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Jackula
1743
Dec 12, 2017
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My HD6XX arrived last week (24th July order), I've been listening to it over the weekend and comparing it to my HD600. It's not what I expected. A few years ago when I listened to a HD650 on a Schiit Lyr, my initial impression was it was quite different to my HD600 at home but was in the "side-step" ballpark. But now, listening to my HD6XX against my HD600 side-by-side, I've realised the difference is massive, well at least to my ears.
The only thing similar (but not identical) about these two headphones is the overall signature, or in a way, their tonal balance. However the HD6XX is just more refined in every way, I know Sennheiser didn't intend it to be a direct replacement to the HD600, but it sure sounds like one! The most immediate impression when I compared the two headphones is the obviously larger soundstage (or headstage if you will) on the HD6XX, in both width and depth. Instrument separation is better in the sense that there is more air around each instrument, the airiness presentation reminded me of my HD800 and I took it off just to make sure I didn't grab the wrong headphone by accident!
Something else I did not expect was when I first put on the HD6XX, it sounded like it had less bass. But I realized it's due to the much darker background on the HD6XX which puts more emphasis on dynamics and resolution. While the dynamics on the HD600 is flatter making everything sound louder and closer together. With the HD600, you're sitting in the front row, while the HD6XX you're sitting in the sweet spot.
The bass on the HD6XX is obviously smoother but still has better definition and texture. The high notes were a bit peaky when I first got the headphone, but after some burn in they now sound smooth yet full of timbre that makes instruments come alive. Voices are great, the black background really brings out even more texture in the voices (especially female voices on a good tube amp).
Comfort wise, I find the HD600 better, the pads are softer and moulds perfectly to my skull. But that's probably because it's been moulding around my skull for the past 3 years :) Build wise, I do like the gloss finish on the HD600 more than the matte finish on the HD6XX, it makes it look a bit cheap TBH. Also the 1/4 adapter is better on the HD600, the one on the HD6XX looks like it might snap off with a bit of force. The cable is a bit thicker and sturdier on the HD6XX.
My partnering gear is a Metrum Octave DAC with Audiophilleo2 PurePower and a fully upgraded Woo Audio WA6SE. The HD6XX seemed to scale even better as compared to my HD600. On my Lampi, the difference was bigger (but I didn't listen to it for long as it doesn't belong to my headphone rig). I also tried running these two headphones side-by-side on more budget conscious rigs - ODAC+O2 and Aune, and in both setups they sounded more similar than different, and... I actually prefer the HD600 on my entry rig but on my high-end rig the HD6XX is the more involving headphone.
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I didn't think anything could top my trusty HD600 for an euphonic sound, until I listened to the HD6XX. The HD6XX is a phenomenal headphone, it sounds great on anything but on an equally good setup it will outshine anything! That is the factual karmic truth.
Dec 12, 2017
DinoJoe
109
Dec 12, 2017
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Jackulaadd some ferrite chokes
Dec 12, 2017
FortisProcer
29
Dec 12, 2017
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JackulaThat's funny, I paired my 6xx with the Lyr 2. Sounds phenomenal!
Dec 12, 2017
TiffanyPoodleslide
1402
Dec 14, 2017
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JackulaNice compare! I also admire your beautiful, clean rig there. AWESOME pairing, absolutely!
My previous experience with the 650 was feeling that it was too dark. But that was some time ago, before the Massdrop build, which I believe has cleaned up a few things that I didn't like, because the community helped define the build in favour of better clarity and a nice bass that does not muddy or overwhelm the other voices. I went with Beyerdynamics to get things that were missing with the HD600's, still loving the 600's for that flatness that could be beauty-ed up with a good tube amp.
Now I will have to re-visit the Massdrop version, this HD6XX...might just pick it up after all.
Nice job, my brother!
Dec 14, 2017
ProfessorPat
380
Dec 14, 2017
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JackulaTotally agree with the cheap feelings on the finish. The HE-4XX is the same way. Feels like a coat of gloss and some polishing was too expensive for them rather than it being a nice stylistic thing.
And the 1/4" too... Same cheapo feeling thing stuffed in with the 4XX and my M1060. I'd still prefer the Audeze and Grado route of a 1/4" cable with a little 6" long 1/4" to 3.5mm cable to go the other way. They're incredibly open cans, all three of them, yet they end in a little 3.5mm plug. Even my legitimately portable HD25-1 II has a really solid screw on 1/4" adapter. I'd take that over the adapters these things come with.
But those being my only complaints is great. They are fantastic, and the 6XX advantage on your better gear has me interested in better gear again... unfortunately.
Dec 14, 2017
DinoJoe
109
Dec 17, 2017
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JackulaCongrats pal, have you looked into ferrite beads chokes? Also, what do you think of the McIntosh MA252? Seems good?
Dec 17, 2017
Jackula
1743
Dec 17, 2017
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DinoJoeNot yet, I do have one on order : ) I've got another set of cables for my HD600 that has a ferrite choke on them, but it's not the removable type.
Don't have experience with McIntosh amplifiers for headphones. But their high-end stuff are some of the best I've heard on high-end speakers and they're my favorite pairing with a Focal Utopia (speaker). Their lower-end stuff aren't as good as a PrimaLuna Premium or Richter Mystique, but still costing a lot more.
Dec 17, 2017
DinoJoe
109
Dec 18, 2017
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ProfessorPatIt's the recession. And lazy people. And corporate crooks. And ...
Dec 18, 2017
ChumbWumba
271
Jan 1, 2018
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JackulaThis is not to say that your perspective or even objective info was lost on me, nor that I don't appreciate the time and experience put into your wonderful anecdotal review of that (rather amazing) setup.........
But I just SO genuinely appreciated "an euphonic" more than I can put into words right now! Thank you for taking the time and care to use proper grammar and spelling etc. so as not to distract from what is all excellently-conveyed and valuable firsthand experience. Thanks for such a thorough and informational review 👌🏼👍🏼
Jan 1, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 1, 2018
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JackulaGreat review. Are you gonna get the 58X also? Wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts on those. I'm torn between those and the 6XX. I have HD598s right now.
Jan 1, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 1, 2018
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Mark_MIf you have something capable of feeding them, the 6XX is probably the better choice. If not, it’s more open for debate. The 58X, from what impressions I’ve seen, seems like a scaled back 660S of sorts, which I’ve seen called a sidegrade to the 650. The 6XX seems like the superior option, but if you can’t drive it well, the 58X is going to be easier in that regard, yet still a bit of an upgrade over the 598.
Of course, this is an opinion based on secondhand information regarding the 58X, so you may completely disagree if you get the opportunity to hear both.
Jan 1, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 1, 2018
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ProfessorPatHmm well I was looking online and found someone selling the original 580s in excellent condition for $250 Canadian. That would be cheaper for me than the 6XX which would be $270 Canadian with shipping and exchange rate. http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649403377-sennheiser-hd580-headphones-with-mods/
Jan 1, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 1, 2018
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Mark_MThe 580 Precision is the precursor to the HD600 (or more specifically, the 580 Jubilee, which uses the same driver as the 600). You can see Jackula’s comparison to the HD600 in that initial post, so expect the 600 to be a bit more refined than the 580, and that should be a bit of perspective.
But the original 580 is still a very solid offering, so I'm not trying to turn you away from it. I’m not saying the 58X is a bad choice either. There's always something “better” so it’s cost benefit evaluation on your end at this point. What’s up to the level you want at a price you’re happy with?
Jan 1, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 1, 2018
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ProfessorPatI think my hesitation to pull the trigger on anything is largely due to the shipment being so far away and that the 58X is so unreviewed. The others in the lineup have many more reviews out there but even so I'm still not able to hear them personally. I feel like I'm taking a gamble no matter which one I pick and money is not exactly in abundance for me.
Jan 1, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 1, 2018
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Mark_MYep. Unfortunately, that’s the case with all of these. It’s hard to decide to jump on something without any actual experience with it.
The 6XX is killer, and I do recommend it, but I understand the hesitation. You may be able to find a hifi shop somewhere with a HD600 or HD650 to demo given the longevity and prevalence of both of them, but I don’t know the availability of that option. Ultimately, I think everything you’ve mentioned has potential as a good option.
Jan 1, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 1, 2018
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ProfessorPatIs there anything $200 or less that can drive the 6XX well enough? I'm using a Micca Origen+ DAC/amp right now for my 598s.
Jan 1, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 1, 2018
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Mark_MEnough power is doable for sure. I have no idea what the OriGen outputs. Both of Schiit’s sub-$200 amps would have enough power though. Maybe an ifi iDSD LE if you want to stick with the combos? Not sure what any of these cost CAD, but there are certainly options. There are solid benefits to better gear behind it, but you can feed these well enough with much less than a WA6.
Jan 1, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 1, 2018
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ProfessorPatThis is the Micca https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1514846244&sr=8-2&keywords=micca+origen+%2B ... For whatever reason I'd like to stay with DAC/amp combos. Yes I know my laptop has a DAC in it but it may not be all that great. Probably average at best. Anyways it's a tough and kind of annoying choice for which headphone to get. If I could afford all of them I would and be able to compare and just keep the best one.
Jan 1, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 1, 2018
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Mark_MLooks like you can use that as a DAC and run a different amp if you really want to (I assume that’s a line out switch anyway). Nothing wrong with trying it as your amp first to determine whether you need a beefier amp though with whatever headphone you decide to use.
Jan 1, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 1, 2018
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ProfessorPatTrue. I'm only using it on low gain right now with the volume notch at ~10 o'clock. Seems there is lots of volume to spare. Plus I can get a power adapter so its not USB powered. Yeah it's switch between USB and optical input but there is also a 3.5mm analog/optical line out as well. .... I may jump on the 6XX to be safe. Would they be any warmer sounding than the 598s?
Jan 1, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 1, 2018
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Mark_MUnfortunately, I have no experience with the 598. Not sure how it compares tonally. And my amps are fairly warm, so I’m not sure how much extra coloration is present and how much of it is their own signature.
Jan 1, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 1, 2018
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ProfessorPatHmm okay. Fair enough. Well I still have up to 20 days to decide as long as there is availability. Hopefully I can make a choice.
Jan 1, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 1, 2018
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Mark_MSomeone should be able to weigh in on the tonal differences between the 598 and 6XX in that much time. Plenty of time to second guess yourself too! Ive done that quite a few times now...
Jan 1, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 2, 2018
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ProfessorPatI did find this comparison between the 598 and the 650 (6XX). https://head-fi.org/threads/hd598-vs-hd650.567229/
Jan 2, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 2, 2018
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Mark_MPost 7 looks like your answer. Both sides of his comparison seem a bit exaggerated, but that should be an idea for you.
Jan 2, 2018
Mark_M
236
Jan 2, 2018
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ProfessorPatYeah he/she make it seem like I should just stick with my 598s and call it a day. lol No reason to get the 6XX if I'm not after a "darker" sounding headphone.
Jan 2, 2018
ProfessorPat
380
Jan 2, 2018
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Mark_MThe 58X is going to be brighter, but there’s plenty of non-Sennheiser options out there too if you’re after something other than the 598.
Of course, you can stay put. The 598 isn't really a slouch. No reason to pick something up if you’re not getting something you really want out of it while you’re at it (which is my reason for disappointment with the HE4XX).
Jan 2, 2018
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