Sennheiser HD-495 with amp

[pineapples10]

Hi,
I just bought some Sennheiser Hd-495's. I am very happy with them....but their sound is no where as "full" as my brothers Grado SR-60's. Is this just because they NEEd an amp to work properly, or do they just sound that different? Id be willing to spend $159 on the TA if it made the Sennheisers sound as good as the Grados. When I listen to the Grado's, and then to the Sennheisers, it seems as though the Sennheisers have no depth whatsoever. Ive also noticed that the Grados have considerably more bass, still an amp issue? I hope they just need an amp, and not that I bought a crappy pair of headphones. And by the way, what portable amp do you reccomend for under $175 (if there are more than one)? Thanks

 

[joelongwood]

Quote:

Is this just because they NEEd an amp to work properly, or do they just sound that different? Id be willing to spend $159 on the TA if it made the Sennheisers sound as good as the Grados.

Since you do not indicate what your source is.....whether its a portable, or a soundcard, or the jack on a receiver, I'll take a wild stab at this one. First, since I'm not familiar with the HD-495, only the 545 and 600, I don't know about the efficiency of those 'phones. If they are like the ones I have, they will need an amp to sound their best, particularly if they are plugged into a portable CDP or soundcard. The other possibility is that you may simply prefer the Grado sound. It is definitely different than the Sennheiser sound.
If you are listening out of a portable, and have access to something with more power, like a jack on a receiver or integrated amp, try plugging them into that. Although not the greatest, it will give you a better indication of its capabilities. It should sound "fuller" to you. If not, maybe the Grados are the way to go. Of course, as always, this is only my opinion. Please don't take it as fact.

 

[pineapples10]

Ive been using them out of everything...from a portable, to a souncard, to a receiver. I havent listened to them on a receiver much...I will go try that now. I wonder if mp3.com takes returns..? Hmm....Thanks for your help.