HD497, HD555, or SR-80?

[Illah]

I can get the SR-80's and the 497's for around $50, and the 555's for around $100. These would be for a secondary setup, I already have nice HD600's and a Gilmore for my mains. Considering the secondary nature of these cans and the prices, which would you go for? I'm thinking SR-80's since I haven't owned any Grado's yet (I've had both 497 & 555 before). Then again I know that the 555's are great cans, although twice the price...497's aren't half bad either.

Thanks!

--Illah

 

[1967cutlass]

get the sr-80

 

[Andrea]

The HD555 would be the best choice on the whole, it's the more "competent". Be aware that it needs a lot of playing time to really open up and show all it can do. My HD595 has unexpectedly been improving even at nearly 400 hours.

 

[gshan]

Have you considered the MS-1s from Alessandro?

 

[xing3ds]

beyerdynamic DTX900?

Someone did a very good review on DTX900 and make comparisons to HD555, HD595, etc..

try to search the forum..

 

[donunus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xing3ds beyerdynamic DTX900? Someone did a very good review on DTX900 and make comparisons to HD555, HD595, etc.. try to search the forum..

Where's the best place to buy these cans? Also, can a portable drive it to satisfyingly loud levels and will it sound good

 

[b-sides]

where are you getting sr-80s for $50? i can't even find sr-60s for less than $70. if it really exists, thats quite a deal.

 

[sacundim]

Well, I think you have two separate issues here-- (a) budget, (b) what sound you want. If your budget can stretch up to the HD 555, I don't see why you'd get the 497; but if what you really want is the Grado sound, then I don't see why you'd pick either of the Senns.

 

[SunByrne]

sacundim, you nailed it. HD555s are strictly superior to HD497s by every measure I can think of other than price tag. Grados are a very different kind of sound entirely... Also, though, where can you get SR80s for $50? Heck, even *I* might have to have a pair of those around for that price...

 

[jbloudg20]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunByrne sacundim, you nailed it. HD555s are strictly superior to HD497s by every measure I can think of other than price tag. Grados are a very different kind of sound entirely... Also, though, where can you get SR80s for $50? Heck, even *I* might have to have a pair of those around for that price...

Seriously... want to let us in on your source here? I'm ready to purchase my set.

 

[Illah]

Private seller for the SR-80's

So yeah, having HD600's at work 497's might be too much of a step down...so what Senn would the SR-80's compare to just as a frame of reference? From price alone they seem to be on par with the 555's - is that correct?

Thanks,

--Illah

 

[SunByrne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illah Private seller for the SR-80's

Aha. No wonder so cheap.

Quote:

So yeah, having HD600's at work 497's might be too much of a step down...

I'd say so.

Quote:

so what Senn would the SR-80's compare to just as a frame of reference? From price alone they seem to be on par with the 555's - is that correct?

From a price standpoint, that sounds right.

From a sound standpoint, I think most would agree that Grado and Senn have real differences in sound characteristic, with some favoring Grados and some Senns. The HD595 and HD555 are a little more Grado-like than the HD580/600/650 family and I find them a very nice compromise, though of course some people hate them exactly because they try to walk that line.

From a comfort standpoint, I couldn't stand my SR60s for more than about ten minutes at a crack, while I can listen the Senns for hours at a time. YMMV there, of course.