Wondering if I should get the HD-590 or the HD-595.

Jul 7, 2004 at 10:43 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 12
Saiya-Jin

Saiya-Jin

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I'm asking this question because im having a hard time deciding which headphone to get because of the price ...

First of all I live in Quebec / Canada so availability in local stores for the Sennheiser headphones, and even online stores located in canada, isn't really that great... The fact that I called Sennheiser Canada and they told the the new HD-555/595 won't be available here for a year doesnt help either ... even had this info verified by a local store and they were told the same thing.

Of course I could always order from a US store store, but the problem is the really expensive duty charges. I ordered a computer component a while ago from the US of a 140$ US value and was charged 25$ Cnd for shipping and 80$ Cnd for duties, so I'm guessing for a pair of 200$ US headphone im probably looking at 100-120$ cnd of useless and annoying duty charges.

To get back to the main question I'm asking because I can get a nice price for the HD-590, around 176$ cnd, while for the HD-595 I found em at 199$ US at the Twister Group online store, but the final price after duties and everything for me should be around 400$ cnd, which is getting kinda expensive hehe. I was also thinking of the HD-555 but that should be around 300$ cnd still ... I don't really mind paying that much, if you guys can convince me that it would be worth it heh.

The headphones would be used mainly to listen to metal, rock and J-pop and play a lot of video games. So maybe that could influence if I should pay more for the 595 if they're better for that kind of stuff. Heard the soundstage is really good on the 555/595 which helps for games, dunno about he 590 tho.

I don't plan on buying and amp. for a while, so thats why im considering either of these 3 models cause I read on the board they sound good without one.

I'm also hesitating for the less expensive 590 cause even tho I read some good comment for them on the board here, a lot of them were also negative... I'd rather not buy an average pair of headphone, I prefer to pay more and be done with it heh.

So please guys help me make a good decision cause I'm really confused as to what I should do hehe.

Thanks
 
Jul 7, 2004 at 11:49 PM Post #2 of 12
I'd say a lot depends on your source. If you're using your computer with a typical soundcard, go with the 555s. I'd probably stay away from the 590s. Many people like them, but I think you'd be better served with the 555/595 series.
 
Jul 8, 2004 at 12:13 AM Post #3 of 12
The 590s don't get good reviews on here, the 595s review much better. I've listened to 590s though, and they sound pretty good to me: good strong bass, and compared to my CD3000s the mids/uppers were a little veiled (ie not as crisp) as the CD3K, but they're definitely better than my AKG 271. Undoubtedly the 595 would sound better, and there's no way i'd buy the 590s, but don't let people badmouth the 590s too much.

If I were you i'd look into customs regulations more. Would out the highest value that can be sent in duty free, and try to come under it. Perhaps some kind soul in the usa (a friend?) would purchase it on your behalf, repack it and label it as a lower value gift, and send it, avoiding duties?

Good luck whatever you decide
smily_headphones1.gif
 
Jul 8, 2004 at 1:47 AM Post #4 of 12
Heh yeah I thought of the repackaging idea, but seeing as I know no one in the US I guess it can be a problem hehe.

Of course ebay would be the way to do that as most sellers dont mind at all doing it, but I've been checking for either the 555 or 595 on ebay for a few days now and no one seems to sell them sadly.

To answer DevilDpg's question my soundcard is an Audigy 2 basic.
 
Jul 8, 2004 at 1:53 AM Post #5 of 12
I have owned both the HD590 with DIY cable and using the HD595 running off my audigy 2. I would say the the HD595 is way better than the HD590. The HD595 has better and smoother upper midrange and highs. The HD590 however excells in the bass area. But if I were you, i would be very glad to get the HD595 for computer use. I also play lots of games and listen to different types of music and find the HD595 to be great.
k1000smile.gif
 
Jul 9, 2004 at 12:30 AM Post #6 of 12
Saiya-Jin,
Another option is to buy second-hand from one of the members here on Head-Fi, and ask them to send it to you labled as a "present", so you would not pay import taxes.
I have 590 with Equinox cable, and am happy with them. Having said that, if quality of the sound is most important to you, go for the newer 595, as most people prefer them over the older brother.
 
Jul 9, 2004 at 9:44 PM Post #7 of 12
Well I finally decided to go ahead and order the 595 from Todd's TTVJ store who happens to be kind enough to help me out with that pesky custom problem hehe.

Can't wait till they finally arrive now
600smile.gif



Btw I just thought that since ill be pluggin em directly in the Audigy 2 I won't have any hardware with which to control the volume. So I guess I need to use the Volume control in windows but how does it work exactly ? Is the volume bar at max gonna be really quiet with no way to make em louder or is it gonna be crazy loud and I'll have to put it much lower ?
 
Aug 8, 2004 at 4:38 PM Post #11 of 12
Hi Saiya-Jin i live in canada also and i am planning of getting the HD-595. I was wondering how much you paid after taxes and duties was counted?

PS Do you think Todd would help out to another guy with customs or was that a one time thing?

Thanks alot
 
Aug 8, 2004 at 4:44 PM Post #12 of 12
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