Hi-Fi Headphones

[Oobie-]

Hello,
Ive been in search of getting some nice high fidelity headphones to replace my headset (sennheiser PC131)
Its all a bit overwhelming, so I was wondering if there was any guidance with regards to the hi-fi headphones category!

So far Ive been recommended the sennheiser HD555 (but they arent on sennheisers website) and HD595 (bit too stretched for budget unless I can be persuaded), Ive also looked at the Corsair CA-HS1A but the reviews havent been brilliant.

My budget is about £100~ but can go up for special circumstances. I'm also upgrading my soundcard to an Asus Xonar D2(x) Ultra Fidelity or Asus Xonar DX/XD 7.1 (havent quite decided yet) if this is of any help.

I did want to keep to a headset as I really loath having separate items when I'm used to the one unit for sound and mic but it seems that going into the headphones market over the headsets is required to get better sound for your GPB, unless of course someone can correct me on this? I also have little understanding on the benefits of Open back vs Full cup closed headphones.

These will be used, in order of importance, for: Music, Games, Movies/TV. (however music and games share an equal level of importance really)

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[kopite]

The 555`s and 595`s are older models and have been suceded by the 558 and 598.

I listened to both of them in my local hifi shop last year when i was looking for a new set of cans and ended up buying the 598`s they do cost more but the difference in sound quality is like night and day. The only problem with them is the colour scheme. Being cream and brown wont be to everyones tastes

[Lowe]

Beyerdynamic DT770 80 ohms adorn my desk.

[Zak33]

558's

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-H...590629&sr=1-29

Soft felt ear cushions so no sweaty ears.. and open back so you CAN hear the wife shouting at you.

do it

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I have both the Grado SR80 and SR125 which sound great IMHO.

[kopite]

I have both the Grado SR80 and SR125 which sound great IMHO.

The grado`s can be quite uncomfortable to some people though.

I know the sound is immense form them but they didnt sit right and prolonged sessions would have caused discomfort for me

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The grado`s can be quite uncomfortable to some people though.

I know the sound is immense form them but they didnt sit right and prolonged sessions would have caused discomfort for me

I would assume the OP would try the headphones before they purchased a pair. The newer Grado headphones come with different ear pad design from the older ones:
http://www.harmonycentral.com/docs/DOC-2022

[Oobie-]

Wow, thanks for the replies guys. Yeah it has been suggested to try them before I buy.
Any recommendations on where would be best? I live in London.

I know you shouldnt judge anything by its appearence but those Grado's are looking like something from the 40's! haha

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

One thing though is that the Grado headphones are very easy to drive.

[kopite]

I love the stylings on the grados just a shame about the fit

if you drive you could head to best buy which usually has a good selection. Or Tottenham court road maybe?

[g8ina]

I have a decent pair of Sennheiser HD580s u could have for a ton if u like. Studio quality and really comfy

[Oobie-]

TCR - sounds like a good place to start!
Cheers

g8ina - I shall have a mosey about and get back to you on that once Ive looked at whats available.

[Zak33]

I have a decent pair of Sennheiser HD580s u could have for a ton if u like. Studio quality and really comfy

/\ buy those..... buy those....£100 and you've got mammoth quality and immense comfort.

and you can get new cables if you kill them.

[Behemoth]

I'm also in tghe market for a new set of cans, got my birthday coming up soon, so may have to treat myself. My current set of Sony XBR500's work but are looking really old and I've only had them for 2 years, and there appears to be a break in the cable, which looks like it can't be replaced.

Pitty, as they were the best part of £60 !

Anyway primay use will be listeng to music, which caries, could be rock one moment and then Trance/Dance the next and watching movies and so on. Something the current pair are good at when they work right.

I've got a set of Sennheiser something or other tucked away but I'm VERY disappointed with them, very little bass which is a pitty considering they were marketed out as a set intdned for use by DJ's HD 215's they are.

Looking at spending £100 max also, but might be tempted spend a touch more if something really good pops up.

I know one things for sure, I don't want those awful dre things !

[g8ina]

the HD215s are rather small for extended bass, the HD580s (see above) are pretty huge and their bass is almost legendary.

Still available if anyone wants em.

[Behemoth]

If you've still got them comenext weekend then I'll have them Looking at the specs, they seem right up my street.