[cyclops]

I am getting ready to build my 1st headphone system. After scouring this site I am pretty sure that the Sennheiser sound is where I should start. I am considering getting some hd580s or hd600s. It makes sense to me to buy the 580s and save $75ish dollars. I could put that money towards a high end cable for the 580 which would probably sound better than the stock 600. Make sense? Any thoughts?

 

[Kasp3r]

I am listening to some Sennheiser 580's right now, and they are great, Awesome bass, comfort, they just sound awesome.

I would try some 580's you won't regret it.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Go with the 580 if you're starting out but it's a bad idea to skim on headphones in order to buy cables. That's a classic mistake that beginners make and it wouldn't make sense - they are, after all, just cables. I would put the $75 dollars towards upgrading your amp, since the Senns could really use some power.

Welcome to head-fi, you know what they say.

 

[Clutz]

I think the 580s are an excellent choice, but if you're contemplating the 600s, I would get them with the included cables than the 580s with after market cables. But it probably makes more sense to get the 580s and use the extra cash towards an amp than the 600s without an amp.

 

[V-Duh]

With what little I know, I would agree with the others. Better to spend $$ on the source, the amplification, and the cans before you get into tweaking with cables.

Don't get me wrong, I love cool cables and I have no problem spending money for them just to make myself feel good - yes, I know that sounds bad. BUT even I am sticking to amassing different amps and cans to learn the different sound signatures and quality.

I would also recommend trying to get them used from one of the prestigious

Head-Fi members. I have been very happy with my transactions.

Merry Listening!!!

 

[V-Duh]

Oh...FWIW, I have HD-600s and I like them a lot. There my first full-size can though...

 

[F107plus5]

Let's not forget that lots of folks want to be sure and get the HD600 grills to replace the plastic units on their HD580. And that can be a hassle in itself.

We don't hear much about it these days, but there was a time not long ago when lots of folks felt that the stock HD600 sounded somewhat better than the stock HD580. I dunno; never heard a HD580, but there MIGHT be something there to give some thought to as well.

 

[vcoheda]

check the FS forum. 580s come up all the time. 600/650s as well.

 

[tbonner1]

I would go with the 580's and improve the amp or source.

 

[lostspyder]

I'm unconvinced that new cables make that much of a difference in sound - not nearly as much as anything else (amps/sources/headphones) does anyhow.

 

[cyclops]

This is a great forum. Thanks so much for the quick replies everyone. I think the idea of getting the hd580s and spending some extra on amplification sounds like a good idea. I am going to be using my 4th gen Imod as source and the hd580s for cans. Any advice on amp synergy for the sennheisers? I know they are somewhat balanced across the spectrum so I am guessing a lush sounding amp might not work the best. Maybe something with an airy treble and a little more revealing and transparent. Am I right?
Here is my list of amps that I am looking at (thanks to skylab for his awesome 20 amp review)
RSA hornet m
Meier Audio Porta Corda III
Xin SuperMicro IV
mSeed Spirit
Practical Devices XM4
iBasso T2
Any others I should consider in the 100-200 used range that mate well with the sennheisers?
Does anyone have any experience with any of these amps and the sennheisers? Thanks in advance john
Ps anyone want to sell hd580s or 600s shoot me a pm

 

[scompton]

I'd go with the 580s and spend the $75 on an amp. While you can get sound out of the 580s without an amp, they'll sound a lot better even out of a portable amp. I have the XM4 and they sound great out of them. I have the iBasso T1 and I'm not a big fan. The switches and controls are not good and it picks up interference from computers, monitors, speakers and iPods. Even walking with it im my pocket creates noise. I don't know if this improved with the T2. Unless you want ultra portable, I'd go with something else.

 

[cotdt]

i like the Senn595 the best of the sennheiser's i've heard. sounds pretty similar to my denons actually.

 

[Towert7]

The HD580 were ok for 125$, however they are getting harder to find now a days, and so the prices on what's left have gone up.

The HD580 are pretty flat, but a little 'lean' sounding. You should also compare them with the HD595.

If you want to splurge, HD650.

 

[SK138]

580!!!