So I didn't order the HD595, even though I posted the Amazon deal a while back. I put them in my cart and slept on it, and sure enough they were back to normal price the next morning.
I did order the HD555 for less than the HD595 deal price, after reading that they are essentially the same after removing some foam. At the same time I picked up the Grado SR225i to compare with the SR80i that I got my brother for
xmas.
The HD555 is WAY laid back compared to either of the Grados. I expected the Grados to be bright, and they are, but I like both of them quite a lot. The HD555 in comparison sounds like listening to speakers hidden behind a heavy curtain or two. Does the HD595 mod make a ton of difference or should I not bother modding and send these back? As they sound today, I'm not really even tempted to keep them around as a nice alternative to the Grados when I'm not in the mood for brightness, I'd rather get something with more interesting qualities, even if it means spending more.
That said, the HD555's circumaural pads are VERY comfortable, with both of the supra-aural Grados with either flats/comfies (SR80i) or bowls (SR225i) kinda hard on the ears after a long listening session. I tried Grado's circumaural
G-CUSH pads (designed for the higher-end Grados), and they do feel very comfortable, but the drivers in the SR225i are a very poor match; lows and mids are cut, so I have to increase the volume, but the volume increase makes the highs way too shrill to enjoy. I just got a pair of the HD414 pads that are pretty comfy, though I prefer the sound of the bowls.
Anyone have the Denon AH-D2000? I'm thinking of sending back the Sennheisers and picking these up to complement the Grados. I do listen to a good bit of hip hop that would sound nice with a little more thump, and some of the really edgy and loud metal/rock/rap can grate on the ears a bit with the Grado sound.