[kappaz]

I've been using crappy sharper image headphones that just broke and saw that my only other pair is Sony MDRV700, which I can't stand, so I am looking for something new.  I've narrowed it down to these three, although I still need to research the 448 more.  I've ruled out the ad700 because everyone seems to say the bass is severely lacking.  I'm sure all three of these will sound great to me, I'm really not that picky.  I just wanted to know for people that have used these which one do you feel is the most comfortable? The sony headphones I have I are very heavy, not comfortable, and get hot.  I realize the m50 and 448 are closed but it doesn't seem like many people complain about comfort with them.  This will be the deciding factor to which one I get because they are all similair in price.  I don't want to spend more than $100.

 

[Aizura]

I honestly don't think there is a headphone with better comfort than the HD555. It's simply impossible.

 

[ClassicThunder]

I've only used the Senn 555 and M50s.
 
I'd say the 555 are more comfortable but I personally don't like how they sound. The M50 are more enjoyable to listen to IMO.

 

[tyty5150]

Can't vote in the poll cause I have no experience with the 448 but I think the M50 clamps more than the HD 555.  The pads are both comfortable but the M50 is more bulky and heavy so the HD 555 wins for comfort IMO.

 

[TheGame21x]

I only have experience with the HD555s and M50s and the HD555s are the most comfortable full-size headphones I've ever used.
 
That said, I don't feel that the M50s are uncomfortable. In fact, they're second on my list but pretty far behind the HD555s.
 
In terms of overall sound quality, I think the M50s are superior but that's probably because I consider myself something of a bass-head so your mileage may vary.

 

[zmd]

I have the HD448 and the HD558 (same as HD555). The 558 wins hands-down - big earcups, soft velour padding all over the place, really nice. The 448 are small (too small for some ears) and will become hot and sweaty.

 

[LegendX48]

I don't know much about the 555's or the M50's but I do have the HD448's and I love 'em 
 
I frequently wear them for long periods of time with no discomfort. 
 
Not really sure how to describe the sound but I'll try. The bass is great but not overbearing, very clear and clean and I absolutely love the way voices sound, especially female vocalists. 

 

[kappaz]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  I ended up ruling out the senn 448 after reading the long thread on 428 vs 438 vs 448.   It seems like the 438 would be more suited to the music I listen to, but the hideous chrome wheel design turns me off from getting them.  I just ordered the ATH-M50 from amazon. 
 

 

[matmal]

good choice, I found the 555s boring.  they are the only ones i had tried out of your list but they also had a tendency to want to fall of the back of my head, and that was very annoying.

 

[dirkpitt45]

I love my m-50s for their sound, but not for comfort :/ I find the Ms1 (only other pair I own) far more comfortable for longer periods of time. But the m-50s isolate better, depends on how I'm feeling.