HD-555 replacement advice?
Oct 25, 2010 at 6:41 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 17
Guust-Fi

Guust-Fi

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I had a pair of HD-555's which I really enjoyed unamped.
I have a small Headsave Classic amp though. (discontinued and made by "Norm" around 5 years ago)
The HD-555's weren't durable though and the head band broke at the ear piece on both sides.
I use them alot almost every day to watch movies most of the time.

Overall these points should be considered:
 

I was thinking about Beyerdynamic DT-990 or Sennheiser HD-595's, but the latter would probably break again over time.

What would you recommend?
 
Oct 25, 2010 at 2:00 PM Post #2 of 17
DT990 aren't exactly easy to drive. If you're satisfied with the Senns i suggest looking at the new HD558. Impressions i've read so far seem to indicate it's a neat improvement over the HD555. And since it uses the same design you're sure you'll find them comfortable. I haven't found a more comfortable headphone than the HD5xx yet.
 
BTW, my HD555 headband also broke on both sides but i glued them back lol. Seems like every HD555 gets those cracks some time. A major design flaw. I assume Sennheiser fixed this issue with the new HD558/598
 
Oct 25, 2010 at 2:48 PM Post #3 of 17
I assume the HD-595 also suffers the same build quality problem?
 
Anybody broke their head bands?
 
 
I made a mistake about the DT-990. I don't remember where I read that.
 
Like I said, I have a small Headsave Classic amp. If that would be enough, no problem...
 
 
Oct 25, 2010 at 4:13 PM Post #6 of 17

I'm still using my 595 and they have been abused, dropped multiple times on hard floors, and they still work fine.
 
Quote:
redh0rn said:
I used my 595's almost daily as gaming phones for over two years without issues.
Click to expand...


 
 
Oct 27, 2010 at 2:23 AM Post #7 of 17
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/Wootszie/hd595.jpg

The crack issue is real. Mine ended up comepletely breaking. Cracks sometimes occur with the hd-595 too.
(the hd-555 with the foam mod might be the best bang for the buck headphone)
I can get Beyerdynamic DT 770 or 990 for 158 € and they seem better built.
 
Any advice?
Did I miss any cans that would suit my needs?
 
Oct 27, 2010 at 2:43 AM Post #8 of 17
Not sure if you can find it, but the AD900 seems to suit you.
 
Beyer DT440 could work but I think they lack in comfort.
 
It's very hard to go from the ~100 range to an upgrade because most upgrades require an amp.
 
Oct 28, 2010 at 6:41 AM Post #9 of 17
The ATH AD-900 is too expensive. I'm looking for something under 280 $.
I tried the DT 440 yesterday in a shop and they seemed nice. I only tested them 30 seconds though.
The sound signature was similar to the other beyer phones. Perhaps the bass was less controlled.
They seemed pretty comfortable but I didn't pay a lot attention to it at that time.
I didn't have enough time to compare them properly.

I wasn't considering the DT 440 so far, thanks for the advice.
I always thought they weren't very good compared to the DT 770 etc. although they sounded allright.

I'm thinking about a HD-555 with a foam mod, it would probably be the best bang for the buck at this moment but I'm scared they will break again and I won't upgrade in the next years.

To repeat my requirements:


  • Open back! (but not leaking a lot more then the HD-55x) - I want to be able to hear what is going on arround me while listening privately and without disturbing people around me.
  • Relatively easy to drive. I won't buy a true amp seperatly.
    As I said, I do have a Headsave Classic amp and I would consider an Ibasso D4, a microdac or similar to use with my computer(s)
    I just won't be investing in a full sized amp.
  • < 200 €/280 USD
    +- HD-595 price point
    I can buy online worldwide...
  • Very comfortable (same or better than HD-55x) - I will be wearing them for 4 hours straight each day or so.
 
Oct 28, 2010 at 9:51 AM Post #10 of 17
The issue is, you are on the precipice of requiring an amp.
 
Perhaps it is something to think about.  
normal_smile .gif

 
Oct 28, 2010 at 2:55 PM Post #11 of 17
Considering the fact I have a small Headsave classic amp.
What would you do in my situation if you suddenly had the option of getting used Sennheiser HD-580's for 100-150 $?

I guess a (32ohm) DT-990 at 150 $ would be a better choice.
Perhaps even the HD-555's and foam modding them and using the extra money to get a better DAC/AMP instead of my Echo AudioFire 4?

To make things clear I won't buy a dedicated amp!
I use a Echo Audiofire 4 external firewire soundcard with my computer and I'm only thinking about replacing it by a true DAC or DAC-amp combo for around 200$.
 
Oct 28, 2010 at 10:33 PM Post #12 of 17
DT-990s will not be properly driven w/o an amp @ any resistance.
 
Oct 28, 2010 at 10:49 PM Post #13 of 17


Quote:
guust-fi said:
Considering the fact I have a small Headsave classic amp.
What would you do in my situation if you suddenly had the option of getting used Sennheiser HD-580's for 100-150 $?

I guess a (32ohm) DT-990 at 150 $ would be a better choice.
Perhaps even the HD-555's and foam modding them and using the extra money to get a better DAC/AMP instead of my Echo AudioFire 4?

To make things clear I won't buy a dedicated amp!
I use a Echo Audiofire 4 external firewire soundcard with my computer and I'm only thinking about replacing it by a true DAC or DAC-amp combo for around 200$.
Click to expand...


Get the 580, upgrade the amp later, it should suit you fine for now.
 
Also, where can I find one for that price?
 
Oct 28, 2010 at 11:02 PM Post #14 of 17
Another option you might want to consider since you were happy with the 555 is their replacement, the HD558 or even the 598. You can look for some impressions here in head-fi or in headfonia,  they were presumably designed as an improvement to the 555, so they seem like a good option.
 
Up until now the 555/595 are still my favorite not that expensive unamped headphones.
 
Oct 29, 2010 at 5:24 AM Post #15 of 17
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