[kwk]

Head-Fi newbie alert. I'll try to keep this "relatively" short...

I am looking for some new headphones to use at work. I work in a large open studio which is usually pretty quiet, but sometimes there is a radio/music playing on the stereo below (i'm up in an open loft). I don't think I'll have a problem with open cans but maybe I'm wrong. I am currently using a pair of Sony MDR CD750's (specs) that I got as a gift years ago. These are hooked up to my computer (a Mac G4) through the headphone jack of some Altec Lansing ACS-340 speakers/subwoofer (not my ultimate choice of speakers, but hey, it came free with my Dell PC) which is connected to the rear headphone jack of the G4. I mostly listen to MP3s/MP4s and CDs from the computer (alternative/rock/pop/folk/etc).

Here's the deal. I need better sound and I need comfort. I would like headphones that I could wear for hours and not have to take off (I don't listen to anything at high volume).

The CD750's are comfortable. But - I can't wear them for any significant length of time without having to take a break. There just seems to be too much "pressure" on my ears (I don't think it is physically from phones being too heavy or too tight) and they become increasingly uncomfortable over the time I wear them. I know my source is not good and I have no amp and not the greatest of phones...but I want better.

I have heard the Sennheiser 570s and 590s through a portable cd player and my iPod. Both sounded good, but there was no question that the 590s were several notches above the 570s. The good: 590s sound great, can be driven by my iPod or computer and seem incredibly comfortable. The "bad": would I wish I had gotten the 580s?

I've read so many good things about the 580s and I can get them for the same price as the 590s, but at this point I don't think I want to spend a lot of money on an amp and a DAC to use them. Unless someone can point me to a relatively cheap way to drive them from my computer ($100-$150 total). Here are the specs on the G4s headphone sound out (link: link). I've seen the Griffin Powerwave mentioned but not reviewed. Would this be enough on its own to drive the 580s? Or would something like a Sonica and a Meta42 be a better choice for the low end? If I'm going to buy a sound card I'd rather buy a USB solution so that its transportable.

Or would someone recommend some other phones in the under $175 range?

I've been reading the forums for weeks now and there is definitely a lot of great information to be found here. What a great resource. Thanks in advance to anyone who replys!

 

[Roy2001]

With 120 ohm, portables can just drive HD590 to loud level. A SB Audigy can drive it to bleeding level.

But for 580, I believe most portable are not capable to drive it.

I have a 590 and love it.

 

[midson]

I used my HD580 directly out of my SB Live for quite a while and it was able to pump it volume levels that were beyond suitable. The only problem was that it did absolutely no justice to them. The only amps I've tried with my HD580 are a jmt home meta, and a used marantz receiver i picked up for about 60 bucks. The marantz drove it surprisingly well for the price I paid. It wouldn't be much good if you wanted something transportable but it would make a fine amp for home usage. Oh yeah, I would audition the 580 to see if its what you really want first because I found it to be quite a different phone than the 590. Good luck with your purcahse and welcome to HeadFi..

 

[MERTON]

don't get the 580 unless you want to get the 600.. and don't get the 600 unless you want to pay for the 650.. just be happy with the 590 for now.. and then save up for the better system... when you spend money on headphones think about the stuff you'll need to buy to do them justice.. and with the 580 and above you'll want a new cord.. that's another $150... just be happy wiht the 590.. you may also want to consider the the akg 271 stuido or the ultrasone hfi 650 trackmasters... but i read that the trackmasters aren't as comfortable.

 

[kwk]

I think I'll order the 590s soon and wait on the 600/650/700 for later on. Does anyone have any idea when the 650s are coming out? I thought I read summer somewhere on the boards, but I don't remember anything more specific than that.

Will the release of the 650 affect pricing of other phones in the Sennheiser line?

Just curious...

 

[Roy2001]

If you want to order HD590, the cheapest is from J&R, they advertised (mail catalog I received) HD590 for $150. But you need to call them.