[YoloHolo]

Hi, I'm really excited to get started with some nice sounding cups to replace my plebeian gaming headset (Logitech 930s). I went through the Headphone buying guide on this site, and was looking towards the mid-range - upper mid-range specifically. My budget is $150, a bit flexible because I'll be looking for a bargain on ebay so it doesn't need to be $150 exact . I'm more than glad to buy used on a site like ebay to get better sounding headphones. I'll be primarily using them to listen to classical music (something that can bring out the string instruments clearly) maybe a little of jazz. I'm looking for a pair that has clear natural sound in that price range for the type of music I'll be listening to. Thanks for the help!

 

[JustinBieber]

I would look at the Sennheiser HD598. Good timbre and wide soundstage for opera / orchestra / jazz. I would advise getting an amp later on. They do benefit from one. Cleans up the mid bass a little. They have a big impedance spike around ~100hz.  Without good amping the bass is a little boomy. 
 
FYI: $86 used on Amazon. Heck of a deal, they're back ordered though. 

 

[YoloHolo]

I've looked at the hd598. Is there a big difference between the hd600 and 598 that would warrant the price difference. And which sounds better without an amp? Also took a look at the akg q 701, would that sound good with the music I'll be listening to? Thanks in advance!

 

[AndyHXD]

Waaiiit! Sennheiser just announced the HD 599 along with a few other pairs, and I think it would be worth looking into before you buy the 598.

 

[YoloHolo]

How much will they release it for?

 

[AndyHXD]

How much will they release it for?

Msrp is going to be 250,but they're also releasing the HD 579 for 200 and the HD559 for 150.

 

[YoloHolo]

Msrp is going to be 250,but they're also releasing the HD 579 for 200 and the HD559 for 150.

so I should just go with a used 598 for the best value?

 

[AndyHXD]

That's probably what I would recommend getting, but if you aren't in a hurry to get them, it might be a good idea to wait for a review or two.

 

[JustinBieber]

I've looked at the hd598. Is there a big difference between the hd600 and 598 that would warrant the price difference. And which sounds better without an amp? Also took a look at the akg q 701, would that sound good with the music I'll be listening to? Thanks in advance!

A used 598 is probably a better value, the new one is going to be much more expensive.

The 598 sounds best unamped. 600 and 650 an amp is almost mandatory.

http://www.headfonia.com/hd600-and-hd598-comparison/ Read this... I have owned both headphones and agree with almost everything in the article. I dont know about the Q701... never tried it.

 

[alynx]

AKG K612 Pro?