I am doing a little survey on Sennheiser headphones.

The two I am mostly interested in are the HD-280 and the HD-555, particularly the latter that has lower impedance.

What I am worried about is sturdiness and being able to stand intense use in field locations.

I've had a pair of HD280's for over two years now and they've held up very well, despite a bit of abuse (though I've taken pretty good care of them). The padding for the top of your head has begun to fray a little bit, but this (and other parts) is replaceable. I just got another set in November.

I've had a pair of HD280's for over two years now and they've held up very well, despite a bit of abuse (though I've taken pretty good care of them). The padding for the top of your head has begun to fray a little bit, but this (and other parts) is replaceable. I just got another set in November.

Good to know. And you do have to be careful with your headphones, as this should be your main discerning tool.

Do you have the standard or the pro type?

My HD280 Pros have been solid. My boys have both used and abused them. The earpads got a bit roughed up when the younger left it on the garage floor when recording his band. I think they accidentally kicked it around some. They were pretty dirty after the episode. I still haven't replaced the pads, though they are replaceable.

I have a pair at work, and my abused ones at home. Neither has had any problems, and they sound the same.

I've done the most unspeakable things to my HD 25s (not deliberately, you understand!) --- still going strong , and still sounding very sweet!