[Tuvwum]

Hi.
Let me start my saying the old cliche, long time reader, first time poster.
 
I've come into a bit of bonus money, and I'm looking to upgrade my phones.
My current bundle are a pair of sennheiser 558's with a fiio e7.
 
I'm thinking about a pair of AKG q701 (really like the white colour)
The cheapest I can find (I'm Australian) is $380, then I came across a pair of hd650's for $390 on ebay from a hong kong dealer (99% rating).
I seems that the hd 650 is a notch above since the regular price is $500
 
Or should I forgo both of these and upgrade my amp? Maybe get the e9 since I already have the e7?
 
I really like the idea of some all rounders since my taste in music is very eclectic (although my favourite would be orchestral music) and I want to watch movies and play games too.
 
As a side note, if both are very similar in quality, I would like the pair that sound the most different to what I already have, just to change things up a bit.
 
-Cheers,

 

[Tuvwum]

Bump.
Sorry, but I want to make a decision today.
Cheers.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Are the headphones for travel or just home use?
The Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card comes with a headphone amplifier that can drive 600-Ohm headphones.
Try the HD558s with the Essence STX, maybe you'll will the sound.
Have you removed the black rubber tape from inside the cups of the HD558?
 
AKG K601 headphones sell for only a 142 Euro at Thomann.

 

[Tuvwum]

Purely for home use with a pc.
I haven't removed the black tape...It makes it better?
 
I was also looking at the Matrix m-stage amp, maybe I could get this now for my 558's
Then get the q701's later?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Purely for home use with a pc.
I haven't removed the black tape...It makes it better?
I was also looking at the Matrix m-stage amp, maybe I could get this now for my 558's
Then get the q701's later?

The tape inside the HD558's cups cover about 40% of the grill, the rubber tape covering the grill kind of impedes the audio quality.
The HD558 and HD598 have different grills, but the same driver (diaphragm)
I think Sennheiser added the rubber tape to the HD558 to make sure the HD558's and HD598 sound more different then they really are.
 
Get the Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card, should cover your DAC and Amp needs.