• expired

Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Open Back Headphone US$199 Delivered + GST (~A$314 Delivered) @ Drop

570
AUFREE

The legendary headphone for vocal timbre, lots of info and reviews in previous deal posts, still holds its own if you want to try mid-fi and aren't concerned with super tight imaging. With the free shipping code and an additional $10 USD off for new user referral, the price goes to the lowest it's been since they started adding GST.

Don't get sucked into buying extra pads, they are not the stock (HD 650) pads, and not worth your money. Enjoy!

EDIT: code still active @ 7:30 PM AEDT, supposed 30m after expiry, will check again later

Referral Links

Referral: random (71)

Referee receives $10 on a new signup with referral link. Referrer receives $10 credit upon the Referee completing a purchase.

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closed Comments

  • +3

    That GST really stuffs the pricing up.

    • +4

      Thank Gerry Harvey

      • +1

        I never took note when Drop started charging GST. At least they have reduced their shipping costs to Australia from last year. I purchased these headphone at USD $179 back in Nov 2021 from Drop.

        • Inflation and price gouging.
          With drop the $10 signup helps for the postage.

          • +2

            @G-rig: Few points here…

            1. The issue is current popularity and exchange rates, with inflation barely a consideration unless Drop are collecting GST and not forwarding that on.

            2. I've posted a free delivery code in the deal…

            3. To get a further $10 off, it'd have to be through referral credit.

            4. $179 USD is the all-time low for these that wasn't a pricing error, and that was offered late last year, we're just paying GST now.

            Considering that $260 AUD is probably the best you could have hoped for from a US import prior to GST, this is a really good offer under that paradigm.

  • +1

    I can't stack the new user code with free shipping, does it have to be an account made through referral?

    • I've just checked the T&Cs for the free shipping code and it seems it doesn't stack with other codes, so yes referral credit only. I'll update the post!

  • +2

    I recently picked up the Beyerdynamic DT880 Edition (250 ohm) for just under $300 from umart, just something else to consider.

    • +1

      I picked up a used near new set on marketplace last week for $60. People seem to be selling 880’s really cheap for some reason

      • +2

        Nice which model?
        Stuff goes as cheap as people sell it for I guess, I sold a dt990 pro for $99 on eBay not long ago - great deal for the buyer. Already got the 1990 pro and was pointless having both (plus the 990 bit too harsh). Wanted a bit different sound and the 880 edition are pretty good & very comfy - did the 'toilet paper mod' too (takes 3db off the treble peak a bit where its needed).

        Interesting testing here, including plots against hd600/650:
        https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-a-i/dt880-250ω/

        The 6xx always always been a people's favourite, depends What type of music you listen to. They are meant to be grwat for vocals and acoustic but some say they are bordering on boring.

      • +2

        They're ancient, and have a lot of treble peaks. Old recommendation for pairing with old gear, made over and over again because most people pedalling referral links don't actually research what they're recommending.

        • What's ancient

          • @G-rig: The headphone series from the 80s that you're discussing, back when amps and DACs both rolled off the bass and treble more.

        • As a Stereonet forum member, I've noticed newer open-back headphone releases have gotten more comfortable and functional in recent years. No major steps for audio though. Of course, what's considered a significant improvement is subjective to the user.

          • -1

            @Julius: If you're seeking better imaging, that's more borne of most of the new products being planar more than anything else. That older Beyer line-up is good value in that sense, but arguably so are Koss on-ears.

            Their tonality really does suck in all three chunks of the spectrum.

            • -1

              @jasswolf: Koss75 haha on ears are rubbish

              Sennheiser 212s. Same vintage and all the sr sound..

              Planars sound like a cool thing and interesting, wouldn't mind hearing their $1300 pair.

              For 300$ you can't go wrong with the ones I mentioned and not harsh like the 990 pros.

              PS. Always wished I bought the Alessandro ms pro from then.
              Comfort and less clamping force is still important, the edition ones are better than the normal models, plus you may have missed the link about the mod you can easily do. I've got that 1990 pro as well but having fun with these for gaming and more of a throw around pair. They don't sound too much worse either to be honest.

              Anyway depends what type of music you listen to with the Sennheisers.

    • You shouldn't be paying more than $150-$170 for those in this day and age. A genuine consideration if you're not seeking strong imaging would be the HIFMAN HE400SE, Stealth or non-Stealth.

      Way better value for money.

      • beyerdynamic dt770-990 have gone down quite a bit. I was thinking about selling my dt990s after getting the HE6se v2, but not really worth it.

        • Yup, for the 770 you've got better technical performance in the treble, wider soundstaging, and better imaging versus the AKG K371, but otherwise it's just awful to listen to out of the box.

          990 just loses out on value to several open backs in its price range.

          • @jasswolf: 990 is open as well, 770 closed.
            The treble isn't the best on those but for someone who's never owned a proper pair of headphones it is still impressive and super comfortable. Reminds me of my first good pair of AT AD900.

            Plenty of options anyway, people should listen to a few at least then decide.

            Hifiman reviews are mixed, the build quality (durability) and comfort aren't the best. I like the brand though.

  • It blows my mind how cheap it is to have a quality set of headphones these days, I remember paying $400 several years ago for my HD599s (still going strong)

    • +1

      I managed to snag a set of these HD6XXs while the AUD was a bit stronger and before the tax on international purchases (thanks Harvey). I think it was about $260 delivered. Shame others cant grab them for the same price.
      They are definitely a solid set of cans though. Been going strong for almost 5 years now

    • +1

      I'm very happy with my old Sennheiser 598s. Unlike with pleather, the velour earpads don't perish over time. The 598s are comfortable for long time use and sound great for orchestral music. The only disadvantage, of course, is that they don't block out environmental noise.

      • All good , open backs are the best choice for home - better soundstage, cooler to wear, more comfortable (less clamping usually). There are better choices for portable and noise cancelling - you need more than one pair for different uses :).

      • Thankfully the pads are replaceable and correct me if I am wrong I am pretty sure the 598/599 velour pads can be put on the 6XX.

  • oops, too late.

  • need wireless to run with!

  • +1

    I adore these headphones, they just sound so.. right. Lack of sub-bass is less of an issue than I was originally expecting and I have come to really enjoy the sound signature

  • These are tight! Just a warning for those larger craniumed ozb people who aren't familiar. I just couldn't stretch mine enough to be comfy.

    • +1

      Another reason I love Beyers, they are super comfy especially the grey pads

      • Beyer sound isnt comparable to any Sennheiser 6x0 series hesdphone

        • I'll agree it's different, depends what you like.
          Some people like energetic and some like laid back.
          Posted some graphs in the link above that shows the difference.

          • @G-rig: yes, but the people looking at 6xx wouldn't be looking at beyer for this exact reason, except the 880

            • @zjz93: Funny how I mentioned the 880 edition 250 ohm

  • +1

    Simply fantastic cans

  • I will vouch for these headphones as well, just plan for a dac/amp setup as well to get the most out of them. Good for media consumption, has a slight warm tone to it. I'm no audiophile and I consider my pair up with a schitt modi/magni a "good" setup and mostly overkill for the type of consumption I do but this setup makes me happy.

  • +2

    Just the heads up that these might not get shipped until mid March.
    Have been chatting to Drop support about my order from December that hasn't arrived yet..

  • Wow. Mid-fi. Ok.

    • +1

      I mean between the price point and the level of quality today, that's where they are. They still compete against much higher priced open back headphones because of their timbre and resolving ability, but they have caveats in terms of some aspects of detail, and certainly imaging and soundstage are very much a step behind.

      They're my daily driver, but you need to invest into your chain to get them really performing. Once upon a time the 600 series was flagship Sennheiser, but that was 15-20 years ago. Keep in mind there's now 'summit-fi' sitting above 'high-fi', but these still remain in the conversation (and in most people's collections if they own multiple headphones).

      • Definitely agree with your reasoning, but mid-fi just seems so put downy and snobby. Like, yes they are my best 'phones, but I defiinitely feel they meet the criteria of hi-fi.

        Mid-fi is like an older bluetooth speaker or an AM radio or something y'know?

        • It's a reference to the price point as much as anything. To elevate their resolving potential to the point they compete with high-fi audio, you're spending at least $200-$300 on gear than you might otherwise.

        • WTF is Mid-Fi - never heard of it lol.
          Agree there is an awful lot of snobbery and disgruntled old man attitudes in hi-fi at the best of times.
          $300-500 headphones are nothing lousy usually.

          • +1

            @G-rig: It's snobby put down term which basically means you didn't spend enough on your gear.

            Ppl say it to feel better about their crazy expensive set ups that only sound ~4% better than stuff that costs less than a quarter of the price.

            The actual term hi-fi has been around since the 70s and DEFINITELY these phones hit the actual definition of hi fi. You do need a decent DAC for them though, but $AU70 will cover that nicely. The Sonata HD Pro on amazon gives you crazy good sound out of your phone.

            • @Sxio: Yer agree mate, people get pretty defensive about it all.

              Those phone USC C DAC are pretty handy, would mind one for connecting wired headphones as long as they offer some power too (just use Sony XM5 over LDAC Bluetooth for convenience at work).

              Several forums have mentioned this one on Ali (no link allowed)
              LXDAC A01 ALC5686 USB Type C to 3.5mm Angeldac earphone Amplifie Digital Decoder AUX audio Cable hifi adapter converter Android

              • @G-rig: Oooh nice. Thanks man. I'll check it out!

              • @G-rig: Ummm dude so it's like $2….

                I bought 2! :D

                • @Sxio: $10 wasn't it?
                  Think I'll grab one too ha

                  • @G-rig: Nah after I logged it it went to $13, so I just got one. I actually already own the one I recommended to you and I'm super happy with it, but have always been a little worried that it'll conk out on me so it'll be great to have a spare.

                    Also I love buying cheap tech stuff. I'm a photographer and it's super fun buying rubber lens hoods for $15 and seeing if they're ok.

                    • @Sxio: Got one for $7.62..
                      Will be better than the standard Google One anyway :).

  • Oops

  • +1

    I don't see how you could get a better all round pair of headphones for this price, these made me realise my hd280's were harsh trash even though they are a staple of the audio industry, my ears have never been more pleased.

    • nice, plenty of good options for around that price when you do your research!

  • I purchased one of these from a previous massdrop , very good headphones with great sound quality.

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