Sennheiser HD 600 Headphone Review

[Biggiesized]

I have listened to both the HD600 and the HD650. I prefer the sound of the HD600. Sennheiser made the HD650's bottom end response more pronounced, giving the sound a more syrupy texture. It wasn't my cup of tea.

The more and more I read (and I've been reading for a few months), the more it sounds like I'll prefer the more neutral HD600 to the HD650. It's hard to make the purchase, however, when the HD650 is only $30-40 more. What's worse is that I can't find any place to demo them both (or either for that matter). Sennheiser's online dealer locator is garbage. All it does is direct me to various Searses, Targets, and Circuit Citys which they claim will not necessarily carry the headphones I'm looking for.

On top of that, there have been rumors on Head-fi.org (a.k.a. Snake Oil City) that Sennheiser might make an announcement at their CanJam '08 re HD800 headphones (some have suggested Sennheiser is skipping 7XX because 7 is unlucky in China).

 

[furrycute]

Oh, I tried out 2 pairs of HD650's, and I disliked both pairs. I sold them quickly afterwards. The market was hot for HD650's back then, so I didn't loose out too much.

I finally got rid of my HD600 as well, when I got into speakers. There is just no comparison between the sound coming from a good pair of speakers and the tiny sound coming from a pair of headphones, no matter how good the headphones are.

Some other headphone options you might want to look at are the AKG 701, Denon 2000 something (don't remember the model number), and the Sony MDR-SA5000. The Sony is the only piece I have kept from my headphone days, I like it a lot. People say the Denon is also quite good, but I haven't tried it (been out of this headphone business for years now).

The more and more I read (and I've been reading for a few months), the more it sounds like I'll prefer the more neutral HD600 to the HD650. It's hard to make the purchase, however, when the HD650 is only $30-40 more.

On top of that, there have been rumors on Head-fi.org (a.k.a. Snake Oil City) that Sennheiser might make an announcement at their CanJam '08 re HD800 headphones (some have suggested Sennheiser is skipping 7XX because 7 is unlucky in China).

 

[avaserfi]

If you are looking for a high quality, well priced, yet neutral headphone skip all of the Sennheiser offerings and pick up a pair of Sony MDR-7506/MDR-V6*. These headphones are extremely neutral, of high build quality and are well priced [under $100]. Another plus is these headphones are easy to drive and have no need for an amp.

*Audibly there is no difference between the two listed pairs. There are minor structural/cosmetic differences, but that is all.

 

[furrycute]

http://www.earphonesolutions.com/

This place is a pretty good place to buy headphone stuff from. Prices are reasonable.

Also check out Amazon, they have good deals too.

Headroom is usually the place of last resort, their prices are kind of on the high side, but you can't beat their service.

 

[gene]

I was gauging the response of my HD600 review to determine if people really wanted to see us review more headphones before I continued on. So far we've gotten some interest but not a huge turnout. But your request revitalizes me to do more of these type of reviews.

As for how they compare to other headphones, while I haven't tested all of the products out there, I can safely say that these are the best sounding and MOST comforable cans I've ever used. I liked them so much that I bought them to use as my reference set which I use on my PC, and my Roland Drum kit and Yamaha keyboard. Fantastic!

They do respond better to quality equipment. They sound ok on my PC but stellar on my Denon 5805 and Headroom micro amp. If you've got a decent pre/pro or receiver, I'd try using that first before spending money on accessory micro amps.

With high impedance cans like the HD600, you definitely need a headphone amp. With low impedance cans, any built in headphone out will drive those headphones without difficulty.

Actually you have it opposite. Low impedance cans like these need better source gear to drive them properly.

 

[Biggiesized]

I thought the HD600 were high impedance at 300 ohms. Am I confusing something here?

 

[dosquito]

I'm surprised to see these are getting such good reviews at an audiophile forum. IIRC, the sound is altered quite a bit in these and the 650s. The 595's, for about half the price, are supposed to very neutral. Isn't that what audiophiles strive for?

 

[Biggiesized]

I've read that the HD600 is the most neutral of the bunch.

 

[dosquito]

I've read that the HD600 is the most neutral of the bunch.

Can anyone confirm this? I have read that the HD595 are the most neutral of the high-end sennheisers, whereas the 600 and 650 (650 especially) are quite colored

 

[Biggiesized]

A little update, guys. I splurged my money on a pair of HD 600s (got an unreal price on them NEW).

I was concerned about getting an amp to drive these, but my Creative X-Fi Elite Pro sound card has more than enough juice. In fact, I can turn the volume up to be unbearably loud. I'm glad I avoided buying a dedicated amp.

They sound great, by the way

 

[mazersteven]

Congrats on the new Cans.

 

[MichaelCorrano]

Too great that they can spoil the fun

I found the sound quality so amazing with these that I was able to identify subtleties with these that I wasn't with other headphones, and now I'm very picky with which studio produced my music, otherwise I end up hearing very subtle buzzing sounds, etc...

Its good if you are a sound engineer... It will give you an advantage.

 

[Davidka1]

Any suggestions for closed back noise isolating traveling headphones closest to HD 600

Given that Sennheiser HD 600 are my favorite headphones, sound wise, would someone please suggest a "similar" quality traveling headphone for me ?:

I understand that achieving similar sonic characteristic like the open back HD 600, would be difficult with closed back (a requirement for avoiding leaking sound from disturbing other passengers on an airplane).

I've auditioned thus far the PSB M4U 2, Momentum over the ears, B & W P5, P7, and read about KEF M500, V-Moda -100, and others. The reviews on Amazon.com, are very critical on the built quality of many of these headphones, but I am not sure if these are authentic reviews or "maliciously", written by competitors ? Also in the audition room locally at the Good Guys store, the setup was mediocre in terms of the signal splitters for the various headphones, such that noisy hiss sound leaked through many of them, and it is difficult in a short listening time to get the full impact sometimes.

Thanks in advanced,

 

[Davidka1]

I am new to Audioholics. Did I post the above question in a wrong location ?

 

[Adam]

I am new to Audioholics. Did I post the above question in a wrong location ?

Welcome to the forum!

Not really a "wrong" location, but this is a thread about a product review, so you might not get as many people reading your question as you would if you created your own thread. I saw your question yesterday, but I just don't have any advice for you.

 

[Davidka1]

Thanks Adam!
I now see various forums going on, so perhaps I'll also post it there.