[Johnny71]

I am looking to purchase some headphones for listening to my HIFI in the living room.

I would like to choose between these pairs or similar cost headphones. Does anyone have any opinions? I am also not adverse to buying a headphone amp if neccessary!

Many thanks

[GMC79]

I have the SR60's and have to say they are great, wait till u hear about the 555's from others but from what i have seen the SR60's get better reviews.
Excellent, even from portables.
Both are open backed so if it's between the two i'd go for the Grado's. The're fantastic.

[2010]

I have the HD555's which I fully recommend, good weighty sound quality & comfortable to wear for long periods, a real bargain for the price I paid for them (approx £50 iirc).
I haven't heard the Grado's but they are supposed to be good so whatever pair you choose, I think you'll be happy.

[c64]

what about these £60 goldring dr150 everyones raving about as good as sen hd 600 ?

[russraff]

This may be your lucky day!! I have just bought some head phones from my local dealer at a price right where you are thinking of spending. Not only did I listen to both of your choices, but they were plugged into your CD player, for the demo, too! I listened to the Grado GR-80's, Sennheiser HD555 and HD595 - all of them were on a table in front of the player so I could change them when I liked.

Anyway, my thoughts were that the Grado's overall volume was less than both the Senn's at a given output, therefore, I assume that the GR-80's were harder to drive than the Senn's, though they were still driven well with high volumes achievable - just made the Grado's sound a little lightweight if you didn't notice.

In terms of sound, the Grados were not as good bass wise, sounding a little lightweight - even with volume correction. This may be why people say they sound bright. I actually think the higher frequencies were handled better on the GR-80's than either Senn' models. There was, however, a few things that put me off the Grado's. Firstly they are built quite poorly, the Senn' 595 in particular is much better built and, to me, look better, too. Secondly, the Grado's are not the most comfy of things; I listened to the Grado's first and if I didn't try the Senn's I wouldn't know better. I did, though and Senn' have ergonomics licked - both 555 and 595 were streets ahead of the Grado's. Lastly, the Senn's mid-range was just great. Straight away I thought that there was more to it, more grunt if you will. Not that they sound bloated - rather that the Senn's were more natural and the Grado's on the lighter side of neutral.

After that it was a choice between the two Senn's and I went for the 595, especially as Richer Sounds are doing a good deal and I got the dealer to (nearly) price match. The 595 is just better looking, feels better and has a more full on presentation. The Grado's were good, but a bit too clinical and light on the lower frequencies for me.

Oh, and the Sennheisser comes with a desk bracket to hold the 'phones and a 1/4" to 3.5mm converter.

Hope this helps.

Russell

[Johnny71]

Thanks for the reply, yes those comments helped loads.

Can I ask whether you were listening to the headphone output of the DCD500AE or through an amp?

Thanks again

[russraff]

I was listening through the CD Player. I would have liked to have tried the MF XCan or Creek headphone amp, but I called in on impulse and the sound from the CDP was surprisingly good (given the comparatively low price). In fact the sales guy (this is a good independent shop, too) said that a headphone amp may be overkill for this level of 'phones. The HD640 was a different kettle of carp mind.

Please bear in mind, I am new to this headphone mararkey and am just reporting what I found. Which is sometimes just for the best.

Russell