[lejaz]

I've got a chance to pick up a set of HD580's pretty cheap from an online friend, but I was wondering if they fall short in any significant ways compared to the hd600's. I can't really afford the hd600's, so I'm hoping the 580's are their equal! I currently have Equation RP21's, k240S's, and mdr-v6's. Are the hd580's a significant step up from those? I will be using them for music production in a small bedroom studio. I work late at night and can't usually use monitor speakers. I really like the RP-21's and would stick with those, but I heard that the 580's are better.

 

[1Time]

What sound card or other equipment will you be plugging these headphones into?

About how old is the HD580? And do you know if it is the older or newer variety?

 

[lejaz]

I've got an emu 0404 usb audio interface which is supposed to have a very decent headphone amp. Don't know the age of the 580's...i'll have to check.

 

[John Willett]

The HD 580 (now discontinued, unfortunately) are excellent headphones and are a good choice if you want the HD 600 but can't afford them.

They are a good step better than other Sennheiser headphones (600, 650 and 800 excepted).

On my own HD 580 (which I bought when they came out in 1991) I have swapped the plastic backs for the backs from the HD 600

John (Tech. Support - Sennheiser UK)
PS: I have to put the above on a post like this, or I get moaned at; but this is a very personal post.

 

[lejaz]

Thanks John,
How do they compare to the hd600's in terms of sound signature...ie highs, mids, bass, etc.? Are they a good reference headphone for mixing in your opinion? I know the 600's are highly regarded for studio monitoring.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

IIRC, the HD580 and HD600 share the same drivers, but the HD600 drivers are more closely matched, and the housing of the HD600 is made to have less resonance or something of that nature, compared to the HD580.

EDIT: If this is wrong in any way, I'll wipe this post, but I'm pretty sure that's how it went.

 

[John Willett]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lejaz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks John, How do they compare to the hd600's in terms of sound signature...ie highs, mids, bass, etc.? Are they a good reference headphone for mixing in your opinion? I know the 600's are highly regarded for studio monitoring.

The HD 600 are basically the HD 580 Jubilee with a different paint job.

The Jubilee were basically a fine-tuned version of the 580.

When the designer of the 580 told me that he had originally wanted the 580 to have an open back like the 600, I swapped the backs on my own pair.

The sound signature of the 580 and 600 are pretty close - the 600 *is* a better headphone, but the 580 is very close so if money is tight the 580 is a good alternative.

If you can afford the 600, go for it; but if you can't you won't be disappointed with the 580.

 

[parn256]

if i were you im going to HD600.. "If" HD580 look in old condition...
but anyway if you dont want to use your emu 0404.
i think HD580 is a better idea =)

 

[blessingx]

I've owned most of the Senn line and downgraded from both the 600 and 650. I think the largest difference you'll find between the HD580 and 600 is balance. It can make you sit a little off center with the extra cash in your wallet.

 

[lejaz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blessingx /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've owned most of the Senn line and downgraded from both the 600 and 650. I think the largest difference I think you'll find between the HD580 and 600 is balance. It can make you sit a little off center with the extra cash in your wallet.

LOL...good one! Yeah, way less cash if I get the used 580's.

 

[lejaz]

One other set I thought I should throw into the mix is the Beyer DT770. They are a lot cheaper than the high end Sennheisers and are pretty highly regarded as studio headphones. Anyone compared these to the high end Sennheisers or AKG's(which are beyond my budget)?

 

[lucky]

Amazon says the DT770 is $269. That's no different from the highest-end AKG you can buy (the K70x), or the HD600 at $299. Personally, I'd get the K701 or HD600 over the Beyer, but you could be happy with any of them.

 

[lejaz]

I can get a set for $159.00....the 770's that is. I would jump on a set of k701's if I could get them for that price. What about hd600's do you prefer over the 770's?

 

[charliex]

I could be wrong, but the DT770's aren't truly reference phones and are somewhat coloured what with bloated bass response. I have the HD 580's (with 600 screens and 650 cable), and couldn't be happier. I'm sure that for the very negligible difference with the 600, you'll be very satisfied with these classic HD 580's : )

 

[lejaz]

I'm just going by the review in Sound on Sound magazine. The reviewer compared the dt770's extremely favorably with his studio monitor speakers.