[prebroff]

After accidently ripping my horrible "stock" ipod headphones I decided to buy new ones, but after some research I was introduced to a new world of audio nirvana! After reading several reviews and posts I am torn apart between the Grado SR-60 and the Sennheiser HD-497. After my research I came to a couple of conclusions:


The Grado SR-60:
1. The best to drive out of a portable, such as my Ipod.
2. Just plain awesome.
3. "Retro" style (love it or hate it)
4. They leak.
5. Some say uncomfortable.


The Sennheiser HD-497
1. Comparable to the Grados
2. Look nice.
3. Don't leak as much.
4. Cheaper (not that important)


Well, I just don't know which one to choose. I'm primarily going to use it with my ipod. How bad do the Grados leak, is it enough to bother people around me? Which one sounds better (of course)? Which one is more comfortable? And last, but not least which one looks better (never seen them in person)?

Thanks

 

[Jasper994]

well the 497's definately look better to most people... I've heard both but out of different sources so I can't honestly tell you which was better. I liked the Grado's but then I heard them off of an Arcam amp. When I heard the 497's they were plugged into a Kenwood or something. From memory the Grado's were more comfy.

 

[blessingx]

Yes, the Grados leak much. I mean much, like about 70% of the sound headed the other direction. They are really not designed as portable phones (the cord is stiff, etc.) so if you're using them often as portables, the 497's may be better (longer cord, but thinner and more flexible). Both can work though (I've used them both off an iPod), and especially in transportable situations.

Other considerations- they both come apart for long trips. In everyday experiences the Grados are likely to lay flat, where the Senns will be bulky. The Grados look better, but only because the Senns look worse. I actually like the Grado look at home, just not walking about with the cord falling out of my pocket. For looks the Grados head back, the Senns forward. Think Flintstones versus Jetsons.

They're both very good phones for the price though. They're both the beginning of really good sound. And they're both comparible (I like the Grados a little better. My friend likes the Senns slightly more, etc.)

EDIT: And welcome to Head-Fi. Sorry about your wallet.

 

[Geek]

The fundamental approach towards sonics is different between the Grado and the Sennheiser. The SR60 is definitely colored, but musically intimate, exciting, and easily invigorating. It is great for those who want the music to announce its prescence and who are less concerned about pure accuracy. The HD497 is the opposite of this; it is a more accurate sound but lacks an invigorating intimate coloration across the frequency spectrum; sort of like listening to a concert in the middle of the stadium where it's sonically ideal. The grado would be like walking around in between the performers.

Grados do leak, and they do a lot of leaking. The HD497s do a little bit of leaking.

Cheers,
Geek

 

[prebroff]

I have decided to go with the Grados! I will let you know when I get them.

 

[SunByrne]

I have the Senn HD497 on order, so I'll chip in as well, though of course I don't have the Grados so I can't compare directly...

 

[lindrone]

For portable use, i would've picked the HD497.. because it stays on your head a little better, imo...

I found it to be more comfortable than the Grado... it hugs your ear with a comfortable padding.... but that's all personal preference...

However, I would prefer the sound of the Grado over the HD497 as well... so either way, if you want the better sound, I think Grado is it. I wouldn't use a HD497 with anything but a portable...

 

[noiseunit]

Quote:

Originally posted by lindrone I wouldn't use a HD497 with anything but a portable...

from my own experiences with both the sr60 and 497, i second this, though i feel it might be better geared at computer use

 

[Davie]

FWIW, I prefer the Senn 497 sound, but not the looks. At least not when they're on my head. I think they make me look absurd, whereas the Grado's just look endearlingly goofy. I find the Grado sound fatiguing. The 497 I find warm and pleasing. I also find that the 497s do better than the Grados out of low powered sources.

 

[lindrone]

LOL.. noiseunit, you hit it right on the spot... I should make an amendment to my previous statement...

I got a HD497 for portable use.. but I'm using a Shure E5c now instead... HD497 is relegated to only computer duty right now.. It's not great, it's just where I happen to stick it...

I'm getting a HD590 on the way, it should be a lot better than the HD497... then I'll be able to determine whether or not M-Audio Revolution is good enough of a soundcard to get a somewhat clear signal from.

Of course, it's not going to be anywhere near a real rig.. but it's just what I'm using for now...

 

[saxmanuw]

I'm thinking of getting a pair myself and comparing them to the Sr-60's.... I've heard the 590's are the most "lively" of the Senn's.

 

[lindrone]

It's supposed the easiest to drive without an amp... hence the "liveliest".. however... most also do complain about the somewhat artificial sound...

That's why most people prefer to get a HD580 or HD600... Personally the HD590 is a good fit, because it'll be connected to my PC, with very little amp supporting it. I got a good deal on it anyway, so I won't be heartbroken if I have to upgrade to something else later...

(right now, more or less eyeing the CD3000 if I do have to upgrade to something later..)

 

[saxmanuw]

I don't have an amp, and don't really plan on buying one for a bit. Are they good for rock or more suited for classical?