[Whynot32]

Hello,
 
I own for some time now a pair of HD 598. They are awesome headphones and I am really happy with those. A friend of mine brought HD 518. After testing 518 and 598 using FiiO E17 as an amp & dac I really have a big question:
 
Are they 99.5% the same? I noticed REALLY small differences in sound (but HD 598 are more comfortable to wear and better looking for me). Both me and my friend believe the same. Are our hearing very bad or those things sound almost the same?
 
I am new to the Hi-Fi world, and maybe I am missing something...?

 

[AzN1337c0d3r]

They all use the same drivers (518/558/598) so the sound signature will be almost identical. I think the extra price has with the pads and the slight enclosure differences (affecting mostly the highs). The HD518's pad seems to be made of a cloth material which gets rathar itchy after a while, while the HD558 and HD598 are velour.
 
Replacement HD558 pads are ~$20 which "should" be compatible with your HD518. (can't confirm though)

You can see the difference in the pads in some of these pictures: http://www.flickriver.com/photos/the-jude/sets/72157624749319305/

 

[pornstarxkr]

nice to see coz I have the 518