Senn HD595 vs 600 vs 650

[mix]

Ok, I'm sure this has been discussed before, so my apologies in advance, but I scanned back like 10 pages of threads, and couldn't find it.

I've been quoted eur128, eur210, and eur285 for 595/600/650 respectively. So, with around EUR400-500 to spend on Headfi (Cans + Amp), which would you recommend?

PS. These would be my first serious cans. I listen to all kinds of music. And I'd expect 5 yrs of a good run before considering an upgrade. Is it likely that I'd outgrow the cheaper ones?

 

[go_vtec]

Man, if I had to start all over again and choose among HD595/HD600/HD650, I would go for HD650 & Corda Headfive (200 Euro). BTW, you may need to stretch your budget little bit to get a new HD650 or buy a mint used one from one of our classified sections. HD595 is a nice choice if you want more sound stage and able to driven by portable devices. But to my ears, I like how HD650 sounds, full, hard hitting bass, nice mid, and clean highs.

 

[arielext]

pure black and white view:

why 595's:
- they put you in the frontrow seat instead of somewhere in the middle (600&650), trendy.

why 600's:
-they are the most neutral

why 650's:
- better bass response (more fun) than the 600 's, less ugly.

with €400,- id's spend the first €200, on a a headfive, man we need a good amp with either the 600 or the 650, which in the longer run are what you updatiritus orders you to get

the second €200,- would buy a HD600,- or an HD595, depending on what kind of sound you prefer I(grado'ish like 595 or laid back german sounding 600).

 

[Todd S]

I owned all 3 of these cans (650 & 595 at the same time). Some good advise so far. Good post from go_vtec, but I am of a different opinion regarding this statement...

"HD595 is a nice choice if you want more sound stage and able to driven by portable devices."

From my view arielext is on the money in his comparisons. The 595 soundstage is more in your face, & narrower than the others. The 650s are not bad out a iPod either. None reach their potential without an amp though. That includes the 595.

I would look for a used 600 or 650 (if you like more bass) then spend the rest on an amp. If you could stretch to the Cordia Aria I think it would be worth while. The 595 is solid if you like a more in your face sound, but I don't think it has the resolution of the big brothers.

 

[nabwong]

The 595 is a better all rounder. However, if i was to start all over again, i'd get either the 600 or 650. Reason is simple. In the end, you'd wanna get the best and the 595 i feel will not be considered the best in any category.

I thought i was gonna get just 1 headphone. Head-fi will not let you do that. You'd wanna get best for rock, best for jazz, best for classical, best closed, best iem etc. My advice, go for either the 600 or 650.

 

[Todd S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nabwong The 595 is a better all rounder. However, if i was to start all over again, i'd get either the 600 or 650. Reason is simple. In the end, you'd wanna get the best and the 595 i feel will not be considered the best in any category. I thought i was gonna get just 1 headphone. Head-fi will not let you do that. You'd wanna get best for rock, best for jazz, best for classical, best closed, best iem etc. My advice, go for either the 600 or 650.

You say the 595 is the best all arounder, & then recommend the 600/650.

To each their own, but I don't think the 595 is a better all arounder. I think the 600/650 is a better all arounder. Even with rock & metal. Personal preference does play a part, but I like the refinement of the 600/650. There is also a lil bit of a grain or hardness in the 595 to my ears. It's not much, but I do hear it. Your right about wanting the best for different styles or listening experiences, but I could live with the 650 as my only can.

 

[nabwong]

Ideal, it would be nice to have both. 595 & 600 or 595 & 650. Just ask darkninja67...hehe...He's gone the 1st path and i'm going the 2nd

 

[Duggeh]

I have read in previous threads that the HD595 lends itself to DVD watching better than the HD600 or the HD650. While the HD600 and HD650 are better for music listening (with slightly less grain and more bass in the HD650 than the HD600).

If this is true, what is it about the difference in construction or sonic signiture of the HD595 which is so complimentary to movie watching?

 

[DevilDog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duggeh I have read in previous threads that the HD595 lends itself to DVD watching better than the HD600 or the HD650. While the HD600 and HD650 are better for music listening (with slightly less grain and more bass in the HD650 than the HD600). If this is true, what is it about the difference in construction or sonic signiture of the HD595 which is so complimentary to movie watching?

To me, it's that the 595 is a bit more upfront which brings out dialog and has just the right soundstage and bass for movies. It's also a tad more comfortable because it doesn't clamp quite so tightly.

 

[Todd S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilDog To me, it's that the 595 is a bit more upfront which brings out dialog and has just the right soundstage and bass for movies. It's also a tad more comfortable because it doesn't clamp quite so tightly.

Yep I agree completely on the movie watching. You nailed it.

Comfort wise I prefer the 600/650. I don't own the HD600 any more, but from memory the 650 feels the same. I am one who has never had a problem with the clamping however. I think the differences is the 600/650 are less stiff, & cup my ears better. A lil better circumaural fit for me. I do kinda like the pleather 595 headband better than the foam on the 600/650 though.

 

[Todd S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nabwong Ideal, it would be nice to have both. 595 & 600 or 595 & 650. Just ask darkninja67...hehe...He's gone the 1st path and i'm going the 2nd

Well I already went the 2nd path.

The 595 has come & gone. Still for just movies I would not look any further unless I needed closed cans. Music wise they are nice cans for the $$$, but I just wanted something very different to go with the 650. Personal preference.

I kept the Beyer DT-880, & added the AT-W1000. Since spending a few months with the 650, & W1000 the Beyers are going up for sale soon. I may look to climb up the AT Woody line too. I will say the HD650 with Zu cable is the favorite can in my soon to scale down stash.

 

[mix]

So I understand that most people still recommend 650..
I'm still torn between 595 and 650 myself, mainly for price reasons. I have ruled out 600.
D@mn, headfi is expensive

 

[darkninja67]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mix So I understand that most people still recommend 650.. I'm still torn between 595 and 650 myself, mainly for price reasons. I have ruled out 600. D@mn, headfi is expensive

Why did you rule out the 600s? They seem to have a better overall balance than the others IMO.

nabwong: You forgot the 3rd path: Getting the HD650s as well since they are so cheap right now.

 

[mix]

I ruled out 600 because the price difference between those and 650 is not that big. I figured if I'm going to pay twice (or more) the 595, I might as well bite the bullet and get 650.
And to second a fellow forum member, the 600 Marble imitation really does look ugly.

 

[fr4c]

I did this a while back, but it may be of some help:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=157433