Here's my verdict on the Sennheiser HD-555's - not suitable for iPod's.
Yesterday I purchased a pair of Sennheiser HD-555's as I was advised these are fine for the iPod touch, but oh how wrong that information was. Firstly, I had to almost max out my iPod volume control, just hear decent audio (equaliser always disabled), yet with my previous Sony MDR-V700DJ's no such issue existed at all on my iPod touch - full power plenty of bass / clarity and complete isolation. Why would this be so? Secondly, hardly any bass, very little isolation (could hear cars and buses while music was playing) an these are not "closed". I paid AU$175 for the HD-555's, which I consider a bargain. These were returned today for a refund.
In the mean time I switched back to my Sennheiser IE7's (IEM's) which sound 10x better than the HD-555's and have a lot more grunt behind them on the same volume level as original. The size of the IE7's automatically makes you assume their audio prowess and quality is only average, but hell they really rock literally. In the end I could not track down any Sony MDR-V700DJ's, and I could not find any Sennheiser HD series headphones that would work with the iPod, without the need for an amplifier - hell if the 555's were not suitable, common sense dictates higher / more expensive models wont either and will still require an amp. So, what is literally equivalent to the Sony MDR-V700DJ's in the Sennheiser lineup, as the Sony ones I can buy for AU $299?
So far the Sony MDR-V700DJ headphones have proven to be the best so far, works with iPod fine, up to 3000mw handling capacity, close designed, awesome sound including bass, amazing isolation (cant hear anything when using them) metal outside casing and they cover your ears completely - so far I cant find any Sennheisers that match the Sony in quality or price plus features. Maybe this is why the Sony's are such big sellers for DJ's etc - they have left an imprint on me thats for sure. Overall, is disappointing that taking the plunge for the HD-555's has left a very bad taste in my mouth with Sennheiser when the IE7's are so damn good.
I listen to Eminem, Black Eyes Peas, Game Soundtracks, Movie Soundtracks, Rock, Pop, Electronic, etc. I even tried to get a pair of AKG K142 HD's as shown here: http://www.videopro.com.au/p-2518-akg-k142hd-headphones.aspx, (AU $269.50) but they have sold out. Now I may be shot for this decision, but considering my options of Sony / AKG / Sennheiser have diminished to such a level, I picked up a pair of DJ Beat Studios (white - knocked down to AU $399), as here in Australia the market is a lot smaller and prices are higher (10% GST).
I have ready many reviews, but honestly you cant trust all reviews as everyone has different tastes and different hearing, so it appears testing the headphones physically is the only option. So, did I make a good decision based on the factors above - should I have waited for the Sony / AKG to become available instead?
