[mistertomlinson]

Amazon has the HD555s for $101 right now (free shipping)... but I could get a pair of used HD595s for around the same price. Probably a little less. Would it be worth buying secondhand for the small upgrade? For the record, I don't wanna mod the 555s. I wanna keep them stock.

 

[TobaccoRoad]

Why don't you want to mod the 555?

 

[extrabigmehdi]

I would get the new hd555 and mod it.  The mods seem easy.
The used hd595 is probably  a bit dirty near the ear pads. And there's the cracks issue (would probably break faster if already used).

 

[mistertomlinson]

Quote:

Why don't you want to mod the 555?

I know this sounds stupid, but it just looks tacky to me... and I don't believe all the hype surrounding the mods. I've read plenty of people DIDN'T think there was an improvement, so I'd rather just stay stock.

 

[extrabigmehdi]

 
Quote:

I don't believe all the hype surrounding the mods.

It's not hype, people have examined the interior of both hd555 & hd595, and it's exactly same driver, with same reference. The sonical differences could only be explained by the damping material.
 
Quote:

I've read plenty of people DIDN'T think there was an improvement,

Maybe it's not an improvement, if you don't like the hd595 better than the hd555.
Anyway,  Sennheiser don't  care if it can make more money with the hd595.
 

 

[Digital-Pride]

It depends on which sound signature you feel will work for you.  Stock the HD555 has a darker more laid back signature compared to the HD595, while the HD595 is more up-front as in a more front row type presentation.  Which would equate into a more engaging(in theory anyway) and musical presentation.  I'd say try to find a good deal(which shouldn't be too hard) on a new pair of HD595.  That way you won't have to worry about what you're missing with the HD555.  Not to mention, the HD595 is one very nice looking headphone.