Is there a step-up from the Sennheiser HD555 to Grado SR80s?

I currently use Sennheiser HD555 headphones, which I like a lot, but I was considering buying headphones that are a small step up sound-quality-wise from them. In the price range I was looking at, the Grado SR80s have excellent reviews. But I worry that the improvement will be too small to justify the cost of a new pair. So my question is: how noticeable, if at all, is the jump in the sound quality from the HD555 headphones to the SR80s or other headphones in the same price range?

 

Hi Springer,

These are two reasonably different sounding headphones. The Sennheiser HD555's are relaxed with a strong and chunky sound whereas the Grado SR80i's are a little cooler sounding - If you are looking to dig up a bit more detail this is definitely a good way to go. The SR80i's have a lush sound in comparison and a more "real" sense of space, this probably comes from a their more balanced response, a lighter more refined touch in the bass and mids and more "prettiness" and presence in the highs.

I think this would be a great upgrade if the above is what you are looking for. Although this decision would see you travelling sideways I really think if you A/B the two you would definitely want to leave with the Grado.