[gyrofx]

here's a link from Deals2Buy with the 598 at 173.54 shipped from Electronics-Expo.com. Incase anyone wanted to know
 
http://www.deals2buy.com/deals/643xx5v69x8zeadrnad9rlqwjjcpdnnb99ssktq5wqpnatdmxlhq-sennheiser-hd-598-open-circumaural-headphones--beig

 

[WhiteCrow]

I'm thinking about the 558 On paper they are almost identical, and if I remove the dampening material in them they basically are the same can.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

I ordered my 598 from Electronics Expo 5 days ago. It's still under 'new order'.
 
Pisses me off, as I paid for 2 day shipping...

 

[estreeter]

FOTM ALERT.
 
We seem to have a blazing FOTM on our hands, people. Clear some space next to the M50s/SRH840s and whatever JVC headphones you still have in the drawer

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

I don't think it will reach that status...

 

[estreeter]

I agree, but I enjoy having a little fun with the assemblage.
 
Here in Oz, the RRP on the 598 puts it into direct competition with cheaper alternatives, including some highly sought after headphones:
 
- ATH-AD900
- DT770Pro
- ESW9
- K701
etc
 
The local distributor has a monopoly, knows we cant easily buy at Amazon prices (you need to pay a forwarding company or have a particularly accommodating friend in the States) and we get reamed accordingly.
 
 

 

[MRiNiCK]

How long burn in time will it take to make these cans sound good

 

[Digital-Pride]

Anywhere from 50 to 150 hours, keep in mind though that the sound is usually not going to change dramatically.  The improvement is more subtle to signaficant, you'll notice a tangible improvement in sound.

 

[WhiteCrow]

I'm very intrigued

 

[MRiNiCK]

yeah I know, a slight change is a big difference to me. lol.. but well see i think they are bruned in for 10 hours

 

[Carlsan]

Comparison of these with the HD600 is up at Headfonia:
http://www.headfonia.com/hd600-and-hd598-comparison/

 

[tdockweiler]

Think I like the HD-598 more than my old HD-600. Of course they're not better, just different. HD-600 definitely does have a lot more detail though.
Music on the HD-598 is definitely far more engaging and they're just so much more fun to listen to.
 
Can't wait until they do an HD-600 upgrade. Maybe there will be an HD-798 with a retail price of $599

 
Quote:

Comparison of these with the HD600 is up at Headfonia:
http://www.headfonia.com/hd600-and-hd598-comparison/

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

NoXter & me were part of the bunch who got sample exemplars Sennheiser sent to those in the german forum who were interested some months ago. Never liked the Sennheiser sound particulary, the old 595 was a boring dullhead, I prefer the K518 to the HD25, I'm not a fan of HD600 & HD650, and also the HD800 isn't my cup of tea.
 
Those HD558 & 598 are very different though. I would say they are the most musical cans Senn has built in this decade. I highly recommend them, although they come 4-5 years too late for me personally.

x2
 
Its been more than 20 years since I heard a Senn I liked.  The HD598 is quite something special.  This is the first Senn in a long time I like and would recommend.  When I think of the Sennheiser name this is the sound I expect.  Though I wish they swapped the color schemes between the 558 and 598.  

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

I'm thinking about the 558 On paper they are almost identical, and if I remove the dampening material in them they basically are the same can.

Not quite.  I've been playing w/ the 558 as well.  While you can get it close I suspect the inherent difference in the molded grill design is what prevents the 558 from reaching the air, wide soundstage and flatter balance and neutrality of the 598.  The 558 is just more mid forward in presentation and intimate and won't change w/o a dremel me thinks.

 

[MohawkUS]

I'm thinking of getting these, I'm looking for something with more bass and less highs than my SR-80s, and with less boom-boom and more air than my AKG K81 DJ. I really like the warmth of the AKG. I would be using these for folk, black, and doom metal(think Burzum, Korpiklaani, and Electric Wizard). Should I go for them? or the 558 maybe? I was considering Denon's D2000s but I think they may still be boomier than I am looking for.
EDIT: I know these aren't considered metal cans, but I want something that lets me listen to my dark ambient music(think Lustmord), and my techno(Infected Mushroom, and Mistabishi), they seem like good all rounders.