[dogilainen]

Hi!
 
This might be a strange couple to compare, but could someone help me out. I’ve been struggling to make a decision between these two headphones. Currently I use over 10 years old HD 525’s (CX 400 MK II when I need closed headphones or when running/bicycling) and I’m really in need of an upgrade
 
90% of the time I have no need for either closed or wireless headphones. Mostly when I use headphones I’m either watching movies or  playing PS3 in the middle of the night. It is when I’m doing all kind of unpleasant stuff, ie. vacuuming, cooking etc. that I’d like to have wireless and closed cans, to be able to listen to music while I’m “working”.
 
I really don’t listen to music with headphones really often. Maybe less than 10% of the time I’m using them. But when I do, I’d like it to sound good.. I’m not going to make a comprehensive list of what types of music I listen to, because It really ranges, from Rihanna to Dire Straits, from Nightwish to Prodigy. No classical/Jazz though, at least not yet.
 
Are 598’s (or some other headphones you are going to recommend to me.. my budget can be stretched a little if that's really needed) so much better I should suffer with the IEM’s that 10% when I need wirelessness/portability and/or closed headphones , or would I be satisfied with the SQ of the 170’s, given the fact that 525’s are the best headphones I’ve heard in my life so far?

 

[dogilainen]

Still in need of an advice.. Now I've started to consider RS 180 also.

 

[dogilainen]

One more bump

 

[zmd]

I might be able to shed some light into this, as I'm going to have someone over with a pair of RS180s to compare with my currend HD558 (modded, mind you. They sound almost like HD598s). I'll try to update this tomorrow with some brief impressions, if it helps.

 

[Youngblood]

If its going to be used with movies and games a lot then I suggest the 598s

 

[zmd]

I've had a chance today to briefly listen to the RS180, because the owner suspected some distortion in the bass (and was proven right, as it turns out). Anyway, from the short time spent listening to them, vs my modified HD558, I'd recommend the later. I've picked up some slight distortion too, plus the overall sonic character is smoother and more refined in the wired ones. It might be just my brain, but the RS sounded more metalic and harsh, with artifacts similar to those found in low bitrate mp3s. Not really sure about this. What I am 100% sure about is that the sound is more refined and full in the HD558 than the RS180, from top to bottom. There is nothing that the wireless can do that the wired one can't do better, really.

 

[dogilainen]

ZMD: Thanks for the info. Now I just have to decide/quess would my "never better than HD 525" ears be satisfied with 180's, or should I order 598's and just continue using those CX 400-II IEM's when I need something closed/portable..
 
Youngblood: What is the characteristic you mean when you suggest 598 specifically for movies/games? I though kind of other way around.. That "lesser" 180's would be OK with games/movies, but that you'd want something better / more refined for music.
 
EDIT: I think there's no point in buyig and modding 558's to 598's, for me. The price difference is only 30 euro's. Then again, I could get 555's for half of the price of 558's and mod them..

 

[Sennheiser]

Hi dogilainen,
 
The RS 180 would be a good choice if you're multi-tasking around your house. It provides a pleasing SQ and range though you may encounter some latency.
 
On the other hand, the HD 598 will give you a more linear and detailed sound reproduction.