[MorbidToaster]

I agree that at $250 they're still my favorite headphone. Probably my favorite under 300 and maybe even up 'til you hit D7000 street price territory. 
 
At the 170 I paid used awhile back I felt they were a steal. People getting them new for 180 is just the best value out there.
 
Quote:

*drumming and flute sounds in the distance growing closer playing a Patriotic song
 
 
At full blown retail price of roughly $250?  Hmm, there are only a few sets that can best it in sound quality, none can match its overall bang for the buck factor.  At $250 new you can get the Dre Beats, a Grado 225i, possibly a K701 on sale, a Shure 940 and a Beyer DT series of your choosing, AD900 and an Ultrasone Pro 750
 
None of them are as well rounded or as user friendly as the HD 598.  Some might have superior qualities here or there, none of them are the full package except ye' ol' HD 598.  
 
*About Faces and plays same Patriotic song as I fade into the woods
 
 

 
 

 

[palmfish]

Quote:

*drumming and flute sounds in the distance growing closer playing a Patriotic song
 
 
At full blown retail price of roughly $250?  Hmm, there are only a few sets that can best it in sound quality, none can match its overall bang for the buck factor.  At $250 new you can get the Dre Beats, a Grado 225i, possibly a K701 on sale, a Shure 940 and a Beyer DT series of your choosing, AD900 and an Ultrasone Pro 750
 
None of them are as well rounded or as user friendly as the HD 598.  Some might have superior qualities here or there, none of them are the full package except ye' ol' HD 598.  
 
*About Faces and plays same Patriotic song as I fade into the woods
 
 

I didn't say they were necessarily bested by the $250 class (I would choose them over the SR225i and K701 in a heartbeat), just that they are facing very stiff competition. I don't see as much value paying full retail for the HD 598 when most headphones are sold at a discount.
 
For example, I got my HD 600's on sale at Amazon for $270 this summer. IMO, the HD 600 at $270 is a better value than the HD 598 at $250.

 

[palmfish]

Quote:

I agree that at $250 they're still my favorite headphone. Probably my favorite under 300 and maybe even up 'til you hit D7000 street price territory. 
 
At the 170 I paid used awhile back I felt they were a steal. People getting them new for 180 is just the best value out there.
 


 
 

I bought the HD 598 when J&R was selling them for $180. I agree they are a fantastic value at that price! I just didn't need to own both the 598 and 600. I really like the 598, but I love the 600.
 

 

[MorbidToaster]

I want more time with the 600 and 650. I think it comes down more to preference between the 598, 600, and 650. Brighter vs Darker, etc. I don't think one is really...bested by the others.
 
I didn't like the 600 and 650 too much when I heard them but they weren't properly amped so I want to hear them again. I probably won't ever own one as I've skipped them and got my LCD 2, but I recognize them as a good value as well.
 
Quote:

I bought the HD 598 when J&R was selling them for $180. I agree they are a fantastic value at that price! I might have kept them if the HD 600 hadn't gone on sale for so cheap. I really like the 598, but I love the 600.
 

 
 

 

[swbf2cheater]

Quote:

I didn't say they were necessarily bested by the $250 class (I would choose them over the SR225i and K701 in a heartbeat), just that they are facing very stiff competition. I don't see as much value paying full retail for the HD 598 when most headphones are sold at a discount.
 
For example, I got my HD 600's on sale at Amazon for $270 this summer. IMO, the HD 600 at $270 is a better value than the HD 598 at $250.

Oh ya, I'm with you 100% on that.  I try to buy used right here on Head Fi, keeps things simple, high resale value, trusted members.  Been here for years and never once had an issue, I have retailer issues pretty much every time I try to buy brand new. Sometimes retail prices are just too high but for $120-$170 used, the HD 598 is an incredible deal

 

[palmfish]

Quote:

Oh ya, I'm with you 100% on that.  I try to buy used right here on Head Fi, keeps things simple, high resale value, trusted members.  Been here for years and never once had an issue, I have retailer issues pretty much every time I try to buy brand new. Sometimes retail prices are just too high but for $120-$170 used, the HD 598 is an incredible deal

I'm fairly new to headphones still and I don't know how I feel about buying used.
 
I'm participating in another thread here and one person has been talking about how a certain pair of headphones he just got make his face sweat and his headphones now smell bad. Makes me think I'll just stick with new...

 

 

[palmfish]

Quote:

I want more time with the 600 and 650. I think it comes down more to preference between the 598, 600, and 650. Brighter vs Darker, etc. I don't think one is really...bested by the others.

I can basically agree with that.
 
I liked the LCD-2 a lot too, but it was a little dark sounding (not as dark as the 650 though) for my tastes.

 

[MorbidToaster]

Rev 1 or 2? The Rev 2 is considerably brighter than the Rev 1. I think that's why I went with the HE 500 after hearing the Rev 1. Too dark.
 
Quote:

I can basically agree with that.
 
I liked the LCD-2 a lot too, but it was a little dark sounding (not as dark as the 650 though) for my tastes.

 
 

 

[swbf2cheater]

When you gonna buy me my own HE500, Toaster?  Just curious :3

 

[MorbidToaster]

Right after I get myself my SA8004...and Liquid Fire...and W4S DAC-2/Zodiac...and a new LCD 2 cable...and a new Turntable...and some more vinyl...and shelves for my stuff...and a new speaker amp...
 

 
Quote:

When you gonna buy me my own HE500, Toaster?  Just curious :3

 
 

 

[swbf2cheater]

I like Pez, too.  Make sure its orange and cherry flavor
 
I am actually very sad to see my HD 598 go, I loved it dearly for a long time but just crave a larger sound stage.  Found it in the HE300 so I salute you HD 598, for all your worth.  You will always hold a special place in my <3
 
 

 

[MegaMushroom]

I will admit that 250 might be on the upper end of the price range, but I don't regret paying the full price for the headphones.

 

[palmfish]

Quote:

Rev 1 or 2? The Rev 2 is considerably brighter than the Rev 1. I think that's why I went with the HE 500 after hearing the Rev 1. Too dark.
 


 
 

They were Rev 2. Switching back-and-forth between stock cable and ALO Audio custom cable (couldn't tell the difference). Paired up with a Burson HA-160.

 

[MorbidToaster]

It might be the Burson...Then again the Rev 2 is still a bit dark. May just not be your thing. 
 
598 is definitely for you then.
 
Quote:

They were Rev 2. Switching back-and-forth between stock cable and ALO Audio custom cable (couldn't tell the difference). Paired up with a Burson HA-160.

 
 

 

[bbophead]

Quote:

I like Pez, too.  Make sure its orange and cherry flavor
 
I am actually very sad to see my HD 598 go, I loved it dearly for a long time but just crave a larger sound stage.  Found it in the HE300 so I salute you HD 598, for all your worth.  You will always hold a special place in my <3
 
 

Have we had your take on the HE300?  Can't remember seeing it.