[Xandal]

I've had my HD 555s for about four years now.  I finally have some extra cash and am looking to upgrade my headphones.  I use them for pretty much everything.  They are practically speaker replacements for my computer.  I use them for gaming, music, movies, etc.  I also use them incredibly frequently (sometimes for 8+ hours a day).  I love my 555s for a few reasons.  The best part is that they're extremely comfortable.  I hardly notice that they're on my head most of the time and it's actually more comfortable for me to have them on when I'm at my computer.  They have a really balanced sound (or so it seems to me) so they work well for all of the things I use them for.  I listen to every kind of music you can think of (and I'm not exaggerating).  
 
So, effectively I'm looking for a better version of the 555s.  Something that is open-back, balanced, with a nice soundstage, and is incredibly comfortable.  I considered picking up the 558s, but I figured I'd ask for recommendations just in case.  I haven't really paid much attention to the headphone world in the past few years because my 555s have been great so far.  Anyway, all recommendations are welcome.
 
Thanks in advance,
Zach

 

[PurpleAngel]

Did you have a budget?
Sometimes Amazon has some really good deals on used HD-558s.

 

[Xandal]

My budget is pretty flexible, though I'm not looking to spend much more than 250-300.  I intend on using the headphones frequently and I want them to last for at least 5 years.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro 250-Ohm, if you have a decent headphone amplifier to drive it.

 

[Xandal]

I do not have a headphone amplifier.  Also, I've had a pair of Beyerdynamic's similar to the DT 880s and they clamped a bit too hard to my head and became uncomfortable rather quickly, so I'm a bit skeptical about going with them.  Would you mind giving me a bit more information on them?  Like level of comfort, sound, and what kind of amp I'd need?

 

[techboy]

HD 598

 

[Xandal]

Wanna give me any reasoning behind that?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I do not have a headphone amplifier.  Also, I've had a pair of Beyerdynamic's similar to the DT 880s and they clamped a bit too hard to my head and became uncomfortable rather quickly, so I'm a bit skeptical about going with them.  Would you mind giving me a bit more information on them?  Like level of comfort, sound, and what kind of amp I'd need?

I own 7 Beyerdynamics and find them all relatively comfortable to wear, the Premiums have slighty less clamping force on the head, compared to the Pro version.
Your looking spend at least $66.30 for an AC power headphone amplifier (PAV2V) that can drive 250-Ohm Beyerdynamic headphones.
The Beyer DT880 Pro 250-ohm are good headphones (balanced audio) for music, movies & gaming.
If you bought used DT880s, it's around $205 ($235 for new), plus $66.30 for the amp, total around $271.30 (or $302 for new)
If you bought a new sound card with built in head amp, and fairly good DAC chip (Sound Blaster Z), your looking at $80-$100
 
Another option might be to get the Senn HD-558s and a Asus Xonar DG ($30) or DGX ($45) sound card.
The DG(X) comes with a basic headphone amplifier and it's DAC should be better then whatever is built into the motherboard.
 
Amazon is selling used HD558s for $117 (includes shipping) and a used Xonar DGX for $35.
Also might think of getting the Shure 1/4" female to 1/8" male 6 inch adapter cable, $15.
So for around $167, you should get a decent audio quality boost over the HD555 (and you can sell the HD-555 for some cash)