Sennheiser Headphones

[adsl2]

Hi guys,

I went through a lot of threads about headphones but still have some questions. I kind of figured out that Sennheisers are the way to go if you want decent sound.

I will mostly use the headphones for gaming and music. I decided to go for the Sennheiser HD555’s but then read that they are discontinued. Are they still available from the suppliers and what is the going price for them in stores? What were they replaced by?

Are there any other Sennheisers that are the same price or less than the HD555 that one can look at?
I also saw that the HD380 Pro DJ and HD555 are apparently very close to each other. Will it be a good choice to go for the 380’s?

Any advice or recommendations will be appreciated, I am a complete noob when it comes to audio.

How does Sennheiser’s numbering system work?

Thanks

[TJ99]

The 555's have been replaced in the last year or two, with the HD558. Very similar, they just have slightly better drivers apparently. Price is also similar.

The 5 range goes 518-558-598. Then there's the 650, 700 and 800. The HD800 is over R10 000 though so not really worth it for most people.

And no, the 380 is nowhere near the same as the 555 or 558. The 380's are closed, and rather bass heavy. The 555's are open, have lighter bass and wider frequency response. Not to mention that great, open soundstage.

[adsl2]

Thanks for the reply,
Would you recommend the HD558? And how does it compare to the HD518?

Thanks

[icyrus]

Thanks for the reply,
Would you recommend the HD558? And how does it compare to the HD518?

Thanks

Where and when are you planning on using the them?

[adsl2]

Where and when are you planning on using the them?

Mainly at home

[flashfire208]

Got a pair of the 558's they're amazing , Almost no difference to my friends 555's .They are the best money Iv ever spent even if you only take into account their comfort . A decent soundcard may be alot of help as well , you can pick up a Xonar DG for R200 and its more than enough for most people .

[TJ99]

Thanks for the reply,
Would you recommend the HD558? And how does it compare to the HD518?

Thanks

I'd definitely recommend the HD558. They have amazing sound quality for the price (provided you get them for cheap). I've never heard the 518 so I don't know how they compare. The difference between the 558 and the 598 is noticeable, but it's not like night and day, mostly a bigger soundstage. There's quite a big difference in price though. The thing about the Sennheiser HD5xx series is they're also extremely comfortable, whichever one you go with.

Just know they're open-backed, so if you're one of those people who want over-ear headphones to isolate you from the outside world, they're not for you. Personally, I just care about how they sound and feel.

[adsl2]

Thanks for the help guys, it is really appreciated.
Where would be the best place to get the 558 locally?

[TJ99]

Most places are insanely overpriced in SA (Over R2000 ) , but check out Orange Music (although they have the 555 not 558 on their website), and depending where you are, audio shops like Sounds Great or Nu World (or is it New World) in Menlyn Park in Pretoria.

[adsl2]

Most places are insanely overpriced in SA (Over R2000 ) , but check out Orange Music (although they have the 555 not 558 on their website), and depending where you are, audio shops like Sounds Great or Nu World (or is it New World) in Menlyn Park in Pretoria.

Thanks, will check them out.

[adsl2]

Just got a price from sounds great menlyn, R2500 for the HD558!

[TJ99]

Just got a price from sounds great menlyn, R2500 for the HD558!

Yeah they're smoking their socks then, that should be the price for the 598. But if you find it cheaper elsewhere they'll probably beat the price. Cheapest place seems to be Orange or New World. Although they're all still pretty expensive compared to the US or Europe.

[droplet]

i have sennheiser rs 170. the wireless is SO worth the extra price

wife bought them for me. think she payed about 2.5k

[adsl2]

Thanks for all the help guys. I am waiting for feedback from a couple of stores.

[srothman]

Slightly off topic, but I am looking for some proper earplugs to use with my iPhone, so I need something that has a mic so I can use the hands free. I have some Bose plugs that are great, but looking specifically for something that has the mic.

Any suggestions?