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Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Open Back Headphones $195 USD (~ $300 AUD) Delivered @ Drop (with Reddit Link)

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Just saw this deal on the Linus Tech tips Facebook page. Out of Stock on LTT link, now switched to Reddit link thanks to CptTerry. Must click through the special link.

Looks like a sponsored deal for the 6XX headphones at $180 USD (Usually $220 USD)

I stacked this with the new account $20 USD off bonus and 1.5% cashback to get it for approx $264 AUD delivered.

Cheapest they've been by far.

EDIT:
Black Friday Special: Also get a free extra pair of earpads with this too! I chose Velour ones, there is 4 types available

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  • +2

    Forgot to mention you get a free extra pair of earpads with this too! I chose Velour ones, there is 4 types available.

  • As someone who isn't an audiophile, why should I get these over the premium flagship Sony bluetooth headphones?

    asking for a friend…

    • +9

      Wired audiophile headphones >>>>> Premium Bluetooth headphones

      Not in the same league.

      • what sort of quality loss are we talking, like from a 3.5mm jack into my phone listening to HQ spotify vs bluetooth?

        • +1

          Lossless vs lossy. Untouched signal vs digitally mutilated. Enough said as an audiophile.

        • -1

          I think you more or less have to try them both out. If you can't tell the difference, then they're not for you.

          BT headphones will bypass any DAC because they have a built in DAC and they're never very good DACs, especially cheap ones.

          Audiophile gear will be open back which improves the sound stage and are more breathable, light and comfortable. Your ears should not get hot and sweaty after a few hours. But they also require amps to drive.

          It depends what you are using them for. If you're listening on the train, get the Sony BTs. If you're listening at home in a quiet environment, nothing beats a good pair of Sennheiser/AKG/Beyers.

          When I played God of War on PS4 with my HD598s, it started raining in game as I was making my way up the mountain. But I thought it was raining outside. I looked outside my window because the rain sounded so real I thought it was actually raining. I have never mistaken headphone sounds for real sounds with non-audiophile gear, and definitely nothing Bluetooth.

          The instrumment separation will be more pronounced when listening to music on open back headphones. You'd be able to hear each direction every instrumment and vocalist is coming from.

          Not everyone's ears are attuned to take notice of details like that or care though, and for those people XM3s are more than good enough. That might be you, and if so, you can save a lot of money.

    • +1

      I have both.

      • The Sony 1000XM3's are for travel and are great for when you're out and about.
      • 6XX's require an amplifier to get the best out of them and should only be used at home.
      • This.
        Okay cool, thanks for the response. I'm definitely in the market for the Sony's predominantly for travel purposes. Cheers.

      • What amplifier are you using? I found the more popular ones on forums are all pretty overpriced when searching online for australia

        • I use the Topping Dx3Pro (ver II) from Drop, it's pretty clean

          • @homersyd: Drop doesn't seem to be selling it right now unfortunately. I have to ask though - does a DAC actually help to improve the sound of the HD6Xx's compared to using a phone/laptop in your experience?

            • -1

              @monkeyoutlet: The analogue domain always has the biggest impact on fidelity than the digital. The question you should be asking is does using an external DAC make much difference compared to the analogue output from a computer/phone? And the answer is yes because the analogue DAC/Amp circuit on a computer/phone is close to other noise generating circuits and suffers accordingly.

              A related question is whether there is an audible difference between using a well-shielded analogue output on a computer/phone and using an external DAC, and the answer is yes if you listen carefully. You might not be able to hear the difference without doing an A/B comparison at first, until you learnt what the flaws sounded like.

            • @monkeyoutlet: A good quality DAC will definitely improve the sound of the HD6XX and don't ever contemplate on using it without an external amp. If you want to pair it with your phone, at least get a portable amp, such as the FiiO.

              • @craving: I see, thanks for that. Any recommendations on entry level good quality DACs?

        • I'm using the Massdrop O2 + SDAC (135 USD delivered). I think it's great, just gotta hope this one doesn't have any issues like the last one (last one I had broke and I had to send it back for a refund). If you just want an amplifier you can get the O2 amplifier by itself for like 75 USD delivered.

          • @[Deactivated]: Hey, where did you get the Massdrop O2 + SDAC for $135 delivered?

            • @kimlo: Sign up for a new account with the $20 bonus and it takes it down from $150 USD to $130 USD. $5 delivery takes total to $135 USD.

          • @[Deactivated]: Ok gotcha, is it better to get both amp and DAC?

            • @monkeyoutlet: Not sure tbh. I just played it safe and got both.

        • There's a combo with Objective 2 Headphone Amp save $15.

          • @Richardc: I can see the O2 option for save $15 but can't see how to get the SDAC with it :( the SDAC + O2 combo shows up at $150

    • The HD6XX are open headphones, which means they will be absolutely useless for traveling as they don't block out any external noise.

  • This will attract a 10% import GST right?

    • Nah it doesn't.

  • I'm really tempted. Currently have the DT990 Pro and am happy with them, but hear a lot of good things about the 6xx. I only really want to have one set of headphones too…

    • +3

      Unless you're interested in starting a collection just stick with the DT990 Pro.

      • I'm not really looking to start a collection. I'm considering buying them and trialing them for a bit, but don't want to go through the hassle of selling one & am trying not to spend at the moment :P

    • +1

      I have both, well the 600ohms DT990 version. But they are kind of similar nonetheless. If you are fond of the bass and highs of the DT990, the 6xx does not have it. It's more for the clarity, neutrality and the mids kind of headphone. In laymen terms, DT990 is more a fun headphone and the 6xx is more clinical. But can't hurt having both so that you can choose which headphones depending on your listening mood. sorry in advance if i have started your headphone collection journey. Have fun!

  • this or the HE-400i?

    • +1

      You can read online reviews and decide for yourself which sound signature you prefer. I only want to mention that there are quite a number of complaints regarding the built quality and the durability of the HE-400i. Again, you can read these online and judge for yourself.

    • -1

      This

  • +2

    Personally I found the Phillips Fidelios more appealing in way of sound and build quality, and easier to drive than the hd6xx. More extended sound stage and lower end, but you may get different results if you invest in a good amp

    Currently on Amazon for under $200
    Philips Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Open-Air Headphone - Black https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01N5VHLUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i…

    • So if I'm more of a basshead, I would go for this instead right?

      • The Fidelio's are neutral rather than bassy and fun.

        • Ive only ever seen the opposite reported

          • @abuch47: I believe they're V shaped.

            • @lostn: generally classified as fun, right?

              • @abuch47: as opposed to analytical, sure.

    • +1

      Can vouch for these cans, I have them as well. Having a removable cable with a standard 3.5mm jack is extremely handy.

      They have nice pads, build quality is top notch and have a bit more bass than your 'more open' headphones like the ad-900x or hd 600.

      I use them for gaming.

      My recommendation for $200 and under for sure.

  • If you want to try these out go to a local audio shop and try out a Sennheiser HD 650 as they are the closest in terms of sound and build quality. Obviously not 1:1 to the 6xx but pretty close.

    • +3

      HD6xx and HD650 sound exactly same 1:1, any difference you hear would be down to variations in the unit not the models.

      This has been confirmed from various reliable sources.

      • That's good to hear (haha). I'm not really in the market for new headphones at the moment but I've tried the 6xx and the 650's out before and they sound pretty damn good. I'm just waiting for my current headphones to die before I buy some new ones.

        • Yes, imo they sound better than some TOTL headphones, I prevoiusly owned both the Sennheiser HD800 and currently own the Beyerdynamic T1, and prefer the HD650 over both of those for my music taste.

          • @bruc3: Beating HD800 is very high praise indeed.

  • Any idea how these perform for gaming that requires surround sound?

    • I use mine for gaming, the imaging and soundstage (although not the widest) is good so works fine for surround sound.

    • +1

      Very well according to the famous "gaming headphone" thread.

      https://www.head-fi.org/threads/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gam…

      • there was a site called game-fi at one stage, possibly MLE started it.

        was quickly disappeared from existence, probably jude.

    • +1

      There are no games that require surround sound. What you're likely referring to is an emulation of surround sound using HRTF (head-related transfer function) techniques to make it seem surround-like.

      If you've ever seen or used an actual surround sound headset (ie. multiple headphone drivers dotted around inside a headset), you'd know that stuff is ridiculous for headphones.

      If you're playing a competitive shooter, turn off the surround sound feature because they already use HRTF in another form so you can pick footsteps out better.

  • It already comes with velour pads, choosing them in the free slot is a waste since you already get a set.

    • +1

      Yeah I realised that after I did it :(
      Shot myself in the foot there. The sheepskin would have been a much better option

  • Interesting, Addicted to Audio just announced they are selling the Massdrop HD6XX and HD58X locally
    https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/sennheiser-exclus…

    • Glad I got my HD58x for 100aud cheaper 😁. But it's nice to have A2A stocks these cans with local warranty.

  • Last week I received the Audio Technica ATH-A900X from the recent deal, that I am yet to open. How would they compare to the HD6XX? I would be using them only for music, with a Sony NW-A55 Walkman.

    • +1

      the ATH-A900X, and ATH headphones in general, are fairly bright with high-end detail, and varying ranges of bass (from low to adequate).

      The HD6XX are comparatively darker, but can't speak to the A900X specifically as I've never owned them.

      • So it sounds like they are more different flavours then different class / league, despite the difference in price? I paid $170 AUD for the A900X.

  • A2A start selling HD58X and HD6XX from today if you want something with local warranty.

  • Thanks OP, a spectacular deal!!!!

    • I own HD6XX and would suggest to go for something more power full. For example, smsl sapii pro, jds labs atom, objective 2, etc.

      • Edit: just checked K5 spec, yes, that spec would be plenty.

  • OOS

  • Isn't massdrop notoriously finicky when it comes to delivery dates?

    • +1

      What do you mean? It currently lists it as shipping <24 hours.

      SHIPPING
      All orders will be shipped by Massdrop.

      Estimated ship date is Nov 27, 2019 PT.

      • Delivery time, not dispatch time. Massdrop are very good about dispatching it next day but they use DHL to get it to Australia. Not the most reliable company

        • OK, when I ordered it said "Ships within 1 bus. day/arrives in 5–10"

        • Massdrop are very good about dispatching it next day

          That depends on the drop. In this case, it's a rolling product window because they are continuously receiving stock and dealing with returns.

          Then there's one-time orders, and monthly batch drops.

    • I got mine delivered last week.. So around 2 weeks from the day I ordered. But yeah, the DHL tracking is useless.

  • I was down to between these, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Studio 80 Ohm and the Sony WH1000XM3 of all things. The Sonys were edging in because of convenience and they sound great after having crap headphones for years. I read reviews of the 770s and HD6xx and start swaying to them because of their sound superiority over the Sony's. Mainly listening to Spotify and wondering if the 770s and HD6xx make a big difference on streamed music over the Sonys ? Please help me out of my indecisive hell :)

    • +1

      Do you like listening to music that inherently has a lot of bass to begin with, then go for the HD6XX. It will tame them down so it is clearer and more pleasurable to listen to.

    • +1

      With these an amp and DAC would also be a worthwhile purchase. I have the XM3 for travel and wearing outside, while I use regular headphones at home, that's probably the best setup.

    • I have both the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Limited Edition and the Sony WH1000XM3. There's no comparison between wired headphones and BT headphones. Wired headphones, even some cheap ones, sound better than BT headphones. If you enjoy listening to music on the go, get the Sony WH1000XM3.

      • Have you tried the Sony’s with the headphone cable, avoiding the Bluetooth compression?

        • Yes. The WH1000XM3 sounds more brassy than the DT 770 Pro. In terms of clarity the DT 770 also has an edge. For bass heads they probably prefer the WH1000XM3. This was tested on my G6 when listening to Joe Cocker - Greatest Hits.

      • Wired headphones, even some cheap ones, sound better than BT headphones.

        Before you make a blanket statement like this, you need to say whether your bluetooth experience is with iOS / AAC or Android / LDAC.

        • I tested on my G6 with LDAC enabled. With BT the best you get is near lossless audio (not lossless even with LDAC enabled), which is a bit lacking in dynamics and clarity. I compared the WH1000XM3 with my Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, Sennheiser HD 599, Philips SHP9500. Sennheiser Urbanite XL and Samson SR850. The WH1000XM3 sounds better with wired connection than BT mode.

          • @[Deactivated]: Good to hear that you actually know what you're talking about when it comes to bluetooth, unlike many on here.

            The only comment I would make is that, in my tests, near-lossless DSDs over LDAC sound better than lossy streaming of the same tracks (i.e. AAC/MP3/OGG) over a wired connection. So it depends on your use case.

            • @elektron:

              near-lossless DSDs over LDAC sound better than lossy streaming of the same tracks (i.e. AAC/MP3/OGG) over a wired connection

              You cannot draw any conclusion about wired vs wireless from these tests because you switched codecs. My $2 earbuds on CD sounded better than a $81000 Sennheiser HE-1 on compact cassette of the same track.

              • @alvian: This is the exact point I was making - the codec of the source track as well as the wireless transmission codec make a massive difference. I see a lot of people on here saying "bluetooth sucks", while 99% listen to lossy streaming services.

                In fact, I am not able to hear the difference in wireless vs wired using a 256kbps AAC or 320kbps MP3 streaming service if using LDAC.

                • +1

                  @elektron: Rubbish in, rubbish out. It just depends on which part is more rubbish, the source, the transmission, the transducer, or the ears.

        • the fact of the matter is, no wireless audio standard can beat a few pieces of copper wire.

          But I don't agree that a $2 pair of Chinese no-name earbuds will beat an XM3.

          • @lostn:

            a $2 pair of Chinese no-name earbuds will beat an XM3

            You can, because elektron switched codecs. You can make the "tests" to return any result you wish by stacking the deck.

  • Drop just got Ozbargained. Out of stock in just a couple of hours for something they normally have in stock all the time.

    • I think they've allocated all their 180 USD price point sets. The HD6xx is still available at their standard RRP.

  • I think these were going for USD$185-$190 a month ago? Between exchange rates and slight price increases, they used to be a lot cheaper.

  • +3

    Gee I hope everyone who bought these has a proper headphone amp for them. Because at 300 Ohms these sound crap plugged into a laptop, phone or TV. If you don't have a decent headphone amp then the HD58X is a much better choice at 150 Ohms though one is still recommended. They also have a similar sound signature.
    P.S. I own both and the HD6XX sound horrible if not powered correctly.

  • This is back on
    Link

    • Discount referral from reddit?

  • Trying to order one now, however the product cannot be shipped to AU?

    • Confirmed. Deal expired. Next time please use the Report button to alert the Mod team to problem with a deal.

    • Hmmm, definitely could order them last week. Could be either due to Addicted 2 Audio now selling them locally (exclusivity?) or them not wanting to change processes to collect GST for the Australian government.

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