Buying Sennheisers..

[SeanS]

All,

I'm looking for a pair of HD600/650s.. but local prices seem 2X UK prices, or close to that. I notice quite a few of you have Sennheisers, have you bought locally/UK/US, any suggestions on where best to buy?

I usually prefer to buy local, but with headphones, and considering the price difference, I'm willing to rather import..

[Kane]

BH Photo

Or Headroom

Customs tariff code is 8518.30 

[GearSlave]

Try here:

http://www.prophecy.co.za/sennheiser-audiophile-stereo-circumaural-open-headphones-p-61511.html

At least they not double and you don't have to add another $40 for shipping and 14% for vat. You'll be in for around R4500 if you import (with shipping and VAT and waiti) or R5800 to get it local now.

[dotVIBE]

http://www.dakmart.com/Audio-Home-Audio-Headphones/c4_9_28/p9817/Sennheiser-HD650-HD-650-Stereo-Headphone-bstock-with-Warranty/product_info.html

Otherwise, another way to go is get headroom to pricematch these:

http://www.dakmart.com/Audio-Home-Audio-Headphones/c4_9_28/p219/New-Sennheiser-Hd-600-Hd600-Headphones-2-Year-Warranty/product_info.html

[Robert_E]

I've got 595's, just out of interest are the 650's worth that much money in terms of an audio quality upgrade?

[ByronH]

I was checking out the HeadRoom link above and came across this graph...can this be right?!



Sennheiser claims a frequency response of 10–39,500 Hz (–10 dB/1 kHz)

[SeanS]

Thanks for the input all, I'll look into these options, I was thinking UK prices are approx 230 GBP, if exporting VAT gets dropped, so approx 200GBP + approx 60GBP Shipping (X12), plus approx 20% import, so approx R3,500.. which beats R5800.. I fit ends up closer to R4500, I'll consider buying locally.

As for the Does 600/650 beat the 595s, no idea, maybe not! I was just planning on buying the latestish model.. and not get into the brands/vs models etc debate... I just want headphones without too much thought or I'll never buy any (I admit it)!

I'm resurrecting my Williams Hart Chiarra Pre/headphone amp, but have no phones. I have a spare CDP, and a turntable (401) taking shape. I want to sneak them into a corner of the house somewhere I can escape!

[SeanS]

mmm... I see the 595s are 1/2 price of the 600s locally, which feels about right for my planned use and my uncertainty on whether I will like headphones,!!! At around R5800 (650s).. I start thinking about DIY speakers, not headphones, my whole thought patter changes!!

[Rodney_gold]

if you get the 600/650's you will have to buy a decent headphone amp , if you are not going to get one , then go for a lesser model as without a good HP amp , you wont get the best out of the top notch phones. IMO , the 600's are better value than the 650's. A 580 is also a very good option , identical to the 600's
I have both the 600's and 650's and am currently using the 800's , so if you in ct , you welcome to try a pair before you purchase

[GearSlave]

mmm... I see the 595s are 1/2 price of the 600s locally, which feels about right for my planned use and my uncertainty on whether I will like headphones,!!! At around R5800 (650s).. I start thinking about DIY speakers, not headphones, my whole thought patter changes!!

And there are those that say that the 555's are very similar to the 595's but at half the price. I can understand why they would say that, because the drive units look identical for pics I've seen.

[Rodney_gold]

A lot of the senn phones do use the identical drive unit , like the 580/600 , but the differences are in the enclosure design , the sound transmission of the components and the fact that the higher end phones use selected and matched pairs of drivers.

[GearSlave]

Ja, I kinda figured the drivers would be better matched, hence the increased price as I'd imagine such a process to be labour intensive. But, it comes down to the rule of diminishing returns I guess.

[SeanS]

Rodney, thanks for the offer, which end of CT are you in? I wouldn't mind having a look to see what I'm actually planning to buy.

I've got a Williams Hart Headphone amp, which I used as a pre for awhile, which is springing back to life, probably not the best, (www.rock-grotto.co.uk/chiarra.htm) but it has reasonable reviews.

I see Expansys has reasonable local pricing, +/- R4300 which beats R5-6000 at other sites..
http://www.expansys.co.za/s.aspx?search=hd650

Otherwise DAKmart (thanks dotVibe) seems best, their shipping seems cheap ($45), will need to check it is a secure route.. I still have 2 orders of Browndog adaptors on the way from the US, via cheap shipping..  I assume at this stage I'll be doing a 3rd order..

[Shonver]

Nice turntable you got there, Sean.  You got an arm for that?

[Hi-Phibian]

I can not comment on 555 vs 595 vs 600 vs 650

Not sure if the 650 is much better then 600. Seems the cable is a big difference if you read on line and some feel the 600 is less coloured where the 650 adds some slam and perhaps warmth.
Anyways, what i can tell you I have used 515 for some time, loved my HD40 as well. BUT ever since using the HD600 (with a Cardas cable, never used it without) I am listening to cans more then ever AND I am starting to GET IT. Ie, why some folks love cans.

All these experiences with a Meier Corda. (Now really rocks for me since adding the 120 ohm resistors)