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Massdrop X Sennheiser HD 6XX Open Back Dynamic Headphones US$179 (~A$275) Delivered @ Drop

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Massdrop X Sennheiser HD 6XX Open Back Dynamic Headphones US$179 (~A$275) Delivered @ Drop
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Look Up on 11/04/2024 - 12:33 drop.com (2049 clicks)
Last edited 11/04/2024 - 12:35
20APRIL

Nice headphones at a nice price
Use (possibly targeted) coupon 20APRIL for $20 off to get them for US$179 (~A$275) delivered
If the coupon is not available, use the OzBargain referral link to get a $10 sign up credit (new Drop members only) to get them for US$189 (~A$290) delivered
See comments from previous deals here

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 Ireland
⅛–¼ in (3.5–6.35 mm) adapter
2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Referral Links

Referral: random (79)

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

Electrical & Electronics Headphones Sennheiser

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closed Comments

  • jayscapone on 11/04/2024 - 12:58
    +5

    Thanks OP. Confirming 20APRIL worked. Have the 58X Jubilee from drop and these are apparently a good side/upgrade.

    • djmm on 11/04/2024 - 17:54

      Why are you buying it if it's a side grade?

      • jayscapone on 11/04/2024 - 19:19
        +2

        Good question. Will try them out and decide which I prefer, then the other one will go to the home office.

        • DeToxin on 12/04/2024 - 16:14

          Do you have a dedicated DAC/amp?

        • G-rig on 13/04/2024 - 17:28

          Yeah at that price it's a bargain can easily sell one, I paid closer to 350$ for the 6xx. And yeah, FOMO ha.

    • rumblytangara on 11/04/2024 - 18:26
      +1

      I have both.

      I would not bother unless I just wanted to burn money- the difference isn't really enough to justify it.

      • Shahrasb on 12/04/2024 - 00:48

        Perhaps you need to invest in a decent headphone amp. I used to have an internal Asus Xonar Essence STX II which was more than capable of driving these, ohm-wise. But then switched to Schiit Magni 3 which made a world of difference. That prompted me to kiss the HD598SE goodbye. Or is the 58X Jubilee way different from HD598SE?

        • Micsmit on 12/04/2024 - 02:02
          +2

          Some people's discretionary spending hasnt been overly dented by the grocery/fossil fuel cartels recent gains.

        • rumblytangara on 12/04/2024 - 07:49
          +1

          Perhaps you need to invest in a decent headphone amp. I used to have an internal Asus Xonar Essence STX II which was more than capable of driving these, ohm-wise. But then switched to Schiit Magni 3

          I'm running an out of production Eddie Current. It's in a… slightly different weight class to a Magni.

          I still wouldn't bother moving from a 59X to a 6XX purely as an 'upgrade' even though I own multiple (because kids). Sennheisers are rugged and all parts can be sourced for replacements- totally different from something like wireless Bose or Sonys which both sound terrible and are not repairable.

      • G-rig on 12/04/2024 - 16:56
        +1

        Agree and you can EQ them all to sound pretty much the same. (PC, Peace APO & autoEQ profiles)

  • MrFizz on 11/04/2024 - 12:58
    +1

    I picked this up on the last deal, very happy with the purchase.

  • rosebank on 11/04/2024 - 13:03

    Great price. I didn't get an email, did it say the code is only for the 6XX?

  • reddead2067 on 11/04/2024 - 13:04

    Highly recommended.

    I use these headphones for single-player PC gaming. The open-back headphones make the games sound very real.

    • gakko on 11/04/2024 - 13:08
      +1

      Open back is just so much more comfortable. I'd only go closed for at work.

      • mickeyjuiceman on 11/04/2024 - 13:16

        I only use my close-backs for recording (to minimise bleed) otherwise it opens all the way

    • nathanace on 12/04/2024 - 10:57

      Hi this is probbaly a silly question but whats needed to set up for gaming? Ive only used headsets never a pair of proper headphones, do you need an amp or other things or is it just straight plug and play.

      • tim9800 on 13/04/2024 - 16:06
        +1

        They come with your standard 3.5mm jack so in that respect you can plug them straight into your PC headphone port. Whether you need an amp to power them is another question. Some people suggest it, others find they don't need it - I think it really depends on your PC hardware and how important audio cues are in the game you are playing. Your best bet is to buy them and game with them on your PC, then get an amp if you don't think they're loud enough.

        • nathanace on 13/04/2024 - 17:14

          Alrighty, thanks heaps

  • LurkMoar on 11/04/2024 - 13:20
    +1

    You can also get a cheaper quadplex 5k by adding a small item say https://drop.com/buy/drop-mechanical-switch-puller and applying the discount

  • FabMan on 11/04/2024 - 13:21

    Still using my RS170s!

    • benneb2 on 12/04/2024 - 10:21
      +1

      yep RS180s reporting in too

      Wondering if its time for an upgrade 🧐

  • taspine on 11/04/2024 - 13:39

    How are these versus the HE400SE’s?

    • Haxorbob on 11/04/2024 - 13:50

      I havent personally experienced the HiFiMan's, but I was interested after your question and found this: https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/hifiman-he400se-the-ent…. Its a 2021 article and compares to the HD600's

      • rumblytangara on 11/04/2024 - 13:54
        +1

        From that article:

        If you’re looking to buy the HE400se to try some sort of “planar magic”, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

        Yeah, I've tried the HE400SE vs the Senns and another planar set, and the 400s are very much underwhelming. They sound thin and reedy compared to the Sennheisers. Even the 300Ohm impedence 6XX out of a PC headphone jack sounds better than the HifiMan.

        • froddoog on 11/04/2024 - 18:03

          I do have HE400se plug into desktop dac and amp. Love them. But like what the artilce mentioned,

          "And while I don’t think the HD6X0 is necessarily a strict upgrade from the HE400se, it’s worth considering if you have the budget."

          What would be the upgrade of HE400se?

    • Frosty17 on 11/04/2024 - 13:57

      I've auditioned both, and prefer the Sennys. Also just way more comfortable imo.

    • The Candyman on 11/04/2024 - 17:45

      I don't have the senns, but I have the he4xx and find it to be underwhelming in general. Even with pad swaps. It's my least favourite of my collection (dt770, dt880, amiron wireless, elegia, sivga luan)

    • sheepy on 12/04/2024 - 19:56
      +1

      I have HD600 (similar to HD6XX as per some reviews) and HE400SE and I like HD600 much, much more.
      The price difference between the two is quite big but if I can only have one headphone and it has to be one of these two, it'd be HD600 for sure!

      • mickeyjuiceman on 12/04/2024 - 20:42
        +2

        The 6XX is based on the 650, not the 600.

        • sheepy on 12/04/2024 - 21:58

          I didn't say 6XX was based on 600, only said they are similar from what I read :)
          My point is even HE400SE is much cheaper, it's not good "value" vs HD600.
          Apologies if I mislead anybody with my comment.

          • jackspratt on 12/04/2024 - 22:34

            @sheepy:

            My point is even HE400SE is much cheaper, it's not good "value" vs HD600.

            Value, likely beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

            I was happy to pay $100 for my HE400se, whereas $500 for the HD600 is not, in my eyes, good value.

            • rumblytangara on 13/04/2024 - 10:54

              @jackspratt: I paid 100 for the HE400, and regard them as a total writeoff. The 6XX in the OP is usable, the HE400 would be relegated to the pile of unused headphones (in fact, I use a pair of BT Shokz or and old cheap Samson pair over the HifiMans).

              • G-rig on 13/04/2024 - 11:55

                @rumblytangara: I've heard a lot of reports about durability / material quality about HifiMan.. they are a bit of a left wing choice but certain audiophiles love them.
                Build quality still counts for something.

                • rumblytangara on 13/04/2024 - 12:08

                  @G-rig: I haven't paid attention for years, but build quality an the constant stream of replacement slightly updated HifinMan models making the previous ones obsolete did give me pause. They were pretty much everything I disliked in brand, but took a $100 punt anyway.

                  OTOH, I have owned five pair of decent Sennheisers and regret none of them (even though I did end up selling the 800 S too much treble but otherwise very impressive). Sennheiser has more reliable build quality, customer support, and model longevity, even if they are not whizz-bang FOTM headphones that get covered in ASR or HeadFi jizz.

                  The only headphones I wish I'd tried before leaving the obsession would be ZMF.

                  I've heard a lot of reports about durability / material quality about HifiMan.. they are a bit of a left wing choice but certain audiophiles love them.

                  I'd say they are a very common choice, mainly amongst the budget sensitive, newer/younger crowed that looks at short term wow factor and places less emphasis on the long term ownership experience.

                  • G-rig on 13/04/2024 - 12:15

                    @rumblytangara:

                    I'd say they are a very common choice, mainly amongst the budget sensitive, newer/younger crowed that looks at short term wow factor and places less emphasis on the long term ownership experience.

                    Oh right, I haven't never delved into them at all really. Obviously they start off pretty cheap but was also talking about the real expensive models the planar-crew like. You'd want those ones to last if dropping a lot of coin.

                    I've always been a fan of Beyer's - great comfort and quality but some people chase a different sound.

                    • rumblytangara on 13/04/2024 - 12:20
                      +1

                      @G-rig: The older rep for Hifiman was so bad there was no way I was ever going to drop money on their more expensive products, with a higher expectation something would break and the company would tell me it was either my fault or a discontinued model. I just don't like supporting companies who I think are terrible.

                      My planars are Verums, they are amazing. I if were ever tempted to go high end planar, it would be Stax (which look comical). Not some half-arsed brand with possibly the worst track record in the industry for reliability and CS.

                  • jackspratt on 13/04/2024 - 12:26

                    @rumblytangara:

                    I'd say they are a very common choice, mainly amongst the budget sensitive, newer/younger crowed that looks at short term wow factor and places less emphasis on the long term ownership experience.

                    Dripping with condescension.

                    • mickeyjuiceman on 13/04/2024 - 14:12
                      -1

                      @jackspratt: If you're desperate to read it that way, s(h)ure.

                    • rumblytangara on 13/04/2024 - 15:24
                      +2

                      @jackspratt: That's a fair take. When I see so many overly enthusiastic posts from people with obviously little experience with equipment fan-girling over HifiMan and cheap amps on the one hand, and on the other the vast tracts of "my Hifimans stopped working what can I do" there is a certain conclusion to be drawn.

                      I don't see the same pattern when people talk about Sennheisers, Stax or ZMFs (the latter two definitely appeals to a different demographic that's generally older with deeper spending power).

                      I'll personally do moderately expensive gear from solid manufacturers, or I'll do cheap and cheerful and be fine if it breaks. I won't do moderately expensive from manufacturers who shit on their customers.

              • jackspratt on 13/04/2024 - 12:03

                @rumblytangara:

                in fact, I use a pair of BT Shokz or and old cheap Samson pair over the HifiMans

                Just like beauty, and value - a personal choice.

  • gazer on 11/04/2024 - 13:41
    +3

    Got the HD 599 in recent deal, now on the slippery slope and will probs try these with a cheap used magni 3 I picked up. Hopefully then I can arrest the fall and my wallet. Thanks OP

    • mickeyjuiceman on 11/04/2024 - 14:23
      +5

      "I can stop at any time"

      • gazer on 11/04/2024 - 14:39
        +3

        lol. Next some mid-fi planars. Then I’ll stop. He says.

      • Mr Fusi0n on 12/04/2024 - 09:24
        +1

        I feel this, I have about 15 pairs of headphones/earbuds

    • shabaka on 11/04/2024 - 15:16

      I am real happy with my HD599. use them a lot plugged into MBP. very detailed, open sound, happy as.
      the other set I have are Px7 S2e for commute / work kinda setup. exciting, engaging sound, great details, great (but not stellar) ANC
      for the times when I just want to plug my ears against noise and don't feel like wearing over the ears stuff, I have Samsung Buds FE - great ANC and sound quality is more than acceptable for the size

      I am not getting another pair any time soon

    • G-rig on 12/04/2024 - 09:29

      Yeah no point having too many similar pairs, good if they are different enough and for different listening locations/uses.

      Spend some money on a good amp/DAC, no doubt you have. I got rid of DT990 pro once I got the DT1990 pro, likewise ended up selling the DT880 pro to get 6xx, as it's quite different.

  • Frosty17 on 11/04/2024 - 13:58

    Have a pair- highly recommended. Super comfortable too, can wear them for hours on end.

  • ldd-mn on 11/04/2024 - 14:09

    These need a DAC yeah?

    • Koin on 11/04/2024 - 14:16
      +3

      DAC's are probably the lowest priority for sound quality vs source, headphone and amp. I use an Apple USB-C dongle for my Hifiman Sundara's and it does the job. Might be worth getting a headphone amp though if you're using it for PC or phone.

      • BillyG687 on 11/04/2024 - 15:05

        Normally, I'd agree with you. But these are 300ohm headphones, and require a lot of power to drive them and so typically a DAC is needed, not for the sound quality but just to be able to use these with any sort of reasonable volume.

        Most phones won't have the power to drive these.

        If you have a new Macbook Pro? No problem as they can support high impedance. I haven't kept up if any laptop makers have done the same for Windows.

        • rumblytangara on 11/04/2024 - 15:15
          +4

          Normally, I'd agree with you. But these are 300ohm headphones, and require a lot of power to drive them and so typically a DAC is needed, not for the sound quality but just to be able to use these with any sort of reasonable volume.

          Koin is correct, I think you've got your terminology mixed up. If you want to drive these, you use an amp rather than a DAC.

          I've run these with just a PC output and a fancy amp. Better with a fancy amp, but still better than most crappy headphones just out of a crappy, low power, noisy PC audio jack.

          • ldd-mn on 11/04/2024 - 17:34
            +1

            @rumblytangara: Ah yeah amp, that's what I was thinking of… I think?

            • rumblytangara on 11/04/2024 - 17:36
              +2

              @ldd-mn: Amp boosts power so that the diaphrams move to make sound. Amplifier.

              DAC just converts digital signals into (very weak) analog signal. Digital Analog Converter.

              Some devices combine both.

              • ldd-mn on 11/04/2024 - 18:29
                +1

                @rumblytangara: Thanks, that helps

                • BillyG687 on 11/04/2024 - 18:55

                  @ldd-mn: Ah yes, that's right. AMP not DAC.

                  But still, AMP is what is typically needed for these.

    • timmof on 11/04/2024 - 15:38
      +1

      I have these headphones and use a Topping Dx 3 pro +

      Works well.

  • mon4rkh on 11/04/2024 - 14:19

    I've seen the HD600 gone to around $350 before? Should I wait for those to be on sale instead of buying these? Not in a rush

    • mickeyjuiceman on 11/04/2024 - 14:24

      I wouldn't do that

      • mon4rkh on 11/04/2024 - 14:31

        Wouldn't wait? Why is that?

        • Spizz on 11/04/2024 - 15:07
          -2

          They are pretty much the same sound wise.

    • Gav on 11/04/2024 - 16:17
      +1

      They're a subtle alternative to the HD650, not the HD600, which is an altogether different beast (in a good way).

  • Bissy on 11/04/2024 - 14:55

    Can anyone recommend the best amps for the 6XX?

    • Froggi on 11/04/2024 - 15:05
      +3

      If you're not looking for an external amp and have one of these Apple devices, it should be able to power it:

      • iMac introduced in 2023
      • MacBook Air introduced in 2022 or later
      • MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later
      • Mac mini introduced in 2023
      • Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later
      • Mac Pro introduced in 2023

      https://support.apple.com/en-au/108351

      • idonotknowwhy on 11/04/2024 - 23:35

        +1 for this. Surprised me so much when I plugged my headphones into an Macbook M1 Max, and it sounds better than the dedicated DAC/AMP stack I had.

      • Bissy on 12/04/2024 - 10:57

        I heard new macs have great amps, but I still using a M1 macbook air. Gonna have to wait til it dies lol. Thanks for the suggestion.

    • rumblytangara on 11/04/2024 - 15:17
      +2

      How long is a piece of string? You need to give a budget, and some vague indication of whether you want to keep it cheap and cheerful Chinese (though personally I'd prefer a little amp from Schiit) or go some OTT audiophile route.

      • Bissy on 11/04/2024 - 15:40

        Budget would be around 300 max.

        • rumblytangara on 11/04/2024 - 15:47
          +1

          I'd just get a Schiit Magni or Vali and call it a day. I like the company- they don't do BS sales, the product line is stable, and somehow against all odds they manage to do the majority of their manufacture in the US. I don't know what they cost locally though.

          Or you can go the circlejerk AudioScienceWhateverForum route and start delving into flavour of the month Chinese amps (not sure what the favourites are these days, probably still some Topping model).

          • povogamer on 11/04/2024 - 18:45
            +2

            @rumblytangara: Isn’t Schiit overpriced here in Aus? They’re meant to be a budget dac/amp in the US except a Magni costs $250 aud here (compared to $120 usd) plus shipping

            • Gav on 11/04/2024 - 19:09

              @povogamer: Yes, few local options and the shipping cost from their website in the US is ridiculous.

              • Subere on 11/04/2024 - 20:50
                +1

                @Gav: Still ends up being cheaper than buying from Addicted to Audio though. But yeah, shipping from US for anything is almost always a deal breaker.

        • LurkMoar on 11/04/2024 - 17:33
          +1

          SMSL DL200

          The SMSLC200 is just a slightly older version and was on Amazon for 240 last week, currently sold out. You might need to wait for a sale but it's superior to everything else in that price range.

          The Quadelix 5k from drop will also power the headphones well, the app based EQ setting and community pre-sets are fantastic, it has a useable microphone and is end game portable. You won't be disappointed if you pick it up.

    • frondono on 11/04/2024 - 20:51

      I'd probably look at getting a topping if I was in the market. Something that can pump out 3 to 4w per channel so it's relatively future proof. there's heaps of good info on

      https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php

    • Bilbo Barggains on 12/04/2024 - 09:59

      I rate the ifi Zen DAC as a good budget DAC/Amp. Has a bass boost feature too which I thought was a gimmick but actually adds a little extra nice clean bass - which I hear the 6XX lacks.

      • G-rig on 12/04/2024 - 10:10

        Yeah I got the ifi zen Dac v1 (I've had for quite a few years when they were $199). Pairs well with THX 789 AAA amp and mostly/only suited to PC- as-source setup.

        If I was buying again I'd recommend the Topping dx3 pro+, more versatile and you'd gain a streamer, Bluetooth and remote, good if you want to plug in some speakers too (and move to other rooms etc). Probably bit better headphone output possibly too.

        The wiim Pro plus looks good too if you already have a headphone amp.

  • Lucille Bluth on 11/04/2024 - 15:10
    -2

    20APRIL

    Halving date.

    Also Hitler's birthday.

  • ransworld on 11/04/2024 - 16:47
    +1

    Thanks! I've been umming and ahing about getting the HD 600s while they were discounted… this is a much easier decision for someone who just wants to know what the 600 series sounds like.

    • Gav on 11/04/2024 - 19:10
      +1

      These are like the 650, not the 600. Google for difference.

      • ransworld on 11/04/2024 - 19:56
        +2

        By "600 series" I'm referring to all of the headphones based on the HD 600: the 650, 660S, 660S2 etc.
        I know the 6XX isn't identical to the 600, but it's in the same ballpark.

        • Gav on 12/04/2024 - 12:23
          +1

          Don't personally agree - the HD650 came out 6 years after the HD600 and has a different sound. I've owned both for many, many years (well, HD6XX instead of HD650). But in terms of design, sure. ;)

          • G-rig on 12/04/2024 - 12:35
            +1

            @Gav: Still splitting hairs I reckon, not that I've heard the 650. Just google the comparison, may be different enough for some people but I'd rather something completely different if getting two.

  • Hornpub on 11/04/2024 - 16:53
    +2

    Compare to sundara?

    • cactusjuice on 11/04/2024 - 18:40

      Following this thread.

    • gazer on 12/04/2024 - 11:09

      plenty of eg reddit threads on this. google away….

  • G-rig on 11/04/2024 - 17:29

    Bargain & recommend.

  • rob2018 on 11/04/2024 - 17:34
    +2

    Happy with my HD6xx
    I generally use mine when out and about, powered by FIIO BTR5 (balanced cable)
    Recently, I was considering Hifiman XS… I gave them a go and decided to stick with the HD6xx, with a small modification..
    I bought lambskin pads, they are a bit chunkier than the stock and IMHO much more comfortable, they also seemed to improve the sound experience (I think because the volume of space around my ears and the speakers has increased)..

    So, in short, excellent value to be had from HD6xx, I suggest changing the pads to your preference.

    • gazer on 12/04/2024 - 11:09

      how'd you find the fit/size of the XS - they need to revise the headband as many ppl seem have to have it close to slammed shut short, or not far off! Guessing low end without EQ and soundstage better on the XS?

      • rob2018 on 12/04/2024 - 16:05

        I liked the XS, but to be fair, I only tried for a few minutes.
        Sound was good, bit more top end vs my HD6xx … but, not enough of a difference to justify the spend.

  • LurkMoar on 11/04/2024 - 17:38
    +2

    Something to note if you do prefer headphones with bass, the 6xx is rather lacking in that department. Great open headphone, but if you love your drum and bass you might be served better with a different set of cans.

    • gazer on 12/04/2024 - 11:12

      Yup fair. Responds ok to some EQ though I think, if you can and are willing?

      • rob2018 on 12/04/2024 - 16:06

        Yep… a bit of EQ and different pads can help with the bass

  • MasonDelta on 11/04/2024 - 17:44

    Any audiophiles, How would these compare to Audeze Maxwell Planar Magnetic Headphones?
    Ignoring the large price difference. Just curious as the Maxwell are a benchmark I know.

    • gazer on 12/04/2024 - 11:06
      +1

      Different kettle of fish. These are open backs, Maxwells are closed. These are wired with no mic and likely require at least an amp, Maxwells are wired with a mic and have onboard DSP. Maxwell is really only the benchmark for wireless gaming headsets.

  • linfact on 11/04/2024 - 19:11

    Is it headphone suitable for big ears?

    • jackspratt on 12/04/2024 - 01:32
      +1

      Is that you, Noddy?

  • G-rig on 12/04/2024 - 07:44
    +1

    Seems like the best price for a long time (or ever) for these, not sure if all the deliberating is needed if you don't have something similar already! Countless other threads as well with all the same comments and questions.. Do it!

  • h0mbre on 12/04/2024 - 08:01
    +8

    I’ve owned all sorts of Sennys over the years but after getting married and having kids I had to switch to closed back headphones in the house.

    I’ve since relocated my office/workstation to outside the house and noticed I never used my headphones, even though they are good and were quite expensive.

    I decided to pick up a pair of second hand HD650’s and the only way to describe it is like coming home again after a long absence.

    Every time I sit down at the PC now my headphones go straight on, just like the old days. It’s been probably 4 years since this was the case.

    The HD6** range doesn’t wow you initially, they’re just reliable at what they do, non fatiguing and comfortable for most (wear out that clamping force a little lol).

    I power mine through a Topping DX7s.
    I have also done some minor EQ via Equalizer APO.
    I would’ve snapped up this deal if the timing was right.

    Audio is subjective so don’t get too carried away with what people say and perhaps try them first if you can.

    I’ve been in to audio since I was a kid but have always tried to remain impartial. Peoples ears like what they like and generally what they are used to. There shouldn’t be snobbery about it.

    I’ve always leant towards neutral cans and my favourites were always Sennheiser and AKG.

    Looking back at what I’ve owned over the years, it seems I have favoured neutral cans that respond well to minor EQ.

  • buyer-123 on 12/04/2024 - 09:42
    +2

    58X + oratory1990 EQ with EqualizerAPO is all I need 🤞

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