Entry level? lol I've tested them against headphones that cost $300-$400, and it wiped the floor with them. The only headphones under $1000 that I'd even consider aside from the K55X series are the new Blue headphones, Sadie and Ella. But they are $400 and $700, respectively, where I can now buy the once $200 K550s for like $105 on eBay.
Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
RockStar2005
SOULSIK
@RockStar2005 They are fabulous in many ways for sure ! I am glad you like them ! I love them too. I agree they are above entry level at that price point ! I did say entry level but that is all dependent on perspective isn't it 
voxie
Thanks for sharing, yep a great phone. Clamping is the only negative as one has to constantly re adjust the headband, common complaint!
RockStar2005
Soulsik: Yeah I mean, if someone at some point wants to spend $1500 on headphones, then I guess the K550 would be "entry level", but I would be willing to say they are better than AT LEAST any $500 closed-back headphone out there right now, though the new $399 Blue Sadie might be better? The $699 planar magnetic Blue Ella though I have a strong feeling may trump them all. Reviews I read for it have said it out does other planars and even the well-reviewed OPEN-BACK Grados! See more here. And check out that great ad too. lol I tested out the Lola 'phones and they were pretty amazing, but still not better than the K553. lol But the newer Sadie and Ella (esp Ella) prob are. (They both come with built-in audiophile-grade amps as well.)
What are you using to power them btw Soul (or what is your source device)? This is very important b/c they need a good amount of power (aside from a quality DAC) to REALLY SHINE. Let me know.
I also compared the K55X series headphones I've had/have (they ALL sound the same, and that's PER AKG btw lol) to many other headphones, and even my old K553 outdid the OPEN-BACK Sennheiser HD 598SE by a HAIR. lol I currently use the K551 btw.
Voxie: I dunno. I think you just have to find the right adjustment option. For me it's 5. I've fell asleep with these things on my head, so I can't really say I find them uncomfortable at all. lol
What are you using to power them btw Soul (or what is your source device)? This is very important b/c they need a good amount of power (aside from a quality DAC) to REALLY SHINE. Let me know.
I also compared the K55X series headphones I've had/have (they ALL sound the same, and that's PER AKG btw lol) to many other headphones, and even my old K553 outdid the OPEN-BACK Sennheiser HD 598SE by a HAIR. lol I currently use the K551 btw.
Voxie: I dunno. I think you just have to find the right adjustment option. For me it's 5. I've fell asleep with these things on my head, so I can't really say I find them uncomfortable at all. lol
SOULSIK
@rockstar2005 Thanks for you input ! I have used the shiit stack and oppo ha 2 se to test these for both on the desk and potential on the go
RockStar2005
You're very welcome my friend!
Very nice! I had the Oppo HA-2 (not SE) for a long while. Is that your main amp/DAC or the Schitt?
Either way, it sounds like you're in great hands! lol
I just got the HTC 10 a couple months ago. I compared it to my $299 Oppo HA-2, and I honestly it felt it MATCHED what the Oppo could do. So I sold the HA-2 off on eBay and now I just directly connect my K551s to it. The 10 comes with a high quality and DEDICATED DAC as well as a dedicated headphone amp too. It can get just as loud as the Oppo did, and offers the same great clarity (etc) to boot. More here (def check out headphone section and stuff in bold). If you're looking to just have a simpler and more portable direct connection setup going, you should HIGHLY consider this phone. lol Also, the V20 is just as good, but it's a phablet, and I'd rather avoid those. lol
Very nice! I had the Oppo HA-2 (not SE) for a long while. Is that your main amp/DAC or the Schitt?
Either way, it sounds like you're in great hands! lol
I just got the HTC 10 a couple months ago. I compared it to my $299 Oppo HA-2, and I honestly it felt it MATCHED what the Oppo could do. So I sold the HA-2 off on eBay and now I just directly connect my K551s to it. The 10 comes with a high quality and DEDICATED DAC as well as a dedicated headphone amp too. It can get just as loud as the Oppo did, and offers the same great clarity (etc) to boot. More here (def check out headphone section and stuff in bold). If you're looking to just have a simpler and more portable direct connection setup going, you should HIGHLY consider this phone. lol Also, the V20 is just as good, but it's a phablet, and I'd rather avoid those. lol
SOULSIK
@RockStar2005 Oppo ha 2 SE --> darkvoice 336 SE --> HD650 is my main setup on the desk and I use the oppo for portable along with fiio x1 at the moment. I really like the DAC in the oppo ! I would definetly look into the HTC10 ! thanks for the recommendation !
