[Cinemuso]

Hi - I'm looking for a first, high-range headphone.

I'm stuck between the old and the new - seems these two can be bought for similiar price ranges.

I listen to classical/orchestral - and want reference uses as well as pure listening. I'm interested in the 580 as an approximation of the hd600. Later I may upgrade cables etc if I get this.

I have no specialised amps but am prepared to spend around $300-500 in that area.

Not especially fussed about open or closed - just want quality for the price range. (AKG are uncomfortable on me BTW).

Anyone able to make a comparison here?

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

I need to preface this by saying my D2000 have been re-cabled by APureSound, and I use an APureSound cable with the HD600 too.

I listen to my D2000 more than my HD600, because I usually need closed headphones when I listen and because they are a little more fun than the HD600. I think the D2000 have a slightly bigger soundstage that is less forward than the HD600, and the D2000 have a definite boost in the bass vs the HD600. This makes the D2000 more enjoyable to me, and they are good with classical/orchestral, as well as jazz and rock.

In the end, I think you would be very happy with either for your purposes, and you could get either one and re-cable them within the stated budget. I am not sure why you are looking at HD580, and I have not heard those, but the 600 were close enough that I decided to post.

Now, other people will chime in and tell you to get something else, like HD650, or D5000, so I'll sit back and watch...

 

[Tiemen]

I agree mostly with Headphone Addict.
I had the HD580, and have the D2000 (both with stock cable).
The differences in sound quality are marginal.
You can't go wrong with either of them. Though the HD580 is better build, and cheaper.

 

[Gradofan2]

Agree with the prior comments.

The modified HD580/600 (600 screens and 650 cable) sounds absolutely "magical" with my sources and the DV332! They have a very clear, crisp, detailed, rich sound throughout the entire sound range, with great bass with lots of impact and fairly large soundstage - very similar to the RS-1s, and the D5000s.

The D5000s sound very, very similar - slightly more prominent bass, which is a bit more extended and boomy and less tight, and very slightly less prominent midrange relative to the bass, and highs - but exceptional midrange. D5000s also have a slightly larger soundstage. With the X-CANv8 the sound is more clear, and detailed and the bass is tighter.

With the DV332, the RS-1s, MHD580/600s, and D5000s sound so similar its hard to tell the differences - though, I think I'd rank them in this order: MHD580/600s, RS-1s, and D5000s - but, its so-o-o close. The MHD580s are a "huge bargain." There really isn't enough difference between these phones to justify the higher prices of the RS-1s and D5000s. Though the D5000s have the larger soundstage and a bit more instrument separation - which may set them apart for music that benefits from these qualities; and the RS-1s have great PRAT, and clarity. And... I'd likely invert the order with the X-CANv8.

 

[Cinemuso]

thanks for these replies!

As I indicated in my accidental duplicate thread in the full-size forum, I was (again accidentally) in fact asking for comparisons with the d2000. Which just reinforces how good the modded 580's with a good amp, still are!

Man I cant wait to hear some great music with (finally!) a decent setup. I know I'm not alone in that sentiment...

Quick question regarding the 600 grills on the 580s -Gradofan2 - do these make more than a cosmetic difference? ( Ive read about 1/3 of the massive 580 appreciation thread- but you seem to know your 580's) Seems to be uncontested that theres a substantial difference with getting the 650 cables.

I'll have a read of the d2000 v 650 thread - although the price of 580s is a LOT less than the 650s! At least it is at the bottom of the world, ie, Australia.

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinemuso /img/forum/go_quote.gif thanks for these replies! As I indicated in my accidental duplicate thread in the full-size forum, I was (again accidentally) in fact asking for comparisons with the d2000. Which just reinforces how good the modded 580's with a good amp, still are! Man I cant wait to hear some great music with (finally!) a decent setup. I know I'm not alone in that sentiment... Quick question regarding the 600 grills on the 580s -Gradofan2 - do these make more than a cosmetic difference? ( Ive read about 1/3 of the massive 580 appreciation thread- but you seem to know your 580's) Seems to be uncontested that theres a substantial difference with getting the 650 cables. I'll have a read of the d2000 v 650 thread - although the price of 580s is a LOT less than the 650s! At least it is at the bottom of the world, ie, Australia.

I think the 600 screens/grills do improve the sound, because they're much more open. If you prefer a more "closed" sound, then maybe not.

They're not very costly, so just get them and be done! And... they do look a "whole heck uv a lot better."

 

[Cinemuso]

The grills are easy to buy from Senn USA? They do look better...

Oh the agony, the agony!

 

[Namrac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinemuso /img/forum/go_quote.gif The grills are easy to buy from Senn USA? They do look better... Oh the agony, the agony!

Call them up and tell them you need HD600 replacement grilles, I think they total $20 shipped or so. I've been meaning to do it for a while now, just haven't gotten around to it.

 

[Project22a]

Make sure to indicate that you want a PAIR of grilles when you order them. They are normally sold as singles.

 

[Cinemuso]

Thanks for the replies - this site is the bees knees for audio!

Ive now bought some 'new' 580s unopened, off eeebay - get them tomorrow! Now to read about preferred amps for these babies..

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinemuso /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the replies - this site is the bees knees for audio! Ive now bought some 'new' 580s unopened, off eeebay - get them tomorrow! Now to read about preferred amps for these babies..

You're gonna luv 'em!

Especially... if you mod 'em... and get yourself the DV332 to drive them - simply incomparable!!!

Oh... maybe the RS-1s are as great with that setup... but... any better.

And... the D5000s aren't quite their match.

One heck uv a bargain!

 

[tfarney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinemuso /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the replies - this site is the bees knees for audio! Ive now bought some 'new' 580s unopened, off eeebay - get them tomorrow! Now to read about preferred amps for these babies..

Read the integrated amp threads, too. Most receivers and integrateds power headphone jacks with the speaker amps, stepped down through a nest of resistors, and it seems that the only problem with that -- high output impedance -- is not a problem with high impedence phones like the 580s. In other words, plug your 580s into your integrated amp or receiver and listen for awhile before you buy a dedicated amp. It probably won't equal a high-end hp amp, but it may really surprise you, and at least give you time to find exactly the right hp amp (by the way, if you're looking for a bargain, the Little Dot MkV, at $299 and the CIAudio MPH-2 at $399 get great reports with Senns).

By the way, I've had a pair of 580s for about 10 years. The only problem I have with them is that if I listen to them exclusively for a few days, then my speakers suck. They are absolutely great-sounding cans. Enjoy.

Tim