[obt-man]

This is my first post and I need to confess right away that I don’t have much of experience with headphones and all my listening is thru speakers. I now would like to explore the headphones option and looking to buy smth not expensive, preferably used. My amp will be Audiolab M-DAC (I use it strictly as DAC in my hi-fi system). As part of my search I got second hand offers for both HD 515 and HD 595, all in excellent condition, with former being much cheaper. How do those 2 models stand vs each other? How much do I lose/gain when selecting either of these options? I know they are old models, and would like to see if anyone had any direct experience with both of them. Aside from attractive price I like these two since they are over-ear with long cable and 6.3 jack. Any comments will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[xStreame]

The difference between the HD515 and the HD595 are quite big. They are from the same model line, but one is the low-end model and the other is the high end one. They usually don't get compared since the HD515 are headphones which are rarely even mentioned.
 
I own a pair of HD515 (got them for free) and tbh apart from the nice soundstage it did not sound any better than my HD448 which i had for years. 
The 515 is not recommended to buy since its the low end model. Pay the extra 50 or whatever the difference is and be happy for a few years. You will not regret the HD595.

 

[obt-man]

Thanks, excellent insight and exactly what I was looking for.

 

[jackwess]

I don't know how good is the price they give you, but you can also consider the HD558 (newest versions) for under $200 new. You can find good deals on 2nd hand pairs as well. 

 

[obt-man]

May I presume that HD558 is in between 515 and 595? Thanks for suggestion by the way

 

[xStreame]

The 558 are the new, slightly improved version of the HD555, which stands right between HD515 and HD595.