my Sen HD 595 sounds really bad... is that just me?

It's a really good starter headphone, IMO. Why do you think they sound bad? Can you describe what you are hearing?

The 595s should be an excellent choice for an "audiophile" starter headphone. Before burn in, there shouldn't be any problems with it that make it sound THAT bad. especially when used with a pretty decent sound card like that. 

Give it some burn in time and see if you like it. If not, it is either something wrong with the headphone as in defect like you described or something wrong with your audio output. 

As far as I know, it is a big upgrade from your old headset. 

It is known for a smooth and laid-back signature with forward mids, relaxed highs with absolutely no sibilance, and mellow and slightly shy bass.

Do you have any other sources you can plug the headphones into to help determine what's going on?

My pairs was nice after a full run in. And... FiiO E9 has enough power to bring out more than half of the potential from HD595. The newer 595 are using the 50 ohm drivers and they neeed amp.

For real I've found the 595 to be very very clear, sounding muddy may require further run in.

Maybe you just don't like them?? Sounds like you dont like the Senn 'veil'. Nothing to be concerned about if you can return them and do some more research into cans with a 'sound' you think you will prefer.  There are plenty of clear, cleaner sounding phones around. I've heard the 598s and didnt like the bass on them either.

If you want to keep them maybe try a better source. Laptops are ****.

One point though. Actually the bass can be forcibly "pushed out" with a high output amp. But still the 595 is light bass and I really doubt if you would spend more on an amp than the cans.

Believe in Senn. The 595 rank that high for a reason, patiently burn in.

I have a theory that the sound of these headphones are particular about ear shape/size. I have them also and don't really care for the sound. Very mid centered and odd dips in the upper frequencies. Then again you will have other people rave about how accurate they are. I haven't decided if I am going to sell mine or not but am leaning that way.

I may catch a ration for this but I have had mine for a couple of years. I can't say that the sound has changed much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7Karma 

I have been using my Sen HD 595 with Asus Xonar Essence for about a 2 weeks or so and it was suppose to be huge upgrade from my previous Sen model which is PC 151(this is a headset around 60 dollar range) since this is first time I ever went for audiophile headphones.

Well when I got for the first time  my hd595, I  was disappointed as well. And my previous headphone was just a cheap sony mdr-xd100.
I  was disconcerted , because overall it was the same frequency balance, lack of bass , and treble roll off.

I spent 150 euros , and was expecting a much bigger difference from my 12$ headphone.

But then I noticed more details/clarity on the hd595, better comfort, and better soundstage too.
Also , there's the issue of the cracks on the band on my hd595, while I  didn't noticed a problem yet on my mdr-xd100 (but it was gathering  dust , since I  got my hd595).
A thing is sure, if you  are expecting more bass, or even treble, you bought the wrong headphone .
I  don't even understand why the hd595 are even advised to newbies (I'm guessing similar stories with the hd598).

This may be a dumb thought on my part. Do you happen to have dolby surround or any sort of multi-channel dsp turn on? Your PC151 are closed backed I believe and 555's are open backed. That might explain why they sound distant and muddy if you have any dsp on. Just a thought.

yep, dolby headphone is a horror with the hd595.