[thenightman]

I've tried my hand at many different IEMs and for some reason, I can never get used to sticking those things in my ear. Plus, the sound quality just wasn't cutting it (and I had the MTPC!).
 
So now I'm looking to get me some full sized headphones. Ideally they'll sound and feel better than IEMs (which they should).
 
My many searching sessions have now led me to believe that the Sennheiser HD595s are a very good choice for the newbies to this field. Factors that made me conclude this are the numerous recommendations, the claims of there not being any need to get an amp, and its relatively inexpensive cost.
 
But the only problem is that most of these recommendations and posts I find are from at least 2 or so years ago. Has the playing field changed since then? 
 
I'm basically looking to get a pair of high sound quality headphones to pair up with my Sony Walkman X. And I won't be using an amp, either. I listen to pretty much every genre too. Will the Walkman be able to drive this sufficiently without an amp? Are these headphones a good choice for my setup?
 
Thanks.
 
Edit: I should add that I'll be using them for listening to music only, so no gaming or watching movies for me even though I read so many good things about its performance in those areas.

 

[aimlink]

I consider them to be great entry level cans, yes.
 
They're quite neutral sounding though, so if you're a fan of boosted bass and treble, then you'll need to EQ them.  However, they're very clear and resolving for their price.

 

[Trysaeder]

Get the 555, I'm not sure if they're still $75, but it's much better than going for the higher name and paying another $50.

 

[Satellite_6]

Supposedly the 555s have the same drivers as the 595s, and can be modded to have a soundstage as good as the 595s correct?
 
I would do that if this is true.
 

 

[Nanashi]

Have you looked at the Sony MDR V6? Also, what kind of music would you be using these for mostly?

 

[Trysaeder]

Quote:

Supposedly the 555s have the same drivers as the 595s, and can be modded to have a soundstage as good as the 595s correct?
 
I would do that if this is true.
 

I think the only difference between stock 555 and stock 595 is the bass and a little bit of soundstage. Once the foam is removed they are the same thing. You can further increase the soundstage with another mod.

 

[aimlink]

Quote:

I think the only difference between stock 555 and stock 595 is the bass and a little bit of soundstage. Once the foam is removed they are the same thing. You can further increase the soundstage with another mod.

Removing foam and modding?  Is this about cash or time and shoe-horning one into sounding like the other?
 
I guess the OP needs to make his pick.  But interesting info anyway....

 

[Tone Def]

Quote:

Have you looked at the Sony MDR V6? Also, what kind of music would you be using these for mostly?

Mine plays most everything well. 

 

[thenightman]

Quote:

Have you looked at the Sony MDR V6? Also, what kind of music would you be using these for mostly?

Yes, I have looked at the Sony MDR V6, but from what I can tell an amp is more necessary than with these 595s. 

For the most part, I'll be listening to hip hop, rock, rap, and heavy metal.

 

[Trysaeder]

The 555>595 mod requires 5 minutes and a screwdriver.
The soundstage mod that is common to both is more sophisticated.

 

[omgitsoop]

Ive had a pair of 595's for about 4 years now, im happy with them still but when i first bought them and was just running them off my ipod i was rather unimpressed and didnt really feel like they were that much of a step up from my previous hd280 pros. It wasnt until i got a decent amp that i actually heard how i feel like they are supposed to sound, just my $.02.

 

[Trysaeder]

One more thing, there's a massive impedance spike at 80hz, spot on the bass. It's around 225 ohms for the 50 ohm version, so you'd probably need to amp it for the best bass.

 

[matmal]

Using my computer with the audigy 2 sound card, the 555s had very very weak bass.  i would love to hear them amped.

 

[aimlink]

Quote:

Using my computer with the audigy 2 sound card, the 555s had very very weak bass.  i would love to hear them amped.

Depending on what your idea of good bass is, then you may well be underwhelmed even with them amp'd.
 
Many cans are actually bass heavy... making for a new standard in what's light bass vs what good bass.
 
If you use a D5000, ATH M50, D770, or even a Grado and then come to the 595's, you'll find them bass shy.  After the D5000's, they'll seem very bass shy. 

 

[Tone Def]

Quote:

Ive had a pair of 595's for about 4 years now, im happy with them still but when i first bought them and was just running them off my ipod i was rather unimpressed and didnt really feel like they were that much of a step up from my previous hd280 pros. It wasnt until i got a decent amp that i actually heard how i feel like they are supposed to sound, just my $.02.

Pretty much my experience. I've just upgraded to the xonar stx and it feels like my babies have stepped up a gear.