Sennheiser HD-595: A Good Choice for the Zune 80?

[White|Stripes]

Recently, I have been searching for my first "high-end" IEM for use on my Microsoft Zune 80. I did some researching and decided on the FutureSonics Atrio M5. However, I started looking at some of the over-the-ear "cans" within the Atrio M5's price point, and came away with the impression that, in terms of overall sound quality, cans deliver more "bang-for-your-bunk" than similarly priced IEMs. Is this assumption correct? (Please, forgive me, if I'm stating the obvious here...I'm new to all of this!)

To get to the point, I'm really interested in the Sennheiser HD-595. When listening to music, I send 80-90% of my time listening to music at home in my bedroom. In other words, isolation and portability aren't the biggest concerns for me when selecting a headphone. Since this is my first "high-end" headphone purchase, I'm looking for a headphone (whether an IEM or over-the-ear "can") that will me the most listening enjoyment and versatility.

Here's my question: in terms of overall sound quality, would the Sennheiser HD-595 give me more audio bliss than the Atrio M5s on my Zune 80? Also, because of its lower impendence (50 ohms), would the Zune 80 (32 ohms) be able to drive the HD-595s well without an amp? (I do, however, plan on buying an amp regardless of choice in the future.)

Any help in this matter would be appreciated!

 

[kejar31]

I dont know anything about the FutureSonics Atrio M5 but I can tell you that your Zune should have no problem driving the HD595's.

 

[White|Stripes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kejar31 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I dont know anything about the FutureSonics Atrio M5 but I can tell you that your Zune should have no problem driving the HD595's.

That is music to my ear, kejar31!

Do you have any experience using the HD-595s? Any additional info on them would be extremely helpful in regards to whether I should choose them over the Atrio M5s.

 

[White|Stripes]

Bump.

 

[Solrighal]

I'm listening to some old Roger Waters (Radio Kaos) on my 595's right now via my Cowon D2. If the Zune comes close I don't think you'll be disappointed. Having said that, I'm currently looking at a pair of 650's just for what I read is a bit more 'meat' in the bass department. What bass the 595's do possess however is beautifully controlled. Can't speak for the Atriums though. Hope that helps a bit.

Zorro.

 

[RickB]

Recent purchaser of Senn 595s. My little Sony S616F powers the cans quite well (it can get a lot louder than I need), and the Sony is only rated for 5 mw per channel.

I'm guessing your Zune is rated higher and will do well.

I wouldn't hesitate. The 595s are great cans.

Rick

 

[White|Stripes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorrofox /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm listening to some old Roger Waters (Radio Kaos) on my 595's right now via my Cowon D2. If the Zune comes close I don't think you'll be disappointed. Having said that, I'm currently looking at a pair of 650's just for what I read is a bit more 'meat' in the bass department. What bass the 595's do possess however is beautifully controlled. Can't speak for the Atriums though. Hope that helps a bit. Zorro.

Thanks for the input, Zorrofox! Your post answered most of what I wanted to know about the HD-595s. I don't really consider myself a "basshead" per se, so the HD-595s not having subwoofer levels of bass doesn't bother me at all. All I wanted to know is if the bass was nice and controlled, and it seems to be!

Question: Would the HD-595s be able to do any genre well, but in particular Alternative and Rock?

 

[double07]

I am not sure what's the impedance on HD595? I have Zune 80 and HD600. Z80 can drive HD600 but at high volume level. I also have Shure SE530 which I think it mates really well with Z80. Here is the different level setting: With SE530, Z80 volume is at 7 to 9. With HD600, Z80 is 13 to 15.

I had to use my old Total Airhead amp when I use HD600 to get a better sound on Z80. IMO: Z80 will do the job with HD600. To do a real good job, you will need the amp. I am waiting for my new Pico amp... it has been a long wait..

 

[santiclaws]

I have a Zune 30 and it has no trouble driving my HD595. I think they sound great with alt/rock, although you'll find a lot of folks who'll say the Grado sound is better for that type of music.

 

[White|Stripes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by double07 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am not sure what's the impedance on HD595? I have Zune 80 and HD600. Z80 can drive HD600 but at high volume level. I also have Shure SE530 which I think it mates really well with Z80. Here is the different level setting: With SE530, Z80 volume is at 7 to 9. With HD600, Z80 is 13 to 15. I had to use my old Total Airhead amp when I use HD600 to get a better sound on Z80. IMO: Z80 will do the job with HD600. To do a real good job, you will need the amp. I am waiting for my new Pico amp... it has been a long wait..

I believe the HD-595s nominal impedance is 50 ohms, whereas the HD-600s have an nominal impedance of 300 ohms. If your Zune 80 can drive a HD-600, the Zune 80 shouldn't have any problem driving the HD-595s! Thanks for the post, Double07.