[trilvester]

Ok so I've had the ATH-AD700s for quite a while not and they sound awesome, but I can't get past the fact that they are very uncomfortable to me. I thought by using them for a while I would get used to them but I've used them for months everyday and they still bother me so now I'm looking to buy another, more comfortable headphone. I've been looking at the HD 555s and want to know if they will be more comfy but with the sound sound quality of the AD700s. Thanks

 

[ciphercomplete]

Only if you prefer the HD555's sound to the AD700. The AD700 is just all-around better than the HD555.

The HD595 or the HD600 might be a more worthwhile move.

 

[trilvester]

Well I've never listened to the HD555s before so I don't know if I like the sound of them.
The HD595 and 600s are too expensive for my budget.
Is there some kind of mod I could do that would make the AD700s more comfortable for me?

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trilvester /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is there some kind of mod I could do that would make the AD700s more comfortable for me?

Possibly. What is the source of your discomfort with the AD700. I sold my A900 because my ears rubbed in the ear cups. It's extremely likely that you would find the HD555 very comfortable.

 

[TimPrice]

you wanna go a step back?

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimPrice /img/forum/go_quote.gif you wanna go a step back?

I didn't get that from reading the original post. He wants a solution to the comfort problem he's having with the AD700 and is only considering the HD555 if the SQ is the same, which most agree it is not.

 

[ciphercomplete]

Sorry, I missed the comfort issue.

If my memory serves me correctly here is a more detailed comparison of the two:

The AD700 definitely has a shade more detail and speed.

If you like the large soundstage and airiness of the AD700 you will lose that with the HD555. The HD555 has a decent soundstage (lots of people use it for movies) its just not near as large as the AD700.

The HD555 does have more bass than the AD700. The HD555's bass is not as tight though.

The AD700's treble is somewhat grainy, the HD555 is less so.

The HD555 is the more full-sounding can. The HD555 is also darker.

The midrange is the only area where the HD555 beats the AD700 IMHO. It is very smooth with lots of emotion. The AD700's midrange is very nice sounding and clear but it is a little recessed. If you listen to alot of female vocals you might prefer the HD555 over the AD700 despite the drawbacks I mentioned.

When I wrote earlier that the AD700 clobbers the HD555 that was audiophile speak. They are close enough in terms of SQ that the HD555's midrange and the added comfort might make it a good pickup for you.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciphercomplete /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sorry, I missed the comfort issue. If my memory serves me correctly here is a more detailed comparison of the two: The AD700 definitely has a shade more detail and speed. If you like the large soundstage and airiness of the AD700 you will lose that with the HD555. The HD555 has a decent soundstage (lots of people use it for movies) its just not near as large as the AD700. The HD555 does have more bass than the AD700. The HD555's bass is not as tight though. The AD700's treble is somewhat grainy, the HD555 is less so. The midrange is the only area where the HD555 beats the AD700 IMHO. It is very smooth with lots of emotion. The AD700's midrange is very nice sounding and clear but it is a little recessed. If you listen to alot of female vocals you might prefer the HD555 over the AD700 despite the drawbacks I mentioned. When I wrote earlier that the AD700 clobbers the HD555 that was true audiophile speak. They are very close in terms of SQ. The midrange and the added comfort might make the HD555 a good pickup for you.

Good information... is this with or without an amp or both? Thanks

 

[ciphercomplete]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Time /img/forum/go_quote.gif Good information... is this with or without an amp or both? Thanks

With a amp. The Little Dot MKII to be exact.

 

[trilvester]

Ok thanks, I really apreciate the info. I think I might try the HD 555s out.

 

[trilvester]

Ok so I got the HD555s and tried them out but it turns out they sound a little worse and are just as uncomfortable as the AD700s. I think I'm doomed to find comfortable cans :'(

 

[Solid Snake]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trilvester /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ok so I got the HD555s and tried them out but it turns out they sound a little worse and are just as uncomfortable as the AD700s. I think I'm doomed to find comfortable cans :'(

I am curious, what is making both of these cans so uncomfortable for you?

It is strange to hear this because I heard both have extreme comfort for many people.

 

[scytheavatar]

Yeah the AD700 is one of the most comfortable cans out there you can get. You can try the Denons next but if you still think that they are uncomfortable I think you'll need to learn to live with the uncomfort.

 

[Nocturnal310]

HD555 is not inferior ...its just warm like many Sennheisers. it doesnt sound upfront..more laid back.

and i agree with the statement that the highs on AD700 is little grainy..i felt the same.

anyway ... HD555 is not the way u should go....just waste of money because u ll be one the same stage.. try to go level up by getting HD580 atleast or HD600.


HD580 are better than HD595 imo.