[PurpleAngel]

Best price I can find for the HD-558s is $140 at J&R
Best price I can find for the HD-598s is $170 at Electronics Expo.
Amazon has the HD-598 for $250

 

[Meddle]

I auditioned both the hd 558 and 598 whilst also trying to make this decision, and to be honest, the differences were minimal, especially out of an ipod. The 598 had a bigger soundstage and was slightly crisper in the mids and highs, but nothing massive. 
When i did the foam mod on the 558's, they became even closer to the sound of the 598's.
 
It all depends on if you like the style of the 598s really, but if you dont care about that (they are home listening phones after all), then the 558's with the foam mod are by far the best bang for your buck.

 

[streetdragon]

HD558 modded =/= HD598
HD558 modded is a cloudier version of the HD598, but other than that identical, i would get the hd598 if i had the spare cash to do so, but if you are on a budget or not having much spare change lugging around get the HD558

 

[Matrixnobu]

I think I'm going with the 558's.... I just don't like the look of the 598's. Maybe Sennheiser should offer them in different colors.

 

[streetdragon]

Quote:

I think I'm going with the 558's.... I just don't like the look of the 598's. Maybe Sennheiser should offer them in different colors.

if the HD598 and HD558 switched bodies (except the sound altering grill) i would save up even more to buy the HD598, the black look is much nicer i feel