I like how people think comparing HDTVs to headphones is the same as speakers to headphones
gimme a break
The Creative Aurvana Live could be very good but I would take these opinions above with a grain of salt.
For instance the HD595 is a High-End, 250$ Sennheiser headphone. Price doesn't equal sound quality but thinking the Creative Aurvana Live sounds better is highly personal.
If a person, who's used to listening to the HD595, gets to listen to the Aurvana Live he'll probably think otherwise. Another importand factor is amping. When I listen through a 3000euro
amplifier and a decent CDplayer the difference is enormous compared to, for instance, a computer. I think the real winner couldn't be decided by listening to a poor ampiflier.
Moreover the HD448 hasn't got the "laid back" Senn sound signature.
So you wonder if the Creative Aurvana Live is better than the HD448?
Really, that's up to you.
But in case you don't have the chance to listen to them this is my opinion about the HD448.
They simply are very neutral. A bit too neutral. If I compare them to the Totem Staff speakers they sound very thin.
At the other hand those speakers are 2500euros compared to a 80euro headphone (not up to date prices).
The sound of the HD448 has got some nice texture though, just not very much.
A too vivid sounding headphone might be annoying after a while. I would always prefer a neutral sounding headphone to a too vivid headphone.
There are always ignorant people who boost treble and bass to the max but at the end of the day you just want balanced, neutral sound.
The HD448 is pretty balanced.
The highs of the HD448 are very nice, detailed and not very up front.
The mids have a bit of a emphasis, as already noticed, but the mids are good so that's not a real con.
The bass is, for must people, too less. I disagree because there is bass where it's supposed to be.
You obviously are able to tweak a bit with EQ, but I would keep it to the minimum.
The soundstage is just fine, I can't say much about it because I haven't (decently) listened to a lot of headphones.
If you want a nice realistic sounding headphone which doesn't get fatiqueing because of harsh highs or bloomy bass: this a very good option.
I am very glad I bought them and I wouldn't trade it for one with more bass and up front highs.