Looking for a pair of headphones sub $200, any suggestions?
Dec 10, 2013 at 3:18 PM Post #3 of 18
Sennheiser HD558, cheaper then the HD598, but has the same driver.
 
Dec 10, 2013 at 3:33 PM Post #5 of 18
+1 for the HD598 one of my all time favorite headphones. Love them to bits, still after 5 years
 
Dec 10, 2013 at 7:39 PM Post #7 of 18
For the money, Beyerdynamic DT990. Best headphone for less than $500. Since your requirement is also Iphone connectivity you may have better luck with Custom One Pro which is very close in terms of sound quality and build but inferior to the 990 in terms of clarity and lack of coloration.
 
Another good way to go might be Sony MDR-V6 for ~$100 and use the rest of the money to get some velour ear pads.
 
Dec 10, 2013 at 8:35 PM Post #9 of 18
   
Thanks for the suggestions guys, what is the difference between the 598 and 558 if they have the same driver?  Thanks!

The HD558 offers a little more bass and the HD598 I believe more surround sound & treble.
The HD558 comes with black rubber tape on the inside of the cups that covers about 40% of the holes, so removing the black rubber tape makes the HD558s more open, which I assume makes the HD558 more like the HD598, but not exactly the same.
 
Dec 10, 2013 at 8:36 PM Post #10 of 18
  How do Beyerdynamic DT990 compare to Sennheiser hd598?

DT990 come with a noticeable amount of more bass.
DT990 need to be used with a headphone amplifier, with the HD598 (and HD558) a headphone amplifier is optional.
 
Dec 10, 2013 at 8:42 PM Post #11 of 18
  DT990 come with a noticeable amount of more bass.
DT990 need to be used with a headphone amplifier, with the HD598 (and HD558) a headphone amplifier is optional.


I see, so If I were to choose to get the DT990 what would be a good headphone amplifier to get?  Also, would the DT990 sound better than the HD598 with the same amplifier?  Thanks for all your help.
 
Dec 10, 2013 at 8:53 PM Post #12 of 18
I have listened to the dt990 premium 600 ohm, hd 555, hd 598, dt 770 pro 80 ohm. I like the M- audio q40's for $140.
 
Here's a nice review of them http://www.head-fi.org/products/m-audio-studiophile-q40-closed-back-dynamic-headphones/reviews/6430
 
They don't need an amp. But most TVs don't have a 3.5 mm jack, and I don't believe in RCA connectors. So for a piece of mind I bought a small amp. You might look at the Fiio E17 because it's portable and has optical audio input. It'll run you another $130. There are cheaper amps available.
 
As far as gaming goes. The Sennheisers will be geared more towards competitive gaming. The m-audio q40's aren't as bright, and they have more bass. So they're considered a "fun" headphone.
 
this is a nice review for gaming audio http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-updated-9-2-2013-sony-ma900-added
 
Dec 11, 2013 at 12:50 AM Post #13 of 18
 
I see, so If I were to choose to get the DT990 what would be a good headphone amplifier to get?  Also, would the DT990 sound better than the HD598 with the same amplifier?  Thanks for all your help.

Schiit Magni ($99) or Vali ($120) headphone amplifier.
The DT990 and HD598s are just different, The DT990 has more "life" to is sound, full bass and full treble.
So I think the DT990 has a little more appeal. 
 
Dec 11, 2013 at 5:44 PM Post #14 of 18
For the record in spite of the 990's being 250ohm they are quite a bit more responsive than my DT880's. The result being I can use them on most sources without an amplifier. What the amp gets me is the ability to use any source, from very quiet DVD and Bluray movies, to heavy metal music.
 
The 990's are so good I don't even EQ them. They are lively, accurate, and even when they aren't flat (which they are mostly flat) it doesn't color the sound. I haven't heard the 558 so  Ican't comment on the differences but I have several well regarded headphones and the 990's beat them hands down. Check my profile for a list of my gear if you want.
 
Dec 15, 2013 at 3:52 PM Post #15 of 18
  For the record in spite of the 990's being 250ohm they are quite a bit more responsive than my DT880's. The result being I can use them on most sources without an amplifier. What the amp gets me is the ability to use any source, from very quiet DVD and Bluray movies, to heavy metal music.
 
The 990's are so good I don't even EQ them. They are lively, accurate, and even when they aren't flat (which they are mostly flat) it doesn't color the sound. I haven't heard the 558 so  Ican't comment on the differences but I have several well regarded headphones and the 990's beat them hands down. Check my profile for a list of my gear if you want.

 
How is the sound leakage with the 990's?  I plan on listening to them in an adjoining room and don't want to wake up the baby or the ol lady up at night or there will be hell to pay lol.
 

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