[ExplosiveDuck]

I'm currently sporting some HD-280s and just bought myself a headphone amplifier (It's a Starving Student MiniMillett) and have been told that I should probably get better headphones to really get a feel for the amplifier and the difference in music.

Now I've been researching the HD650, and decided that right now it's too much money for me. I don't really feel like spending $380 on a headphone alone, because with the price of the amp + interconnect cables, we're looking at $500+.

Now I don't know the real difference between the two, other than the HD-595's are about twice as expensive, and I just assume because the HD-580s are discontinued and because they're cheaper and "lower" on the product line that they aren't as good, but I see a lot of people defending them and saying that they are the best headphones that they have ever used.

Music-wise, I listen to everything from Jazz to Death Metal to Hip-Hop to Alternative to Punk. In terms of range, I feel that there is a good mix of low and high in the music I listen to, so, I'm wondering:

Which do I get?!

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[cswann1]

I've heard the HD580/HD600/HD650 and they all sounded good, but I was particularly impressed with the HD580. They had a APS cable on them and were auditioned on a high-end rig. It was Alex's rig (from APureSound).

I haven't heard the HD595's but from all I've read I think the 580's would be the preferred choice.


If you find a used pair of 580's for a good price (under $150) I'd say jump on them.

 

[doping panda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExplosiveDuck /img/forum/go_quote.gif Now I don't know the real difference between the two, other than the HD-595's are about twice as expensive, and I just assume because the HD-580s are discontinued and because they're cheaper and "lower" on the product line that they aren't as good, but I see a lot of people defending them and saying that they are the best headphones that they have ever used. Music-wise, I listen to everything from Jazz to Death Metal to Hip-Hop to Alternative to Punk. In terms of range, I feel that there is a good mix of low and high in the music I listen to, so, I'm wondering: Which do I get?! Thanks for the help everyone!

Don't make the mistake of assuming that because something cost less it's worse. It's all preference. That said, the HD580s were likely discontinued because it was too similar to the HD600 and Senn didn't need to have 3 products from the same line. Also the numbers are misleading in this case as the HD580 and the HD595 aren't in the same family. The HD580 was the predecessor to the HD600 so it was Sennheiser's reference model for years. The HD580 is a great headphone and pretty much a steal when you can find them. I haven't tried them with an amp yet, but it sounds pretty good being driven by just about anything - most say that it improves significantly with an amp though. I don't own an HD595 so I can't speak from experience, but from what I read it's more forward and "in your face" than the HD580.

 

[QQQ]

580 worlds ahead of 595.

 

[the_dong146]

Been doing serious research on similar things myself.

Heard that the 595 is sort of the Grado of the Sennheiser line up - largely ditching the veil for a more forward presentation.

I personally am in the process of getting my hands on a HD580. I was seriously considering the HD600, however, given the small differences between the two (same driver), I am planning to go with the HD580 and perform the popular HD600 grille/HD650 cable mod.

 

[REB]

The hd580 is a very good headphone which is very close to the hd600. It's also very good bang for buck. I didn't like the hd595s the few times I listened to them. They lacked the warmth of the hd580 and their soundstage is good for watching movies, less so for listening to music. They are altogether in a different league.

 

[tdogzthmn]

The HD595 was my first real headphone. While it is a great headphone I found myself wanting more withing a few months. The HD595 is easier to drive and has a higher frequency response. However I think the HD580 can scale much better than the 595. If you dont care to invest alot in headphone the 595 is good and delivers great SQ at a decent price. The 580 has alot you can do with it but you need to put in some money if you want to hear it perform. I also agree with dong146 in that the 595 is more forward and light sounding when compared to the 580 which is darker and recessed. You can always tweak the sound by equalization If aren't quite happy with the sound. I would put the 580 in the same category as the 650 in that it will take some extra $$ to get it to sing.

 

[Suntory_Times]

Quote:

Originally Posted by QQQ /img/forum/go_quote.gif 580 worlds ahead of 595.

x2

 

[tintin47]

The 580 is basically the 600 with different grills and cabling. Get the 580. Don't even think about the 595. The 580 is in a different league.

 

[Guarneri]

I'm not sure I can agree with many of the previous posts. I loved the 580s for classical music, but the 595s were superior without a good amp and for much of the music you listen to.

What headphone amp did you buy? That could make a huge difference on which headphone is a better buy.

 

[ExplosiveDuck]

I have a modified (with better tubes / components) Mini Millett. I'm still undecided!

 

[java]

Quote:

Originally Posted by QQQ /img/forum/go_quote.gif 580 worlds ahead of 595.

Agreed, and the better you amp them, the better they sound ...

 

[obobskivich]

well, how about this for my opinion:

I've heard/auditioned both, I own the HD 580

the 595 isn't a bad 'phone, but its very "different" imho, both sound "good", both are comfortable, both are affordable (~$130-$150 for the 595, ~$150-$200 for the 580), and so on, I just didn't like the 595's presentation as much


now, I've read reviews which regard the 595 as superior, due to being more "up front", or "less veiled" (I can agree with these statements), the question really is: are those good things?

 

[Nocturnal310]

HD580 is essentially an uglier, cheaper HD600....some think the plastic grill affects the sound quality compared to HD600.



HD595 is also a great headphone..but has a brighter tone..overall HD580 is better than HD595 in terms of sound quality

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nocturnal310 /img/forum/go_quote.gif HD580 is essentially an uglier, cheaper HD600....some think the plastic grill affects the sound quality compared to HD600. HD595 is also a great headphone..but has a brighter tone..overall HD580 is better than HD595 in terms of sound quality

how incredibly subjective of you!