First open back headphones - Sennheiser HD550 or Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X?

[aandgquestion]

I am looking for my first pair of open back headphones in the price range of around £180.

I'm torn between these two, and I can't try before buying unfortunately.

I've seen some suggesting that the DT900 Pro X might be slightly more fatiguing in the trebles.

However, I've actually seen more critique aimed at the HD550 for the lower treble being a bit "dry" and the weak point of the headphones.

In general I listen to a lot of noisy guitar based music, which will often have feedback and distortion. I listen to all genres though and so I would like something versatile.

I am not fussed about a lot of bass, but I am looking for good detail and soundstage.

Any suggestions between these 2? I was also thinking of the Hifiman Sundara but I am put off by the build quality and need for an amp.

Please let me know if you have any other recommendations in this price range as well (I was considering the Fiio Ft1 Pro too).

Thanks

 

[hifiearspeakers]

The Sennheiser 550 is a really well-tuned headphone and sounds great. It is also extremely comfortable. My only criticism is the proprietary locking cable plug that makes it harder to find an aftermarket replacement if wanted or needed.

I’ve never heard any Beyerdynamic model in the last 15 years that didn’t have bright treble. And depending on the model, the treble can even be murderous. I’d take the Sennheiser all day, every day.

 

[aandgquestion]

The Sennheiser 550 is a really well-tuned headphone and sounds great. It is also extremely comfortable. My only criticism is the proprietary locking cable plug that makes it harder to find an aftermarket replacement if wanted or needed.

I’ve never heard any Beyerdynamic model in the last 15 years that didn’t have bright treble. And depending on the model, the treble can even be murderous. I’d take the Sennheiser all day, every day.

Thanks. Yeah I've heard that for Beyerdynamic, though I think these are supposed to be the least trebley of all their headphones.

Good to hear about HD550 - so you have no complaints in the lower treble for it? Think it'll work well for the genres I listen to (noisy guitars etc.)?

 

[hifiearspeakers]

Thanks. Yeah I've heard that for Beyerdynamic, though I think these are supposed to be the least trebley of all their headphones.

Good to hear about HD550 - so you have no complaints in the lower treble for it? Think it'll work well for the genres I listen to (noisy guitars etc.)?

I have no problems with it at all. They sound very detailed, yet smooth to my ears. They’re definitely less bright than the 490 pro and 560S. They’re even slightly less bright than the 505 copper. BUT everyone’s individual HRTF is different. So you may not hear them the same way I do. But I would say it’s safe to say that they would be the safer buy compared to Beyerdynamic if treble-sensitivity is a primary concern for you.

 

[aandgquestion]

I have no problems with it at all. They sound very detailed, yet smooth to my ears. They’re definitely less bright than the 490 pro and 560S. They’re even slightly less bright than the 505 copper. BUT everyone’s individual HRTF is different. So you may not hear them the same way I do. But I would say it’s safe to say that they would be the safer buy compared to Beyerdynamic if treble-sensitivity is a primary concern for you.

Thanks. I'm now torn between getting these and HD650s which I believe will be a bit darker and need an amp, but I've found a good deal making them a similar price.

So hard to choose without hearing them first!

 

[FireEmblem]

Thanks. I'm now torn between getting these and HD650s which I believe will be a bit darker and need an amp, but I've found a good deal making them a similar price.

So hard to choose without hearing them first!

Hey,
I accidentally clicked on this thread and just saw your last response. Do you own an audio interface already? Because I was told they'd need an amp too (ordered the 650 2 weeks ago) and it turned out they don't, the UR22 interface I'm having is sufficient.

And yes, the 650 sound a bit dark. I like that and it's easy on the ears, but I feel it might be a bit misleading for mixing so I've ordered the HD600 too which is basically the same model just with a more neutral treble without the cut, and see if I like them better. Some say these are a bit harsher for long sessions though.

 

[Mr. Reeee]

Try Grado SR125x.
I’ve been listening to Grados forever. SR125, SR325 and now RS1x and GW100x (TV, Zoom calls, etc.)

Supremely musical, not fatiguing.
I listen to mainly classical music from all periods… complex orchestral, opera, chamber, choral, renaissance , mediaeval and keyboard music (harpsichord, organ, piano).
Definitely worth considering!

 

[kamspy]

I've got some hearing loss from doing industrial work my entire life and being into car audio as a young man. I never tried any north of $400, but the few Senny's I've had were always just completely dull sounds and they very much felt like a plastic commodity to hold. I love bright and sparkly highs. Give me bright horns on my speakers and bright siblant hell on my open backed headphones.

For me it's an easy choice, but I'd go 990 Pro X. Combination of fit and not needing a amp if you want to leave your desk with them is awesome. A little dongle dac is more than enough to make them sing, and not even required with an iPhone. (imo)