[jazzjet]

Hi,
 
I’m seeking some help and advice in choosing an upgrade to my Sennheiser 598’s. One problem I have is that there are hardly any specialist retailers near where I live ( Cornwall, UK ) so I’m mostly ‘flying blind’.
 
I am interested in a home setup ( I mostly listen to audio books on my iPhone and I’m happy with my Digital Silence DS 101A in-ears ). Most of my listening is via my MacBook with a HRT Microstreamer DAC/Amp, using the Fidelia player. I also use my hifi for listening about a third of the time ( Marantz CD 6003, NAD C 350 amplifier ). My musical tastes are predominantly jazz with some blues, soul and rock on occasion.
 
The Sennheiser’s are perfectly acceptable but I find myself wondering if there is anything out there that would be a marked improvement given my setup. The price point I’m considering is around £250 ($375). I guess the key word is ‘marked’. I’m not really interested in an upgrade that would give me only a marginal improvement on the Sennheiser’s.
 
From browsing this great site I have earmarked (sic) the PSB M4U2’s and the Focal Spirit Pro’s but I am very open to other suggestions. In general, I think I prefer closed back headphones.
 
I’m hoping that someone in the community has experience of some of my potential choices and can give me some valuable advice.

 

[billybob_jcv]

Questions of worth or value of an upgrade are always tough. What I hear as a "marked upgrade" might not be a significant upgrade to you, or it might even sound worse.

I have not heard your candidates, but I suspect the only way you will really know is if you spend the money to find out.

 

[jazzjet]

Thanks, billybob.
 
Yes, it is all pretty subjective. Perhaps rather than 'marked upgrade' I should have said that I'm looking for some new headphones that give me a 'different' kind of experience than the Sennheisers. As I said, they are fine headphones but perhaps a little 'polite'. I'm not sure, for example, how the Focal Spirit Pro - which is described as neutral in presentation - would compare with the HD 598s. I've really only ever had Sennheisers so I'm not sure what sort of difference I would experience in moving to another brand.

 

[billybob_jcv]

I think both the PSB and the Focal are considered fairly neutral headphones. If you truly want different, then you might want to look at something a bit less neutral, like the Beyer DT880 or DT990, AKG K712, or if you *really* want different from the Sennheisers, then perhaps Grado.

 

[Mr Rick]

  Thanks, billybob.
 
Yes, it is all pretty subjective. Perhaps rather than 'marked upgrade' I should have said that I'm looking for some new headphones that give me a 'different' kind of experience than the Sennheisers. As I said, they are fine headphones but perhaps a little 'polite'. I'm not sure, for example, how the Focal Spirit Pro - which is described as neutral in presentation - would compare with the HD 598s. I've really only ever had Sennheisers so I'm not sure what sort of difference I would experience in moving to another brand.

I'm in the same boat as you. I've been a Sennheiser fanboy since the 1960s. I've gotten on the demo list for the Oppo PM 2s and have a set of Philips X2/27 Fidelio headphones on order. I've decided to bite the bullet and just try something different for a change. 
 
I have the HD 598s and HD 650s so the comparisons should be enjoyable.

 

[jazzjet]

I think both the PSB and the Focal are considered fairly neutral headphones. If you truly want different, then you might want to look at something a bit less neutral, like the Beyer DT880 or DT990, AKG K712, or if you *really* want different from the Sennheisers, then perhaps Grado.

Thanks again, billybob. This gives me some nice choices to review and narrow down my options.

 

[jazzjet]

  I'm in the same boat as you. I've been a Sennheiser fanboy since the 1960s. I've gotten on the demo list for the Oppo PM 2s and have a set of Philips X2/27 Fidelio headphones on order. I've decided to bite the bullet and just try something different for a change. 
 
I have the HD 598s and HD 650s so the comparisons should be enjoyable.

That's pretty much my situation, Mr Rick. I might find that I don't come up with a better option than the 598's but the journey should be interesting! I'm looking forward to your feedback on the Philips.

 

[Music Alchemist]

I may get a used beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium soon.
 
The Focal Spirit Professional has been on my wish list for awhile, but whenever I found one used, it was a little out of my immediate price range.
 
Oh, and speaking of Philips, I will receive the SHP9500 in about a week as well.
 
Anyway, if I don't post impressions here within the near future, you can PM me if you're curious.

 

[jazzjet]

Thanks, Music Alchemist.
 
I've just ordered the AKG K550's. I've read good reviews, here and elsewhere, plus they are available at a very good price at Amazon UK so I can take the risk without breaking the bank. I'm interested in experiencing closed headphones. I'm still keen on trying the Focal Spirit Pro at some point.