New and Upgrading from Senn 555's

[simpleblue]

I've listened to Grado's (125's) and Senns (555's) and I like the Senns much better. And because I'm human, and I always want more, I'd like to upgrade to something in the $200-$250 US range (includes Ebay).

I'd be using the cans for a wide variety of music; Oldies, Pop, Rock, Techno/Electronic, Movies, and music with nice vocals.

Gathering some info, I'll try to put into words the 'sound' I like:

- Open Cans that can be run off a regular computer headphone output. My computer drives my 555's very well. I don't want to buy an amp.
- Balanced frequency response extending to lower bass. The bass can be strong, but must be balanced throughout the lower spectrum. I'd like some deep bass for the movies so lower frequency roll-off is not an option.
- Articulate sound that allows me to hear the details. Very important. The lower mids must not over-shadow/distort the clarity of the mids/upper mids.
- Good Soundstage. I loved the soundstage of the 555's, compared to the 'in your face' sound of the Grado's. The channel separation seemed much easier to distinguish.

Meanwhile I LOVE my 555's. A little more bass would be great. Overall this is the type of sound I'd like.

I know I'm asking for alot for such little, but with such great music and movies out there I must such utmost respect for the artist, lol.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aaron313]

I might be skewered for saying this, but K701? Bass goes very deep, good separation, and everything you asked for. But there is little impact from the bass. That's the problem in your case. If you like accurate bass and frequency ranges that do not intrude on one another, this is a good headphone.

 

[spronkey]

Other than the HD595s and possibly some Ultrasones, I don't know of any cans higher calibre than the 555s yet maintaining good bass response and easy drive.

The only suggestions I would make are Audio-Technica, but they aren't quite Sennheiser's house sound and probably closer to Grado than the 555s. But neither the AD700s or the AD900s would have the bass to suit you, from what I've read about them. Your only option would be closed cans - perhaps the A900?

None of the Beyer's that I'm aware of with the possible exception of the DT-860 would suit you, and high-end AKGs need amplification more than most other cans...

 

[aaron313]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spronkey /img/forum/go_quote.gif Other than the HD595s and possibly some Ultrasones, I don't know of any cans higher calibre than the 555s yet maintaining good bass response and easy drive. The only suggestions I would make are Audio-Technica, but they aren't quite Sennheiser's house sound and probably closer to Grado than the 555s. But neither the AD700s or the AD900s would have the bass to suit you, from what I've read about them. Your only option would be closed cans - perhaps the A900? None of the Beyer's that I'm aware of with the possible exception of the DT-860 would suit you, and high-end AKGs need amplification more than most other cans...

I expect other people to suggest the 595, and I suspect it is the ideal can. But I have never heard it, so I couldn't recommend it! Also, maybe some will suggest the Ultrasone HFI-780... do a search on it, as its FOTM status lead to a lengthy discussion thread.

 

[simpleblue]

I'm looking all the headphones suggested. I'm not sure I want to take my chances on a closed headphone...

I noticed that I can easily get the 595's at a very reputable place for $189.00 brand new.

What would be the difference be between the 595's and the 555's? They seems so identical.

And thank you all for such quick replies! I'm still listening for more suggestions.

 

[donunus]

the 595s sound a little cleaner. a little more refined. I dont think it is much of an upgrade though. Ive had both of them and think the 555s are a greater value with its more fun and less clinical sound. the 595s although known to be warm are more analytical than the 555s

 

[donunus]

you might like the denon d2000s i think. Those should be your number 1 candidate but since you are not getting an amp, i suggest sticking with the 555s. There is nothing in your listed requirements that I know of that is better than the 555. If bass quantity wasnt an issue, id try the audio technica ad700 or ad900 as a complementary can.

 

[espire]

I've been suggested the K701 as an upgrade to my HD-555 several times. Just thought I'd throw it out there

 

[spronkey]

Without an amp though? The K701 doesn't drive particularly easily with high-end Perreaux gear, let alone straight out of a sound card...

 

[gritzcolin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif the 595s sound a little cleaner. a little more refined. I dont think it is much of an upgrade though. Ive had both of them and think the 555s are a greater value with its more fun and less clinical sound. the 595s although known to be warm are more analytical than the 555s

Agreed it definately isn't worth double the price. Steer away from AKG's if you don't want to dive into the Amp world.

 

[simpleblue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gritzcolin /img/forum/go_quote.gif Agreed it definately isn't worth double the price. Steer away from AKG's if you don't want to dive into the Amp world.

thank you all so much for your replies. i've taken them all into consideration and from what i've heard it's best to stay with the 555's. the others are not worth the big leap in price for such slight improvement.

these are like clouds on my head and i naturally took to the sound of them; a match made in heaven, lol.

 

[Dutchess of York]

you could pick up hd600s for ~250, but they are un-usable without an amp. I would save for an amp first, a good amp is the key that will unlock all high-end (dynamic) headphones.

 

[lweijs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gritzcolin /img/forum/go_quote.gif Agreed it definately isn't worth double the price. Steer away from AKG's if you don't want to dive into the Amp world.

Hmm the HD595's are hardly double the price though.

I'm still deciding between hd555's and hd595's.
I found the HD555's for 80 euros.
Found the HD595's for 110 euros.

The difference is only 30 euros, which is why I'm still hesitating

 

[srserl]

I'm glad to hear that your upgraditis is in remission. The HD555 have a great sound, and the best upgrade you could do is a dac and amp. Better headphones would just make you hear the deficiencies in your current source. After the dac/amp, then you can better appreciate an upgrade in cans to HD595 or 600 at a later time.

Scott

 

[eraser_svk]

Another thread, where I would suggest to use EQ

If you are happy with the 555's sound signature, there is no reason to replace them IMO - especially in this price range and even without possibility to use an amp.