So, on Amazon the Sennheiser HD 598's are currently $94.99 and the ATH-M50x's are $117.80. I'm leaning toward the Sennheiser, but could use some advice.

I spend most of my workday on my computer, but work from home a lot, and then I also game, watch movies, and listen to music on my PC often as well. So, I'd need something comfortable that isn't going to annoy me if I wear them for up to 3-4 hours. I have speakers to fall back on, but I'm looking to up my audio quality and would like a pair of solid headphones.

From the reviews I've read it seems like the HD598's would be more comfortable, music quality is equal if not superior (I've read some stuff about bass not being as good as it can be, but really powerful bass has never been a desire or need for me), and the open design provides a better soundstage, which would help with gaming.

Also, would the Sennheiser's benefit significantly from an amp? I'm considering picking one up, but only if it's necessary. Trying not to break the bank over this weekend.

Thoughts?

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Posted by CENLALSUFAN

Beaumont

Member since Mar 2009

7208 posts

Posted on 11/27/15 at 9:35 pm to Tom288

i was looking at the ath-m40x for $67 just a minute ago but am poor...lol..good luck to you..

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Posted by UltimateHog

Oregon

Member since Dec 2011

65807 posts

Posted on 11/27/15 at 9:45 pm to Tom288

I debated these two pretty hard a few months ago as I wanted a nice pair of cans for music listening but also for a good chunk of gaming, went with the 598's after reading from a ton of gaming forums that they are superior for gaming due to the better overall spacial sound and the open back. Music wise they are pretty even and I too don't like a lot of bass so it made it a no brainer.

Very happy with my decision.

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Posted by Spock's Eyebrow

Member since May 2012

12300 posts

Posted on 11/27/15 at 9:48 pm to Tom288

quote:
would the Sennheiser's benefit significantly from an amp

I have the HD 598. My iPod Touch 5th gen drives them fine. So does my Line 6 UX2 interface. OTOH, my 2009 Pioneer Elite AVR had a crappy headphone section and distorted way too soon on the volume curve. I later replaced it with a 2014 Pioneer VSX-1124, and it has a stellar headphone section in comparison; it's the best source I've tried, in fact. I did experiment with a Schiit Magni amp and the 2009 Pioneer, and I found it was no better than the UX2. I returned that Schiit.

BTW, $95 sounds pretty good. I paid $180 several years ago, and that was a real deal at the time.

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Posted by bluebarracuda

Member since Oct 2011

18235 posts

Posted on 11/28/15 at 9:47 am to Tom288

Take the sennheisers all day at that price, and I own the m50xs

Or better yet, get these

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Posted by NOFOX

New Orleans

Member since Jan 2014

9945 posts

Posted on 11/28/15 at 10:01 pm to Tom288

If you can get a little more money for this, I think the Hifiman HE-400i on sale for $299 is a great deal and would suggest that.

Hifiman HE-400i

This post was edited on 11/28/15 at 10:05 pm

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Posted by ILikeLSUToo

Central, LA

Member since Jan 2008

18018 posts

Posted on 11/28/15 at 11:17 pm to bluebarracuda

Also, the AKG Q701s are amazing. I got mine for $200. Amazon is selling them for $169 right now, an all-time low price: LINK

Paired with Magni/Modi Schiit stack. The best part about the whole setup is that it's 100% reference. No extra color/temp added to the sound. ie, They're only bass heavy if the source is bass-heavy.

This post was edited on 11/28/15 at 11:19 pm

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Posted by GalvoAg

Galveston TX

Member since Apr 2012

10844 posts

Posted on 11/29/15 at 11:54 am to Tom288

Join Massdrop and get the AKG K7XX, best bang for your buck.

Also own a pair of HD 598's pretty nice but no longer use them. Very comfortable but lack in the low end.

This post was edited on 11/29/15 at 11:59 am

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