Sennheiser HD595 vs Sennheiser HD 555

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Klo

Klo

Klo

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Hi,

Bascially I was wondering whether the Sennheiser HD595 were worth the extra 40 odd pounds more than the HD555's.

I guess the sound quality is better, but noticably? I have a xfi gamer, is that good enough?

Any input would be appreciated :)
 
I haven't used the HD555s but have the HD595s and the sound quality is outstanding imo. The 150 ohm version can be driven very easy, no need for an amp, so your xi-fi will be fine. I'm using mine with an Audigy 2 Platinum at the moment. Highly recommend them and I think they are only £85 now.
 
both are perfectly fine depends if youre an audiophile or not ive got the hd555's and the sound is really good especially with my x fi...

dont think youll be disappointed with either..
 
I've tried both, I don't have the most sensitive hearing and I could hear a little difference between them, the 555's being slightly base heavy. I honestly think you'll not be disappointed either way
 
RichL said:
I haven't used the HD555s but have the HD595s and the sound quality is outstanding imo. The 150 ohm version can be driven very easy, no need for an amp, so your xi-fi will be fine. I'm using mine with an Audigy 2 Platinum at the moment. Highly recommend them and I think they are only £85 now.
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I don't believe any 150 Ohm versions exist. This was a misprint (that's still there) on a certain jungle website. The actual rating is 50 Ohm.
 
badbob said:
5xx series demand dedicated headphone amplifiers
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Do they? I was under the impression that although it may help a little, plugging them into a conventional headphone socket would still allow them to sound great.
 
badbob said:
5xx series demand dedicated headphone amplifiers
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You're fine without a headphone amplifier up to the HD595. It only starts to becomes worthwhile to get an amp with the HD600's upwards but even they will work fine without one.

I use my HD595's with a creative labs soundcard and no amp like many others on this forum.
 
I have a set of Sennheiser HD 650s connected to a Graham Slee SOLO amp. The HD650s I've had for about a month so they're not yet burnt in so I'm reluctant to comment on their sound quality. However, in their present state they're not too bad but slightly disappointing compared to the HD580s I owned until recently. I'm told by Graham Slee that my SOLO headphone amp. needs about 500 hours of burn in time before I'll know how good it sounds.

The HD650s can be driven straight from a CD player or sound card. They're very comfortable, once they've loosened up and they sound OK-ish from a CD or sound card BUT you won't get the audio quality that you pay for when you buy the HD650s. If you don't use a headphone amplifier it makes sense to buy a less expensive set of cans. Would you buy a Ferrari body and fit it with a Citron 2CV engine?

When buying decent headphones it's best if you can audition a burnt in pair of the model you're considering. If you can't do this don't expect too much from your new headphones, straight out of the box.
 
In the same sentence I say it becomes worthwhile to get an amp for the HD600's upwards. I only meant they'd still work without an amp and without any problems which is true.

Being the owner of a pair of HD595's and using them with a soundcard, I can assure you from first hand experience the bass is far from uncontrolled/distorted. I would probably say its far from whoompy too but I don't know what that means :)
 
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I would probably say its far from whoompy too but I don't know what that means
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It's usually the first sign of distortion, normally you don't notice some distortion unless you use a headphone amp, then go back to using a personal CDP driving the phones - you can then notice it straight away. Much like upgrading from a budget av amp to a quality stereo integrated amp. It sounds clearer, wider soundstage, better seperation and tighter deeper cleaner bass, clearer treble.
 
badbob said:
It's usually the first sign of distortion, normally you don't notice some distortion unless you use a headphone amp, then go back to using a personal CDP driving the phones - you can then notice it straight away. Much like upgrading from a budget av amp to a quality stereo integrated amp. It sounds clearer, wider soundstage, better seperation and tighter deeper cleaner bass, clearer treble.
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Whoompy hey. Thanks for the explanation badbob.

Everything you say regarding the difference a good headphone amp can make is true I'm sure. If there was little or no difference there wouldn't be a market for them (in theory) and I'm sure you wouldn't suggest them.

What I'm getting at is for Joe Bloggs who's deciding between either HD555 and HD595 (£55 and £85 respectively), they shouldn't feel they need to spend <insert random figure here> on a quality headphone amp also when lets face it if they didn't know headphone amps existed, are still likely to be impressed by, and happy with their purchase.

Audiophiles are more likely to go for HD650's and higher models; in which case a decent headphone amp would make a greater impact and be more appreciated.

Not too long ago I saw someone create a post on here asking for recommendations on a 5.1 setup for their PC with a budget of around £150. As per usual the topic of separates came up and their die hard advocates almost insisting buying £1k worth of sound equipment is a must.

Not saying anyone's doing that here but it would be nice to see more effort at answering the OP before doubling/tripling the budget (again not directed at anyone at all, just generalising).
 
Good headphone amps can be had for £40 or so, so you could get the 595's now, and an amp later if you want.

HD-595's + amp would probably sound better than hd-650's without an amp...

Hell, I even noticed a difference with my HD-25's, and they come with a crappy steel cable!
 
Thanks guys for the suggestions, but honestly, I do have a budget (think student), and can't go around spending £180 on a pair of headphones. I'd rather buy a better graphics card :P

So I'm afraid its going to be the HD555, as I only have mp3's and a few CD's meaning I probably won't notice the difference. Out of interest, are there any other makes of headphones that are any good?
 
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