klipsch 2.1 or Sennheiser HD555?

[firebyyrd]

I'm debating whether I should trade my Klipsch 2.1 ProMedia speakers for a pair of Sennheiser HD-555's.

What are the pro's and con's of headphones? I read some nice reviews of that particular earphone, and I'm really looking into getting them. BUT.

I want to ask some of you with experience with headphones. Is my current pair of speakers better for music than those headphones? I like playing games, but mostly will be listening to music. I listen to music basically while I work at the computer, which would be listening for over 6-8 hours or more. Would the speakers be better, or headphones? Quality which would be better? Basically just help me out, and see which is best.

Thanks.

 

[alcoholbob]

Take advantage of the return policy in stores and find out for yourself what you prefer.

 

[firebyyrd]

hahaha, never thought about that. good idea. thanks.

 

[firebyyrd]

one problem though, no retailers sell it -_-

 

[HannibalX]

I vote to keep the ProMedia speakers.

 

[jimmyj68]

Think about your head. Six to eight hours wearing a headset could get bothersome.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I don't think I would want to wear headphones for that long, even if they were really comfortable.

A good pair of headphones like those would most likely give you better sound reproduction than the Klipsch set, but I don't think I could stand having headphones only for my sound reproduction.

Do you have a pair of headphones already?

 

[firebyyrd]

i have a 15 dollar sony earbuds

they're for my ipod though.

 

[PurdueRy]

Klipsch 2.1, I own the 555 and have heard the Klipsch's....I would definitely get the speakers

 

[Mesix]

I love my Klipsch 2.1s. Keep them!

 

[firebyyrd]

so the headphones aren't really that good of an idea?

 

[NanoStuff]

Originally posted by: firebyyrd
so the headphones aren't really that good of an idea?

For first person gaming they would be a good idea. Even a surround system is unlikely to compare to a headphone's ability to present positional cues with such accuracy, assuming a fairly good implementation of HRTFs, which a sound card like an X-Fi would have. The lack of a secondary acoustic environment with headphones is also a nice plus for immersion.

For music it's somewhat of a trade-off. Higher output quality, but lack of presence due to no externalization.

It's somewhat of a subjective matter, I would take the 555s over the Promedias.

 

[cessation]

I would definately pick those headphones over the promedia speakers.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

How are you gonna dance/air-guitar with wired headphones? (Assuming you listen to a lotta music at the computer)

Keep the 2.1s

 

[gramboh]

I have Promedia 4.1's and Sennheiser HD570's (precursor to 555, I believe it is the same spec).

As said above, headphones rule for gaming, especially first person, I can't stand online FPS gaming with my speakers because it's impossible to hear footsteps with enough accuracy. The speakers are nice for single player gaming as the bass reproduction in headphones does not compare.

For music, I prefer the speakers, the subwoofer adds a lot of depth and the satellites (as you know) reproduce a great mid/high range. The 555 will still be excellent for music, but you won't have anywhere near the bass.

Even if you can't find 555's try to get to Best Buy or some other place that has $99-200 headphones on display like the Sony 700's just to get an idea of what it sounds like.

FWIW the Sennheisers are very comfortable you can easily wear them 8 hours a day, they don't hurt your ears as they are very light (plastic) and rest on your head.

If you are doing mostly music I vote for the Promedias. Also note that they are worth slightly more $$.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

my vote goes to klipsch. you'll have tangled wires everywhere and people kicking over them possibly damaging your audio jack or headphones. and you gotta take them off and put them back on everytime u gotta go afk or do something or pick up a call.