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Which headphones??

Okay, so I'm now leaning towards getting a nice headphone set-up. I am thinking that I'll probably get a couple pairs of headphones when It's all said and done because there just seems to be benefits and negatives about different designs.

Initially, I'd just like to use the headphone amp in my z dac. I am looking at a pair of sennheiser hd 598 new in box for $200 on c-list. These cans seem to get good reviews but I figure I'll want something with a closed design later on so that I can block out exterior sounds also.

I really want something with a great soundstage and imaging, I want it to sound as good as my stereo system, or close to it!

Thanks for your help with this one!!
128x128b_limo
ablang
165 posts
 
Step up to the HD580/600 and you'll probably be much happier long-term, as they're much more sonically refined than the lower-tier Sennheiser models. You can pick up a used pair of HD580 (which I own now) for under $150 and the HD600 (which I used to own and should have kept: they're definitely a touch more transparent) for around or just above $200.

For context, I owned the HD555 modded to HD595 (model prior to the HD598), and the HD580/600 series is a huge step up. The lower models have a mid-bass bump and some grainy treble emphasis, but the 580/600 sounds smooth and neutral top to bottom (though some find them too warm).

Here's a great recent comparison of the HD580/600/650 series:

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/very-important-sennheiser-hd-580-hd-600-and-hd-650
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
regardless of specifications and performance, headphones are way more individual sensitive than speakers.convenience, head size, shape, earshells it all matters to get a perfect headset. i get headaches and listening fatigue from overdefined HD580/HD600 bass. did not try hd650 as an example.
your best bet is either swapping them one after another by purchasing/selling or visit a good headphone shop or even audio festival to make up your decision.
newbee
4,757 posts
 
Marakanetz, Are you satisfied that you used an amp that best matched the Senn's you listened to. FWIW, for example, I tried a highly regarded amp, as well as a CDP with a capable built in amp. Both of my Senn Headphones (598 and 650) sounded like crap with SS amps. Especially the 650's.

FWIW.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
i tried them with consonance the tube unit and tried them with grado amp 10m tops while AKGs and T70 currently owned I can listen for good few hours.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
2,273 posts
 
I don't mind spending some money on a headphone set-up because it will be my main audio fix, here in a couple months. I can't really audition different headphones because there aren't any shops that carry the ones I'm interested in.

So far, I guess it's between the sd 650's and T70's.
I know that matching them with the right amp is important also. What headphone amps do you fellas recommend for the 650's? T70's?

Thanks again guys!
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