[sirnice]

First of all, I don't know much about electronics.
I've just purchased a set of HD595 (ebay #5791111209 let me know if thats a good price) after a week of research here on Head-FI.

I've read there are 2 versions of this headphone. One is 50 Ohm and one is 120 Ohm. Whats the difference between them? I'll be listening these from my computer's audigy 2 ZS Platinum (thru the external box) sound card as well as Iaudio X5 (purchasing next week).

Will the 50 Ohm easier to drive for portable use (X5)? How does it effect the sound quality between the 50 Ohm and 120 Ohm version.

Thanks
I've spent close to 1k already after joining head-fi a couple months ago.
I'm hooked on the HQ sound stuff.

 

[stevesurf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirnice Will the 50 Ohm easier to drive for portable use (X5)? How does it effect the sound quality between the 50 Ohm and 120 Ohm version.

From personal experience: The 120ohm version is easily driven un amped from an iPod as source; however, a headphone amp makes a great deal of difference, bringing out the highs and some lower frequencies.

 

[sirnice]

does that mean the 50 omh version is even easier to drive?

How would that effect sound quality?

Anyone?

 

[acs236]

At recent meet, I listened to the 120 ohm version and the 50 ohm version side-by-side. The only problem was that the 120 ohm was recabled with the $150 Cardas cable, so the comparison was not perfect.

I'm not a fan of the 595 overall, but I found the 50 ohm to sound superior to the 120 ohm, in spite of the 120-ohm version's expensive cable upgrade. Less congested in the mids, better bass impact. However, I was the only one at the meet out of only about 3 other people who listened to found much of a difference between the 50 ohm and 120 ohm.

 

[nutcracker]

My conclusion is that BOTH 50ohms and 120ohms can be easily drivin from portable source. As of sound quality, its a different matter. From what I read from this thread, the difference between 50ohm and 120ohm versions are surprizingly subjective. Some say 50ohms sounds better, and some say 120ohms. You have to listin to both versions with your own ears, and determine your preference.

 

[Nomad]

BTW, there are a lot of boxes saying 120 Ohms and having 50 Ohms inside (just like mine). I did test it myself.

They kept the old boxes but the production of the headphones did change. So you might be listening to one 50 Ohms 595 without knowing it.

Cheers.

 

[3lusiv3]

I have only heard my own 120ohm? HD 595 but I think they probably all sound the same.

 

[sirnice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by acs236 At recent meet, I listened to the 120 ohm version and the 50 ohm version side-by-side. The only problem was that the 120 ohm was recabled with the $150 Cardas cable, so the comparison was not perfect. I'm not a fan of the 595 overall, but I found the 50 ohm to sound superior to the 120 ohm, in spite of the 120-ohm version's expensive cable upgrade. Less congested in the mids, better bass impact. However, I was the only one at the meet out of only about 3 other people who listened to found much of a difference between the 50 ohm and 120 ohm.

If thats the case, I hope the one I've ordered is the 50 ohm version. Most only stores only have the 120 ohm version.

 

[6seal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomad BTW, there are a lot of boxes saying 120 Ohms and having 50 Ohms inside (just like mine). I did test it myself. Cheers.

Nomad,

How did you test your 595's? Mine came in a box marked 120 ohm but now I'm curious.

 

[Eagle_Driver]

My recently purchased HD595 came in a box which have a 50 Ohm sticker pasted over the 120 Ohm figure, and a 112dB sensitivity sticker pasted over the 103dB figure. Some of the boxes of HD595's that I saw where I purchased mine from came with a "Made In China" sticker pasted over the "Made In Ireland" statement (mine was printed "Made In China" on the box instead of having a "Made In China" sticker).

 

[EdipisReks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by acs236 At recent meet, I listened to the 120 ohm version and the 50 ohm version side-by-side. The only problem was that the 120 ohm was recabled with the $150 Cardas cable, so the comparison was not perfect. I'm not a fan of the 595 overall, but I found the 50 ohm to sound superior to the 120 ohm, in spite of the 120-ohm version's expensive cable upgrade. Less congested in the mids, better bass impact. However, I was the only one at the meet out of only about 3 other people who listened to found much of a difference between the 50 ohm and 120 ohm.

i did the same comparison, and i agreed with acs236.

 

[Nomad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6seal Nomad, How did you test your 595's? Mine came in a box marked 120 ohm but now I'm curious.

I just used one of these electric multimeters that can test Ohms, Volts and Amps. They are fairly cheap.

Cheers

 

[sgrossklass]

My HD590s measured at 101 ohm DC resistance, has anyone measured this on the "120 ohm" HD555/595? From the Headroom measurements it looks like these are rather 150 ohm nominal, like the old HD5x5s, so the DC resistance should read higher.

Oh, and my multimeter is a cheapie, too. About the cheapest digital you can buy, model M-830B. Maybe 10 bucks or so. Works surprisingly well for that price.