[Danny23]

Hi there.
 
Okay i used to be quite in the loop with headphones but a bad experience with some AKG K518's put me off buying new headphones and just sticking with my PX100's for awhile.
 
I must of had my PX100's for over 5 years now and they've been a great set of phones for me, but i think its time for me to upgrade to a pair of full size phones.
 
 
---
 
First of all i must state for 50% of the time they'll be driven by a classic ipod, and the other 50% of the time through my PC (via an old school 70's Sharp SG 315E music centre/amp) - I dont really want to get a portable amp, just something that the ipod alone can power, so if it was the DT770s id be going for the 80ohms version.
 
 
 
Other important points im looking for are: comfort.  The AKGs were so tight i could barely wear them for more than 15mins without wanting to rip them off, so something without a a tight clamp is definitiley needed, and just all round general comfort.
 
Re: Bass, i wouldnt really call myself a basshead, but i do find my self upping the bass on my amp, on the ipod EQ, on my car stereo etc, so it is safe to say i do like a punch.
 
Open vs. Closed.  This isnt too much of a factor for me, at home they'll be used late on when everyone is in bed to listen to music and to watch movies, so im not bothered by leakage or sound getting in.  When im mobile with my ipod its usually walking to and from work, but again if its closed i guess i'll have better isolation but if its open i wont get run over  - I prefer the sound of my open PX100s over the closed K518s, but im not sure if thats because of how tight the AKGs were
 
 
What type of music do i listen to? - It is pretty varied, i listen to alot of Electronic, Rock, Hip-Hop, RnB, Psychedelic, Dream Pop, Indie, Chillwave, Folk, Lo-Fi - http://www.last.fm/user/Danny23
 
 
 
 
 
 
If all that was too long to read the main points are:
- Comfort
- Easily powered by iPod
- Bass friendly
 
 
 
 
Since i've been out of the game for awhile im more than happy to listen to any alternatives, just these are the main two i thought of/read about.

 

[NicoCat]

For your music genres I'd say DT770Pro-80, exciting and punchier bass and being closed (I'm definitely not a bass-head); HD598 are a bit slow and leak a lot.
 
They are generally comfortable to me but HD598 are much better.
 
I don't own either headphones but reckon that it's fine to use any of them with an ipod classic.

 

[XxDobermanxX]

HD 598 FTW

 

[Danny23]

I wish there were somewhere near me I could test them both, after a google search it seems like I'd be only able to test the senns, may have to go on a search of any smaller audio shops.

It's a tough one as the dt770s do seem they'd be abit better for my music taste but I've loved the sound from my px100s and I think I prefer the open style to the closed, but then again I don't know of that's just because I'm comparing px100s to the k518. I really need to have a go of both of these if possible!

 

[Peculier]

My vote goes with the DT770 if you don't want sound leakage and want bass. However I would NOT recommend either for portable use... these things are MASSIVE and aren't designed for use on the go..

 

[Danny23]

Oh really? I'll maybe be using them on the go for around a quarter of the time? I've seen quite a few people with big Senn cans out and about, not sure of the models - are the 598s and DT770s specifically large?

 

[ayaflo]

I would choose the dt 990 pros to the dt 770s ... theres more clarity with the mids, excellent bass but not overdone .. especially if you dont have a problem with open cans ..

 

[Danny23]

They are a possibility but do they have a 80ohm model? as i've only seen a 250+? And i want them to be able to be powered solely by an ipod on the go.

 

[ayaflo]

you cant amp it just with an i pod.... you need an amp

 

[Danny23]

Ah okay, that pretty much rules it out, as i'll be amping at home, but i want to be able to use these out and about with just an ipod.  Which means comfort is also very important (such as the velour on the DT770 which looks very attractive)  Weight wise amazon lists the DT770s and the HD558/598s both at 272g.
 
Talking of the 558's, is it worth the extra £30/40 for the 598? Because from looking at pictures i think i prefer the look of the 558s (but of course that could change in the flesh)

 

[pentel21]

Quote:

They are a possibility but do they have a 80ohm model? as i've only seen a 250+? And i want them to be able to be powered solely by an ipod on the go.

 
Both need amp anyway. FiiO E11 is a good choice. 
You 'can' use them on your iPod, but you'll have to put the volume pretty much to the max if you want to hear something hearable, but definitely not a good choice. 

 

[streetdragon]

well... the HD558 and HD598 have similar sound signatures, hd558 having more bass and the hd598 having better mids, treble and soundstage. the difference isn't too much though.
if you do plan to foam mod the HD558 then the sound becomes almost the same except the hd598 having a clearer sound overall compared to the hd558

but in terms of pure sound.... if you can afford the hd598 you should get it, unless your budget is cut short.

 

[ayaflo]

I would also suggest the srh 940 .. its some of the best sound to be had at this price point ..

 

[musiclife]

Quote:

well... the HD558 and HD598 have similar sound signatures, hd558 having more bass and the hd598 having better mids, treble and soundstage. the difference isn't too much though.
if you do plan to foam mod the HD558 then the sound becomes almost the same except the hd598 having a clearer sound overall compared to the hd558

but in terms of pure sound.... if you can afford the hd598 you should get it, unless your budget is cut short.

I always get lost with the Senns models, I dont know how you guys can remember the specific names ! I guess thats how Germans do, its like choosing a BMW 330i over a 335i ahaha

 

[streetdragon]

Quote:

I always get lost with the Senns models, I dont know how you guys can remember the specific names ! I guess thats how Germans do, its like choosing a BMW 330i over a 335i ahaha

well particularly cause i own one of the HD5-- models and there are only 6 in the family really. 515,555,595 (first gen) 518,558,598 (current gen) and higher than that is the 580,600,650,700 and 800 
 
the HD4-- series however...... my gosh. 418,419.428,429,437,438,439,448,449,415,425,435,445,455,457,465,475,477,485,495,497,and not to forget the legendary 414, (do tell if i missed out a few) look at all the number range overlapping!

different colours are used to mark different families/generations though it is just what i guessed based on appearance, not actual description

i hope you are not colourblind....