Sennheiser HD518 or HD439

[Viva]

Hi all

I'm looking at buying either the HD439 or the HD518. Previously I had the HD202, but the cable started giving issues a while ago.

I'm no audiophile, but I do enjoy good sound. At the moment I do not have an extra sound card or a headphone amp, but in a year or two, I might just take the plunge.

I realize that open back headphones give a more natural sound. Also, all audiophile headphones I've seen have open designs. On the other hand, I also like the mobility and versatility of closed design headphones like the HD439. However, I mostly use my headphone when alone in a quiet room.

For those with some experience - is the sound quality difference between open and closed designs (like the HD518 and the HD439) worth sacrificing the outside sound blocking feature of closed headphones?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[PostmanPot]

Alone in quiet room = HD518.

Pair with a cheap sound card like the Asus Xonar DG.

 

[Viva]

Thanks for the advice! I'm too starting to think the HD518 will be the better long term choice.

 

[Tosser]

I have both the 202 & 518. I use the 202 at work, and the 518 at home with a yammie amp for listening to music & watching movies.
My impressions of both & recommendations.

202 - Nice long cable (too long), sits fairly tight on the ear, so not great in the comfort stakes. Very impressive sound for a cheapie. Ears become uncomfortable without too much use. Very little sound escapes these, so perfect for work.
518 - Nice long cord (perfect), sits very comfortably on the ear. Sound quality is incomparable to the 202 - sounds absolutely fantastic. Can listen all day long withough ears getting fatigued. Quite loud if there are others in the room.

Im no audiophile, but can heartily recommend the 518 to anyone. Unfortunately I have no experience of the 439 so cannot compare.

 

[Viva]

Thanks Tosser (that sounds weird, sorry) for your impressions of the HD518 and HD202. I think that convinced me to go with the HD518. I can always get a closed back pair later if needed.