[obentou]

Hi,

As you can see, I'm a newb to the forums, and apparently to post in the BST I need to rack up 50 posts. So here it goes.

I am mainly looking at these two earphones for music and gaming. I'm sure the HD555's would be great for these, but is it worth the upgrade to the HD595's, or heck, even the HD650?

Edit: Oh, and how is the sound leak on these things? ie. I know they are "open-ear" or whatever it is called, but how audible is this?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mr00000]

I haven't listened the 555s or 650s but I absolutely love my 595s. I definitely think that it has a "flavor" that some people will love and others (Grado/Alessandro fans) might not. Their presentation isn't as "in your face" but more relaxed - this is one of the reasons I love them.

So I'll put in a vote for the 595s

 

[StefanKelevra]

I just received my Sennheiser hd 595 today. My first quality headphones.
120 euro's more than my most expensive headphone ever before, but i like it.
Im satisfied, i dont know how some can say it lacks in bass cause the bass sounds pretty good for me, but then again, im new..
I would buy it again so i also do recommend.

- Stefan.

 

[StevenBrouwer]

I have the 555 and think it's very good. Infact I like them better them my much more expensive Atrio m5's. It's because I like the flavour of the HD555 very much. Soft and balanced. I wish it would extend some more in the low and highs though. If the 595 is not much more expensive I would take that one. 595 is more refined than the 555. I haven't listen to the 595, but I sometime feel the 555 could be more refined, although I am already very happy with it. So take the 595. Or be a man and get a 580/600 + amp at once

 

[big-fi]

Go the for 555.

 

[RogerB]

I just got my 595's about 2 weeks ago from amazon for $177 shipped. After 2 weeks all I can say is "awesome"!!!! I love these cans. I haven't listened to my Grado sr 80's since I got these. Sooooooo comfortable and sound great with all types of music imo.

I listen to them from my home cd player (Sony ce595) through a Go Vibe amp. While they definitely do not need an amp I find the amp raises them up to their full potential. Get the 595's. You won't be sorry!

 

[1Time]

The HD555 and HD595 are open so they let sound in to you and out to others. If this is not a problem, I don't think you can go wrong with either model for music and gaming. I don't recommend the HD580 or HD650 for you as they require amping. If you need sound to not leak in and out nearly as much, then you'll need closed cans. The Audio-Technica ATH-A700 or A900 are closed cans that are often recommended for gaming.

 

[judas391]

I'd think of the HD555s as music cans, as opposed to the A900s, which place an emphasis on gaming and bassy music.

 

[mkell]

The sound leak outwards is fairly audible. I had a pair of the 595s and absolutely loved them...except that I need these to use in public and on flights. The only reason I returned them was to look for a closed design. When I was in the car with the family and on the plane, anyone next to me could hear what I was listening to. Very lovely headphones though. I wish I could go back to them.

 

[musicmind]

If you can spare the change, get the 595. I think they are better looking and sounding than the 555, and are pretty good cans in their own right.
The 650 is more refined but for their price the 595's sound very good.

They do leak a fair amount of sound, as do most open headphones.

 

[JLai]

Having owned both the 595 and 650s, I'd highly recommend the 650s IF you have a decent amp. Its very well worth the upgrade (haven't once regretted going from the 595 --> 650). Get the 595s if you are running unamped. I have no experience with the 555s (won some in a contest but I opted to give them to someone who "supposedly" really wanted them, only to later find out he tried to sell them...guess I shoulda accepted them to do an A/B testing).

 

[MrKazador]

Quote:

Originally Posted by obentou /img/forum/go_quote.gif Edit: Oh, and how is the sound leak on these things? ie. I know they are "open-ear" or whatever it is called, but how audible is this?

This you shouldn't worry about it much, unless there will be someone in the same room sleeping and its dead quiet. Open headphones do leak sound but not as much as you think, unless your deaf and need to listen to 100+db of music

 

[obentou]

Haha don't worry, I really prefer to keep the volume at a minimal level to save my hearing. The Westone UM1's I currently have does a good job of keeping the volume down and making music clear.

Thanks for all your replies guys, I'll try to look for a HD series headphone in the BST sometime... if one ever pops up..

 

[obentou]

Actually, I do have additonal questions..

Should I buy headphones from Sennheiser listed as "B-Stock"? There's one on eBay and it looks tempting, but I'm not sure whether to buy these or not.

There's also another ad selling the HD555's for around $140 CDN shipped, but of course there's going to be customs fees when I receive it. Is this worth it? Or should I wait for one to pop up in the BST?

 

[Gatticus]

I have HD595's too and while they are good unamped they do get better amped too. Out of my amp they have a deeper bottom end. Comparing out of EMU0404 USB ClassA amp they still have much deeper bottom end out of my Audiolab 8000A. I like them quite a bit but I sill would like something better. I think I would maybe prefer something more neutral for my tastes. People who say they lack bass need to get an amp and then see if they feel the same. I doubt they will. Lots of people with HD595 just run them straight out of their soundcard and that is fine but for optimal sound quality you still want a decent amp with them.