Sennheiser HD 518 vs HD 558 and Sound Card?

[Trail Mixorz]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a new pair of headphones, because I've had crappy Turtle Beaches that recently broke. I've been looking at the Sennheiser HD 518 and 558 and they both look pretty good. The 558 is more expensive so I was wondering what the difference between the two were. I play fps games and I'm always listening to music, and write/record my own. I've heard the 518s had more bass presence, but the 558s had better mid ranges. Also, do I need a sound card for these headphones? Will there be a significant difference in sound quality? If I need one, I'll probably get an Asus Xonar, because I've heard by everyone that it's really good. Thanks!

[Stav Kats]

The main difference is exactly what you said, 518 has more bass than the 558 but that doesn't mean it is bassy. You should definately pair your choice with a Xonar soundcard, its a must. However, I would suggest taking a look at some more headphones around that price range like:

 

Beyerdynamic DT990

Audio Technica AD700

Shure SRH440

 

Hope it helped!

[h264]

You should definately pair your choice with a Xonar soundcard

 

I'd think his onboard (especially if it's newer) is enough for ~50 Ohm headphones unless he wants it ear-splitting loud or something.  I'd definitely skip the Xonar cards based around the fact it's not a major increase in sound quality for what you'll spend (even at $30), it's just louder.  The drivers are also a hassle.  Not to mention the high output impedance will probably EQ the bass on either of those headphones.  If you REALLY need more volume, a FiiO E10 should be plenty for either of those.

[MayflowerElectronics]

The main difference is exactly what you said, 518 has more bass than the 558 but that doesn't mean it is bassy. You should definately pair your choice with a Xonar soundcard, its a must. However, I would suggest taking a look at some more headphones around that price range like:

Beyerdynamic DT990

Audio Technica AD700

Shure SRH440

Hope it helped!

A sound card definitely is not a must...

[Trail Mixorz]

So should I get a sound card or not?? I'm not rich here lol I don't wanna buy something I don't need

[h264]

So should I get a sound card or not?? I'm not rich here lol I don't wanna buy something I don't need

 

For those headphones, you don't need one.  You can get one if you really want, though.  It's your money.

[t0wer]

HD5xx series are pretty efficient and there isn't a big gain with a soundcard.

[Stav Kats]

I'd think his onboard (especially if it's newer) is enough for ~50 Ohm headphones unless he wants it ear-splitting loud or something.  I'd definitely skip the Xonar cards based around the fact it's not a major increase in sound quality for what you'll spend (even at $30), it's just louder.  The drivers are also a hassle.  Not to mention the high output impedance will probably EQ the bass on either of those headphones.  If you REALLY need more volume, a FiiO E10 should be plenty for either of those.

The FiiO E10 costs now 62$ on amazon but it is on sale(23% off). I was thinking about a Xonar DG/DGX nothing more which they cost around 30-40$ maximum. 

 

A sound card definitely is not a must...

Okay, maybe I exaggerated a little by saying it is a must but low impedance headphones like the Sennheisers, the Shure SRH 440 and the AD 700 which they are around 50-60 Ω are easily driven to higher dBs when you have a desktop soundcard. So if you can easily drive your headphones to the volume you like there is less distortion. 

 

Sorry if I confused anyone, but imo if you can find a soundcard that good around 30$, it is almost a must if you are going to spend 100$-150$ just on a pair of headphones.

[MayflowerElectronics]

The FiiO E10 costs now 62$ on amazon but it is on sale(23% off). I was thinking about a Xonar DG/DGX nothing more which they cost around 30-40$ maximum. 

 

Okay, maybe I exaggerated a little by saying it is a must but low impedance headphones like the Sennheisers, the Shure SRH 440 and the AD 700 which they are around 50-60 Ω are easily driven to higher dBs when you have a desktop soundcard. So if you can easily drive your headphones to the volume you like there is less distortion. 

 

Sorry if I confused anyone, but imo if you can find a soundcard that good around 30$, it is almost a must if you are going to spend 100$-150$ just on a pair of headphones.

 

They are also easily driven by on board sound since there is no real difference between on board sound and a low end "sound card". All you are going to do with a cheap low end sound card is make a bad source louder and bring out all of the crappy qualities.

 

You can't find a good sound card at $30, and stop calling it a must. It's not.

[Trail Mixorz]

So what do sound cards do? Other than just making it louder without distortion.

[h264]

So what do sound cards do? Other than just making it louder without distortion.

 

convert digital signals to analog signals and then what you said.  That's it.  Your headphones are where most of the distortion occurs, unless the amplifier on your soundcard is a poor match for your headphones.  It usually is if it has a 10 Ohm output impedance.  So if you'd rather listen to your headphones and not your amp, get one with a low output impedance.  Which leaves out pretty much every soundcard.  Except Realtek's newer onboard chipsets.

[Trail Mixorz]

convert digital signals to analog signals and then what you said. That's it. Your headphones are where most of the distortion occurs, unless the amplifier on your soundcard is a poor match for your headphones. It usually is if it has a 10 Ohm output impedance. So if you'd rather listen to your headphones and not your amp, get one with a low output impedance. Which leaves out pretty much every soundcard. Except Realtek's newer onboard chipsets.

So if that's it, what's the hype about sound cards? I feel like everyone wants one and some "need" one so I just don't really get it

[MayflowerElectronics]

So if that's it, what's the hype about sound cards? I feel like everyone wants one and some "need" one so I just don't really get it

People are un-educated about them, and they market them towards you to make you feel like you need one.

[mr moose]

So if that's it, what's the hype about sound cards? I feel like everyone wants one and some "need" one so I just don't really get it

 

Sound cards are bit like petrol, socks, credit cards and insurance. It is all the same product where the law of diminishing returns kicks in very early.  So in order to up sales they market them as being better than anything else (even though they are almost identical), they include other features to make the product more attractive and they'll tell you anything you want to hear to make a sale (like the positional audio crap they spout for games).

[ShearMe]

On board used to be pretty crappy, and people have yet to make the adjustment - especially with marketing agreeing with past truths.