[virusvoodoo]

Hi,

I've heard of great things about Sennheiser headphones, especially the higher-end ones likes the 500 series and above. I am thinking of either getting one of these three models: HD-515, HD-555, or HD-595. I had a chance to listen to the HD-555 at a local Good Guys store and they sounded excellent. It was beyond my expectation. The 212Pro sounded very good also which was why I bought it in the first place. However, after three weeks of careful listening to them, I realized that they are a bit warmer than the Sony headphones that I have. I did find that I get fatigue overtime if I listen to the 212Pro for a prolonged period of time. Because of that, I returned them and started saving up for higher-end ones.

Now my question for those who has experience with at least two of the three models (515, 555, 595) above is does the difference between them worth the price difference? I can get the 515 for about $45, the 555 for $85, and the 595 for $140. Which one yields the best performance for its price? I know I will get different responses but if I can see a general approval for one over the others, I will definitely take this in as a consideration.

Thank you for all the responses.

 

[Wimmig]

Slightly off topic, but where abouts are you located?

Most new listeners say the price difference between the 555's and the 595's does not reflect a good quality increase.

Best idea is to sample as many headphones as you can, with the same select group of songs. Back to back testing, and blind testing if you can.

After using 595's for quite some time now, i recently tried a set of new 555's (not burnt in) and picked up on minor tonal variations and extended response levels with the same sounds i use to trial new phones.

 

[diabloii]

if you don't mind me asking, where are you getting your prices?

 

[spike33]

no $$? save up and ignore the 515
no amp? 555
got amp? 595

 

[virusvoodoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike33 no $$? save up and ignore the 515 no amp? 555 got amp? 595

But I thought the all of these have the 50-ohm resistance. Is there another reason why the 555 doesn't need an amp while the 595 do?

 

[Wimmig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by virusvoodoo But I thought the all of these have the 50-ohm resistance. Is there another reason why the 555 doesn't need an amp while the 595 do?

There are now 2 versions of the 595's. The older version is 120ohm and new version is 50ohm.

The new version is more efficient. I just so happen to have a box here to quote specs off:

12-38.5khz
Max SPL at 1 kHz = 112dB
Input Powe = 500mW
THD at 1 kHz <0.1%

 

[spike33]

595 doesn't need amp but lets just say 595 will sound like 555 without one.

 

[Andrea]

I slightly disagree.

You don't need a dedicated amp to enjoy the 595 the best. For instance, if you have a good integrated (or receiver), or a home CD player with a headphone output, the HD595 will serve you better than the 555, provided that your music benefits from it.

 

[virusvoodoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by diabloii if you don't mind me asking, where are you getting your prices?

Please don't ask me where this is on sale. This is not onsale anywhere at a store; these are the prices I got from this forum and others.

 

[xing3ds]

I own HD555 and have heard HD595 for just a little while.
for that short period time of listening HD595 and compare A/B with HD555, IMO, I almost couldnt listen the difference. but I believe, If i have listen long enough and carefully listen it through various music and cds, I would say HD595 much better.

try to search in this forum, there are several post saying that the price difference between the HD555 and HD595 is not justifiable according to its price/perfomance ratio.

I also read a few posts saying that HD555 is approximately 75% of HD595 sounds.

I suggest that you should listen both of them more carefully (hd555 and hd595) and buy the one u like the most.

ps: IMHO, if I were u, i will forget about HD515.

 

[3lusiv3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by virusvoodoo Which one yields the best performance for its price? .

The HD 555 definitely yields the best performance for it's price. The HD 595 is better, but you pay for it.