hello everybody,

I'm trying to decide between the Sennheiser HD 555 and HD 595's. The latter is a little more expensive.
I was wondering if it is worth it to get the 595 without using a dedicated amp? I will mainly use them on my iPod and maybe soundcard. I also own a pair of PX 100's that I'll continue to use for biking and stuff.

What do you think?

Thank you

I'd go with the 555's, that's my opinion as a satisfied owner. I considered both the 555 and the 595, and I couldn't justify the price increase.

thank you for your input.

any other opinions?

In that case, you should really go by wear comfort. Those devices aren't known for stunning high-fidelity output.

I was facing that decision some while ago when looking for some good open phones to replace my HD540s (way better than the new models), and I found both Sennheisers to be very uncomfortable because the hard circumaural cushions rested on my jawbone. Also, Sennheisers are all bass-oriented but still are good open headphones, don't get me wrong there.

I finally went overboard and got me a pair of AKG K271s. Those are closed, but very, very comfortable. They should be somewhere between the 555 and the 595 price-wise and are far less bass-heavy -- I'd go so far and call them weak --, but that's what you get for monitor characteristics. They are also prone to solid-borne noise from the cable and the headband, but unless you're doing sports, they're fine even over some hours.

Perhaps have a look at them, in my opinion they are well worth consideration. The price is in the same range, and they will happily reproduce whatever you throw at them.

Not sure really but I think the 555 or the 595 might require an headphone amp for portable player use. Probably get a Cmoy off of ebay or build one yourself. There was another thread that one guy asked if 555 for $99 was a good deal and several people suggested the answer Yes. Than again with any headphone manufacturer it comes down to the style that you prefer whether it sounds warm, detailed, natural, bassy, et cetera. My Sennheiser 280 Pros are good but the big coil cable is not so good for portable use unless traveling by vehicle (airplane, train, automobile). Looking at combining the Grado SR80 with a Sumajin wire wrap and a CMoy headphone amp. Of course the setup could work with either a AKG or Sennheiser headphone as well.

the thread in which the guy asked about the HD 555's inspired me to open this thread. Looks like I'm going for the HD 555's then. However, I already own the PX 100's which sound pretty damn decent.

I have the 595's and I'm really happy with them. I rarely use them on my iPod (I have the PortaPro for that), but they're plenty loud without a headphone amp even on my European iPod with the volume limit.

I also have a pair of HD595s but I don't use them for portable use due to their size. That and I use them hooked to a stereo receiver so I'm not sure how well they sound without some form of amping. They're a good set of headphones and I've been very happy with them though.

Just keep in mind they're not all that small. I see that you're still going to keep your PX100s.