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Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones US$220 + $15 Delivery (A$312 Delivered) @ Drop.com

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Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones US$220 + $15 Delivery (A$312 Delivered) @ Drop.com
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shaolinbear on 15/12/2020 - 21:10 drop.com (2686 clicks)
Last edited 15/12/2020 - 21:40 by 1 other user

Drop (formerly Massdrop) have finally started directly shipping their Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones to Australia directly, as their exclusivity deal with Addicted To Audio has finally expired. This is very good news - while A2A have had some fantastic sales, the price directly from Massdrop is much better & more importantly is almost always in stock. This isn't a "deal" in that it's actually on sale - it was selling for $200 USD at Drop during Black Friday but unfortunately that was before the shipping to Australia was available.

A2A is currently selling these headphones for $400 plus shipping, and these headphones are durable & repairable enough that I wouldn't stress about a local warranty. Also, A2A isn't getting them until April next year!

For those who don't know, the 6XX is exactly the same as the original HD 650, which was the successor to the HD 600. Between the different versions, these have been pretty much the default headphone recommendation of audio nerds everywhere for the last two decades.

Specs

Color: Midnight blue
Transducer principle: Open, dynamic
Frequency response: 10 Hz – 41 kHz
THD: < 0.05%
Nominal impedance: 300 ohm
Cable length: 6 ft (1.8 m)
Connector: ⅛ in (3.5 mm)
Weight without cable: 9.2 oz (260 g)
Made in Romania

Oddly, the HD 58X Jubilee is still not shipping to Australia, as far as I can tell. I imagine this will change in the near future, but given the relatively small price increase I'd jump up to the 6XX anyway.

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closed Comments

  • thebadmachine on 15/12/2020 - 21:23
    +4

    A2A is currently selling these headphones for $400 plus shipping

    A2A has always had free express shipping*.

    “ * Free Express Shipping 5Kgs and under - Free Standard Shipping for Cables, Ear Pads, Spare Parts, Accessories and items above 5Kgs”

    HD6XX has been as cheap as $269 Delivered for local stock in the past.

    • shaolinbear on 15/12/2020 - 21:26

      Oops, not sure how I've missed that, I've spent enough money there! And yes, definitely not cheapest all time, but if you're in the market for them then this is the fastest & cheapest way to get them, and up until very recently wasn't an option at all.

  • OzBargainerr on 15/12/2020 - 21:31
    +1

    Made in Romania? Nah..

    • Poombear on 15/12/2020 - 21:40
      +10

      Made in Ireland is where it’s at

      • MysticalWok on 15/12/2020 - 22:01

        Yeah i bought mine last year ago, made in Ireland. Not exactly sure when did they change the manufacturing of these to Romania.

        Serial number for mine starts with 0661xx.

      • Kossac on 16/12/2020 - 00:15

        made in ireland: has a piece of insulated rubber in front of the speaker. for structual support

      • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 16/12/2020 - 11:20

        Made in Ireland says "Made in Ireland" on the headband piece above the serial number/massdrop logo.

    • bruc3 on 15/12/2020 - 22:01
      +2

      Honestly its fine, my one was a few Years old, but felt like it would last a lifetime. Plus its easy to get replacement parts for it if needed.

      <$1k, this is the headphone to get.

      • elektron on 16/12/2020 - 09:31

        I wouldn't go that far. Did a fairly elaborate side-by-side listening test with a Focal Elear - the 6XX didn't stand a chance.

        • dtpearson on 16/12/2020 - 10:14

          Agreed, I have the Focal Elear and workmate has the HD6XX and have done the side by side. The HD6XX was darker and slower, the Focals have way better speed and attack. That said, the HD6XX sound great with a decent DAC and amp combo, you have to spend WAY more to get significantly better sound.

          • vicerum on 16/12/2020 - 12:14
            +1

            @dtpearson: What on earth is "darker, slower, speed, attack" supposed to mean in the context of headphones? Just sounds made up.

            • elektron on 16/12/2020 - 13:16
              +1

              @vicerum: These are actually physical attributes of sound. Audio engineers control these during the recording process with EQ and compression. The headphones, amps, DACs and even power supplies influence how the recording is reproduced.

              Ignorance is not always bliss…

          • elektron on 16/12/2020 - 12:16

            @dtpearson: Yep, this is exactly as my own impressions (I've owned both but have since sold the 6XX) using the same Class A Auralic amp / DAC combo as well as a V-series LG phone for the non-blind text. Would just add that the Elear also sound a lot more fun and engaging to listen to than the 6XX. Not saying the 6XX aren't a good pair of headphones at this price, just had to challenge the "best headphones under $1,000" statement.

        • bruc3 on 16/12/2020 - 12:28

          I have not heard the Elear, but I have heard the Clears before and going by memory (did not do a side by side) the vocals on the HD6xx sounds more natural, intimate and full bodied, so I would argue its better for vocal heavy music, but you're right HD6xx is not known for its speed/attack. Technically I would agree the Elear/Clears are both superior to the HD6xx, but technicality does not always translate to musical enjoyment, hence its all subjective.

          • elektron on 16/12/2020 - 13:30

            @bruc3: Technicality aside, as I mentioned, I've found the Elears (haven't heard the Clears) much more enjoyable, engaging and able to give me the feeling of "being there". I wasn't moved nearly as much by the music when listening through the HD 6XX. I tested with different genres, from EDM to classical.

            Thankfully, there are enough headphones to choose from to satisfy every taste…

            • bruc3 on 16/12/2020 - 13:41

              @elektron: That is what its all about, if it brings you the most musical enjoyment then that is the best headphone for you regardless of price tag or technicalities.

              For me, the HD6xx gave me many Years of enjoyment.

              I have however moved onto the HD800S now, which despite what you read about them I find very musical. HD6xx still offers a more intimate vocal experience which some times I miss, but HD800S does enough right for me to keep it as my only headphone.

        • AncientWisdom on 16/12/2020 - 15:01

          Where can you get the Elears from? I thought they were discontinued..

    • grackfight420 on 16/12/2020 - 23:26
      +1

      Does the made in Romania/Ireland thing apply to the hd58x? Preferring the HD58x over the HD6xx since it looks to be less of a hassle to drive and isn't as analytical.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2020 - 21:36
    +4

    but given the relatively small price increase I'd jump up to the 6XX anyway

    I thought the 58x had a different freq response tho? Not apples with apples…

    • bruc3 on 15/12/2020 - 21:53
      +3

      Correct, in the World of audiophiles, higher price does not always mean better. Its all really a matter of taste/preferences.

      I have owned both the HD6XX and HD800S and still prefer the HD6XX in some ways over its much more expensive big brother.

    • Aequitas on 16/12/2020 - 08:28

      it's not actually as small a price jump as you'd think. Since the 58x runs fine without any amp, but the 6xx can struggle without one, so you'll most likely need to get one as well, which adds another ~$50-100 at least

      • jalwa on 17/12/2020 - 11:49
        -1

        6xx runs fine from a phone. You need to make sure it's a phone with at least 1volt signal out. Samsung galaxy and Lg have good ones.

      • dajackal on 24/01/2021 - 19:53

        would the fiio e10k be enough to drive the 6XX?

  • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2020 - 21:40
    -3

    For those who don't know, the 6XX is exactly the same as the original HD 650, which was the successor to the HD 600.

    Again, wrong. Different profiles, and depends on your application. All of these cans serve a different segment and use. 600s are flattest response out of all in your post.

    • Poombear on 15/12/2020 - 21:43

      Yep I prefer the sound signature of the HD600 compared to the 6XX. YMMV

    • bruc3 on 15/12/2020 - 21:51
      +6

      OP has it correct.

      6XX is the same headphone as HD650 besides the cosmetic differences, as confirmed by many people.

      Also, the HD650 was meant to be a replacement for the HD600, and Sennheiser even discontinued the HD600 but as there was a huge out cry from consumers, Sennheiser decided to bring it back again. Although you are right, HD600 and HD650 have different sound profiles, generally HD600 considered more neutral whereas HD650/6XX is warmer headphone.

    • shaolinbear on 15/12/2020 - 21:54
      +1

      I am aware that the 650 and 6xx sound different to the 600, but from my listening (and also Drop themselves) the difference between the 6XX and 650 is minimal to nonexistent. I would also rather own a pair of HD 600 to either of the 650 or 6XX, but they cost more.

      Re your other comment, you're right that the 58X sounds different to the 6XX. I personally think the 6XX sounds better than the 58X. Having a different sound signature doesn't mean you can't compare them.

      Have you heard both the 6XX and 650? I couldn't hear a difference myself but I've long realised that doesn't mean there isn't one.

      • bruc3 on 15/12/2020 - 21:59
        +1

        The difference people hear between the 6XX and 650 is simply the variation between different units, as its a well known fact that the HD650 has been revised many times throughout the Years. Its possible to even hear differences between HD650 made 10 Years ago vs one made today, so thats the same difference you would hear with 6XX vs 650.

        In my opinion, the HD650 use to be a much darker headphone, but due to many people calling it "veiled", over the Years Sennheiser have been modifying the signature to make it brighter.

    • harro112 on 15/12/2020 - 22:35
      +1

      Pretty much everything out there says the 650 and the 6XX are the same cans so I you might need some pretty strong evidence to back that up

  • Davesday on 15/12/2020 - 21:44

    As an alternative, the new HD 560S is a cross between the 58x and 6xx and is already available to buy. Obviously the build is 500-series though.

    • jasswolf on 16/12/2020 - 01:18

      The HD 560S are $275 on Amazon (via Amazon UK).

      Then there's also the Audio Technica ATH-R70X for around $400, but they may go down to $369 delivered sometime in the next fortnight.

  • bruc3 on 15/12/2020 - 21:54

    I have bought the HD6xx twice and tempted to buy it a 3rd time now. I bought it last time when it was $269, so current price is just so so.

    • AdosHouse on 15/12/2020 - 23:23

      I also bought mine for $269 and that was just February this year.

    • AlexF on 16/12/2020 - 11:50
      +3

      Buy one for each ear.

  • blergmonkeys on 15/12/2020 - 23:21

    I bought these 3 years ago… fantastic cans but man are they hard to drive. Took a while for me to find the right DAC set up, but I finally settled on the fiio BTR5 which acts as a DAC/amp that also does bluetooth so I can listen to these fine cans when I'm away from the desk. Amazing buy and the audio quality blows me away.

    • qwijibo on 15/12/2020 - 23:31
      +1

      I actually found them easy to drive - straight out of PC audio, macbook pro, topping dx3 pro all drove them equally well.

      Compared to the Hifiman 4XX - I easily noticed the difference between onboard audio and the dx3 pro.

      • blergmonkeys on 16/12/2020 - 16:20

        I definitely did not find this at all.

        I have tried them on my MacBook Pro - failed to drive properly at 100% volume. I tried them on my pc which has a B550 tomahawk motherboard so reasonable DAC/amp but this also failed. Maybe it’s subjective but these headphones really sing when you pair them to a proper amp/dac.

    • rob2018 on 16/12/2020 - 00:09

      Hiya - I also have the BTR5 and looking at some headphones…
      Would you happen to have tried the HE5xx and be able to compare to the 6XX? https://drop.com/buy/drop-hifiman-he5xx

      Also - are you using the balanced output on your FiiO?

      • blergmonkeys on 16/12/2020 - 02:41

        Hey mate

        No, I've not tried other headphones. The HD6XXs are so good, I can't justify another set.

        I'm using balanced cables from massdrop. I tried the normal cables but the output wasn't strong enough. The balanced output makes the headphones sing.

        • rob2018 on 16/12/2020 - 12:01

          Thanks for getting back to me… decisions .. decisions…!

        • viirgon on 16/12/2020 - 14:04

          Then you will need an amp that has balanced outputs, which adds further to the cost …. e.g. the entry level Schiit Magni 3 doesnt have balanced outputs.

    • dajackal on 24/01/2021 - 19:54

      would the fiio e10k be enough to drive the 6XX?

      • blergmonkeys on 24/01/2021 - 20:45

        Don’t think so but maybe? The BTR5 had trouble driving the HD6xx via the 3.5mm output, had to go balanced output to get full benefit and power.

  • Munki on 15/12/2020 - 23:27

    I was disappointed A2A didn't do a 10% off storewide during black Friday cyber Monday.

    • jasswolf on 16/12/2020 - 00:25

      They've not had stock of these for at least 6 months (their claim), but it's been much closer to 8, IMO.

      Their re-stock estimates have blown out an entire quarter too, to April 2021.

  • computerguy on 15/12/2020 - 23:43
    +2

    I have a pair of the Original 5000 6XX's the I acquired when they launched on Massdrop 4 years ago. I somehow managed to get an order in through the rush. I also acquired a pair of 58X's from A2A when they had a sale which brought them inline with the Drop pricing (+GST) last year.

    You will most likely need to acquire a DAC/Amp combo to run the 6XX as they are 300ohm, 58X's only require 150. I run a FiiO E10 DAC with a Schiit Magni amp combo for my use case.

    I like both sets of headphones, I think the 58X has a little bit more low range than the 6XX with the 6XX having a better overall soundstage. They are both awesome headphones for the price Drop offer them at compared to the Australia Taxed prices of the 650 or 660s. The 6XX comes in a hard hinged box with foam insert inside. The 58X comes packaged in a cardboard box. Both have a 600 series removable cable with a 3.5mm jack on the end with a 1/2 inch adaptor included in the package.

    Sennheiser sell spare parts for the 650 which are interchangeable with the 6XX and other models using the same frame (58X, 600, 650, 660s) so if you need a replacement ear cup/headband foam or cable it can be acquired either OEM or Aftermarket as the model frame has been in use since the early 2000's.

    • dajackal on 24/01/2021 - 19:55

      would the fiio e10k be enough to drive the 6XX?

  • Doy on 15/12/2020 - 23:48

    My favourite pair of headphones. Sounds even nicer with Sonarworks flattening it out.

    • mrbargainz on 16/12/2020 - 20:51

      Definitely a great set of cans :)

      These are considered to be exactly the same as the HD650s. Out of curiosity, in Sonarworks, if you compare the curves for the HD6XX and the HD650, are they identical?

      • Doy on 17/12/2020 - 13:30
        +1

        Great question, actually. Slightly different: https://imgur.com/a/quPY0Ub

        Noting that their testing methodology is getting a bunch of them and finding the average, so there might be natural variance in there anyway.

        • mrbargainz on 17/12/2020 - 19:40
          +1

          Thanks! :)

          Quite similar and the 650 look slightly flatter. I had considered there could be variation in the units tested as well like you mentioned, so it would be interesting to know if that's all it is. Not much difference either way though.

  • Saltedeggs73 on 16/12/2020 - 01:06

    Any good value amps anyone might recommend for these headphones? I’m not too sure what I should be looking for in an amplifier.

    • computerguy on 16/12/2020 - 02:25
      +1

      I would recommend FiiO if you want a starter all in one DAC+Amp, they are something cheap but very well reviewed for the $. They have many battery powered Hi-Res models for phone usage via Bluetooth/USB/Lightning. Their USB powered desktop models are the E10K and K3. K3 has a 2.5 balanced input plus official Hi-Res support compared to the older E10K. There is a combo wall wart amp+USB DAC called the K5 also available. Stores in Australia such as A2A, Headphonic or Minidisc sell FiiO amps. You can also find the FiiO official Aliexpress store online but not all models are in stock there.

      JDS Labs and Schiit sell more robust desktop amps that can power a 6XX easily but require wall warts for more $ but you have to pay for shipping from the US or even more for the Australia tax at A2A. The Schiit Magni or JDS Atom series is an easy entry choice for an AMP only but it costs $260 AU at A2A or around $150 USD (inc shipping) direct from Schiit/JDS.

      Various companies also sell what are called Objective II amps/Objective DAC which are based off an open source design. These are around $100USD each.

      • dajackal on 24/01/2021 - 19:56

        would the fiio e10k be enough to drive the 6XX?

    • AlexF on 16/12/2020 - 11:53
      +1

      No shortage of high-end gear and shills, but, objectively, Topping is best performing for (justifiable) price. JDS Labs is excellent, but their shipping cost isn’t. See ASR.

  • Ori0n on 16/12/2020 - 01:59

    I bought these in 2016 (serial number in the 3000s) and run them with a Massdrop X Alex Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp and a Topping D50 DAC. Cat ate through cable but was able to get a replacement from Sennheiser AU. Still enjoyable to this day.

  • Richardc on 16/12/2020 - 05:23

    Can the Sony nw-wm1a able to drive this?

  • cloudie9 on 16/12/2020 - 05:25

    Hey guys how's this compared to AKG 712Pro ? I'm no audiophile myself and just used my sound blaster dac x-fi to power my AKG.

  • MisterTee on 16/12/2020 - 08:09

    For what it's worth, I prefer the drop 7XX (AKG 702) over the 6XX. I find the imaging and separation a little more accurate. But otherwise I find they sound very very similar.

  • xenoic on 16/12/2020 - 10:53

    I've got the HD700 & Hifiman Sundara but looking for something that's a bit more mellow and laid back.

    Would the HD6XX worth it or I should save some money?

    • viirgon on 16/12/2020 - 14:30

      Deciding between the Hifiman Sundara and HD6XX for my first purchase in audiophile territory - my music interest is broad - vocals, strings and bass. I will probably get both I guess but which one first? Should I be concerned about the quality issues for Hifiman? Considering the entry level Schiit stack to pair with either one.

      • xenoic on 16/12/2020 - 14:38

        I'm running the Sundara and the HD700 via my Schiit Modius & Magnius stack. While I find Sundara has better layering/separation, the HD700 is way way more comfortable for hours of listening. The build quality of Sundara is ok but it clamps on too much and quite heavy.

        The HD700 is pretty good for everyday use but then it feels fragile with those dust mesh :(

        • viirgon on 18/12/2020 - 00:34

          I think I will start the audiophile journey with the HD560S instead; $280.80 from Amazon via Amazon UK.

  • Daemos on 16/12/2020 - 11:00

    These are amazing headphones for the price. I have owned them since the first drop many years ago.

    However, they require a suitable DAC and a powerful amp to get the most out of them.

    I have a Schitt eitr that goes into a Schitt Modi multibit with the latest firmware into a Schitt Jotunheim with balanced XLR output (in high gain) into the headphones.

    My streaming source is tidal master, and I use sonarworks reference with a no limits profile to bring up the low end.

    They are an amazing pair of headphones… Not the best I've owned that goes to the hifiman HE6 that was driven by a dedicated speaker amp with a speaker cable to XLR adapter.

    I've driven the hd6xx on other amps and DACs, but they did not pair well and made the headphones sound really slow and lifeless because either they were not powerful enough or they had laidback characteristics.

    • viirgon on 16/12/2020 - 14:15

      Wow, that is very serious Schiit gear you have to pair with the HD6XX - almost an unfair comparison with other amps/dacs you tried?

      • Daemos on 16/12/2020 - 22:16

        Well…I have found through experience that the HD6XX likes fast amps and dacs which helps offset its relative slowness. It also needs power or else it doesn't sound very dynamic.

        The Jotunheim in balanced mode can deliver 900mW of power per channel at 300 Ohms…when you compare that to normal headphones at 32 Ohms the Jot can put
        out 5000mW of power per channel…

        With headphones (just like speakers) ideally the gear needs to match so headphones should match dac which should match amp so they all complement eachother.

        Dark headphones + dark dac + dark amp = dark dark dark…and it won't be balanced.

        I am quite happy with the setup, it prevents me from buying another pair of HE-6 or any of the top end hifiman planars and gear to match.

        • dajackal on 24/01/2021 - 19:58

          would the fiio e10k be enough to drive the 6XX?

  • Finarfin on 16/12/2020 - 12:05

    What an obnoxious site. Cant view anything without creating an account. (profanity) that. Also, whats with the bazillion js calls to 3rd party sites? Hate cancerous sites like this.

    • thebadmachine on 16/12/2020 - 19:23
      +1

      It is that way to make it seem more ‘exclusive’.
      I was recommended something massdrop awhile ago, so I fell for it and joined to view the product & price.
      Prices for everything was too high so I have never bought anything from them.

      And I read a lot of community comments which said: “I just bought ____, should I buy this? Is this better?” with someone replying: “Yes I just got this it’s better buy now or you will miss out”.
      And it is everywhere flooded with these comments just “everything is wonderful buy buy” very odd.

  • Muten-Roshi on 16/12/2020 - 16:15

    Which is better the 6XX or 660s?

    Is it worth the slight jump higher?

    I currently have a beyer1990
    And an akg 702.

    Balanced flat is nice but I want something interesting for all genres (rap, techno, classical, country, metal)

    • krisspy on 16/12/2020 - 16:42

      I don't think you'd find these interesting. They're on the opposite side from the neutral bright headphones you have. Sluggish bass, rolled off treble it will sound abit slow.

      Sure they'll play any genre fine without worrying about things like sibilance but they are too relaxed imo. Coming from a T1, I tried the hd600 for a while and it literally lulls you to sleep. Like I never tapped or nodded with the music. It played any genre fine, but never exciting. Having the in your face vocals was nice change though.

      If you want excitement I would suggest looking into a closed (! Blasphemy! ) pair with a slight U shape or harman target signature. From the genres you mentioned I think you're craving slam and low ends with a not too hot treble.

  • Budju on 17/12/2020 - 14:34

    Praise the downfall of A2A. Now we just need some bunters deals to come up.

  • allabtbrgnz on 23/12/2020 - 13:55

    Ordered a pair after Amazon sent me some Star Wars DVDs instead of my ordered Fidelio X2HR's. We'll see how this order goes.

  • dajackal on 26/01/2021 - 14:30

    Hi OP, where did you see that A2A is getting them in April?

    The drop page is saying Estimated ship date is Mar 1, 2021. Wondering if I should just wait for A2A to get them in stock.

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