Can’t say anything other than I’m very excited to receive this new old stock Sennheiser HD580 headphone from Bram. Thanks for getting it for me, dude. I had spotted it at Hung brothers in Singapore a few months ago, but I was buying other headphones at that time.
As you know, the HD580 uses the same drivers as the HD600, though being priced significantly lower. The sound is pretty much the same identical as the HD600.
After they have been discontinued, the demand for HD580s suddenly increases. Although you can still find it in used conditions, it’s getting harder to find one in a mint condition. I used to have a fairly nice one a long time ago, but sold it to a friend who needs a good headphone (which was featured in this article: HD580: Affordable Reference). I was never a big fan of the HD600 faux-marble finish (yes, it matters), and so I’ve always wanted to find a nice condition HD580 like the one I used to have. I’m going to get a HD600 grill to replace the plastic grill on this one.
If you look at the bottom picture with the specifications, you’ll notice that the frequency range of the driver is different for different dB levels. This is the first time I’ve noticed a manufacturer posting two different frequency ranges for two different dBs.
Eric
Hello Mike, do you still know if Hung brothers still sell the hd580? Really would which to buy 1 to pair wth hifiman 801 and 602. Tried mailing them on their website but keep getting bounce.
Mike
Someone told me that they still get a few HD-580s because people still ask for them. You can try calling them.
Mojo
mind doing a review shootout between HD650 vs HD600 vs HD580 ?
Mike
Hi. I actually am working on a HD650/600/580 article among other things. 🙂
Earfonia
I tried HD580 for a while, I like the sound characteristics 🙂 although I think, it needs burnt-in to refine the SQ 🙂
I guess, with enough burnt-in and a matching amplifier, HD580 is a great value headphones 🙂
Mike
Yes. I don't think it requires too much burn in.. the HD580 is roughly only at ~50 hours now, and yet it sounded pretty identical to the old HD600 headphone.
David
manufacturer quoting for two different frequency range is not new, Mike… though, frankly, it is quite rare
you can read it it this way… at the extreme frequencies, 16Hz and 30,000Hz the sound level would be -3dB below their average loudness of the rest of the spectrum. While… going further, 12Hz and 38,000Hz the the sound level would be -10dB below their average loudness of the rest of the spectrum. -3dB would be just heard as a slightly softer loudness, while -10dB would be heard as half softer.
If the phone really can deliver a flat frequency response (which is I don't think really do with headphones… and especially HD580) then the response should be quoted half octave higher/lower, 24Hz to 20,000Hz. But that 24Hz wouldn't look good for marketing 🙂
Mike
Can you really look at it that way, David? I mean, this part: you can read it it this way… at the extreme frequencies, 16Hz and 30,000Hz the sound level would be -3dB below their average loudness of the rest of the spectrum. While… going further, 12Hz and 38,000Hz the the sound level would be -10dB below their average loudness of the rest of the spectrum. -3dB would be just heard as a slightly softer loudness, while -10dB would be heard as half softer.
I thought that the -3dB level is a very loud level, hence factors like distortions and stresses on the driver is starting to cut the range of the frequency extension.
David
dB can be looked at two sides Mike. First is as loudness level. But dB can also be seen as relative measurement.
Say, you have a tone at 1KHz with 82dB loudness. If say we have one octave under and one octave above that is -10db. This means that at 500Hz, the loudness will be 72db and the loudness at 2Khz is 72dB. At 72dB, the 500Hz and 2KHz tones will sound half as loud as the 1KHz tone.
Mike
Thanks, David. Your explanation is always very helpful.
Herdie
Hi Mike, is the HD580 suitable for fast-paced music (rock/metal)? Thanks Mike 😀
Mike
Herdie,
HD580 can play fast paced rock, although not the best, but most probably not a good match for metal.
shoestrings
hello mike, my wife is currently in SG right now..
how much is the HD580 and where is Bram and Hung brothers?
I went to SG before but only went to Jaben in Adelphi..
Happy new year! 🙂
Mike
Happy New Year!
Here is Hung's website: http://www.hungbros.com/
They are at the Sim Lim Square, #03-83, 1 Rochor Canal Road, (S)188504
Tel: 63369989
I think the price was SGD350. 😀