Sony MDR-V6 vs Sennheiser HD580

[judgmentday]

Which one would be a better choice?

I like the MDR-V6 for their design, almost sealed (people don't get disturbed, which is the whole idea of using headphones) and because they have only a single wire, it is very easy to move around.

What I don't like about the Sennheiser HD580 is that they leak the sound and people get disturbed and they have the left and right cables in the way, which bothers when moving the head. I know that the HD600 have the same cable design, but do they leak the sound also? or are they completely sealed?

Thank you.

 

[Rizumu]

Both the HD580 and HD600 are open headphones and leak sound. Basically, if someone's sitting right next to you, they're more or less hearing what you're hearing. I have the HD580's and the cord hasn't posed any problems yet. I like having a sealed pair of headphones around (my Ultrasones), but I'd say I use both about equally.

If you're going to be using these a lot where you don't want to disturb people it'd probably be best to go with a sealed headphone. The MDR-V6 is sealed, but keep in mind, is in a different price range and will sound quite different sound from the HD580. Have you looked at any other closed phones in HD580's price range? I don't think you could expect them to have the same performance, sonically, as the HD580's, though I haven't heard them.

Can I ask what you're going to be using as a source? Are you planning on getting an amp? While the V6 would work fine with a portable player, I wouldn't recommend using the HD580's out of the headphone jack on one.

 

[Howie]

If you're going to be carrying it around a lot. Ie. In an out of your bag/on the go kind of thing the V6 would be a better choice. Since closed is important to you you obviously don't want people to know what you're listening to or to disturb (library?). Some find closed headphones makes it easier for one to concentrate on their studies/work. The fact it can be folded up is a big plus. I just got my HD600 and I wouldn't think of carrying it around or I wouldn't want to. It's kind of bulky and I don't want it to be squished and banged around or anything. Besides the V6 is so much cheaper. It's also quite sturdy (for those who's units didn't break prematurely which can happen to any phones).

But if it's not going to be an in and out of your bag kind of thing/ will be taking abuse the HD580 will be better sonically although I wouldn't use it for portable purposes especially if you're pretty rough with it. But then again I just baby my stuff.

 

[judgmentday]

No, I have not listened to a close type in the hd580 or hd600 range. Which ones do you recomend me?

I would listen thru a creative labs sound card or Sony CD player of the ES series who has a very good amplified headphone output. I really wouldn't want to buy a headphone amplifier. Not that often perhaps I would listen to a MP3 player.

Thanks for you info

 

[stan23]

Quote:

Originally posted by judgmentday Which one would be a better choice? I like the MDR-V6 for their design, almost sealed (people don't get disturbed, which is the whole idea of using headphones) and because they have only a single wire, it is very easy to move around. What I don't like about the Sennheiser HD580 is that they leak the sound and people get disturbed and they have the left and right cables in the way, which bothers when moving the head. I know that the HD600 have the same cable design, but do they leak the sound also? or are they completely sealed? Thank you.

Sealed is good, but nothing beats IMO the sound an on open can in a quiet environment. The soundstage is absolutely stunning.

 

[psyco1]

I've been looking into some closed phones too, people have said good things about these:

Senn hd-250II
179$
http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0020080250

Beyerdynamic DT-250-80
169$
Easier to drive than it's flatter sounding brother, the dt250-250
http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0020112508

Beyerdynamic DT-770pro
179$
A favorite of bassheads. Likes an amp
http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0020110770

Beyerdynamic DT-831
219$
Headroom seems to love'em
http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0020110831

Etymotic ER-4P or S
269$
The P's are easier to drive and have more bass as opposed to the flatter S.
If you don't mind earplugs and being able to hear your breathing, heart and things brushing against the cord, then these are it. From what I understand these produce a very detailed sound, almost clinical and a *lot* of isolation.......I want
http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0020100005

 

[Rizumu]

I think that kelly's review of closed headphones will be very helpful to you.

You can find it here: http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...threadid=21885

 

[r3cc0s]

erp-4s is going to be the best for all around sound, reproduction and soundstage for closed cans. and maybe even open

 

[Rizumu]

If your budget can handle it, go for the ER-4P. Since you're going to be using these out of your soundcard and MP3 player as well, it'd be better than the 4S I think. If you can deal with the microphonics, I think they'd be a great investment. I want too!

Plus if you later get an amp or something you can get the 4P to 4S cable, and be able to switch back and forth between both variants.

 

[stan23]

Quote:

Originally posted by judgmentday No, I have not listened to a close type in the hd580 or hd600 range. Which ones do you recomend me? I would listen thru a creative labs sound card or Sony CD player of the ES series who has a very good amplified headphone output. I really wouldn't want to buy a headphone amplifier. Not that often perhaps I would listen to a MP3 player. Thanks for you info

me thinks you are the perfect candidate for an MDR-V6

 

[andrzejpw]

Yeah, you sound like a good candidate for either sony v6s, beyer 250-80s(highly recommended), or ety er4ps. Personally, I would go for the beyer 250s. They sound much better than the v6s, while retaining that closed nature. Don't go with the 580s unless you at least think you may get an amp in the future.

 

[judgmentday]

Quote:

Can I ask what you're going to be using as a source? Are you planning on getting an amp? While the V6 would work fine with a portable player, I wouldn't recommend using the HD580's out of the headphone jack on one.

I was even considering buying the HD600 and the MG Head tube amplifier. Problem is that my wife hates music otherwise I would crank up my stereo that sounds hevenly. I would like to get something that would not hurt my ears and would not disturb the wife. Or perhaps I just get rid of the wife.

The reason that I asked about the MDR-V6 is that long long time ago a bought them and had to return them because I remember getting tired very soon. My ears would not take them even if I listen to low volumes still for some reason got me tired.

I had them for about 2 weeks and after that time I noticed that I could not hear very well the telephone voice in my right ear.

 

[judgmentday]

Quote:

I think that kelly's review of closed headphones will be very helpful to you.

Thanks for linking me to this great review.

I guess I'll give a try to the HD580 and HD600. I'm more in the warm side. I don't really like too much bass. I guess some headphones with their overemphasized bass cover the midrange and highs, there are lots of sounds to enjoy besides the bass. I listen to Jazz, (Diana Krall, Chet Baker, Rebecca Pidgeon, etc mostly stuff from the VERVE and Chesky Records labels)

My next upgrade would be a fine turntable or a good SACD player. Only problem with SACD is that there is no too much selection. I still have not heard no digital format that can beat a good LP.

 

[ooheadsoo]

I enjoy my 580s a lot for jazz. It's nice and warm and pretty clear and transparent with a good recording. How loud do you plan on listening to music? Unfortunately, they do leak a lot, though not as much as Grados.

I am also interested in the AKG K-501 for jazz and classical. You might want to look into those reviews as well, especially if you will be getting a nice amp

 

[zeplin]

judgmentday,

Great then, if you like warm, full, non-harsh sound, then everyone is right when they say you will enjoy the very rich, warm, sound that the 580's produce! I have the 600's which are very similar, and have discovered a few things about them with and without an amp... keep in mind that your Sony ES receiver will make the 580's sound good, but a dedicated headphone amp will really make them shine!!! So in the the Senn 580/600's specific case, an amp is very important and will sometimes make a night and day difference! I listen to JAzz on the Senns and it absolutely is brilliant sounding! You will not be dissapointed with your decision. Good luck and happy listening!!!