Last minute decision. AKG 501 or Senns 590

[warnsey]

Wel after extensive reasearch and probeing on this forum i have narrowed it down to two? Both seem to be good for acoutic music and both are in the right price bracket. All you owners of each please give me some last thoughts. Decisions suck!!

 

[Alexhifi]

Buy both, they are cheap. The AKG501s are a little weak in the bass arena and require a good bit of power. You can get the 501s used for under $150 and the 590s refurbed from Amazon for under $130.

If I HAD to choose? The 590s...but that's because I've had them longer and I was a little miffed by the 501s lack of bass.

-Alex

 

[Andrea]

Had you given up searching for a headphone that provides both (most of) the HD590's bass and the K501's transparency, parhaps you've unduly skipped the HD595 ?

 

[warnsey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea Had you given up searching for a headphone that provides both (most of) the HD590's bass and the K501's transparency, parhaps you've unduly skipped the HD595 ?

It was a close contender. But it just didn't quite do it for me and was a little out the price bracket.

 

[kiwirugby]

The AKGs really need an amp....a bass boost or EQ helps enormously too. But this adds to the bill.

However, if you have ever listened to the 501 soundstage and absolutely crystal clear sound....maybe you can spring for an amp.

 

[catscratch]

The K501's are the better headphone, but they require correspondingly better gear. Both headphones do need an amplifier, but the HD590 will have an easier time living without one - The K501's sound quality will suffer more unamped.

If you can find the HD590 for < $130, you will have made a very good purchase, they're really worth the money. If you have to shell out $160 or more for them, there are probably better options.

I would recommend buying both, comparing side-by-side, and keeping the winner. No amount of advice will ever compare to your own ears.

 

[Natsuiro]

I find the K501s have adequate bass for acoustic music but you'll need an amp.

 

[wallijonn]

I have never heard the HD590. So I will suggest that you buy teh HD590 instead as it will probably have a better soundstage. The HD595 is probably the better way as it is next gen and supposedly has a lot in common with the DT880.

Yes, I love the K501 - but if it doesn't please you I do not want you to put it down. If however you don't like the HD590, well I could care less.

Doesn't the HD590 have a bright high end?

Is there any way in which you can audition both?

 

[Andrea]

Yep, the HD595 has just everything in a fine mix.