat)). 

 

I find the k70X is too light and airy for rock, which is the OP's main genre. .....just my $.02 FWIW, but they're better with acoustic genres. 

If your budget can't afford the he 400 and you don't mind a little bit of modding, check out this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/452404/just-listened-to-some-fostex-t50rps-today-wow/5715#post_8029528

The Fostex can give you a taste of the ortho sound for very little investment. And if you don't like them someone else on the forum will surely take them off your hands for little or no monetary loss

I also have a set of 580's that I've had for countless years now and I'm looking for an upgrade. However...my primary listening environment is now at work so I have no choice but to move to closed drivers as its very quiet in my office and the open drivers force everyone else to hear my music.  From searching for awhile now it seems like options are really limited in closed cup cans.