Audio Upgrade - HD598SR vs ATH-M50x

[orbitalbuzzsaw]

Title says it all really. Looking to get some new headphones, which is better?

[1234vietnam]

out of those two, get the hd598sr

[Lauen]

Those are two wildly different headphones. Sure the 598's are better, but they don't have any noise isolation because they are open headphones, unlike the M50X and all other closed sets of headphones. 

 

I think you should explore other options here to be sure you get the best headphones you can in your budget, for your use case. If you're dead set on those two you listed, get the 598's. 

[GamerDude]

Granted, the HD598SR is open back, TS can check out the closed version (HD598 CS, which I think would be better than the M50X in overall sound signature), but IF it were a toss-up among the 3 (HD598SR, HD598 CS, M50X), then it'd be either of the Sennheisers.

[Max_Settings]

8 hours ago, Prqnk3d said:

out of those two, get the hd598sr

I gave recommendations at the end of this review for $150 or less for the OP.

[Bob the Bob]

what about the dt 770 ?

[orbitalbuzzsaw]

3 minutes ago, Bob the Bob said:

what about the dt 770 ?

Aren't those really editing headphones? Not what I'm doing.

[Bob the Bob]

6 minutes ago, orbitalbuzzsaw said:

Aren't those really editing headphones? Not what I'm doing.

dunno i was asking , i was thinking of buying a pair since the headband on my hyperx is comming lose

[Max_Settings]

1 hour ago, orbitalbuzzsaw said:

Aren't those really editing headphones? Not what I'm doing.

No. There’s no such thing as editing headphones.

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Max_Settings said:

No. There’s no such thing as editing headphones.

Odd description. “Editing headphones”. My audio engineer buddy suggested thst I pick up a pair of “reference headphones”... a murky class of pro-level audio cans used in studios & mobile broadcasters. That’s why I picked up the Sony MDR7506 cans ([went with the non-folding option, ...-7510] ugly, almost all the parts are replaceable, built to be knocked around).  He claimed these brands tend to be bought in bulk & picked up by camera crews.... No 100% real Corinthian (heh) Leather headbands nor walnut cups. 

 

I wonder what the OP will end up getting? Just my 2 cents...

[Max_Settings]

1 minute ago, PrometheanCat2 said:

Odd description. “Editing headphones”. My audio engineer buddy suggested thst I pick up a pair of “reference headphones”... a murky class of pro-level audio cans used in studios & mobile broadcasters. That’s why I picked up the Sony MDR7506 cans ([went with the non-folding option, ...-7510] ugly, almost all the parts are replaceable, built to be knocked around).  He claimed these brands tend to be bought in bulk & picked up by camera crews.... No 100% real Corinthian (heh) Leather headbands nor walnut cups. 

 

I wonder what the OP will end up getting? Just my 2 cents...

I don’t like the term “reference headphones” the original meaning of the term isn’t used any more and you see tons of headphones tout that. I now would call that neutral headphones or monitors. Headphones are are essentially almost perfectly flat. You want those in monitoring or mastering because you don’t want them to alter the sound from the original source. For instance the HD650s are called a reference headphone, they aren’t, they are that flat. The HD600s on the other hand are pretty flat and I would trust those with monitoring or mastering.

[Guest]

1 minute ago, Max_Settings said:

I don’t like the term “reference headphones” the original meaning of the term isn’t used any more and you see tons of headphones tout that. I now would call that neutral headphones or monitors. Headphones are are essentially almost perfectly flat. You want those in monitoring or mastering because you don’t want them to alter the sound from the original source. For instance the HD650s are called a reference headphone, they aren’t, they are that flat. The HD600s on the other hand are pretty flat and I would trust those with monitoring or mastering.

...the marketing term “pro-audio” seems like another one of those weasel words. There’s no 3rd party assessor of gear (right?).

 

I forget - do you like screwing around with tone control (like installing a Schiit Loki equalizer), or does that take away from your experience?

[Max_Settings]

Just now, PrometheanCat2 said:

...the marketing term “pro-audio” seems like another one of those weasel words. There’s no 3rd party assessor of gear (right?).

 

I forget - do you like screwing around with tone control (like installing a Schiit Loki equalizer), or does that take away from your experience?

No I don't like EQs. To me the headphone itself is the EQ and putting an EQ on them destroys all the engineering that went into making their sound.

[orbitalbuzzsaw]

OK so the 598SRs then?

1 hour ago, Max_Settings said:

No I don't like EQs. To me the headphone itself is the EQ and putting an EQ on them destroys all the engineering that went into making their sound.

 

[Max_Settings]

3 minutes ago, orbitalbuzzsaw said:

OK so the 598SRs then?

 

Take your pick.

 

Quote

 

Closed:

Audio Technica ATH-M40X:

A thing that's hard for people to grasp is just because something has a bigger number doesn't mean it's better. Let's look at Lamborghini. The cheaper Huracan is quicker to 60 MPH despite less horsepower because of a better transmission. Similarly the M40X is a much better headphone than the M50X. However they just need one thing done to them, they need HM5 pads added to them. So if you add the $22 pads to the $80 M40Xs you get a headphone that has more sound stage than M50Xs, less highs, better mid range, and comparable if not slightly more low end. They are an awesome gaming headphone and also great for music.

 

Takstar Pro 82:

These headphone are cheaper and have a very balanced well rounded sound. Not a ton of sound stage, but are unbelievably comfortable. They do a great job at producing micro details and have spectacular imaging. They also have a 3 way bass switch and will satisfy the needs of all you bass heads out there. Also they come with a crazy nice case.

 

Status Audio CB-1:

Another well rounded headphone. Good sound stage and imaging. Good bass with controlled high and good mid range. Very comfortable, but not the best built headphones ever.

 

Audio Technica ATH-WS1100iS:

Technically these are semi-open. These are a much prettier, much a better built set of M50Xs. They don't have the INSANE BASS like claimed on the box, but they still have more than the M50Xs. Their highs are still a bit high, but tolerable. Mid range is ok, but not spectacular. Not much sound stage, but these are a great gaming headphone. They even come with a mic for all you who want to use them as a gaming headphone. For music these should be tubed to make them sound amazing. These are what the M50Xs should of been and they are basically the same price.

Monoprice Retro: This is another one where you are going to call me crazy for saying $25 headphone are better than M50Xs. Believe whatever you want to, but these are amazing. Insane bass and sound stage. Their highs and mid range is also shockingly good for a $25 set of headphones. These are one of the best gaming headphones there is just because of that hilarious low end and sound stage. Imaging is also shockingly good. They do however benefit from some Brainwavz XL Pads if you have a bit more money to spend. When these come back in stock I'm buying a set.

 

Open:

Phillips SHP9500:

One of my always go to headphones. They sound a lot like HD600s with a bit more sound stage and low end. These are a killer headphone and are worth more than they $50-$70 they go for. Realistically one of the only headphones you need under $200.

 

Sennheiser HD559:

If you are looking for gaming headphones take these over the more popular HD598. They are not as clean overall, but have more low end which makes them a bit better for gaming. They have that classic easy to listen to Sennheiser sound.

 

Sennheiser HD598:

These are very popular headphones. Probably some of the best under $200. They are a bit more than M50Xs, but often can be found on sale for around $100. These are just a step below something like the HD6XX or K7XX.

 

Hifiman Edition S:

These can be used open or closed with removable covers, but are better open. These are a portable headphone and have the foldability like the M50X. These are surprisingly good. They aren't on ears like they claim, they are small over ears. They do have some sharper highs, but are very fun with good low end and good imaging. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ethebigd]

17 hours ago, orbitalbuzzsaw said:

Title says it all really. Looking to get some new headphones, which is better?

it would rather have the ad700x than the m50x ... between the two I would choose the open back because Ive got a preference for open back

[GamerDude]

48 minutes ago, ethebigd said:

it would rather have the ad700x than the m50x ... between the two I would choose the open back because Ive got a preference for open back

I actually have the ATH-AD700X (as well as the ATH-R70x and ATH-A900X LTD) and while, admiitedly, the AD700X lacks punch in the bass department, its excellent soundstage and imaging make it an excellent gaming can. Only can that I feel outguns it in soundstage and imaging is the HD800, and perhaps the K812 (perhaps as wide in soundatge, but with better imaging).

[ethebigd]

11 minutes ago, GamerDude said:

I actually have the ATH-AD700X (as well as the ATH-R70x and ATH-A900X LTD) and while, admiitedly, the AD700X lacks punch in the bass department, its excellent soundstage and imaging make it an excellent gaming can. Only can that I feel outguns it in soundstage and imaging is the HD800, and perhaps the K812 (perhaps as wide in soundatge, but with better imaging).

I don't mind the lack of bass because the cans are made to make you listen to the sound as it should be, not with EQ modified in the cans itselft

[GamerDude]

16 minutes ago, ethebigd said:

I don't mind the lack of bass because the cans are made to make you listen to the sound as it should be, not with EQ modified in the cans itselft

Preaching to the choir here, I NEVER EQ anything, not for music and not for games/movies. The audio gear I have must sound good w/o the need for EQ, if not, I'd get rid of 'em.