Sennheiser 555 and 650

[oldie]

Has anyone heard these two for long enough to form definite opinions as to their respective sounds? I've heard the 555 briefly but haven't had a chance to compare with the 650. Someone has told me the 555 is so good that paying for the 650 isn't worth it? Any comments would be much appreciated.

 

[cherepashka]

Well...i have 555, dreaming about 650

 

[Davesrose]

really depends on your budget, source, and music tastes. The HD650s are the most expensive and tempermental. They need an expensive source in order to really shine. They have a more pronounced soundstage and bass....so out of the box, you'd find them good for classical, jazz, and electronica. The HD595s are easier to drive, are more versatile, and get more detail. Since they're a bit more upfront, they're easier to get rocking. They do well with most rock genres....especially classic rock and alternative.

I haven't heard the 555, but it seems there's camps that say the HD595 easily surpasses it....and others who say it doesn't. Since the HD595 can scale quite easily, though, I would say its worth it to start off with that.

 

[Tantra]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldie /img/forum/go_quote.gif to form definite opinions as to their respective sounds?

I have used the HD 650 a lot in the past and my friend has a HD 555. I find the HD 555 presentation to be "strained" compared to the HD 650. I guess you would want to upgrade if you purchase the HD 555 and then hear the HD 650.

Edit: Haven't heard the HD 595 so I can not comment on that one...

 

[Gurra1980]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davesrose /img/forum/go_quote.gif really depends on your budget, source, and music tastes. The HD650s are the most expensive and tempermental. They need an expensive source in order to really shine. They have a more pronounced soundstage and bass....so out of the box, you'd find them good for classical, jazz, and electronica. The HD595s are easier to drive, are more versatile, and get more detail. Since they're a bit more upfront, they're easier to get rocking. They do well with most rock genres....especially classic rock and alternative. I haven't heard the 555, but it seems there's camps that say the HD595 easily surpasses it....and others who say it doesn't. Since the HD595 can scale quite easily, though, I would say its worth it to start off with that.

Do you think 595 has more detail than 650? I think I can hear more detail with 650, but in treble I think they are more detailed. Otherwise I agree with you.

Some more things I think is better with 650: They are more controled, the music never gets messed up, the timing just seems so right, The sound is more full, even if 595 with the right amp can get much bass it just don't sound at all as real as with 650.

But In the end it comes to if you are willing to offer the amount of money they cost, the difference is absolutely there and to me it is no doubt that 650 is worth the price, but for someone that want good sound but is not so very interessted, one could say: Buy a pair of PortaPro the cost of more expensive HPs is not worth it.

 

[NtD Gr3nade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldie /img/forum/go_quote.gif Has anyone heard these two for long enough to form definite opinions as to their respective sounds? I've heard the 555 briefly but haven't had a chance to compare with the 650. Someone has told me the 555 is so good that paying for the 650 isn't worth it? Any comments would be much appreciated.

My story goes... HD515s (Too muddy), returned those because they sucked, got 555s (Lacked bass), returned those too after a little while, then got 595s (Good bass, wanted a some more...), kept those, and bought some HD650s 2 weeks later. I was happy with both my HD595s and my HD650s, but the HD650s are a HUGE step up from the HD555s when you get the right setup for them. Is this someone from the MLG forums by anychance?

 

[oldie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tantra /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have used the HD 650 a lot in the past and my friend has a HD 555. I find the HD 555 presentation to be "strained" compared to the HD 650. I guess you would want to upgrade if you purchase the HD 555 and then hear the HD 650. Edit: Haven't heard the HD 595 so I can not comment on that one...

I have now had the chance to briefly listen to a 650, and it was plenty long enough. That's the one I shall get though it will break the bank. I do love the Sennheiser sound though I can understand some people might not.