[TAF94]

I'm on the fence between these 2, the HD580 or HD555. I don't listen to heavy metal/rock but mostly other genres. I like music/sound to be impactful like on a movie soundtrack and detailed.

I've read both of these are great but can't audition either in my area. Any advice?

 

[jdimitri]

580. they were the top of the line headphones from sennheiser
AND they're now cheap.. i just got 1 for $70 shipped (used) and ebay has a couple for $130ish

 

[TAF94]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdimitri 580. they were the top of the line headphones from sennheiser AND they're now cheap.. i just got 1 for $70 shipped (used) and ebay has a couple for $130ish

That's one vote for HD580. Which one has more bass or are they the same? Anyone else?

 

[Audiofiler]

another for the 580, you should do a comparable analysis for the 580 BS 650 for your own ideas..the amps make more of a difference on the Senns, and are harder to drive with typical stereo outs...dedicated amp will behoove peformance from both.

 

[TAF94]

If I would get the HD580 I would use my PA2V2 with them. I was originally leaning toward the HD555 but now I don't know.

 

[Soymilk]

what about unamped, is the hd580 as easy to drive as the hd555?

 

[1117]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soymilk what about unamped, is the hd580 as easy to drive as the hd555?

Nope. The HD555 now comes in a 50ohm version, which sounds good unamped. To get the most out of the hd580, you'd need to get an amp. I have the HD555, but have never heard the HD50 (however, I do know that it is like a 300ohm phone, if I'm not mistaken).

 

[Roger.McMurphy]

I own the HD555 and most people agree that they are killer for the money. I use the 50ohms version everyday and I never amped them. I don't even see why I should amp such nice sounding headphones... They are 100% enjoyable for just about anything. So I'd say get the HD555. Chances are you'll love them. If they don't feel sophisticated enough for you, go for the 595, or spend 1000$ on slightly better sounding cans with their amps! Just my opinion.

 

[knik]

The HD555 sound great unamped and can handle pretty much all genres of music quite well. The HD555 also have a more forward presentation than the HD580.
I don't think that the PA2V2 will be able to do justice to the HD580 which like everyone says do need a good amp to sound their best.
So if you are planning to get a better amp in the near future I would say go with the HD580. If you are not, then go for the HD555 or the HD595 (which also don't need an amp), if you can stretch your budget a bit.

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAF94 If I would get the HD580 I would use my PA2V2 with them. I was originally leaning toward the HD555 but now I don't know.

The PA2V2 drives the 580s just fine in my experience.

 

[tfunk408]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAF94 I'm on the fence between these 2, the HD580 or HD555. I don't listen to heavy metal/rock but mostly other genres. I like music/sound to be impactful like on a movie soundtrack and detailed. I've read both of these are great but can't audition either in my area. Any advice?

i find it impossible to form opinions regarding headphones without considering the source as a factor.

 

[ekwinix]

I run my 580's directly out of my soundcard out sometimes when playing games and find the volume level is more than enough for gaming, watching video's and mp3s.

Obviously the quality of sound is never going to be as good as from a nice setup - but I think you will be suprised as to just how good the 580's sound regardless.

 

[Audiofiler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfunk408 i find it impossible to form opinions regarding headphones without considering the source as a factor.

well put

 

[purk]

HD-580 all the way, and get an amp for them later. You can build a system around them. The HD-580 is approximately 95% of the HD-600 has to offer.

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger.McMurphy I own the HD555 and most people agree that they are killer for the money. I use the 50ohms version everyday and I never amped them. I don't even see why I should amp such nice sounding headphones... They are 100% enjoyable for just about anything. So I'd say get the HD555. Chances are you'll love them. If they don't feel sophisticated enough for you, go for the 595, or spend 1000$ on slightly better sounding cans with their amps! Just my opinion.

Actually, chances are the HD580 (properly amped) will sound more "sophisticated" to most listeners than either the HD555 or HD595, and at way less than $1000. Just my opinion.

P.S. the HD580/600/650 lineup does have quite a bit of clamping force on the head, but it doesn't seem to bother some people... just something to be aware of.