[HearDrum]

Quote:

Sennheiser makes headphones that look and feel cheap but are build like tanks.

Not all Senns are built equally sturdy. For instance the HD555 have a known structural weakness at the base of the headband that may cause the part to crack even under moderate stress. With  the headband cracked the phones are useless and fixing them can prove to be quite a frustrating experience. It happened to my 555's and after spending about $50 on various adhesives that promised miracles -none managed to hold the dang thing together- it cost me an extra $100 for a real fix. Basically they were rebuilt by an authorized shop, using the old cups and what appeared to be a new headband, a part which is not available to consumers. In the end it would have cost me only slightly more to buy a new pair of 555's
 
On the other hand, my HD 600's are indeed built like tanks, I can't imagine anyone damaging them without doing it on purpose.      

 

[Chris_Himself]

Quote:

 
On the other hand, my HD 600's are indeed built like tanks, I can't imagine anyone damaging them without doing it on purpose.      

I routinely use my HD580's as grappling hooks

 

[HearDrum]

Quote:

I routinely use my HD580's as grappling hooks

 
Lol yeah, the 580's have the same basic design as the 600/650. The simpler the better.
 
 

 

[Playstation]

So. Which would be the better upgrade for gaming purposes from the HD555s. Would it be the HD 558 or 598s?

 

[Chris_Himself]

I don't think the 558 is a HUGE departure from the 555 to justify the price difference. I would buy the 598's based on looks alone man.
 
According to multiple head-fi postings and Sennheiser's documentation, yes it is a lot better.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/510701/sennheiser-hd-595-vs-598/30
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/543692/is-hd558-worth-it-compared-to-hd555-price/15
http://www.headfonia.com/old-and-new-hd555-hd558-hd598/
 
I'm personally a Grado fan, but Sennheiser is always my go-to when recommending cans just because of their well rounded, please-everybody signature. Grados and Etymotics (my two favorites) are probably the riskiest things to refer to people these days.
 
Once you get into the HD580/600 range, things will start to sound a little more lean because they're catered more towards audiophiles who prefer a neutral tone and have the equipment to back them up. The 5 series are home entertainment monsters! I know the 598's cost a good deal of money but they last forever. My Sennheisers have lasted like 4 years of dropping, chair rolling over the cable, me sleeping on them, and they still work (either that or I just got used to broken ones LOLOL)
 
But yeah hope that helps with your question!

 

[Playstation]