[smile065]

Im looking for entry level open back headphones. So far im debating between the sennheiser 239 and 518. Is it worth it to spend an extra $20 for the 518? Im also opwn to other suggwstions

 

[PurpleAngel]

Spend the extra for the HD558.

 

[smile065]

I was hoping to stay under $100 but maybe ill get tjose

 

[PurpleAngel]

Amazon sometimes sells used HD558 for under $100.

 

[smile065]

If i dont get the 558 is there a big difference between the 239 and 518 in sound quality? Ive only tried the 518

 

[Boochie]

If you like the 518's, take a look at the the HD 515s. 
 
I bought two HD 515s from sellers on eBay for under $40 each.  Keep an eye on eBay for a good used pair.  They are out there. SQ is on par with the 518s and 558s. 515 is a tad more bassy. 558 is a tad more bright.
 
Oh, and IMO, the HD 518 is far superior to the HD 239 in every way.

 

[smile065]

Thanks! I was also wondering how bad the 518 leak. How easily would other people be able to hear my music?

 

[Boochie]

Thanks! I was also wondering how bad the 518 leak. How easily would other people be able to hear my music?

 
Pretty bad. They are an open back headphone.  All open back headphones leak.

 

[Koolpep]

  If you like the 518's, take a look at the the HD 515s. 
 
I bought two HD 515s from sellers on eBay for under $40 each.  Keep an eye on eBay for a good used pair.  They are out there. SQ is on par with the 518s and 558s. 515 is a tad more bassy. 558 is a tad more bright.
 
Oh, and IMO, the HD 518 is far superior to the HD 239 in every way.

 
Hey @Boochie have to respectfully disagree with you here. The HD239 is an amazing headphone. I see you have quite a few Senns, same as me. But for an on-ear I think the HD239 is really amazingly good, leaks less than the HD518 and has a very nice balance, good bass and lush sound. I think it's actually quite close to the sound signature of the momentum in some ways.
 
I didn't expect much of the 239 in the beginning but the more I compared it, the more I liked realized how good it is. No wonder it's also on the top spot on the wall-of-fame for open backed on-ears at Tyll's innerfidelity.com.
 
Is it as good as the 518 - no, I never owned one but listened to one at a friends house. But memory (of sound) is a bitch. But I wouldn't consider the 518 far superior. The 239 don't leak as much as the 518 by the way. Much easier to wear in an office too. amazon sells them for $59 currently, a steal imo.
 
Cheers,
K

 

[rsdno]

These are open aire Headphones sometimes I just have one on either side of me not even on my ears while working online ,I dont use these around others unless someone is listening with me

 

[rsdno]

I truly like the 518 at least as much and later if you get an AMP/DAC or whatever they sound great if you want to spend more get the Senn 598s but I like my 518 especially with FiiOs 11 Micca