[strewth78]

Hello all. Ive been reading up on headphones & amps for a few weeks on and off as Ive flirted with the idea of a birthday gift for myself. Well, the day has arrived and I feel Ive read too much stuff and gone full circle - Im clueless!

No only joking, Right now Im thinking I would like the senn. 595's; within my price range and seem to be very well received everywhere, with little fault for the price. Of course the open-back element may cause problems for me, and perhaps Im better of with the hd448s, but my gut says 'take 595s'.

I want the 'phones for my laptop mainly, and also my ipod occasionally. On the laptop I will be watching HD-streamed sports, DVDs and then my Itunes music collection (mainly rock & folk, and some soundtracks). I am often sat on a large sofa with my girlfriend watching TV, so you can see my dilemma with open-backs.

So this leads me to my first question. For someone who doesnt listen to incredibly loud sound, but rather wants a full range of sound, would I struggle with open-backs next to endless sex in the city? How loud is the sound leaking from the phones at a descent volume? Is it minor? Or almost the same volume escaping?

Secondly, Im gathering I would need an amp for both the laptop & ipod with these phones. Would it be the same for the hd448s (incase i change my mind again!)? Any recommendations? I was eyeing the graham slee voyager, though a bit more than i thought id spend. I also saw the total bithead, though the possible custom charges could inevitably make it as expensive as the voyager.

hope thats something you fellas can shed dome light on for me...

thanks all

jamie

[Drubbing]

595s don't need amping, and you won't gain very much from doing so, therefore a Slee is massive overkill for them. Amps don't add SQ, they're to drive phones that need power, and the 595s don't need much.

Laptop is fine for power, but soundcards are usually average. Full size phone may struggle on the ipod a bit, but I wouldn't' recommend ultra cheap amps, they're just loud buttons and can degrade sound.

I'n not a Sennfan, so don't like either phone, but the 595 will sound better than the 448. But if you really need isolation, then that's your compromise.

As for leakage, take a full size headphone off at normal listening volume and lay down so the cups aren't covered by anything. That's how loud it'll be for anyone else in the same room as you. Snuggling up to the GF with headphones playing is sure to **** her off.

[strewth78]

Originally Posted by Drubbing

595s don't need amping, and you won't gain very much from doing so

really? Oh, Id read otherwise. Can anyone else confirm this?

Originally Posted by Drubbing

I'n not a Sennfan, so don't like either phone

any recommendations then, based on what Im using them for?

Originally Posted by Drubbing

As for leakage, take a full size headphone off at normal listening volume and lay down so the cups aren't covered by anything. That's how loud it'll be for anyone else in the same room as you.

...not sure i follow this.


thanks

[skyscaper]

I chose the 595s specifically because they do not need amping - I only use them with a lap top.