Hi all,

I need a new pair of cans after my previous £60 pair literally fell apart after 5 years.

Thinking of Sennheiser HD 555 through HD 650.

I will be plugging these into a mid range PC soundcard for rock music, games and DVD watching. I'm in a quite study.

I dont think that a headphone amp makes sense given I only have a midrange PC soundcard.

Which of the 555 through 650 will work well sans an amp?

Is an amp really going to add to my listening experiance?

[PaulBoy]

BanginTjoons ... I can help with some of your questions as I have the Senn555's - I have listened to various sources including a laptop / Personal CD player / CD player / AV receiver ... The best sound is from the receiver (directly from my DVD player using analogue output i.e bypassing the receiver's decoders) The next best is the CD player ; then the Personal CD and finally the laptop ... the Senns therefore do not appear to be difficult to drive (?) If you havent bought them yet I can help you out with the heads up on a gr8 place pricewise ... HTH - Paul
PS - As you will see from a few threads I have started I am looking at a number of possible "upgrades" like headphone amp decent CDP etc

Originally Posted by PaulBoy

If you havent bought them yet I can help you out with the heads up on a gr8 place pricewise ... HTH - Paul

Speak up mate

Yeah I'm really thinking of the 555's meself. I will soon be getting Creative's latest soundcard which is suposedly pretty damn good audio wise.

http://www.creative.com/products/pro...&product=14066

That, without an amp, sounds like the way to go for me

As you can see I'm all PC based ... no hifi gear in sight

[reevesy]

try the 595's...good with movies and films and very comftable

595's are £100 from Richersounds I believe.

My HD555's arrived today. They sound great and are a marvel of ergonomic comfort

[PaulBoy]

Bangin - did you go for the firm I pm'd you about?
The HD555's are sweet!
Paul

Originally Posted by PaulBoy

Bangin - did you go for the firm I pm'd you about?
The HD555's are sweet!
Paul

Yup. Bloody good price and service. My first ebay pruchase and it went really well

I am liking these HD555's more and more. The extra detail is really noticeable over my last pair

And I cant praise how comfy they are enough

It's rather sad how most people listen to music on really awefull earbuds or tinny speakers

[NicolasB]

Bah! HD650 all the way for me!

Although I might consider Beyerdynamic DT-880 as well, they're rather nice.

[PaulBoy]

Originally Posted by NicolasB

Bah! HD650 all the way for me!
Although I might consider Beyerdynamic DT-880 as well, they're rather nice.

NicholasB - sure if you've got £200 to spend
I got the impression Bangin had a budget similar to my own (£50-£100) so
HD650's arent in the frame unfortunately ...
Paul