[Mad Max]

Quote:

I have the ath-m50's and the hd 380 pros. I like them both, a lot. The two are completely different headphones. I'd say each at the opposite end of the other. I use the hd 380 pros at work, the ath-m50's at home. Not sure why but I prefer the way they sound this way better. I do wish the ath-m50's had the replaceable cable. I got the straight cable version, wish I would have chosen the corded one but no one carried it around here. If I had to choose between the two, I'd probably choose the ath-m50 for just one reason. The hd380 pros have that Sennheiser veiled sound. I like it, for some reason like it better at work, smoother more refined but more expensive. The ath-m50's seem clearer, more up front, better value. Both very comfortable wearing a long time. I do agree both sound much, much better after about 50 hours of high volume burn in.

 
Yeah, they're both-
Oh boy, the mythical Sennheiser "veil" yet again.  =\
Anyway, they each have their ups and downs versus the other, you should give both a try if possible, johnvonmacz.
 
edit: spelling

 

[jimi]

Not mythical to me or the hd380's I own...

 

[marone]

Try the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro. So comfortable, and so smooth and detailed.

How does the HD380 Pro compare to the 598/600/650/700?

I am at the $60 price point now, but in 6 months or so will be going up the ladder. I wanted to get a pair of 439's or PX-100's, then the next Senn can would be one of the 598/600/650/700.

Probably the 650.

But if the 380 is as smooth as I have heard, maybe that one instead of the PX-100...and what about the PX-200?

 

[johnvonmacz]

How does the HD380 Pro compare to the 598/600/650/700?

I am at the $60 price point now, but in 6 months or so will be going up the ladder. I wanted to get a pair of 439's or PX-100's, then the next Senn can would be one of the 598/600/650/700.

Probably the 650.

But if the 380 is as smooth as I have heard, maybe that one instead of the PX-100...and what about the PX-200?

Been using the HD 380 Pro for two months now. It's way better than HD 439, add a FiiO E10 to amplify the 380 Pro and you will have eargasms for sure.

 

[jimi]

How are you going to use your headphones and with what equipment? This helps determine which is the best choice for you. I'd consider the he 380 Pro a step down from the 598's but they fold and more portable.the 380 Pro are much bigger (full size) and closed back. I believe they isolate pretty well. When I where them at my desk at work, I can't hear my phone ring. For this reason I switched to the PX-100 II's at work. The 380 Pro are totally different than the PX-100 II's. The PX-100 II's are more of your Walkman style not full size with open backs. The 380 pro seems to require more power. I love the 380 Pro but if I had to choose between the two? Surprisingly, I'd choose the PX-100II's. They sound that good, much more flexible and a whole lot cheaper. I'd recommend buying the PX-100 II's then the HD 600's. I'm saving for the HD600's now.

 

[marone]

These will used at home, not travel, not at the office. I have a variety of SS and valve amps that are used to power my hps. Several dedicated ODAC's and reclockers being fed by my PC and a variety of dmp like the Russian Album Player, using ASIO driver and/or virtual audio cable. At the pc, in the living room, in the bedroom.

Rock, progressive, female jazz vocal, romantic and classical sources.

 

[Mad Max]

How does the HD380 Pro compare to the 598/600/650/700?

I am at the $60 price point now, but in 6 months or so will be going up the ladder. I wanted to get a pair of 439's or PX-100's, then the next Senn can would be one of the 598/600/650/700.

Probably the 650.

But if the 380 is as smooth as I have heard, maybe that one instead of the PX-100...and what about the PX-200?

 
HD380 is much brighter than HD6x0, and has more pronounced low bass.  Its sound is very aggressive and upfront, while HD6x0 will be more "peaceful" and laidback.  Other than that, 380 will be quite a step down from 6x0.  PX200 is great as an ultra-portable when you are on the go, unless it is windy, then all you will hear is very loud wind noise instead of music.
 
If you are set on stepping up to 6x0/700 and any of your choices will be used at home only, then forget the others, I think, unless you want passive isolation (HD380) or ultra-portability (PX100/200).