This deal was last mentioned in June. There are a few hundred units left for current drop with shipping expected on the 19th of September. There are rumours Massdrop might turn the HD58x Jubilee into a perpetual drop like the AKG k7xx.
I believe these are the best headphones you can get under $250. These were designed to be like the original HD580 Jubilee released in the 1990s. However, reviewers like Zeos, have said they resemble much more to the recent HD660s when the HD58x's felt pads are removed. I have provided a link to Zeo's review below.
The question many people will have is to get these or the HD6xx (HD650). Which one is better? I have tried both cans and can provide an opinion. Of course, when it comes to headphones, opinions are subjective and I recommend others to try before you buy. I was lucky enough to have a friend as an audiophile geek who owned both pairs. That said both the HD6xx and HD58x will hold their resale value very well.
I prefer the HD58x over the HD6xx. Firstly, being someone who owns a pair of Stax, I would only be looking for a V-shaped sound signature from a dynamic headphone. The winning points of the HD6xx is its clarity, separation and soundstage. This is why the 6xx considered a leading reference headphone. However, when compared with EARSPEAKERS, there is no competition. My Stax absolutely destroys the HD6xx and purchasing such a headphone is considered a downgrade. My favourite song is Hotel California (the dual guitar riff is amazing!!) and it would be an injustice to revert back to dynamics for this song (unless maybe its the HD800s). One area that electrostats performs poorly is low frequencies (think EDM). In that case, for many electrostat owners, it would make sense to compliment their gear with a V-shaped sounding headphone (eg Vmoda cans are pretty good in this area). In my opinion the HD58x, with felt pads on, are the best bass headphones in Sennheiser's HD5/6 series. I also feel they are much less fatiguing to listen to than the 6xx.
Secondly, without felt pads, the differences in PREMIUM sound quality between the 6xx are negligible. Hard to describe because this is a subjective opinion. In a blind test, we would be able to tell the difference between a 6xx and a 58x. BUT if asked for the price differential, I think many people would say it'd be very small. Now the 6xx sells for $307 and the 58x sells for $230. In that case, the 58x provides a much better value proposition. If massdrop says it would no longer produce the 58x Jubilee tomorrow, I would not be surprised if this headphone appreciated above $250+ on the second hand market.
Thirdly, like the 6xx, the 58x seems to be a very durable headphone and a bargain for the price. I'd say the build quality is a tad poorer than the 6xx. Not a dealbreaker tbh as I think the 6xx is very durable… also its made in Ireland, not China like the freaking AKGs. Hey AKG, teach your manufacturing factories to properly solder mmmkay??? Also, those who hated the blue hue of the 6xx, will be glad to know this is not present in the 58x. However the 58x is very shiny and it can pick up scratch marks quickly.
Fourthly, like the 6xx, it is a very comfortable set of headphones and again a bargain for the price. Often this is an ignored quality on this forum but I believe to even consider a pair of headphones, you must make sure such cans can sit on your head for hours. There is a sub-cult in the headphone community who even collect ear pads. I own a pair of Stax L300s and spent $200 to get a pair of lambskin earpads alone…I HAVE NO REGRETS. Anyways back on topic. The HD58x earpads are slightly harder than the 6xx but I wouldn't be too concerned as they are made from velour. Like Sennheiser's 5/6 lineup, the HD58x would suit those with a more oval head shape. Go for the AKG k7xx if you have a larger/more rounded head shape. Again, my words mean very little unless you try these out. What is more concerning is the clamp force, so please flex the headband to make it more comfortable.
Overall, you cannot go wrong with the 6xx or 58x. If you do go for the 58x, your money could go into an entry level dac/amp like the Fiio Q1 Mk II ($100 used) or Topping NX4 ($140 used).
Anyways that's my review. I typed this up after three coronas so if you felt hit by a wall of text, I do apologise. Will try to paragraph when I'm a bit more sober. Peace!
Zeos Reviews the HD58x Jubilee:
What is your favourite song of all time? Please comment here. :)