[sasmith3244]

Looking into getting a pair of HD558 for around $50 (after some playing around in Target with an online return). Own a pair of XB500 at the moment. I've heard that the bass is very weak in the HD558 but was hoping there was at least some presence. Mostly indie rock listening. Work your wonders HeadFi community!

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Looking into getting a pair of HD558 for around $50 (after some playing around in Target with an online return). Own a pair of XB500 at the moment. I've heard that the bass is very weak in the HD558 but was hoping there was at least some presence. Mostly indie rock listening. Work your wonders HeadFi community!

The Sennheiser HD558 has a decent bass.

 

[extrabigmehdi]

Unimpressive bass, if like the hd595. You won't complain, but nothing that would leave good memories.

 

[ProjectDenz]

For $50 I wouldn't complain, they would beat anything in the $50 range.

 

[TMRaven]

I'd advise to not listen to the 558 right after the XB500.  Perhaps you should listen to a pair of apple stock buds for a week or so before listening to a pair of 558 so your ears can acclimate.

 

[ProjectDenz]

A week? It takes me a whole 5 minutes to de-acclimate from that farty XB500 sound

 

[TMRaven]

Oh good then we might have a winner.

 

[KG Jag]

XB = Extra Bass. 
 
If unnaturally enhanced/distorted bass in your thing, you will not like far more neutral-ish and open HD 558.

 

[ProjectDenz]

I think the XB500 will compliment the HD558 quite well.
 
XB500 for basshead fun, HD558 for a bit more critical listening.

 

[Lazwarth]

I consider that the HD558s have good bass impact, but not much in terms of bass sound. People might say that they are a bit bass lacking, but they have enough bass for most genres of music.
 
I also agree with TMRaven that going from the XB500 to HD558 will most likely leave you very unimpressed with the amount of bass on the HD558.
 
Overall, for 50$ you should definitely get them.

 

[AyeVeeN]

HD598 sounded fine to me when I demo'd them.. through my phone. Sounded great actually, though things do beat it (in my opinion) for half the price. HD558s sound like a good deal for $50 though. I like my sound fairly balanced, and the 598's bass was nothing to complain about. Isn't insanely anemic like K701s but doesn't have the rumble of the FA-011s (which are half the price) that I looooooooove for both songs and movies.

 

[bigheadhifi]

it depends on what kind of music you listen to... If you listen to some bassheavy stuff, I'd say stay clear of 558 and go for... hmmm dt770 perhaps? its closed back though
 
 
cheers,

 

[sasmith3244]

I'll keep the XB500's around for all my rap/electronic needs and I'd like to have the Sennheisers for my indie rock/orchestral/accoustic needs. 

 

[extrabigmehdi]

for 50$ you don't need to hesitate too much

 

[sasmith3244]

After a few days of listening, I'm very impressed. The bass presence isn't always tremendous but the mids and highs are more than capable of picking up the slack. Crystal clear detail for a starting audiophile, especially on albums such as Teen Dream by the band Beach House. Synths I never knew were buried in the mix are popping out. Thanks for steering me in the right direction you dastardly enemies of my wallet, you Head-Fiers.