Sennheiser HD595 or AKG K181?

[RealTelstar]

Usage is mostly gaming with occasional mp3 listening and the source is a x-fi fatal1ty (the one w/o front panel but with x-ram).

My budget doesn't go over €150 shipped, in euroland. I know the 595 would be right, but what about the K181 for gaming?

[RealTelstar]

There would be also the Sennheiser PC 160 (I'd like a mic, but not essential)

[[XC] DragonOrta]

Have you looked at the BeyerDynamic DT-770 Pro? I got mine for ~$150 from eBay, should it should be in your budget.

They are awesome cans for gaming.

[Nephilim]

Go the 595's for sound appreciation, the AKG K181's for privacy.

The 595's have an open design for a far more natural sound, they also have soft velour pads and don't need much clamping force on your head.

The AKG K181's are a closed design monitoring or "dj" headphone, as such they are expected to block outside noise through a closed design, leather/vinyl pads and a reasonable amount of clamping force to seal in the sound.

So in closing, if you need a closed design and want to accentuate bass, go for the 181's. If you want audio fidelity and comfort go for the 595's.

[RealTelstar]

Thanks, Nephilim. This helps to solve my original question.

What's your opinion about the PC160? I may end getting a pair if prices keeps in the very (<50€) cheap and just use only when online gaming. I found the 595 at about 120€ delivered.

[RealTelstar]

DragonOrta;2182949']Have you looked at the BeyerDynamic DT-770 Pro? I got mine for ~$150 from eBay, should it should be in your budget.

They are awesome cans for gaming.

I'm looking at prices and specs of these now... The price definitely fits my budget (but its available from fewer shops). How do you compare them to the Sennheiser 595? the tech specs are inferior.

Also, the x-fi amplification is enough for these babies?
There are two versions one with 80 ohm and one 250 ohm: which one should i get?

[[XC] Angstrom]

X-Fi fatality front panel drives my HD595s wonderfully. You could wear those headphones for hours and they wouldn't get warm or uncomfortable.

Perfect for computer use IMO.

[RealTelstar]

I dont have the front panel, but i think the amplification is the same on the hearphones jack, isnt it?

[Budwise]

i have the 595's and couldnt be happier...

[[XC] Angstrom]

I dont have the front panel, but i think the amplification is the same on the hearphones jack, isnt it?

I noticed a clear difference with the front panel, I believe it acts as an amplifier (since it has a power connector).

[RealTelstar]

Sheogorath;2188337']I noticed a clear difference with the front panel, I believe it acts as an amplifier (since it has a power connector).

How much difference? Are the Senn 595 still usable with the rear output of the x-fi or I need to buy a front panel?

[I dont want to, because I think i'll replace my x-fi when the Auzentech xfi prelude is out]

[mdzcpa]

i have the 595's and couldnt be happier...

Same here. A great set of cans for gaming and music.

[[XC] Angstrom]

How much difference? Are the Senn 595 still usable with the rear output of the x-fi or I need to buy a front panel?

[I dont want to, because I think i'll replace my x-fi when the Auzentech xfi prelude is out]

The volume could go a lot higher, and without distortion. Pretty standard amplification I guess.
Since the new models are only 50ohm, they'll probably work fine with the rear output. Although amped is always nice.

[RealTelstar]

Well, I think the choice is clear :)
I'll go with the Senn 595