Headphone Upgrade - Worthwhile? Sennheiser, Focal ...

[Ikemi]

I currently have two pairs of Sennheiser HD590 open back headphones from the early 2000's. I like the fact that they're light, comfortable and connect with a single cable on one side. In terms of sound, I've always been impressed by the wide soundstage and trebles, but the HD590s do lack bass.

I mainly listen to EDM, drum and bass, various other electronic genres etc. I also do a lot of video editing, which means I can be wearing headphones for up to 8 hours a day. They're plugged directly into an Asus Rog Strix B650E-F motherboard; no dedicated headphone amplifier.

I was thinking of treating myself and potentially upgrading, but I don't want to waste my money either. After a quick look online, I'm interested in the Sennheiser 490 Pros (open) for around £300, or the Focal Lensys Pros (closed) for around £520. Will either of these headphones sound better than my HD590s for the music I listen to? Worth the upgrade? Is there no point upgrading to these headphones without a dedicated headphone amp?

I'm not an expert on audio equipment, so open to suggestions!

[craigjm]

I find that headphones are the most personal of any audio equipment and what one person will like another will hate. The only real way of knowing the answer for your question is for you to go and try them.

[Funk]

To be honest, perhaps a dedicated headphone amp might bring greater sonic benefits before upgrading the headphones?

[bunchofkeys]

I would suggest that you look at getting something like the iFi Zen DAC V2 to drive your headphones. Rather than straight off the soundcard, which is usually underpowered and only functional at best.

[Ikemi]

bunchofkeys said:

I would suggest that you look at getting something like the iFi Zen DAC V2 to drive your headphones. Rather than straight off the soundcard, which is usually underpowered and only functional at best.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Just ordered a iFi Zen DAC V2

[bunchofkeys]

Ikemi said:

bunchofkeys said:

I would suggest that you look at getting something like the iFi Zen DAC V2 to drive your headphones. Rather than straight off the soundcard, which is usually underpowered and only functional at best.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Just ordered a iFi Zen DAC V2

Let us know how you get on, the Powermatch and Truebass buttons will help drive the speakers and will enrich the sound, but not in a overly bassy crass way.

[TX1]

If you are still after headphones after the amp purchase it's worth having a listen to some Meze headphones if you can, they look great sound great and are
renowned for their comfort and build quality, own two pairs myself and they are that comfy sometimes I forget that I am wearing them.

[Ikemi]

bunchofkeys said:

Ikemi said:

bunchofkeys said:

I would suggest that you look at getting something like the iFi Zen DAC V2 to drive your headphones. Rather than straight off the soundcard, which is usually underpowered and only functional at best.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Just ordered a iFi Zen DAC V2

Let us know how you get on, the Powermatch and Truebass buttons will help drive the speakers and will enrich the sound, but not in a overly bassy crass way.

I should add that the Zen DAC V2 also came with the iFi iSilencer+ USB stick ... and I'm impressed! Everything feels tighter and the once lacking bass is now present! I've been playing around for the last half hour or so and I'm leaving true bass on, but I've turned 'power match' off and simply dialled up the volume on the device. I find this is less bass-heavy, and will likely be less fatiguing when listening for a few hours. I find there's a noticeable difference when using the iFi iSilencer+ too, so I'm really pleased with the combo.