[Jeeg]

Please help me choose between the three. I am not interested in mixing and stuff. I also won't be amping it or anything. I just want something for regular home use - music and movies.
 
I like listening to stuff like Fun., Flo Rida, David Guetta and Maroon 5 . Something like this,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGH-4jQZRcc
 
You know, big dynamic sound where there is a lot going on. I also listen to Eminem, Adele, the Beatles and trance when I am in the mood. And I love Coldplay!
 
It doesn't have to be too bass heavy. I just want a rich and immersive listening experience. As they say, getting lost in the music.
 
Please suggest from these three. I am currently leaning towards the m50s because of the reviews but what do I know! If you have any more suggestions from the same price range, they are welcome too!
 
But I live in India, and this is the website I will be ordering from,
 
www.proaudiohome.com
 
So options are limited.
 
 
Thanks!

 

[Trunks159]

Id say grab the m50, or citiscape uptown. If you want open headphones, save up to $200 and you have a lot more options (namely the Sony mdr ma900).

 

[Jeeg]

Have you tried Bose AE2? how do they compare with the m50?

 

[techboy]

If I were you, I would take Senn HD 598>558>518
 
HD 598 around 12k from infibeam.com
HD 558 around 10k
HD 518 around 7k or so
 
these are after coupons given on the website
 
Senn will be much more comfortable than M50.
 
Senn will also have a better soundstage and should be better in many ways.
 
M50 at 11k is not worth it at all. At 5-6k it may be good. Same about Bose I think. Bose will be comfortable, but unlikely to sound good for the price.
 
I would buy a HD 558/598 and call it a day, with a E11/E10/E17. Or at least 518 with E10/E11.
 
If you don't want Senn then you can try AD700, but I prefer Senn for a first time.

 

[Jeeg]

Hmmm. The 558 look good.
 
So I am down to Senn 558 and m50. Any more suggestion?

 

[Jeeg]

I am apprehensive about 558s mainly because they aren't as portable and leak sound. But yes, comfort is a big issue.
 
Which of the two provide a more immersive experience? Which one is better for watching movies?

 

[Jeeg]

I have gone through numerous reviews and I love the 558s!!! But I will be going to college soon and I don't think my roommates will like the sound leak. Specially because I will be using my headphones at night. So I will have to settle for m50
 
Can anyone comment on the soundstage of m50? I am not a gamer. Does it matter a lot for movies and music?

 

[ethan3686]

Well i heard 518 sounds the same (especially with a an amp say E7) as 598/558..Its just the construction and design which differentiates them..the sound signature is almost identical..so why waste the cash..just buy the 518 and get a good amp (<100,e7) and enjoy!

 

[Trunks159]

They all have the same drivers, not the same sound. You can mod the 518 and 558 all you want, but they won't sound the same as the 598. Don't get the m50, get between:
Ath a900x
citiscape uptown

 

[teb1013]

They all have the same drivers, not the same sound. You can mod the 518 and 558 all you want, but they won't sound the same as the 598. Don't get the m50, get between:
Ath a900x
citiscape uptown

I had always heard that the HD518 had a different driver than the 558 and 598, then I found this thread. http://www.head-fi.org/t/609634/hd-518-teardown-with-a-shocking-twist . Anyway I got an HD558 refurbished for $105 USD. It sounds great and the mod is easy and worth doing. these are low impedance, but still work best with an amp. It sounds fine with my Fiio E7 but with the Aune T1 it is magnificent. I can't comment on the m50, but the 558 is a great choice.

I just noticed your note about leaking sound. Frankly when someone else has the 558s on and I'm in the same room the sound leakage doesn't disturb me, but in a dorm room at night, I just don't know. I find the open phones much more comfortable and with a better soundstage than closed ones. I also like being able to hear if someone says something. Still if you really need isolation open cans won't provide it.

 

[techboy]

m50 is uncomfortable and with a tiny soundstage. comfort wise bose is the best

 

[Trunks159]

Yeah, the 558 sounds wonderful, especially at that price.