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'em right into my Mac 1900 front panel. No fancy headphone amp. No glitzy wires.
Thunderous bass when needed which doesn't overwhelm mid-bass or color mids or highs.
Well-balanced sound with good string and brass vividness.
Vocals ( Janis, Jimi, Dieter, Maria C, etc.) are realistic and realistically sized (neither miniature singers nor Don Giovanni sized tenors).
Yup, you could pay a hell of a lot more but, from the more expensive Senn models I've bought and then sold, as well as much more expensive 'statics... you'll be missing some part of the musical spectrum which these don't--and some of my rejected models aren't nearly as musical.
Did I mention how comfortable they are for prolonged listening?
Definitely a budget "best buy."
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I've had mine for several years. I have 2 pair, in fact - paid $125 for one pair and $85 (!!) for the other. They sound terrific, and are very comfortable for long listening periods. 1 pair stays jacked in to the PC and the other pair is mated to a Creek OBH-11 in the main rig. That Creek plays LOUD, I never get the volume pot past the 10 o'clock position.I highly recommend the 580s, probably the best buy for your money in the headphone world...
I have the Sennheiser HD-497. I'm very impressed, especially at the level of detail, because they're my first decent open phones. How much better are the 580's? Is the character of the sound much different?
I paid about the same for a pair of 497's a couple years back that I had paid (in 1977 dollars!) for a pair of Yamaha HP-2's in 1977. The HD-497's are "more neutral" (is that an oxymoron) and quite respectable.I think the value comes mostly from sourcing the product from places with FAR lower labor costs than mid-1970's Japan.
Have been on the hunt for headphones for about 6 months. Prefer to listen to my loudspeakers but occasionally need secluded sound. I do not wish to spend more than $300 to $400 on the headphones because these are for infrequent use but will also need to invest in a headphone amp (none available in current setup).
I prefer AKG K-701, but if you like that sound, they are great.
for getting me off my duff and finally making a decision. Now, I just need to purchase that headphone amp... :0You guys are great. Tinear, thank you for taking the time to review these headphones, and thank you, Geoff, for letting me know of a good deal on these particular 'phones.
This forum provides such a wealth of information, and that is the reason why I continue to donate year-end and year-out.
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A reasonable bargain, I'd say. This price has been up for a few months.
Regards,
Geoff
- http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD580-Stereo-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00005S8KM (Open in New Window)
Around $150 new.http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0001FTVE0/ref=dp_olp_2/104-3186454-6488706?ie=UTF8&qid=1173110884&sr=8-1
I bought the HD595s a few weeks ago at Richer Sounds, and I can confirm that they are very comfortable to wear, as well as being very detailed without being wearing. The bass is excellent too.
I went ahead and bit the bullet. Got with free 2-day shipping! :-)
You'll love them.
Regards,
Geoff
Not looking for something over the top, have to say I now have a new appreciation for tubed gear but that is not a necessity, and would like to keep the price range within $300 - 600 US new MSRP. Please don't refer me to the headphone forums...I only get more confused.Just would like your personal opinion and others here at AA.
IMO, you made a very nice choice of headphones. But Senns really need a good amp to truly come alive. Normally, I would recommend the Ray Samuels HR-2 at $875 (or possibly an entry-level Singlepower), but as both are above your range, I would say these:(1) Gilmore Lite with dedicated PSU ($499). Great unit, but the wait is currently six weeks. Website is www.headamp.com.
(2) Music Fidelity X-Can v.3
Of the two, I'd probably go with the Gilmore--a little more detailed and musical--but the wait is long.
Depending on use, there are mains powered and rechargeable battery verisons as well as Class A and Class AB versions. I currently use a Cute Beyond (Class A) with my Grado SR80's. V. Nice little amp. Well put together and sounds pretty good. If you intend to use Headphones occasionally/semi-regularly (As I do), then this is a nice amp, and it's under your budget.Cute Headphones Amps
Cheerswelly
I went to a restaurant that serves "breakfast at any time". So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.
Ray Samuels Audio, Woo Audio, Gilmore/headamp.com, Heed, Meier-Corda, Headroom, and Mapletree Audio all have good reputations plus there seems to be a new Chinese amp every month. LaRocco Audio might be another option. I don't care for the Sennheiser sound but good luck in your quest.
I too like my 580's very much, and like them even more when plugged into my Musical Fidelity X-Can v.2 (the version that's cylindrical). Great sound and cool looks--plus tubes! Should be able to find used for under 200, and if you're a tweaker, there's a lot of info out there on things you can do to improve the already very good sound of this unit.
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