Sennheiser HD650/6XX vs HD600 (Review and Comparison)

[@Joaonunokendall]

Yesterday I made an audition of this two headphones.Switching back and forward with three cd's representing three different musical styles and I came to the conclusion that the HD600 is more balanced, more neutral, open sounding, more resolution, transparency, etc.In the perspective of a sound technician or musician who wants to mix, in my opinion, the HD600 is the best tool.With the HD 600 you can hear the voice, the bass, bass drum, snare, cymbals, almost everything with more detail and definition.It has the correct bass, mids and highs for my taste and are a great audiophile headphones at the same time.The 6xx/650 are excellent but the slight increase of bass in the low middle zone that makes them warm and soft, somewhat cancels out the mids and trebles that make the HD600 shine.I love the two for different reasons but at the end I bought the 600.Thank you four very good work here :)

[@chuckolatte600]

Well spoken IMO

[@Farpun]

9:50 sound

[@chuckolatte600]

Lol thanks for adding that timestamp

[@HenryTheBoilermaker3rdYear]

GOD BLESS YOU!

[@ownedbymykitty270]

Thank you ! All that rambling went on forever! Geez people... try to keep your videos under 10 min.

[@ArtyI]

@@ownedbymykitty270 nobody is forcing you to watch. Longer videos let people express themselves better. Write a story in 60 words and then try to write it to have the same impact in 10

[@zawacchi]

Thank you for your truly in-depth comparison. This video was ultimately my reasoning for getting the 600 over the 650/6XX and I was blown away by the balanced sound. My first pair of headphones was the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x which I received as a graduation gift from my parents, and while they served me for over 5 years, I ultimately purchased the 600 about a year ago as my first foray into the world of open-back headphones. The M50x served me all through my college years studying music production and I’m glad to have had the chance to listen to them, but I’ve since learned so much more about audio and have become much more interested in the audio scene. I now mainly use these and a pair of original Stax SR-Lambdas (a gift from my grandfather) as my daily drivers, but I’m saving up to get the Audeze LCD-X next. Looking forward to more awesome content going forward!!

[@Grimior00]

I have a pair of Sens HD 598's I got a few years ago that I absolutely love and still use. I have HD 6XX arriving tomorrow and can't wait to A/B my Head Phones. Great Review!

[@mohammedyassermsire216]

so what do you prefer?

[@Grimior00]

@@mohammedyassermsire216 I like the 6xx best. The 598's are great too. I find the 6xx a bit more detailed, and they 598's more open and airy with a bit better sound staging

[@intoitreviews]

6xx, balanced, with fenestrated dekoni pads through a thx 789 or loxjie p20 is... soo, soo, good- solves the seinheisser veil... and out performs the 600 for specialness, imho...but the 600 is flatter/more neutral (albeit with more rolled off bass) and works better on more systems... kinda my take aways.

[@ReTr093]

Dude what are you talking about, Dekoni pads completely destroy the sound signature of the 600/650/6XX. I hope no one went for this mod based on your comment.

[@camerabuff8655]

I stopped watching at "Let's begin with the packaging."

[@Itsallgoodtogo]

LIteraly went straight to the comments to see if anyone gave use a Timecode to skip it.

[@robertnoblitt518]

Very interesting comparison that suggests how Massdrop achieves their prices and indicates that Massdrop versions of products may not perform as well as the originals. I had a Sennheiser HD600 for several years, but gave it away after I bought a Sony MDR-1AM2 headphone, which is similarly priced. The Sony was a big upgrade in sound quality, with much better warmth, clarity, transparency and detail. It is particularly wonderful with male and female vocals.

[@chuckolatte600]

Hmm...I gotta take a look at those at some point soon lol

[@mistersurrealist]

Sorry, but that's bull. The HD 6XX is manufactured by Sennheiser themselves (not Drop), at the same factory/assembly line as the HD 650. They have the exact SAME drivers and construction materials, the ONLY difference being the color and finish of the plastic frame. That's confirmed by Sennheiser, so any perceived difference in sound is completely in your head.

[@borispradel1037]

I’ve had many headphones but I always return to the HD600. I think they’re the reference for many audio enthusiasts. They were the ones to beat. I now have the HD660s and they’re very good on their own. They’re more like modern sounding, more soundstage, but I still prefer the HD600 for acoustic, jazz, orchestral, classical music. The HD 660s are like the fun version of the HD600, with more prominent bass and highs and faster response for modern and electronic music. I think HD660s are complementary and not an upgrade. I enjoy them both, but if I had to keep one it would the HD600. I skipped the HD650 only because they were too similar to the HD600 but they didn’t offer the same detailed experience. Don’t spend 200 on the HD6XX you’ll end up buying the 600 anyway. There’s no replacement for them BTW, I currently use the balanced cable that comes with the HD660s with my HD600 and they sound even better.

[@chuckolatte600]

Interesting

[@turbomustang84]

I won't knock you for stating an opinion but the cable on the 600 is crap and I have the 580 , 580 jubilee , 600 , 650 , 6XX , 58X , and the 660s and yes I know I have a problem .... The 580 and the 600 have the exact same driver and neither have nuch bass but the 6XX and the 650 have a boost in bass and more forward vocals and are my favorites most of the time but if you want better soundstage , imaging plus the best bass in the series then the 58X gives that at a bargain basement price . The 660s is great imaging and soundstage but does not scale as well as the 580 , 600 and 650 .

[@woundedaudiophile1218]

Robbie, where does the 580 jubilee fall into this mix? read somewhere that's it's the same as the 600.

[@TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

@@woundedaudiophile1218 according to this rating site, in terms of imaging it got 9.0 which is one of the top scores on there but fell flat with 6.8 on soundstage. www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/table/15367 on the right side, check off "over ear"

[@ProjectLabz]

What do you think of the 6xx ?

[@Tripokaridos22]

Sennheiser has NEW HD650 and NEW HD600 series with updated Plastics and some tune in the same drivers . You can see that you have the NEW 2019 HD650 and HD600 series by the headband Sennheiser LOGO and better quality plastics.

[@midisong]

I have both the new generation HD 600s and the old generation HD 600 with the fake marble headband. I find the original sounds better than the new generation HD 600. I also find that the old gen is a far better build. It’s too bad that everything nowadays is made cheaper. Thank you for your comparison it really helped.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

there's a new 2019 HD600 (new color black)

[@ozymandias7940]

I have a pair of Genuine HD650's that are 15yrs old. Compare them to brand new Genuine HD650's and there's a noticeable difference. Now, whether they (Sennheiser) are using cheaper components nowadays, I don't know. Older is better.

[@HiFiMaan]

Good review but I'm worry about that 6XX cann't be compared to HD650 as was made from different materials and there are some opinions they sound also a bit different. I have HD600 and HD650 and I will keep them both. For critical listening with more details HD600 for more relaxed listening music for just music HD650.

[@mistersurrealist]

The 6XXs are manufactured by Sennheiser at the same factory as the 650s, using the SAME drivers and materials. The only difference is color/finish of the plastic frame. They're the SAME headphones and this is confirmed by Sennheiser themselves.

[@laowai2000]

Review still relevant in 2024. Have a 2nd hand pair of 6xx in the mail for around $125. Look forward to making comparing to my current HD560s!

[@digitalblunt]

What's your verdict?

[@laowai2000]

@@digitalblunt Much prefer the 6xx. Definite step up from HD560s. If someone was making choice between new HD560s or 2nd hand HD650 or 6xx would recommend going the 2nd hand 6xx all day long. Very pleased.

[@digitalblunt]

@@laowai2000 Great, thanks!

[@jeofthevirtuoussand]

I prefer the look of the 6xx , I like the fact it is a blue color instead of generic black, I would also have loved midnight blue pads for the 6xx For the 600 the grills should be chrome Or iron color

[@heres_the_sauce]

13:39 it sounds like the thicker cable might have more resistance. That would cause treble fall off unless you volume match.

[@jonharvey6295]

but isn't wire diameter inversely proportional to resistance

[@donvittoriosierra]

Don't worry about what you think about the cable differences being imaginary... I heard the same thing between these two cables as well when I swapped with 600s and 650s before. Those weren't the short 6xx cables, the ones I compared were the long 650 wires vs 600s... still same difference. 650 cables thicker and less sparkly sounding than the slightly leaner and sparklier sounding 600 cables. What I wonder now is whether they use the same internal wires on the latest Romanian hd600 cables.

[@practicalguy973]

I just did like you. Ordered both the HD600 and the HD650. I will decide over a week and return the one I done like. I want to like the newer design but there is something cheaper maybe about the newer designs. If you look at the HD660S is 150 ohm and comes with a $200 balance cable and the unbalanced cable. The HD650 is nearly the same price but is 300 ohm and no balance cable. Seems like the newest and top model might be a cheaper headphone. The fact I hear many people talk of the bass as more blended and thicker making the treble veiled on the HD650 leads me to believe that the HD600 will be more accurate with more perceived extension. I tend to like flat or maybe even a couple DB of warmth so the only way is to hear them both for my taste! I really liked your description of the sound.

[@rawrpancakes]

which did you choose?

[@practicalguy973]

@@rawrpancakes The HD650 never happened. It was back ordered and I cancel the order eventually. I bought the HD600 on an awesome Amazon warehouse deal and saved some money. I kept it for 2 weeks and returned to Amazon! I liked the clean detailed bass and midrange but the treble was veiled and lacking detail for me. I was really angry that the balanced cable is $200 and I wanted to try the balanced connection on my amp but an additional $200 for what appears to be nothing special is unacceptable. The other option was ordering a 3rd party balanced cable a little cheaper and waiting for it from China but I am just moving on. I'm using Fostex T50RP MK3 but heavily modded as my daily drivers right now. I'm still not happy with them and want a high end headphone I like.

[@ryszardmazurkiewicz5048]

Why they don't givethatnice box for Hd 66S2 i by those fr my daughter and they are super sound

[@jwest88]

I ordered the 6XX but the shipping date was 3 or 4 months from when I joined the drop; so I though that I'd get the 600s on amazon and then when the 6XXs arrived I'd listen to them both and sell one of them. Fast forward to 3 months later and I still have both. I really need to sell one of them, I've just been lazy about it. I'm thinking of keeping the 600s because they seem to have more distinct instrument separation (but they also are more fatiguing to my ears). I think I want to sell the 6XXs and get some 4XXs.(I had HE400Is but the plastic yoke broke within a few weeks, the 4XX fixes that flaw) I feel like one will be better at some things than the other; the 600s I feel are better for classical music or any music where you want to hear all the details as they are supposed to sound. The 6XXs may be better for long periods of daily listening and maybe vocal focused music. I have the Topping A30 and Topping D30 as my audio setup. If I listened to hours and hours every day I would maybe go with the 6XX due to the fatigue my ears feel with the 600s; but I don't listen for that long typically so I'll probably go for the 600s. I'm not looking forward either way to sellers fees because I don't have a regular seller account on amazon or ebay. Maybe a trade for 4XXs would be a better way to go if I can do something like that. I really don't know, I should probably just not buy more headphones. I have phillips SHO95000S and Audio Technica M40Xs(mostly kept in the car to use in stores that play music in the overheads) so I don't think I need another set but the 400Is were my first higher end cans and I kind of want to revisit them but with better build quality since I didn't get to hold on to them for long. Decisions decisions.....

[@chuckolatte600]

In your situation, I'd recommend the 600 over the 6XX. You get used to that slightly more fatiguing sound, trust me. I've been using mine since this video and I rarely hear that sharpness anymore! Also, I've heard some real horror stories from 4XX buyers about build quality. Beware of these dangers!

[@wintime456]

Jonathan, I have the HE-400 that I paid $399 a few years ago. I only used them about 40 hours and they have been sitting in the box ever since. I would love to trade them to you for the Senn 6xx. Let me know what you think.

[@chuckolatte600]

Oh sorry man, I sold my 6xx a long time ago lol

[@trybeingakr]

@@chuckolatte600 When I heard people say 600 is revealing and is hurtful with low quality gear or music I always thought they were bluffing. When I got by 600, I thought it was a little treble hot and annoying. Fast forward a couple of years, once I upgraded a lot of my equipment the 600 sounds absolutely gorgeous (relative to my recently dead 6XX). I'm sure the change I'm hearing is because of better gear (and not being used to 600) since if I go back to bad gear I can't listen to 600 since it reveals unevenness in highs

[@chuckolatte600]

@@trybeingakr Totally agree with that. Same thing happened to me. I think it's just a matter of letting the drivers burn in for a long while.

[@Johnjay82]

Î love what you say about the packages. Spot on! Great Review

[@Johnjay82]

I forgot: Longtime fan of the HD650. Was my first good headphone years ago. Spend faaaaar too much since then. But now I´m back to HD58X, AKG K501 and Denon D2000. Much cheaper than Beyerdynamic T1, HD800, Stax SR303, Audeze LCD2 and Hifiman HE-5LE. :D But I still love the sound.

[@chuckolatte600]

A headphone for the ages, for sure lol

[@khajitt]

12:48 That's because cable does make a difference in sound. I've tried swapping cables before it really changes the sound, some more drastically than the other. However whether it's better or not it depends on your personal taste, and sometimes they almost have no difference at all, this is the point where people call out high end super expensive cable a snake oil, they said it has no difference in sound.

[@partnersincraft1889]

It’s a different flavor, it’s subjective.

[@mikecoshan3752]

I’ve just bought another hd600 to replace the ones that died 2 years ago, I’m currently listening though a pair of Sennheiser momentum 2 in ear. Can you please tell me what budget amp you’d recommend to use as my iPad Pro 2nd gen (with headphone socket is my main music source. My budget is only £50 U.K. which I think is about. $70

[@chuckolatte600]

I've heard good things about the FX audio DAC-X6. But I would rather continue to save until I could afford something like a Magni 3 and Modi 3 combo instead. Will be tremendously better and will power anything you throw at it. You wouldn't NEED anything better than that.

[@cavebeastdemon3631]

I can't agree or disagree but what you are saying makes sense to me but I know sound quality can be subjective.

[@peteypablo2081]

Nice video, thinking about getting my first cans of Sennheiser. Quick question. Im a newbie. You mentioned using the 4inch jack for your setup. What is it? Headphone jack on speakers? Keep it up!

[@chuckolatte600]

I think I referred to the 6.3mm plug. Basically, use it on the HD600, but use 4-pin XLR with the HD650

[@PartySpock]

They also sound good on the Technics Integrated Amp SU X 120. (1994) thank you .nice video 0

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

They probly feel bigger because the 600 has bigger thicker padding compared to the 6XX Compared to the 6xx has more spread out like patting I am here to listen to you ramble and ramble and ramble on

[@mingkee27]

6XX has better sensitivity There's NO possibility to play 600 with smartphone; 6XX has better chance (though 58x is more smartphone friendly)

[@boomboxmachine]

Great vid. I was between the 600 and thr 6xx and I just ordered a brand new 600's. Now, the long wait....

[@chuckolatte600]

I guess that means you didn't order through Amazon...? Either way, you'll greatly enjoy them!

[@boomboxmachine]

chuckolatte No, I buy it in ebay..

[@IntuitiveReview]

great review and insight, thanks!

[@Ans12237]

600s 'cause I do like a good slap :3

[@chuckolatte600]

Ooh

[@johnadona3014]

the HD 6xx are my first headphone thats quality. What amp should i get for them?

[@chuckolatte600]

Depends on your budget. I recommend the 6XX through balanced best, so I'd recommend a balanced amp. But if you need to stay budget, then pair it with a brighter amp like the magni 3 from Schiit

[@johnadona3014]

What bout the 02 amp/dac from massdrop?@@chuckolatte600

[@johnadona3014]

what about the 02 AMP?@@chuckolatte600

[@chuckolatte600]

It's very decent, but that's as low as you should go. You will definitely notice the improvements when upgrading your amp.@@johnadona3014

[@johnadona3014]

Yeah i just recieved my 6xx, i been listening to them on my phone and laptop. These need a amp to driven properly. I can tell. The sound quality isnt that good@@chuckolatte600

[@beornthebear.8220]

Are these both the same impedance?

[@LexLutha]

Can you replace the headband in the HD650s to reduce clamp force? Do they offer one that isn’t so strong?

[@chuckolatte600]

I don't think so. However, they loosen up after about a month of usage. I'd suggest using the book method or just wearing them through the pain for that first month.

[@RobertMartinezPhoto]

Do a Google search for how to loosen headband. I did that to my HD600's ... Here is one link on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3_bfGCErLiFa7c

[@sbkracer5543]

Thats not really fair tho , in canada the 6xx are half the price of the hd600

[@chuckolatte600]

Interesting. But at this point, it really depends on whether you want what's "better," or just "better for the money." If I couldn't drive the HD6XX balanced, I'd still spend on getting the HD600 because I just find them THAT perfect.

[@escogido7755]

Great reviews! The hd 6xx with the hd600's cable sound like a hd600?

[@chuckolatte600]

Not exactly, but closer to their FR. In other words, the stock cable that comes with the HD600 is partially responsible for the HD600's sound to my ears. I tried the HD600 with every other cable and they began sounding closer to the 6XX/650

[@christopherx1788]

@@chuckolatte600 the cable doesn't change the sound, though it can make you THINK that it does - bias is quite powerful.

[@chuckolatte600]

@@christopherx1788 I thought the same, and can agree with most other headphones. But in this case, the stock HD600 cable really does change the sound. It honestly does.

[@krypto_9872]

@@chuckolatte600 maybe the connectors are better

[@lambmaster]

The cables probably don't sound any different; likely placebo effect.

[@chuckolatte600]

Nope, I'll stand on this hill. They make the sound leaner and snappier on any HD6x0 HP

[@truthseekingtroll3575]

In your opinion if I buy the HD6XX is there any reason for me to buy the 600's?

[@chuckolatte600]

To keep both? No. To decide which of the two you prefer? Definitely. It really does make a difference, but not as if they were COMPLETELY different either

[@truthseekingtroll3575]

@@chuckolatte600 thanks a lot It's my first time buying a pair of high end audiophile headphones so i would like one with with the most detail and neutrality and the HD 600 is the one that I am buying.

[@chuckolatte600]

Doubt you'll regret it!@@truthseekingtroll3575

[@parisstromatias637]

@@truthseekingtroll3575 yes the right headphones if you want to listen to the studio master tapes plus all headphones need 500 to 700 hours run in and when you're financially ready you can buy a proper headphone amplifier like Creek audio or Rega or Nad or Cambridge Audio from 80 pounds to 200 pounds and you be in heaven

[@SarusukeTakatsuki]

Hello, Which one do you recommend for casual listening ? (Like just chilling with them on in my room) i Can have both at the same Price right now ^^ (220$) I'll be using them with either a fiio q1 or a Topping NX 4 And i enjoy listening to every genre of music but mainly rock metal pop and trap/hiphop I'll probably play video games and watch things with them too

[@chuckolatte600]

At the same price, I'd definitely jump on the HD600. The 6XX lacked dynamics and were a bit too dark for my tastes. If the HD600 didn't exist though, I'd just EQ the 6XX a bit.

[@SarusukeTakatsuki]

@@chuckolatte600 thanks a lot, what do you think about the HD 58x ? And will the HD600 work fine with the fiio q1 as a starting point ? (I also have an audio interface called m audio fast track c400, don't know if it would work as an AMP or can be combined somehow to the fiio) Also will it not be ''too cold'' to my ears as i heard ? i'm a beginner and i don't know much yet about sound signature and it will be my first open back headphones ^^ thank you!

[@SarusukeTakatsuki]

also btw what do you think about this customcans.co.uk/s/s/index.php/hd600-mass-loading-mod.html

[@chuckolatte600]

@@SarusukeTakatsuki I like the HD58X, but they're not as resolving as the HD600 or HD650/6XX (although they do have better bass extension lol). The HD600 should work find with mostly any DAC/amp, but they really scale as you upgrade your gear. If you're barely getting into the audiophile world, a lot of HPs are going to sound "cold" or "boring" to you since most consumer-grade HPs tend to be v-shaped (big bass, big treble). The HD600 are about as neutral as you can get (though with a little bit of warmth in the low-end).

[@chuckolatte600]

@@SarusukeTakatsuki If those Frequency Response measurements tell the truth, then I wouldn't do it. Doesn't really look like "bass extension," it looks more like "bass emphasis." I think the HD600 are pretty much at the sweet spot around that lower-bass to mid-bass area.

[@parisstromatias637]

Still sennheiser can't make headphones to beat their HD600 they are the only headphones that you can hear the studio recording as it is

[@chuckolatte600]

Regardless of how many more headphones I acquire throughout the years, my HD600 will always be bae to me

[@chriswatts2267]

Can't afford an amp but I have a fiio a3 would that do the job for the 650s for now?

[@chuckolatte600]

Barely, if at all. For now, just be satisfied as long as it gets the 6XX loud enough for your tastes. However, try to save money and upgrade to something better down the line.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

6XX $220 vs 600 $300, for $80 I prefer go for the 600

[@chuckolatte600]

SAME. That's what I did actually, haha

[@krypto_9872]

@@chuckolatte600 too bad Canucks can't get the same deals 😂 $400 usd here for a HD600. $235 to ship a HD6xx here.

[@jeofthevirtuoussand]

Prefer the box of 600 but for the look of the headphone ,i prefer the 6xx

[@m.rod6751]

Are the HD600 $299 NEW good for gaming ?

[@chuckolatte600]

For gaming? Not so much. For all-around usage, not the BEST value out there anymore. I'd pick up a pre-owned pair from someone for closer to $200-250

[@jeofthevirtuoussand]

Please hd 600 , give me that greedy controlled slap i deserve 😳... I know am a waste for the humankind 🤣

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

THE NEW 2019 600 are the new same that the olds 600s?

[@chuckolatte600]

According to some people, no. But I've yet to try them myself

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

@@chuckolatte600 no in a bad way? I mean the new design is totally black, but I'm talking about sound quality, not cosmetic design.

[@chuckolatte600]

@@JohnSmith-zl8rz Right. I've heard people say they're more veiled/not as good in the sound department. If that's true, grab an OG pair while you still have the chance...

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

@@chuckolatte600 ouch! damn! so I need an ugly OG! i hate that marbled design

[@chuckolatte600]

@@JohnSmith-zl8rz I've seen people customize them by stripping them apart, painting the pieces, then putting them back together...Maybe you could try that lol. Plus, they look black in darker lighting anyways

[@ABallesteros954]

what is the best best desktop setup dac for the 600 650 ?

[@chuckolatte600]

For the 600, a good SE or BAL amplifier will do. For the 650/6XX, PLEASE use them BAL only. SE is too warm and dark.

[@ABallesteros954]

@@chuckolatte600 not sure what one your talking about shoot me a model number or something google can work with :P

[@chuckolatte600]

@@ABallesteros954 For the HD600, pretty much any dac or amp on my channel will do the trick. For the 6XX, I recommend either the Aune X7S or the THX AAA 789 through the XLR connector.

[@ABallesteros954]

@@chuckolatte600 thank you

[@Hughkulele]

For audio engineering, which would you do and why?

[@chuckolatte600]

HD600 hands down. Better overall clarity and more accurate response.

[@Irisda1st]

You gotta do the 58X again without the foam covers!

[@chuckolatte600]

Man, if I could get my hands on those again I certainly would! Figured that wouldn't make much of a difference since it's on the distal parts of the headphone. Oh well...

[@dnalekaw4699]

@@chuckolatte600 it really doesn't make much difference

[@chuckolatte600]

Even so, wouldn't have hurt to try it out. Oh well...@@dnalekaw4699

[@RattWorld]

6xx is better by far

[@elfo2007]

And the sound?

[@danielcuellar6412]

Your voice makes me quiver

[@chuckolatte600]

I aim to please lol

[@chefgav1]

Sounds like God talking to you

[@jann.s3442]

Thank god, I'm not the only guy that thought that

[@tpacalypse]

Just get the Etymotic Er2xr and get over it :).

[@matteopiccioni196]

@ROMERO { 115 } oluvs says the E. Er4xr ..yes and he says that are better than the hd650.. absurd

[@muttineni03]

@@matteopiccioni196 imho iem can't beat full size headphones, whatsoever, they feel so closed up

[@matteopiccioni196]

@@muttineni03 you are true, because in headphones sound source is bigger ..but in terms of sound details,I think is not the same comparison(from what oluv say,I didn't hear music using etymotik)

[@muttineni03]

@@matteopiccioni196 I tried good enough IEMs which are around $600 but I sold them after trying 6xx, good headphones really open up even though soundstage ain't bigger and resolution was way better

[@i11umina]

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