Ultrasone DJ1, DJ1 Pro, HFI-580, and PRO 550 Headphone Differences

[miceblue]

Okay, so I just wanted to create this thread for anyone who is trying to decide which of the Ultrasone headphones to buy between the ones mentioned in the title, for clarification purposes.

HFI-580 vs DJ1
They are the same exact headphones except the DJ1 has a coiled cable instead of a straight one and the DJ1 has a different physical appearance.

PRO 550 vs DJ1 PRO
They are the same exact headphones but with different physical appearances.
 
HFI-580/DJ1 vs PRO 550/DJ1 PRO
In a thread about the HFI-580's vs DJ1 Pros, wind016 stated:
"HFI- upfront sound, most bass quantity
PRO- spacious, more versatile"
 
In general I've heard that the PRO series offers a wider soundstage than the HFI/DJ1 headphones which means there seems to be more sound separation, has a tamer/more controlled base, and sounds a bit flatter which produces a more balanced sound. In comparison, the HFI/DJ1 headphones seem to be more 'colored' or 'fun' sounding headphones compared to the PRO series which typically means the bass is emphasized and the mids are very slightly recessed (I cannot comment on this since I haven't heard either of the headphones).
 

An e-mail conversation from an Ultrasone customer service representative:
Me: Hello, I was thinking of purchasing either your HFI-580 or DJ1 headphones as my first high-quality headphones. I just had a few questions regarding the differences between the two. Do the DJ1 headphones have S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Plus? The HFI-580's have the S-Logic Plus as one of their features but the DJ1's do not.

Alicia: Hello Mike, Thanks for your email. The DJ1 also have the S-Logic Plus technology. They are actually technically the same headphone. Just a different outfit. And, the DJ1 has a coiled cable where the HFI 580 has a straight cable. Those are the only two real differences.

Me: I've read on the head-fi.org forums that the DJ1 PRO is very similar to the PRO-550 model headphones as the DJ1 is to the HFI-580. Is this statement true?

Alicia: Hi Mike, Everything that you have read is true. And if you are looking for a wider soundstage, then the DJ1 PRO will be a better fit for you.
 
 
I hope this helps clear things up for prospective buyers as it would have helped me from having to search through many threads about their differences. >.<
 
-Mike

 

[supbrowawawa]

I would like to bump this thread because I would like to know more about the HFI-580 vs. PRO 550.
 
I curently cannot decide between these two headphones and I need more information on them.

 

[Acix]

Okay, I'll add my Ultrasone comparison: http://www.head-fi.org/t/401879/an-ultrasone-comparison

 

[miceblue]

Sorry if this post turns out a bit sloppy, I'm typing this on my 2nd gen iPod and it is slow.

Thank you Acix for your impressions, I'll read your thread more carefully when I get the chance.

Back to Supbrowawawa, I think the general consensus is that the PRO 550 is more balanced than the 580's with better instrument separation and more controlled bass and treble. Usually the HFI series is more fun than the PRO series and does not come with a hard case, removable cables and ear pads. The PRO 550's are generally regarded as large headphones compared to the HFI series. Also, I've mostly read that the HFI 680's are more balanced than any other HFI headphone but your mileage may vary. Keep in mind that although people claim 'X' headphone is 'balanced,' it is really up to your ears whether you like their sound signature or not.I personally found the HFI 780's a bit too sibilant to my ears.

Of course the widely popular PRO 900's will be recommended if you're thinking of buying an Ultrasone headphone, but it goes at around $400+ USD. I had the chance to give their Edition 9's a hear as well and I personally wouldn't spend $1000+ USD on them. They just didn't have the sound quality I was expecting from a $1000+ headphone.

After hearing a few Ultrasone heaphones, I decided that their sound signature was not what I was looking for. Instead I went with the Shure SRH940's which presents mids, vocals, and highs really well while having a supposed neutral bass response, something I need to adjust to since my previous headphones were pretty bassy.

 

[Acix]

The edition 9's was the first dynamic new hps with $1000+ price tag...and this was around 2005, or even before.