HD595 or SR60?

[slag]

Is it fair to compare the two? I currently own a pair of HD595s, which I love... but I've fallen asleep MANY times listening to even hard rock/metal music. They're TOO balanced, TOO articulate, TOO smooth and rich for me to remain conscious!

I've never tried the Grado sound, and the SR60s have caught my eye for quite some time now. I'd also feel better "roughing them up," so to speak - I'd never dare to take my HD595s out of my room even, but the SR60s look more durable and rugged, and they're cheaper, too.

I'll be powering my laptop (Indigo IO soundcard) and an iRiver H320 w/ Rockbox. My favorite genre is progressive rock/metal, but I also love classical music and techno. Will the SR60's disappoint me when I'm listening to classical (is their attenuation to detail far worse than the HD595s)? Does it sound like the SR60s stand a chance at satisfying me?

 

[facelvega]

I'm no fan of the 595, but it's still unfair to ask the SR-60 to keep up with them. You'd simply need a better Grado, probably a 225, for a fair fight. I think the SR-60 will disappoint you in comparison to your senns.

At the same time, though, I think a Grado would actually suit much of your music well. There are some people who even like them for classical, and it's because they have great detail resolution. What they don't have is soundstage, which is why a lot of other people dislike them for classical. The are NOT more sturdy and well-built than a HD595, but they are much more portable on account of their size and how they go instantly flat.

But you're definitely right in your suspicion that the Grados won't put you to sleep like a HD595. Go for a 225 and you may find your 595's collecting dust.

 

[mirumu]

I agree with facelvega, the HD595s are better than my SR-80s but the SR-80s will put a bit of kick in the music that makes them feel more alive and forward. Looking higher up the Grado line is definitely a good idea I feel.

 

[GASTAN]

what would be good suggestion for HD650 ?

 

[captian73]

much as I love the sr60's i say go for the 595's. although in terms of overall sound quality the sr60's are an absolute bargain, the 595's are smooth the headphones are supremely comfortable and i wished I’d got the 595's instead of the horrendously uncomfortable Grado 125's

 

[MaZa]

For rock and metal practically ANY grado model kick Senns arse by long shot. Though you might want to check SR80 instead. Bowl pads which they come in default is better for most metal. Or you could buy SR60 and order bowl pads from Todd, pretty much same results. Might be cheaper that way.

However, Grados pretty much suck at classical. Classical with one or few instruments works fine, but even slightly larger orchestra and they sound too compressed. Soundstage is simply too small for that. You could keep the HD595 for your classical stuff anyway, i use my K240S for mine.


For more comfort, you can bend the Grados headband so they wont press your ears so tightly. (there are even instructions for that in package.) I wore mine for 15 hours straight once and didnt have a single discomfort issue. Also pads get softer over time.

 

[Murugesh]

It's unfair to compare HD595 with SR60. HD595 is bit high end compared to SR60. SR60 is not so comfortable as you think. You cannot fall asleep with SR60

. It sounds bright and becomes uncomfortable for long time listening. On the other hand, HD595s are smooth and ideal for listenign to classicals, jazz, new age music. SR60 is definitely a good can for the price but not a good choice for classical music IMHO.

 

[soloz2]

my HD595's get way more use then my SR80's. When I'm listening to rock I'll often choose the SR80's because they are more aggressive and up front which I like, but for everything else my HD595's get used