[MonoMood]

I've been lurking head-fi for quite a while, and the forum quite influenced me on my last pickup of IEM's (GR07's) and I've decided to make an account

And now, I've decided on getting a full-sized pair, and I'm currently looking at the Senn HD598's

Would these be a great pickup, or are there any alternatives for a guy who enjoys Rock, Alternative, and a dash of Indie music?

 

[HideousPride]

They're a bit on the bass light side if that affects your decision. They also leak sound if that's a concern. The cable at 10' is clearly intended for stationary use.
 
But comfort is sublime and vocals are absolutely wonderful on the headphone. I really enjoy alternative and indie on the 598s and could live with just the 598s if push came to shove.
 
Hope your journey into headphone-ville is a fruitful one.

 

[MonoMood]

That's no problem, since I'm going to be using these specifically at home, while I lug around my GR07s for mobile use.

And light bass doesn't bother me much either :3

Thanks for the input!

 

[MonoMood]

I have been looking at the Audio Technica-ATH50s, how about those?

I know they're closed headphones, but they're $70 off at Amazon right now and looks like a good pick

 

[obobskivich]

I wouldn't go M50, especially for the genres you've listed. They're boomy, congested, somewhat sibilant/harsh up top, have blah mids, and aren't comfortable for long-term wearing IME. h34r:

I haven't heard the 598, but I heard the 595, which I think would do fine for what you want (from reviews, the 598 are either almost the same, or substantially improved upon the 595; either way that's fine by me). Other alternatives, based on the kinds of music you've mentioned:

- Grado SR-225i
- Ultrasone HFI-2400

The Grado will probably be more engaging with the music you're listening to, the 2400 are more of an all-rounder (and have more bass).

If budget is an issue (you went from looking at ~$250 headphones to ~$70 headphones), I'd consider the following:

- Koss TBSE or MV1
- Grado SR-60 or SR-80
- Creative Aurvana Live

The Grado and Koss models will probably again be the most engaging, the CAL are more suited as an all-rounder (...and have more bass; wow, that worked out perfectly! ).

 

[MonoMood]

Budget is around $220 and I went to the ATH-M50s since it has so much positive reviews towards its name.

I will look at the Sr-225i, however. Thanks

 

[obobskivich]

The M50 were "trendy" a while ago, and the hyped up image does not reflect the actual headphones. Unfortunately.

 

[MonoMood]

I see. Thanks for the clarification man

 

[Maxvla]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/601061/mid-fi-shootout-hd600-hd598-focal-spirit-one-philips-fidelio-l1

I do really like the M50, but the HD598/600 are certainly a step above. I'd rate the L1 somewhat similar in sound to the M50, but cleaner, also much better built.