Sennheiser HD550 vs Hifiman Edition XS vs Arya Stealth – Which open-back for home studio and daily use?

[joanesinu]

I'm looking for new open-back headphones for everyday use and home studio work. I play electric guitar and often use headphones with plugins or devices like the Fender TMP. My audio interface is a Focusrite Clarett 4Pre, which has a decent headphone amp (I used to have an SMSL C200 but sold it).

I've previously owned the Beyerdynamic DT880 600 Ohm and the Sennheiser HD560S, but I've sold both. I’ve never tried planar headphones and I’m curious about them.

Apparently, the HD550 are considered an upgrade over the 560S, which I liked and found comfortable. In Europe, the HD550 costs around 250 euros. I can also get the Hifiman Edition XS for 270 euros and the Arya for 550 euros.

With the Edition XS, I’m unsure if the headband will be uncomfortable, and I’m not sure how they compare to the HD550. Then there’s the Arya, but I don’t know if the price difference is worth it.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[solderdude]

The only difference between HD550 and HD560S is that the HD550 has a lower clamping force and a little bit more 'sparkle'/'air'.
Edition XS and Arya have a very different comfort a little less bass and more 'sharpness'.

 

[Oldson]

i have just recieved the Ollo X1 , purchased after reading Solderdude's review.
for me personally the comfort of them is a lot better than my HD650 or Edition XS (sold this morning).
plus the pads dont "squeak" on glasses stems like the XS pads did.
maybe another to consider as must be similar price to Arya, depending on where you live.

 

[joanesinu]

i have just recieved the Ollo X1 , purchased after reading Solderdude's review.
for me personally the comfort of them is a lot better than my HD650 or Edition XS (sold this morning).
plus the pads dont "squeak" on glasses stems like the XS pads did.
maybe another to consider as must be similar price to Arya, depending on where you live.

Hello! I finally bought the HD550s, and I really like them. What do you think about the Ollo X1? They caught my attention.