zmd
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2009
- Posts
- 512
- Likes
- 28
Yesterday I took the plunge and got myself the new Sennheiser HD558, one of the updated models in Senns midrange of open headphones. I've been anticipating these ever since the first thread here on head-fi, so I guess I'd be the first to get them around here.
First off, I've never heard the HD555, but I've always loved the design and supposed comfort. FWIR they are not very exciting cans, so I've never considered them suitable for my listening habits - mainly rock, metal, alternative, a bit of rap and electronic sounds. I'll not be refering to the HD555 in this review.
Enter the HD558.
Build:
I have to confess that I first wanted these headphones for the looks alone, without knowing or caring how they'd sound. I just love the design, all black and sleek. The comfort is good and seems to be improving. When I first put them on this afternoon, they were surprisingly tight and stiff, but the pads have already softened and the headband seems to have comformed to my head within hours.
The velour earpads and headband padding are quite firm actually, but with a very soft and fluffy texture. They do tend to pick up any and all dust and hairs.
The earcups are quite spacious, accomodating even big ears quite nicely. The fit is secure, because of the stiff headband. I do tend to headbang, yet had no problem with them moving or falling of my head.
The cable is detachable, quite thick and stiff, shouldn't break too easily. The big 1/4 inch connector is somewhat useless to me. I'd rather have had a 3.5 mm one plus and adapter, no the other way around.
Sound:
The first thing you notice about the sound is the loudness. These are not laid-back cans, neither are they boring. The sound grabs you, envelops you, thanks to the angled drivers, which do a good job of spreading the sound. You don't actually feel you've got speakers strapped to your ears with these on. A very nice feeling, actually. Haven't tried playing any games yet, I'll report on positioning later.
Bass is weighty and full, yet doesn't overpower anything. Mids are ok, clear and well sepparated, with plenty of air between instruments and vocals. There seems to be a small dip in the lower mids, but that migh be just my ears coming from the PX200-II, which have a very even response. The highs are, again, just ok, nice and smooth presence, not harshness or graininess, but nothing captivating either.
What impressed me the most was how well details like background instruments or voices shine through with these cans. They are very coherent throughout, even on songs that have been a challenge for my other headphones and even speakers.
It's kind of late, but I'll update this thread with more info and pictures in the next days. If you have any questions, shoot.
Overall, I think I found my last headphone.. for now.
First off, I've never heard the HD555, but I've always loved the design and supposed comfort. FWIR they are not very exciting cans, so I've never considered them suitable for my listening habits - mainly rock, metal, alternative, a bit of rap and electronic sounds. I'll not be refering to the HD555 in this review.
Enter the HD558.
Build:
I have to confess that I first wanted these headphones for the looks alone, without knowing or caring how they'd sound. I just love the design, all black and sleek. The comfort is good and seems to be improving. When I first put them on this afternoon, they were surprisingly tight and stiff, but the pads have already softened and the headband seems to have comformed to my head within hours.
The velour earpads and headband padding are quite firm actually, but with a very soft and fluffy texture. They do tend to pick up any and all dust and hairs.
The earcups are quite spacious, accomodating even big ears quite nicely. The fit is secure, because of the stiff headband. I do tend to headbang, yet had no problem with them moving or falling of my head.
The cable is detachable, quite thick and stiff, shouldn't break too easily. The big 1/4 inch connector is somewhat useless to me. I'd rather have had a 3.5 mm one plus and adapter, no the other way around.
Sound:
The first thing you notice about the sound is the loudness. These are not laid-back cans, neither are they boring. The sound grabs you, envelops you, thanks to the angled drivers, which do a good job of spreading the sound. You don't actually feel you've got speakers strapped to your ears with these on. A very nice feeling, actually. Haven't tried playing any games yet, I'll report on positioning later.
Bass is weighty and full, yet doesn't overpower anything. Mids are ok, clear and well sepparated, with plenty of air between instruments and vocals. There seems to be a small dip in the lower mids, but that migh be just my ears coming from the PX200-II, which have a very even response. The highs are, again, just ok, nice and smooth presence, not harshness or graininess, but nothing captivating either.
What impressed me the most was how well details like background instruments or voices shine through with these cans. They are very coherent throughout, even on songs that have been a challenge for my other headphones and even speakers.
It's kind of late, but I'll update this thread with more info and pictures in the next days. If you have any questions, shoot.
Overall, I think I found my last headphone.. for now.
Nice review mate.
