After powering the unit up for the first time I experienced a couple of issues. First, there was no audio out of the passive speaker and the gain level was so high as to hear the noise floor. I checked all of the connection to no avail and then powered down the unit. After powering the DUT back up there were no more issues. I haven't tried BT, only the 3.5mm unbalanced input. Listening to my Classic Rock Station off air I found the sound to be well balanced and the level of gain to be very high, (loud without much input). They sound clean with detail and most certainly have wide dispersion. I don't hang my hat on any speakers without giving them time to break in, which is what I'm doing today, (07-06). One thing to note, after a few hours of playing at a med-low level the powered speaker was very hot at the bottom. Far more so than I would have expected and close to a burn potential to people, (I don't keep my finger on something hot so I'm ok). The plastic may not...
Jul 6, 2023
Going to kick my experiences into the pot here: I think the 58X is the best deal in headphones currently. I think it's more resolving sound signature and extra base make it a much better entry into headphones than the currently-$200-SHPs, and I think this is a straight up step above the HD559 and 579 (haven't heard the 598/599 so can't comment on those).
I notice, compared to the 6XX the treble is not rolled off. The bass compared to the 6XX? There may be more of it, but the 6XX is just so well mannered to my ears. Like the bass sounds cleaner, I guess? Vocals are more isolated on the 6XX as well, but the 58X is still no slouch. As a general use headphone, I think the 58X is fantastic, and it's cheaper price make me less afraid to take it outside and really listen to it.
I tested this and the 6XX on my Pixel, a Shanling M0, a Fiio Q1 Mark II, an SMSL M6, and finally single ended on an Aune X7s, and I can say, both sound better with better amplification. Though, to my ears the difference was subtle. Your experience may vary.
Honestly, I agree with you, Soulsik. The 58X is a fantastic value for money, and while I was able to afford the 6XX and the 58X, I think anyone would be happy with either. I've steered a family member and a close friend to the 58X and both have told me how amazing things sound through the 58X compared to anything before it. My sister went from the 559 to the 58X and she was instantly able to tell a difference.
I actually listened to your review with the 58X lol. Today, it's what I took to work and it sounds decent even out of the Shanling M0.