Sennheiser HD 558

titaniumx3 · 15 Jan 2011 at 00:26

I totally understand that technology like Dolby Headphone can give a better sense of space, but I feel it always comes at the cost of pure sound quality (i.e. sound clarity, balance, coloration, etc). I haven't tried Dolby Headphone myself, but have tried similar stuff like CMSS-3D and the result is always the same, increased sound stage at the expense of sound quality.

If you get a decent headphone with a good native soundstage (like the Sennheiser HD555 or similiar), you have more flexibility as it will sound good with everything and not just this Dolby Headphone feature.

Also, this sound reflector thing simply ensure sound enters your ear canals in a more natural way. Pretty much every high end circumaural headphone will have features like this.

Lastly, for me, music comes first, so I may be a little biased.

Uriel · 15 Jan 2011 at 08:23

Well, I totally agree about CMSS-3D Headphone. You really do lose sound quality there. I find it usable for games but music? Forget it.

Easyrider, while I wouldn't regard the HD555s as particularly suitable for Dolby Headphone (angled drivers and sound reflectors both unsuitable), I hope you get enjoyable results. Have seen several forum users say that they get good results with the HD5** series. Most of them haven't tried DH with anything else though.

As an example of the difference synergy can make, see Rroff's posts regarding the PC163d. He didn't like Dolby Headphone much until he heard it on headphones with a suitable soundstage.

Also, it's worth remembering that everyone has unique head related transfer functions (hrtf). These systems work by simulating HRTFs. If your own is sufficiently different they will not sound right to you. The ideal way to do it is to directly measure and replicate an individual's HRTF. That sort of system costs thousands though (see SVS Realizer) and Dolby Headphone is just one of the better generic ones available to the masses.

easyrider · 15 Jan 2011 at 18:50

Uriel said:
Easyrider, while I wouldn't regard the HD555s as particularly suitable for Dolby Headphone (angled drivers and sound reflectors both unsuitable), I hope you get enjoyable results. Have seen several forum users say that they get good results with the HD5** series. Most of them haven't tried DH with anything else though.

.

He hasn't replied yet..

The Audio-Technica ATH AD700 are another option I guess?

Uriel · 15 Jan 2011 at 19:16

AD700s have angled drivers and large soundstage: however they are reputably detailed with clean sounding treble. So - a mixed bag but people report good results with them and Dolby Headphone.

Marsman · 16 Jan 2011 at 02:00

It amazes me, that in the UK, it's £110 roughly for the AD700's, whereas as in the US, they are about £66. Does that make them over priced here, or a superb bargain in the US?

yashiro · 16 Jan 2011 at 10:08

All headphones are overpriced. When this is combined with the 'rip off Britain' mark up the prices seem even worse.

Uriel · 16 Jan 2011 at 15:28

yashiro said:
All headphones are overpriced. When this is combined with the 'rip off Britain' mark up the prices seem even worse.

Which is exactly why Goldrings are such a good buy. British headphones at sensible prices. I honestly don't know of anything from another manufacturer that matches any of the NS1000s, DR50, DR100 or DR150 in their price ranges.

It makes buying Sennheiser, Grado and Audio-Techicas under £150 in the UK look - well - silly really.

Not very impressed by Goldring IEMs though. Way too flimsy and I found the GX200s far too bassy.

easyrider · 16 Jan 2011 at 17:04

Uriel said:
Which is exactly why Goldrings are such a good buy. British headphones at sensible prices. I honestly don't know of anything from another manufacturer that matches any of the NS1000s, DR50, DR100 or DR150 in their price ranges.

It makes buying Sennheiser, Grado and Audio-Techicas under £150 in the UK look - well - silly really.

Not very impressed by Goldring IEMs though. Way too flimsy and I found the GX200s far too bassy.

I got some Sennheiser HD600 for £100

danza · 16 Jan 2011 at 17:47

easyrider said:
I got some Sennheiser HD600 for £100

Good stuff. Now all you need is an amp to get the best from them.

They should be okay for a while run from an amplifier headphone out though.

I had HD 600s, and sold them on for a similar price a couple of months back. Barely used too. I prefered the sound of my ancient HD 580s, and have since ended up with a pair of HD 650s (which to my ears are much nicer than either the 580s/600s), much to the disappointment of my bank account. However, lots of people prefer the brighter sound of the HD 600s to the fuller, bassier tone of the 650s.

All in all, a cracking price for a cracking pair of cans there. If you've never listened to a pair before, they'll probably bowl you over but will benefit greatly from proper amplification TBH.

Uriel · 16 Jan 2011 at 18:26

easyrider said:
I got some Sennheiser HD600 for £100

That's what I paid for mine. Bargain.

Margaret · 17 Jan 2011 at 03:46

My HD595s are coming up to 3 years of age, the plastic has cracked quite badly but aside from that they still sound great still, how much longer do you reckon I will get out of them?

Didn't wanna make a new thread, I was looking into getting a pair of NS1000's but only if my 595s don't have much life left!