Best Headphone Under $1000? Drop X Sennheiser 6XX

Drop X Sennheiser 6XX bit.ly/374ZAlt
Drop THX AAA One bit.ly/3rOWR7l
XDuoo MT-602 bit.ly/3pfA9DT (Ali Express Site - He sent it to me and it's a good outfit)
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[@eruilluvitar]

The 6XX is definitely one of my favorite headphones, especially on a tube amp. I give this review a solid 6xx/6xx.

[@aceofspades6667]

I'm primarily a headphone guy first then a 2 channel analog guy second.. appreciate you deviating the content a bit from your norm.

[@stevezeidman7224]

You keep topping yourself with your intros. Soviet letters openers. I almost spit my coffee. Great review. 14k subs and climbing.

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks, steve. I'm glad you liked that one.

[@mocomike01]

These are great, especially for the price... definitely not the best under $1000 though. At that budget you can get Anandas, Focal Elex, etc. Still great cans though.

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

I see your point for sure! but both the Anandas and Elex don't have the balane mid range lke the 6XX has.

[@JC-lk3oy]

Refurbished Aryas are just under $800 right now. A hell of a deal for those imo. The 6xx's are definitely a damn fine choice for the price though.

[@alansim1970]

I’m going to take your advice and binge listen to your playlist on Amazon music. Thank you!

[@iowaudioreviews]

I had a set of these with the Geshelli Labs Archel 2 Pro amp and Topping E30 DAC. Killer combo, loved listening to Jackson Browne's Running on Empty album on these. BUT since they're open back the wife hated them and me when using them so I'd have to go in the other room or down stars to enjoy them. I'm not a headphone user really so if Im gonna go down stars to my listening area I'd rather just listen on my stereo system. I can crank it up when ever down there and not bug anybody so I really don't have much use for head phones. Sold off all my headphone gear except the Koss KPH30i and KSC75 with a FX Audio DAC X6 around still and its plenty good for me when it comes to headphones. Awesome vid Randy!

[@tomhamilton6377]

Was fortunate enough to come across a set of hd600 in original packaging with a 20' custom hand terminated cable at one of the local value village stores for like $50 a couple years ago. They sound amazing and I do not feel any need to look for something better.

[@borisfred5010]

Thanks for this review, really like your style. Was just watching the Steve Guttenberg review of the Sony SSCS5 speakers and he mentioned you. You're going places Mr Cheap Audioman.

[@cheapaudioman]

wow. I didn't know that!

[@borisfred5010]

@@cheapaudioman And now I just saw the "a more serious chat" video with Steve :). Loved it! "Serious chats" and "Between two speakers" brings a nice balance.

[@donvittoriosierra]

I have been a senn hd6 series lover since the 1990s and I've seen a lot of reviews that go into detail about them (hd580/hd600/hd650/58x/6xx) but you made this review in a way that anyone can understand and as a 6xx owner can agree with pretty much everything you said about them. Overall my favorite headphones due to a great combination of just enough detail to keep me interested yet not too much in your face to get me fatigued. And yah like you said... those senn mids are the schizm aren't they :D

[@cnhhnc]

HD 600s and an affordable tube stage HP amp. Done! Sit back and enjoy the tunes. I'm sure the 6XXs are in that same ball park. Maybe a bit more bass? Mids on a set of 600s on tubes? Forget about it!

[@brochg]

Thanks for the awesome video! Once I’m home from the hospital, I’ll get in on this deal!

[@cheapaudioman]

get better, bro

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

I own a good old HD650 for years now, and sometimes wear it 8 hours listening. Never tires me. I once heard the Sennheiser HE1 which is somewhat more expensive. That almost made me cry...

[@crakkajakka15]

I had a pair of Grados back in the day and they ended up getting stolen and I thought those were the best ever. I got out of audio for a few years and was daily driving some superlux hd668b which btw you should review they are effing fantastic. I had these running through a Schitt Heresy and Modi combo and it rocks. I finally had some extra coin laying around and after a co worker swore by his 6xx’s I bought the bullet and got a pair. Wow these things are fantastic. I think your review is spot on. I have about 60 hours of listening on mine and they just keep getting better. Would deff recommend the HD 6xx’s to anyone. Also if you like cheap audio you got to get a pair of Superlux hd668b and get some brainwaves pads for them they are also amazing for like 40 bucks.

[@theodorezurla496]

This review is legendary 😂🔥

[@RebelViking912]

I may be late to the party on these but I just ordered me these. I got the PC38x and like them so much I decided to get these and step up my open back game.

[@treyhorn5645]

Great review. I've bought several pair of headphones Bluetooth and regular. Kind of weird how that works out for me my 10 yr old has them all lol. I don't care about the headphones she's not allowed to touch my iems though. That crazy guy with the cat talk to me into multiple inexpensive headphones that were actually really good.

[@cunningtim]

Very happy with mine. Excellent sound, but the comfort is simply outstanding.

[@cheapaudioman]

good to know. I really like them alot.

[@methylbenzodiazepine]

I love a good set of headphones. Yamaha is excellent. My favorite are a pair of vintage studio monitor headphones made by Denon in the year 2000. Model AH-D950

[@PhotoTerco]

Best headphones under "$250"

[@yuckysamson]

Great review; Apparently many opinions are now that the newly released 560s's are significantly better than the 6xx's making them a bit less relevant today. It might be worth doing a head-to-head on those or checking them out. Thanks again for the ongoing entertainment that can only be had from, The CHEAP....audioman.

[@IanRS63]

That's true. 560s is a great headphone for the price. Love mine.

[@suncani]

@@IanRS63 do you find your 560s to sound too bright? I am considering to buy myself a pair, but I am in doubt if i should shell out 200 Euros for plastic headphones that may sound too bright and sibilant? Thank you for your response. God bless. Sani

[@ReTr093]

I had both at the same time, 560s is definitely not "significantly better". It does some things better (staging, imaging, low end extension) while doing other things worse (detail, timbre).

[@slinkybandinky2775]

New subscriber here. I’m a boomer that is finally trying to really listen to the music I may have missed (any set up sounded great then- such as bookshelf speakers wired to my 8 track), because we were “wired.” 😎 I’m not an audiophile, just trying to learn how to put together a setup that I can listen to with headphones that need more power to shine. Maybe I waited too late, I don’t know, but I can tell the difference between my Phillips Fidelio X2 HR headphones and my Bose 35 ii. The Philips, without an amp (not sure it needs one), sound much better IMO. Is there hope for me? I’m looking at the Drop HD 6xx because it seems to get raves about the value. I know it needs a dac/amp combo on my desktop. Just not sure whether to get something capable of even more powerful headphones should I decide to get some in the future. Any suggestions? It seems everyone likes their setup.

[@welderfixer]

C.A.M. Thanks for telling us about those headphones. I would like to compare a pair of $200+ headphones to my $70 Audio Technica. There has to be a huge increase in sound quality even though I am very happy with mine.

[@ghawk78]

Randy, you should review the Grado sr80e's. 100 bucks. I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts.

[@JEEPM0N]

For the money I prefer the Koss KPH30. Super inexpensive, Super available, Super comfortable AND lightweight. Sound is excellent. I wish you could review these. Just wondering what your thoughts are. I did buy 3 pairs and replaced the ear pads on one set for cheap($12) with larger open ones and they sound better and are even more comfy. These are the only headphone you can wear for hours and hours. Thank you for the review

[@NeilBlanchard]

Randy - question for you about these headphones compared to either the Audio Technica ATH-R70x and/or the HiFiMan Sundara headphones. These are both more expensive, but all seem to be *approaching* the same sound balance?

[@nottheonlyjustin]

Have you done the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 pro? They have been hands down my favorite headphones so far.

[@collinwood60]

Randy, you’re scaring me with that knife! Are you going to use it to “cut the cord”? Goes well with your coffee cup. Nice cans.

[@offason]

AKG Y50 That's cheap audio Man!! Good too 👍

[@robertaksland1471]

I have tested my 6XX on several different equipment. Aune x1s, ifi Zendac v2, Rega Io, and Dragonfly Red. The winner is the Red, but only when it is connected to the high power USB port, marked with a battery symbol. The Red will take all the power it can get from the USB port, and the more powerful the port is, the better the Red will sound. Especially on 300 ohm headphones like the 6XX. This has to be the cheapest path to true high end sound. Truly amazing sound and just magical to hear every sound separated by a lot of room in the huge three-dimensional soundspace it creates.

[@frantotti9754]

Is it worth to upgrade from HD58x to 6XX ?

[@Sonofholhorse]

This video is the first place I have ever heard someone namedrop "Hastelloy C" outside of my industry. That's how I know CheapAudioMan is bringing the quality, and will never get eaten up by errant HCl!

[@cheapaudioman]

lmao. yeah or H2S

[@MrAyrit]

Found your channel through Steve. Been enjoying the videos. Bought a set of the Sony Bookshelves and the Fosi amp. More of a headphone guy myself, but also very value minded. I make videos as well, feel free to check them out if you’re interested. If you like the 650, try the 660s-I prefer them.

[@cheapaudioman]

Awesome, thank you! will do.

[@pedrotl6196]

Love HD6XX!! Curious about Xduuo mt602...

[@DavidSchroeter]

"Ivans" ... you crack me up, Randy. 🤣

[@aristomenisxv5213]

That's a great headphone but I like more the sonic presentation of the Sennheiser HD-58x for $150. For an out of this world price performance ratio try to get your hands on a Koss KPH30I, for the cost of $20 it's a no-brainer.

[@kentbergstrom3020]

I agree, 6XX (650) or Sundara and a DAC/AMP is the best you can buy for under $1000, it will be a end-game for 99%, which one you choose is a matter of taste.

[@stephenstevens6573]

I spent my career in scrap hi temp metals..how do you know inconels, and Hastelloys?

[@cheapaudioman]

I've been in manufacturing and materials since I started out my adult life in the navy and after that into manufacturing and different chemical requirements of different processes.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Very cool! Thanks for responding!

[@viorellunganu824]

Hi there.I need your help.I bought topping mx3 and I connected to uni-fi 2.o and when the volume go over 77 its disconnected from my bt source(phone) and the power on mx3 go off.Idk why?protection???.Thx anticipate

[@cheapaudioman]

that could be the problem. I'd contact topping and see if this is a common issue.

[@louiesipes2257]

Randy, got the S&M 2 Blu-ray yesterday, watching/listening now. 👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍 Don’t know what else to say, if you like Metallica you have to own this.

[@cheapaudioman]

Ha. I have the CD set, the Bluray, and the 4 piece vinyl set

[@louiesipes2257]

@@cheapaudioman Does the cd sound better than the Amazon Hd. Feed to your ears?

[@basabex]

What's in that cup really?

[@gw61]

What about sublime badfish?

[@treyhorn5645]

Have you ever run 3 pairs of speakers @ the same time ? My near field experience is just dumb. I'm literally sitting in headphones with power from the gods. Dual subs as well. I can listen at whisper volume and it is just amazing the same or I can Crank it up and it'll knock your head off. Cheap!!!

[@odwatchguy]

Thanks Randy really enjoyed the review. Just starting to get into headphones and I don't want to buy a bunch trying to get a good one. Sounds like you may have had a not so good experience with an entitled suburban housewife or two.

[@Dany_0_]

im waiting on the review of the Rai Solo's... I have a pair, i want to know if your hearing the same thing am hearing

[@cheapaudioman]

coming soon. I think I have enough time with them

[@marcsullivan7987]

Your grandkids are gonna have amazing IN ear headphone technology in the post-apocalyptic future

[@cheapaudioman]

that's all that's going to fit under their antique mark iv gas masks and hazmat suits

[@NeilBlanchard]

I guess I have been living under a rock! I know Sennheiser, but not this model. :-) Long term comfort? Those of us who do video meetings would like to know!

[@offason]

Me neither

[@cheapaudioman]

sorry, gents. no disrespect intended. I think they're comfortable long term. their headband design is great and the ear pads breath and are soft.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@cheapaudioman None taken! You did mention the space in the center of the headband. I think that velour ear pads are the best kind - the fake leather ones almost always lose their surface material, and getting replacements can be a royal pain.

[@AdrianAK6]

Look like you need a holiday Randy 🙂

[@heres_the_sauce]

Are these based on the hd600 or hd650? Edit: oops never mind you mentioned it at the end. Hd650

[@cheapaudioman]

650

[@bassman4632]

"an entitled suburban housewife" HA! Well put.

[@jmporkbob]

aka Karen

[@yuckysamson]

"letter openers".....genius. THAT--is your genius.

[@dungysphincter7974]

So much for cheap audio.... Depends who your talking to I guess. When people are looking for cheap audio...They look at price first, then they look for the best quality on the cheap. Most are looking for headphones in the $20 - $100 range. Don't misunderstand. Not saying that the Drop X sennheiser 6xx is not worth the asking price. The price performance ratio may be spot on, but there are better options that are cheaper for people looking for dirt cheap audio that is very good. Examples: Koss KPH30iK (under $30, Koss KSC75 (under $20). The highly praised Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone can be had for under $90 on Amazon. Now this is truly cheap audio that is fairly decent. I think the above items, or similar should have been mentioned as alternatives to people on really low budgets. More choice is always good. I do like your channel, and I like you as a presenter. I hope it continues to grow, and I will continue to support you. Your heart is in the right place. Just saying there are cheaper audio gear that is real good for the people that can't afford much .

[@jspiker5]

There seems to be plenty of other people reviewing the cheaper headphones.

[@stevezeidman7224]

It’s pretty relative. There are also $4k headphones. Compared to that these are cheap. He’s said his range is $600 down. This fills that slot.

[@slickfu]

I remember Tickle me Elmo and got the reference. I spit out my brown liquor Randy. Who's gonna pay for the dry cleaning?

[@jspiker5]

You should try the drop Hd 58x, They are a little cheaper, and some people like them more than the hd6xx.

[@cheapaudioman]

would love to

[@sting0072007]

I like open back dresses

[@kloug2006]

HD6XX are great, but the HD600 are even better. You can also be tempted by the Drop HD58X Jubilee but don't, they are not in the same league. Although they are not bad, they are very disappointing compared to HD6XX and HD600.

[@jeffkhan9563]

My man! Cobra kai and mandalorean are faantastic, my 6xx's just arrived in the post. Imagine binge watching/listening to those now those

[@cheapaudioman]

yeah. I would except my wife would kick me out of bed. both those shows through the pandas are pretty solid too.

[@offason]

I've lived under a rock for a long long time. I Love rock!

[@tgracchus1270]

The 6xx are good but not the best under $1k at least to my ears. I don't think they're even the best on Drop, my Beyer DT177x blew them away out of the box for $450. As a side note I'm not sure why the 58x exists anymore, the slightly extra bass isn't worth the trade off from detail the 6xx gives you.

[@darrensauceda8152]

I have a summer rock and a winter rock . And when I'm not at the other rock I know it's safe because my pet rock is guarding my rock.

[@jalsarrelevantchaos8817]

The HD6XX have a special magic for Metallica.

[@georgygasparyan5522]

Aight?

[@woodstock480]

Ivan's Soviet-era letter openers? 😄 One note re: ear pads is that every reviewer out there, as well as the "experts" on the forums, all seem to be in agreement to ONLY use Sennheiser branded pads, as all others change the sound--and not for the better.

[@cheapaudioman]

I'm sure they know what they are talking about. I've never really gotten into the forums. It's a lot to read.

[@qupeter1224]

hd650 is a little bit better than 6xx, stock cable on 6xx isn’t great

[@aceofspades6667]

Open back > Closed back 99.99% of the time for headphones... Anybody who's listened to a dozen or so headphones know this to be true. Verite Closed, Stellia, LCD closed, Aeon Closen are all great but better can be had in the open back equivalent for much lower $.

[@cheapaudioman]

I agree. but the concept of open back headphones is an audiophile thing. Most people don't even know open back headphones exist outside of our world.

[@lesmatthews459]

I'm the "cheap audio listener". I got mine in a case of Budweiser for free!!

[@Pujabie]

i really don't get it. the 6xx is by far my least favorite headphone i have. I got he 4xx, tyger 300r, dt 990 pro 250 ohm

[@pliedtka]

I have dt 880-600 and I can hardly stand them without EQ. HD6xx while are soft sounding, they're something I can listen for almost all day

[@breedluv1]

alright? k.

[@marcsullivan7987]

But is Sublime sublime?

[@cheapaudioman]

they have a few songs. actually saw them play in park city, utah

[@marcsullivan7987]

@@cheapaudioman I’m not a big fan. They’re ok in selected small doses. I had to learn a few for covers too. They’ve got a cover of The Dead’s Scarlet Begonias over the funky drummer loop. I was punning over your use of the superlative “sublime”. Punning sucks; I should know better

[@marcsullivan7987]

Randy Check out Brian Bromberg track Come Together or Star Spangled Banner from the album, Wood. Solo acoustic bass tracks I’ve always found well-recorded upright great for featuring the whole range of Sonics from bass to transient highs

[@tsonaqua]

Looking for a recommendation on 'closed-back' headphones if anyone's got one. Budget minded.

[@jarekharmening8993]

ATH-M40X for 99 bucks. Incredible sound. If you like vocals they are really finessed well.

[@cheapaudioman]

DMS swears by the AKG K361's at 100 if they're in stock. amzn.to/3b3UOpt

[@cheapaudioman]

I love the M50's too and many prefer the m40's so great rec

[@wardprocter2371]

Check out the MASSDROP X MEZE 99 NOIR. One of my favourites.

[@tsonaqua]

@@jarekharmening8993 Have added to the consider list.

[@arthurhaywood2184]

Your video title is reaching way too high. While the 6XX are in contention for offering the best value, they are most definitely NOT the best headphones under $1K. They're not even the best headphones that Drop offers under $1K!

[@STF_YVR]

The 6XX are far from being the best headphones under a $1000 on their own … the 660S perform better, the 58X offer better value, the DT1990 have better detail retrieval, you can even get the Focal Clear for less than 1000$ these days… however pair the 6XX with an entry level DAC / Amp combo like the iFi Zen or Zen Signature stacks (the 6XX needs quite a bit of current to perform at its best) and you have a full system under a 1000$ that’s hard to beat.

[@PetraOlah]

I do live under a rock!

[@PetraOlah]

The earpads are made of velour like Josh Valour 😂

[@aworminmybook8234]

wifey and daughter say no open backs :(

[@cheapaudioman]

mine too

[@laylaandevan2680]

First!

[@popnimpop5278]

They are just a low detail headphone with bottom tier imaging and sound stage along with some of the worst bass roll off. They are overhyped and not worth the money

[@cheapaudioman]

cheers

[@huckfin1100]

I paid over $100 for a pair of Sennheiser and they are total crap