Sennheiser HD-580

Sennheiser is more and more becoming my manufacturer of choice when I look for headphones. I previously had purchased a pair of Sennheiser HD497 headphones, primarily because they were cheap (around $40), and I was getting sick of earbuds. The HD497 were very impressive, particularly given their price (see my review on them). Desiring an upgrade to more audiophile-grade headphones, I jumped on a pair of the HD580s when I found them on sale. When I put them on at first, I thought "hmmm, they're okay". Then I did some A-B comparison with my HD497, and the smoothness of the HD580 became very noticeable. From lows to highs and everything in between, the frequency is nice and flat. Now, I know a lot of people think headphones are only good if the bass thumps. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, I appreciate a nice smooth response because I believe that this most accurately recreates what the sound engineers originally intended. I primarily listen to jazz and classical, with a good amount of rock thrown in. A flat response recreates all genres of music "right". I strive for this flat response in my home stereo (Onkyo receiver with Definitive Technology speakers), and given room response, nulls, etc. the flat response is very hard to attain. When I throw on my HD580s, I hear EXACTLY what I try to create with my home stereo. Every subtlety and nuance that is in a recording comes through very clearly. While I was pleasantly surprised at the improvement in sound quality going from a pair of $40 headphones to a pair of $160 headphones, I really have to wonder what can be attained by jumping to the HD650 at $300 (down from $500). I doubt my wife will let me find out anytime soon.

There is no better way to listen to music than with Sennheiser earphones. The HD-580 output clear, crisp sound that I have never heard anywhere else. The low-range response is superb, and some of the high-range output in my music I had never noticed before putting on my 580s. Audiophiles of all types should not hesitate to invest in a pair of 580s. WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!

Great set of cans!! They reveal many details in music that you might not otherwise hear. Very musical. You can listen to music for hours without getting fatigued. However for these babies to really shine, I suggest you get a nice headphone preamp that will supply some juice. They are a bit power hungry. Open-ear design, so if you need to block out outside noise, look elsewhere. They are also very comfortable, but bulky to use and store in a portable situation. I highly recommend these phones!