Sennheiser HD600 & HD650, impressions. *** Pictures ***

[Dj_AmTraX]

A few weeks ago I did a unboxing of the Sennheiser HD600 and HD650. If you missed it, you can watch it here:

*** HD600 ***
YouTube - Sennheiser HD-600 Audiophile Headphones Unboxing

*** HD650 ***
YouTube - Sennheiser HD-650 Audiophile Headphones Unboxing

Today I am gonna give you my brief impressions of the two. The HD600 is a slightly older model compared to the HD650, but the exterior design is almost identical. The HD600's cable is slightly thinner than the HD650. In this comparison, I used a HD650 cable on the HD600 because it's a nicer/ticker cable. The amp used was a Lehmann Black Cube Linear (BCL). The BCL is very neutral and powerful so it's a great amp to do this comparison. Source is from my late 2010 Mac Mini and Amarra Mini sound engine to a PS Audio DAC Link III with Cullen Mod.

The sound from the HD600 & HD650 are very smooth. I found the HD600 to be more pleasant to listen to than the HD650. The highs, mids, and bass are all well balanced, more neutral than the HD650. The HD650 has a slight boost in warmth and mid bass. Some may find this to be a fuller sound, but IMO, the HD600's bass is more refined. Highs on the HD600 seems closer to the HD800's sound signature than the HD650. To give you an idea of what I mean, the HD650 is tubes and the HD600 is solid state. Overall, both headphones are very good sounding. I personally prefer the more neutral sound of the HD600. If you like the warm and cozy sound, the HD650 is your guy, but If you like the garbage in garbage out sound, the HD600 is it.

*** HD600 ***


*** HD650 ***


*** Setup ***

[jdandy]

Mike.......Thanks for the brief overview of the Sennheiser HD600 and HD650 headphones. I have enjoyed owning the HD580 and the now enjoy the HD600, powered by my HeadAmp Class A headphone amplifier. When the HD650's were released I carried my HD600's to the dealer for the audition, and was able to do just what you have done, a direct A/B comparison. I came to the same conclusion you just noted. The HD600 bass is richer and more full sounding, and the upper midrange is smoother than the HD650. I was prepared to purchase the HD650's, but walked away. I liked my HD600's more. I still have them, and still love them.

[Dj_AmTraX]

Yeah, the HD600 is very special. It's a steal at $285 delivered.

[Face]

Mike, how do these compare to the Grado Reference Headphones RS1i and AKG K550?

[HiFiGuy528]

Originally Posted by Face

Mike, how do these compare to the Grado Reference Headphones RS1i and AKG K550?

They are very very different sound signature. I don't know if it's fair to compare the two. I do like the K550 a lot.

[Face]

I like the K550 too, but would like a little more low end extension.

[HiFiGuy528]

Try the Denon D7000. It's got kick and slam and sounds Hi-Fi. Get it before its all gone. Denon has stopped making it.

[Face]

Thanks!

[miner]

With my C2300 pre I have a headphone jack. What would I gain by getting a separate headphone preamp? My cans are Grado GS1000i.

[djwhog]

Mike have you played them from a jack in a MCD 500 or 1100 cd player? Curious as to the quality?

Also on a side note I have read many reviews that the 650s need a better set of cables to open them up, once the better cables are installed they sound much much better, but then you are adding another 30+ or so incost, so $ per $ the 600 seems like a better buy.

thank you for the review too Mike!