20SEPTEMBER
Cheapest price in a long time? Seems like they removed the added gst component in the checkout, perhaps massdrop is eating the gst now they're acquired?
Massdrop X Sennheiser HD 6XX Open Back Headphone US$199 Delivered (~A$309 Delivered) @ Drop
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fyi: the HD 560s are currently $223 with eBay Plus code, only a few units in stock at a time
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/385710958049Please stop trusting RTings: they do not accurately represent how sound is perceived in their review process due to the limited measurement techniques and in turn their limitations. I've mentioned this a lot over the years, and it seems I'll forever be doing so.
The 560S has better bass and treble extension than the 6XX, but its ability to resolve detail is inferior and its tonal balance is more off, particularly in the lower treble area. It has a wider soundstage and better imaging, but its imaging has some issues compared to its predecessors (599 & 598). The gap in timbre - particularly vocal timbre - is quite apparent.
For a $60 difference, you 100% go for the 6XX, every time. You would hear the differences between the two fairly readily. $220 is a fair price for the HD560s, $190 being a bargain.
I only use the 6XX for very specific music. Acoustic and vocals, mid-range-focussed music sound amazing in the 6XX. For all other styles of music I find them really boring. The complete lack of soundstage and very poor imaging can also be quite uncomfortable. If there for example is an instrument in the mix that is moved to the left or right, it sounds a bit like a mosquito that is stuck in your ear. So they are not for everyone.
With impedance ranging from 300 to 450 ohms across the frequency response, you need not just power, not just clean power, but controlled and clean power to get the most out of such Sennheiser headphones (the 800S, 600, 650, and 580 all share this property).
This is why people love them with tubes: they often handle all the power requirements, and add to their harmonics in a way that expands the perceived soundstage. There are good solid state amps that do this as well, particularly in terms of navigating the mid-bass bloom that can occur with a crappy amp (or even a mediocre op-amp).
When driven well, the soundstage is wider, and the imaging sharpens up enough to be solid for even competitive gaming. It's not world beating, but when you can game well enough without being blasted in the treble, I call that a win.
Even without that soundstage width, they still sit wider than closed backs without elite HRTF mixing.
@jasswolf: Okay so these require a dedicated amp to drive same with the 560S? Not a big issue as I was planning on getting the Fiio BTR7 anyway. I just want something with a really wide soundstage as I already own quite a few quality pairs of closed-back headphones including the Audeze Mobius and Focal Elegia which was posted here a couple of weeks ago on sale for $320 and wanted to finally invest in a quality open-back that will immediately flaw me with their wider sound stage and not compromise too much in the bass department. I am getting tired of completely flat sounding headphones though or stuff that is tuned more for classical or rock which are genres I don't normally listen to. I just want something a bit more exciting to listen to. Not sure if these or the 560S would fit the bill though
@merajaan: 560s do not require an amp, and if you want to dial down the sharpness of the upper frequencies and/or add a bit of a bass shelf it's very easy to do with EQ (if you want to go down that road). I'm incredibly happy with my pair.
@merajaan: If you want to be impressed with soundstage, much better options are the Sennheiser HD800S, the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano, the HIFIMAN Edition XS, and the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth.
In the cheaper range of things AKG K612 Pro might do well.
I'm going to call it here on questions, and suggest everyone look at Headphones.com forums and their Headphone Show youtube channel, and Crinacle.com and Crinacle's YouTube channel for further information on such things.
Repeating a lot of information and I'm not up for rewarding people who seemingly will prefer to effectively nag people instead of requesting resources or doing their own research. We're on a massive repository of information right now and you're treating it like it's a Harvey Norman lobby.
@jasswolf: On a related note, is there an entry-level tube amp you're able to recommend for pairing with the 6XX?
@Etherkai: I'm not across the specifics I'm afraid, but if you have an existing amp, a more affordable option might be to try a tube pre-amp, especially if you ever want to use modern planar headphones.
@Etherkai: @Etherkai One of the best bang for buck tube amp is the Bottlehead Crack with Speedball (self assembly, or pay to get it assembled, or buy second hand). Amazing pairing with the 300ohm Sennheisers like the 6XX etc. The other option is Darkvoice 336SE. These are OTL tube amps.
@Etherkai: Saw this in my feed:
https://drop.com/buy/drop-xduoo-ta-84-otl-tube-amp-dac?fbcli…
Half the time feels like Kickstarter and you could be waiting ages. Plenty of choices around so who knows.
Hey, i have a question which headphones are best to use at home for movies and tv which are wireless… i was pretty much relying on rtings and now that you have said not to rely on them i dont know which ones to use…
If you want isolation, the Audeze Maxwell at the moment for value for money, but soon you might get a cheaper version via the Playstation Pulse Elite 2023 headphones, which will use the same or similar drivers and cost half the price.
But you'll be limited by the Bluetooth capabilities of your AV setup, which will need an upgrade (or be able to support the associated dongle) to unlock LC3Plus bluetooth codec support. An alternative is the AKG K371 for $150-$180 on sale, then slap a wireless transmitter on them. Avoid the K371-BT, as it's just crap.
If you want open back, there's a few options where you can slap a wireless transmitter on them, then upgrade that transmitter over time if you like.
@Retarded Lunatic: Most people would want a microphone for gaming I assume, but can just use your webcam mic and good audio headphones hey .
@Retarded Lunatic: The Audeze ones don't have a gamery design, they're just black, sturdy headphones with a detachable mic. They're some of the best closed backs under $1000.
The Playstation version appears set to be the same thing but cheaper, though presumably with higher (though likely not audible) distortion due to a cheaper enclosure and more-automated assembly.
If it's just for home, I wouldn't stress about the Playstation styling, and you can just keep the microphone flipped up (assuming it's not detachable).
I would recommend demoing the Audeze Maxwell to get an idea of their quality, but you do have the standard wired options I've recommended to be paired with small transmitters.
@jasswolf: Have you demo'ed the Maxwells @jasswolf? I've been meaning to give them a go, how do you reckon they compare to the LCD-2 or the Elears? Realise its a bit of an Apples and Oranges comparison.
@poppingtags: Been a long time since I've heard the LCD-2, I'll have to get down to an A2A and try them all out while they still have Focal stock.
I remember jasswolf mentioning this before
Do you have a cumulative forum post or article to refer all future OzBargainers on the ways in which the (i.e. different versions, categories) measurement techniques are limited?
Save time on the forever comments
True enough, I've rarely dabbled on the forums here. I'll look into pulling some resources together over time.
.
Thanks for the wise words …..and the tip about the HD-560S …… I just bought a pair !!! $228 (non Ebay plus 15% off)…..replacing old AKG-240s? falling apart
No, go the 6xx.
I don't even use the rtings EQ settings, fidelity is better.
Mind you they are a good benchmark for testing of computer monitors I guess.Annoying, I paid ~$355 at us$199, maybe some fluctuation in the dollar.
Not much difference in the scheme of things.
Mind you they are a good benchmark for testing of computer monitors I guess.
Not even that, as their measurement techniques are dated and make IPS monitors look better performing in terms of response times than they actually are.
Oh ok good to know.
What would you refer to in short of testing the. Yourself.@G-rig: https://www.youtube.com/@monitorsunboxed
https://tftcentral.co.uk/
https://pcmonitors.info/
https://www.youtube.com/@techlessYTThere's probably a couple more, and then a bunch of non-English sites.
A lot of people don't like a neutral/flat sound from headphones/speakers.
A lot of people also like sick bass..
It is a fine line between boring/energetic/harsh, you want something you can listen to for decent periods and non-fatiguing.It's good if they have a natural/musical sound and everything can be listened to as closely as intended.
Decent deal. I have these and the 58X and use the 58X for everyday usage. Slightly bassier, wider soundstage.
6XX is good for female vocals and classical music but more fatiguing.
Been out awhile so lots of more indepth reviews on Youtube for those curious :)so the mids are more forward here compared to 58x? I have been looking for a headphone that is considered shouty.
Damn bought these a couple of weeks ago and got charged the $20USD GST
Strange, I bought this 3 weeks ago and wasn't charged for it.
I haven't received my order though (already shipped out)…
I should email them, who the hell should charge GST.
$10 sign up though, probably can't stack with OPs code.
Great spot on the GST removal!
Good price. everyday use.
No GST maybe just an accident.They probably realised no one was checking or collecting it, and then compared that against their drop in sales.
They've been testing the waters with free international shipping codes specifically for AU, seems they liked what they saw.
I should have waited too but good to get them although didn't need them. Wouldn't say that comfortable to wear all day but not bad once bend/stretch the band.
Prefer one sided cable as well.The mids are very nice.
So I have the AKG K7XX and one of the earcups stopped working. I suspect a broken wire. Anywhere in Melbourne may be able to repair it. Not really confident to tackle it myself.
When/where did you buy them? Are you able to initiate a service request with the place you bought it from?
It was through Massdrop, prob out of warranty. I could do it myself but also rather pay someone to just do it. Have plenty of cans, but these a nice for editing videos.
We have local AKG suppliers, they should be able to help with out of warranty repair as it would still be using fairly standard AKG parts if those are required in the repair.
I believe CMI is who you wish to contact in this case, and a quick google suggests the K7XX uses the Q701 driver, just in a configuration similar to the K702 65th Anniversary edition (as distinct from the original K702).
Common issue, I've had the K701's for probably 10 years now, and I had to crack them open a couple times to resolder the wires to the posts. It's definitely a bit fiddly, and gotta be careful getting the small grill off, it requires so much force the first time you twist it. I'd be happy to do it for you if you were in Canberra.
Can attest, have had my Q701's for just shy of 10 years and just performed the fix for the second time last week (right earcup both times)
They are great and only reason why I still kept them because I know they are good when they are working.
Ah, I really appreciate it. I might try and tackle it, just need to buy a new solder iron.
Good to know about the force though.
Give it a go!
I recently did my K601's and have only used a soldering iron a handful of times in my life.
How do these compare to the Focal Clears at $799? Might grab a pair for my dad
About half the price.
Better build quality on these, the headbands can take abuse
Better timbre than the Focal, similar tonality, less detail and weaker imaging. They thrash the Clear on value, even at the clearance price, but it depends on what you want from your headphone.
Other options that step up from the 6XX at fair prices are the HIFIMAN Edition XS via AliExpress, and the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano if you can handle the (smooth) treble boost.
Gonna have to disagree, the clear is better….in every category. Not to say these are bad value or a bad headphone, but you are comparing a Toyota to a Mercedes…and the Clear OG at $799 is the best buy in Headphones at the moment, simply because its one of the best dynamic headphones ever created.
I had focal splits in my car, they were alright.
Dynaudio were way better (but more expensive). You need to compare like for like. I'm sure comfort and durability probably aren't better anyway for the focals.I'm hardly disagreeing with you beyond assessing timbre… soundstage is the same on both, but the Clear images it much better.
I don't think the value is as amazing as it would have been say 2 years ago at that price, because having heard the Ananda Nano I can't help but feel planars are going to destroy dynamic drivers for value soon unless Focal and Sennheiser bring the Clear and the HD800S (or derivatives) down to $600-$700 AUD.
@Flognuts: Its technical performance is that of a $3000+ headphone, its imaging is incredible. Extremely fast driver.
Soundstage narrower than Arya Stealth, and treble more boosted. The next iteration using a nano driver with a more neutral tuning is going to break the market.
@jasswolf: "The next iteration using a nano driver with a more neutral tuning is going to break the market"
I'd be interested in what Hifiman have coming up I'm Guessing it will be an Arya Nano….I still rate their HE-500 as one of their best sounding headphones, but it weighed a ton.
Remember these being low $200s a few years ago… The exchange rate probably doesn't help
These or the 560S for mostly gaming?
Don't you need a dizzyingly-childish amount of RGB for gaming?
I use these 6XX headphones for PC (Single player) gaming.
Love the wide soundstage.
A few times I thought someone was knocking on my front door. But it was all in-game sound.
560s has a wider soundstage and better overall image from my understanding, and they're also cheaper. If that's your primary focus i'd go with the 560s, but the HD6xx are also well loved for good reason.
560s are easy to drive with something like the apple dongle to serve as a DAC/AMP, as opposed to these which definitely need something beefier.
@ShadowStealer7 I highly recommend the Sennheiser EPOS PC38X for gaming. For reference I own high end audiophile head-fi equipment and the PC38X is such an underrated headset for gaming.
I use these 6XX headphones for PC (Single player) gaming.
Love the wide soundstage.
A few times I thought someone was knocking on my front door. But it was all in-game sound.
Think its the same price I bought mine years ago, really solid cans hard to go wrong
The code just knocks off the 20$ shipping.
So only 10$ better off than the sign up.
Still not sure about GST but I got charged 20$ tax last time.
Got this from the last deal and love it.
The RM WIlliam boots of headphones
Naaaa these aren't comfortable
How are these compared to the HD600 (got these recently)
You could also google it, Reddit, any headphones forums and look at the previous 6xx and Sennheiser threads on here, remember seeing it 100 times (and no doubt on this page too).
Better off spending a bit more on DAC and Amp than headphones 2-3x the price.
Any suggestions on DAC/Amp for HD600?
HD600's are generally preferred among audiophiles and are a bit more neutral and less veiled. That being said plenty also prefer these for the vocal timbre. They're really a sidegrade from one another.
Don’t buy 6xx if you just want to plug it into your phone or pc. It requires a decent AMP.
Feel like I'm doing something wrong. Getting the error "20SEPTEMBER discount code isn’t valid for the items in your cart". Anyone getting that as well?
Happening to me too
I am currently rocking the 6XX and love them, but does anyone have any recommendations for around this price or a little more?
I feel like trying something new and every now and then could use a little more sub-bass and sparkle, probably something like the 6XX just with less "veil" and a little more low end
Current DAC/AMP is a Fiio K3s using the balanced port, preferably I wouldn't have to upgrade it too…Anything being sold on eBay for that price is a resell with jacked prices.
Drop is the only official place to get it but you could be waiting a while for your order depending on when the ship date is (Currently it's est Sep 22 which is good).
Lol these ones are only a good deal from drop, not Aus.
Deal over anyway.
"20SEPTEMBER discount code isn’t valid for the items in your cart"
anyone else?
Has anyone received their headphones yet? Mine has been stuck at 'processed at transit facility' for almost two weeks now
Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the Sennheiser 560s posted here the other day for $240 reviewed better than these? According to Rtings for example:
The Sennheiser HD 560S are slightly better headphones for neutral sound than the Sennheiser HD 6XX. The 560S are more comfortable, have a neutral and accurate sound profile, and their passive soundstage performance is a bit better. However, the 6XX are better built.