Senn 595's unamped

[Davie]

There's been a little bit of discussion of whether the 595s are viable straight from a portable unamped, but things still seem a bit blurry to me. Generally it seems that the 595s do much better unamped than the HD580/600/650 series. This leads me to speculate whether the 515/555/595 series is Sennheiser's bid to enter the true audiophile arena with cans that are less demanding in terms of amplification. Most commentators also mention that the 595s fall short of their true potential without a good amplifier but since this is true of most good headphones I'm not sure how to take it. For example, the same is said of the Sennhsiers HD280pro but I find that they do just fine straight out of a portable. In comparison, I found the Beyerdynamic's 250-80 quite anemic without an amp even though this is championed by some people as a portable friendly set of headphones.

Due to circumstances, a lot of my listening is done straight out of my Karma. So what I want to get a sense of is whether the 595 would represent an improvement over the cans that I'm currently using (generally the Senn 280pro or Ultrasone 650 Trackmaster), not how my current rig compares to one with a proper amplifier. I assume that with a good source/amp combination that the 595s would beat either of the headphones I'm currently using. Can anybody tell me if this would also be true coming directly out of my Karma.

Thanks for any help.

 

[gsferrari]

No comment on HD-595 vs Ultrasone (no experience)

HD-595 vs HD-280 - HD-595 is definitely better out of the Karma - with or without an amp.

HD-595 doesnt sound bad but sounds restrained without an amp when used straight out of a portable. Usable and better than most headphones (higher end senns) with a portable but plonk in a cmoy or something just to give it some more headroom.

I havent voted...my option is missing.

 

[jink]

I have a karma and some 595's, and it drive's them superbly. The karma delivers quality audio to the cans up to volume 27/30, you shouldn't worry about any problems. The amp in the karma is actually not that bad. =)

I just need more bass, so superdual away!

 

[Davie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jink I have a karma and some 595's, and it drive's them superbly. The karma delivers quality audio to the cans up to volume 27/30, you shouldn't worry about any problems. The amp in the karma is actually not that bad. =) I just need more bass, so superdual away!

jink,

Do you have any other headphones (particularly any on the list in my profile) that you've used with the Karma and that you could compare with the 595 in terms of drivability?

 

[EyeAmEye]

The 595 is great unamped, even with 5mw portables. Sure, an amp, even the cheapest ones, will improve it, but not as much as many other phones that vastly improve with one. There is a subtle improvement with an amp.

 

[Davie]

With the way the poll is shaping up, looks like the 595s would at least be worth a try out of my Karma.

Anyone who voted negatively care to elaborate?

 

[Feanor]

I voted yes.


[size=xx-small]I am using Hd 600's unamped...
>>>runs away and hides under some rocks[/size]

 

[DLP]

I use mine with my iRiver iHP-120 and my Sharp stereo for music listening, DVD watching, and video game playing. They sound good to me, better than most of the other headphones I've had unamped (HD590, Ultrasonve 650-DVD, Grado SR125).

 

[ProParadox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feanor I voted yes. [size=large]I am using Hd 600's unamped... >>>runs away and hides under some rocks[/size]

SAY AGAIN?

 

[Nak Man]

Yay, my very first post !

waited a long time before realising approval email went to spam folder.

The bright side is that I missed FOTM 531 frenzy and bought a 595 instead. Lord works in mysterious way so they say ... what a phone ! I've been using my favorite 580 and 271 all these times and really wanted something 'in between' 580's laid back sound and 271's close but wonderous mid / vocals. And there's this last stock of 595 waiting for me =)

However, I have one small problem - my preamp vol pot can now never exceed 8 o clock ... 7.30 to be more accurate. The 595 sounds wonderful coming through AA battery discman but for everything else, whammo ! Just can't relax with that thunder. Even direct from CDP phone jack its getting too loud at 9 oclock, makes me wonder what kind of amplification 17%, um, 26% of voters use.

Any suggestion to overcome this 104db sensitivity without sacrificing sonic quality is greatly appreciated. I'd like to keep the volume at more or less same level when switching phones or listening to speakers.

Slightly off topic, I wish sennheiser used 580/600 type of head band instead of this cute one pivot thingy. Keeps falling off your head while laying on your back / listening on the floor.

 

[Davie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nak Man Yay, my very first post ! waited a long time before realising approval email went to spam folder. The bright side is that I missed FOTM 531 frenzy and bought a 595 instead. Lord works in mysterious way so they say ... what a phone ! I've been using my favorite 580 and 271 all these times and really wanted something 'in between' 580's laid back sound and 271's close but wonderous mid / vocals. And there's this last stock of 595 waiting for me =) However, I have one small problem - my preamp vol pot can now never exceed 8 o clock ... 7.30 to be more accurate. The 595 sounds wonderful coming through AA battery discman but for everything else, whammo ! Just can't relax with that thunder. Even direct from CDP phone jack its getting too loud at 9 oclock, makes me wonder what kind of amplification 17%, um, 26% of voters use. Any suggestion to overcome this 104db sensitivity without sacrificing sonic quality is greatly appreciated. I'd like to keep the volume at more or less same level when switching phones or listening to speakers. Slightly off topic, I wish sennheiser used 580/600 type of head band instead of this cute one pivot thingy. Keeps falling off your head while laying on your back / listening on the floor.

Welcom, Nak Man, and sorry about your wallet (as the official greeting goes). Can't help you with your question. Glad you're happy with the 595's. Looks like you went straight for the top of the line.

 

[Nak Man]

Hi Davie, thanks for the welcome note ! I feel sorry for my wallet before joining head-fi but being masochist I think I'll enjoy additional torture.

Apart from being loud phones, imho 595 could be even better with slightly less bass pressure. I use vandy 2ci with a pair of subwoofers so I think I can recognize it when bass sounds a bit 'over' From all the readings I think K501 will suit my taste better but indeed at this moment 595 represents the best all around phones I ever heard (sound, comfort, value), especially unamped.

 

[devwild]

Listenin' to my 595's out of my brand new G5, sound just dandy

Only place I see a real need for an amp (besides the strive for perfection) is on the iPod, but I'm finding that to be a failing of the iPod, not the headphones. My Sony MD player sounds quite kick-arse. I would not be shocked if the mini/4G iPods sound different though, so ymmv.

 

[Davie]

It's interesting that as the vote numbers on the poll move upward, the ratio remains basically unchanged at 3-to-1, but the people who voted no have yet to raise their voices. Anyone care to speak up?

 

[Nak Man]

I also see posts that trashed 595 with no explanations. Anyway just wanted to update my experience on 595, where at first I heard its bass was a bit too much. Now, not even a month passed (once burn-in took effect) (hello Mike !) the bass behaved well and got very much controlled - not thumping to your head. Now it just surround your head with good low bass in balance with the brilliant mid and details.