[headphone-n00b]

So... I've been looking around at headphones (trying to decide what to plug into the back of my computer for games and music [everything from rock to Bach] sans headphone amp)...

I've thought about the Sennheiser 555, the 580, the 585, the 595... and I can't tell what the hell is going on. Are some of these older models? I know that I'd probably get a lot more out of these things with a headphone amp, but I'm looking forward. I'd like to use these things with a a/v system down the line, so I want some room to move up without needing new cans.

I want circumaural, so I'm not really looking at the Grados... although all this excitement about the HF-1 is making me reconsider slightly.

Any thoughts from the community?

 

[mahlerfan]

Without an amp most of those Senns will be too hard to drive well IMO.

 

[headphone-n00b]

Well, what sort of price range are we talking about for headphone amps (suitable for use with a PC) in the "affordable" range? I don't want to spend as much on an amp as on the headphones!

 

[mahlerfan]

That's the question I was asking not long ago myself.

Take a look at the amps room. There are portable amps that will drive those Senns that cost under a $100. You might also want to check out the buy & sell room.

 

[headphone-n00b]

OK... so let's say I spend $100 on an amp, and now I can drive the badass headphones. So... any suggestions on the phones?

 

[Brent Hutto]

I'll disagree most slightly with my esteemed forum neighbor but I've found the 50-ohm HD595 sounds very good directly driven from an iPod Mini or especially my home CD player (an older Adcom). That said, with a fairly good quality amplifier they sound better but there's nothing at all disappointing about their unamped sound. All current production HD595 are 50 ohm as are any manufactured in the past few months. I bought mine used for less than 200 dollars but new they'll cost more like $275-ish.

It's my understanding that the HD580/HD600/HD650 series pretty much requires amplification to sound good although I've never used those models. Most people would recommend a PAV2 (Pocket Amp V2) as the absolute minimum amp capable of getting satisfying sound out of a high-impedence headphone and I think stepping up to the $100-$200 range and getting an amp powered by one or two 9V batteries is probably worthwhile for those kinds of headphone.

 

[mahlerfan]

The 580s are killer phones. They are great for movies, music and gaming. Use 'em for everything. I know I do. Huge soundstage, great imaging, quite neutral.

 

[mahlerfan]

Brent thanks for the info! I was not aware that the 595s are low impedence. Cool. My experience was with the 570s and 580s and I wrongly generalized.

 

[PFKMan23]

I will disagree with mahlerfan as well. I thn that the 595, and 555 (and even the 580) most certainly can go without an amp. However invaraibly the sound will improve with an amp, as many headhphone outs are low quality, especially in the case of portable players.

As far as the price of the 595's being $275iush, that's simply not true. You canu get them from TTVJ for $209 if you use the discount code.

 

[headphone-n00b]

See, this is the problem I'm having... you're telling me that the 580 is a "better" set of phones than the 595 which is (confusingly) vastly different than the 600? I don't understand their numbering system... are there different "classes" of headphones involved here?

 

[Arainach]

Yes. There are two series here: The 515/555/595 and the 580/600/650. The 595 is a more forward, bright, Grado-ish (although not nearly as ear-bleeding as actual Grados) phone. The 580 and the 600 are the SAME headphone. Same Cables, same drivers. Only difference is casing. They are very balanced, accurate headphones. Harder to drive (300Ohm), but great soundstage, good bass (present but not overpowering), Stunning Detail.... Truly amazing Headphones. The 650 is a continuation of the 580/600 series and opinions vary on if the 600 or 650 is better. The general consensus is that the 600 is a more accurate reproduction but the 650's coloration makes them more enjoyable to listen to.

 

[headphone-n00b]

Ugh, so what the heck are the 570 and 590? ... this is worse than AMD's CPU numbering schemes.

 

[eight08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by headphone-n00b See, this is the problem I'm having... you're telling me that the 580 is a "better" set of phones than the 595 which is (confusingly) vastly different than the 600? I don't understand their numbering system... are there different "classes" of headphones involved here?

the 555,595 share a similar sonic signature, similar parts with each other.
the 580,600 share a similar sonic signature, similar parts with each other.

i would imagine, without the proper equipment (source, amp, quiet surroundings), the differences between the 555 vs 595 (or 580 vs 600), would be next to nothing... again, thats without suitable equipment.

On the other hand the difference between (555,595) vs (580,600) are very different.

i would suggest narrowing your choices between two phones, 555 or 580. then start your search. there's tons of info on both here.

 

[headphone-n00b]

OK, all this being said (and, of course, me starting a thread on Sennheiser notwithstanding)... do I want a pair of HF-1's? What about AKG or Ultrasone? Am I selling myself short by focusing on Sennheiser?

 

[Arainach]

You haven't even told us what you intend to use them for.