malthis
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2005
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I recently received my first truely audiophile quality can, the Sennheiser 580. Before that I'd only known the Koss portapros and the Grado 60. I'd like to share an e-mail I sent to a friend about my first impressions. Keep in context that I listen almost exclusively to classical music.
I'm really enjoying the new headphones. They're far better than the Grado SR60. One thing I noticed immediately is the source makes a large difference. If it's a crappy recording, it's going to sound like crap on the Sennheiser 580. But if its a superb recording.... So, I've been revisiting some albums, even ones that didn't impress me much before, and finding new detail and wonderful sonorous sound. Soft passages are incredible. Loud passages are good but a little
too overpowering for that close to my eardrum (of course I had similar feelings about the Grados being brighter) Highs are sparkling clear, but not shrill, like the Grados at times. Bass is sufficient (less than Grado maybe) but very tight. Drums hit hard and do not linger-- I've never exceperienced this on my speakers or on the other headphones till now, which is the reason why when the hammerblow came in the M6 (that's Mahler's sixth Symphony to the uninitiated) I cried out in terror and fell to the floor, as though it was the first time.
My only real gripe is a slight lack of the middle(is this the so-called
Sennheiser veil? Feels like an empty space around my eardrum at times), which I attribute to the imaging attributes of the can; soundstage is surprisingly good as a result, feels like you're in a concert hall. Also they must be driven well. Fortunately my main amp is quite sufficient, and even more efficient than with the Grados, which suprised me. (I think it has to do with voltage rather than impedance) SACD sounds incredible on these, and truely prove the limitations of my mains (speakers). But even well mastered CDs are damn good.
That's all I wrote. I hope you enjoyed it, and if anyone would like to leave their experience with the Senn 580/600 or other reccomendations feel free. Also, what level Grado do you think matches the quality of the 580?
I'm really enjoying the new headphones. They're far better than the Grado SR60. One thing I noticed immediately is the source makes a large difference. If it's a crappy recording, it's going to sound like crap on the Sennheiser 580. But if its a superb recording.... So, I've been revisiting some albums, even ones that didn't impress me much before, and finding new detail and wonderful sonorous sound. Soft passages are incredible. Loud passages are good but a little
too overpowering for that close to my eardrum (of course I had similar feelings about the Grados being brighter) Highs are sparkling clear, but not shrill, like the Grados at times. Bass is sufficient (less than Grado maybe) but very tight. Drums hit hard and do not linger-- I've never exceperienced this on my speakers or on the other headphones till now, which is the reason why when the hammerblow came in the M6 (that's Mahler's sixth Symphony to the uninitiated) I cried out in terror and fell to the floor, as though it was the first time.
My only real gripe is a slight lack of the middle(is this the so-called
Sennheiser veil? Feels like an empty space around my eardrum at times), which I attribute to the imaging attributes of the can; soundstage is surprisingly good as a result, feels like you're in a concert hall. Also they must be driven well. Fortunately my main amp is quite sufficient, and even more efficient than with the Grados, which suprised me. (I think it has to do with voltage rather than impedance) SACD sounds incredible on these, and truely prove the limitations of my mains (speakers). But even well mastered CDs are damn good.
That's all I wrote. I hope you enjoyed it, and if anyone would like to leave their experience with the Senn 580/600 or other reccomendations feel free. Also, what level Grado do you think matches the quality of the 580?
