Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone

All the very positive reviews cannot be wrong…. and they aren’t
My road to the Sennheiser HD 600’s has been a little long and filled with some interesting twists and turns that have, or so I hope, led me to a better understanding of what are a great set of headphones. Naturally it is very typical to wish to compare these to other headphones. After all, isn’t that how we so often make purchasing decisions? We try differing products until we find the one which works best/right for our needs. So my review is going to work on two fronts: a review of the product itself, and a review against some competitors I have acquired in the last year in my quest to find headphones that are right for me. And hopefully for you.Regarding the HD600’s themselves I have mostly nothing but excellent news to report. Personally, I like the way they look. The mottled black and blue coloring is different, but not garish in any way. The large and deep oval ear cups are precisely what one wants for an over-the-ear design. At 6’4″ I’m certainly sporting a larger head than the average male and fortunately for me my entire ears fit comfortably inside the ear cups. My ears do not touch the protective cloth over the drivers, but the outer edge of my ear does touch at places around the inside of the ear cup. This is a minor annoyance and goes unnoticed some of the time. Those of you more average of height and head size will likely never have this issue. The ear cups themselves are very comfortable, seal well to my head and do not get hot even after a good number of hours of use. This also means the head clamping force is perfect for me; I never feel like my head is being squeezed. Everything about the headphones seems to indicate they are well-made, but I cannot help but feel the plastic seems a bit thin. Maybe cheap even. They do not creak and nothing flexes, but it’s the only part which lets me down at all about the headphones.The included box, while awesome for storage, is clearly not oriented for travel. But I would argue these aren’t portable headphones meant for the on-the-go user. They do not fold up. The ear cups do not turn to lay flat. And considering the amplification needed to properly drive these, using a typical portable music player (your cell phone, iPod, etc.) isn’t ideal anyway.Now for what I consider to be the more important part of how I came to select the HD600: research and listening. Let’s first be clear about something… audio equipment is not unlike some other equipment markets in that you often spend exponentially more money for an item just to gain minor, incremental increases in some important criteria. To you speaker X sounds better than speaker Y, all other things being equal. It’s likely speaker X costs more. Most of the time it will cost more, but not all of the time. But how much more does it cost and how much more quality of sound are you receiving for that additional cost? It’s almost always a matter of diminishing returns… loads more money for a bit firmer bass or slightly clearer treble. But this is the nirvana for which we seek in audio equipment.Over the last year I purchased two other sets of headphones: Grado 80e and Sennheiser Momentum. Clearly the Grado’s at $100 are the least expensive with the Momentum jumping up markedly to $299, while the more recently acquired Sennheiser HD600 hit the $400 mark. Comparing my first two purchases, the 80e’s and Momentum’s, the differences were pretty straight-forwarded. To me the Grado’s sounded brighter with good bass and sligthly harsh mids (“smeared” is the word which came to mind as I compared them in listening tests at home). The Mometum’s sounded more laid back (not as bright) with great bass (that could be a bit smeared itself in the upper bass) and definitely superior mids (thinking men’s voices here – became painfully obvious will using a live track from Morrissey between the two headphones). And so it was I came to find myself using each pair for different purposes.The Grado 80e’s became my preferred can for classical music (a genre into which I am becoming more deeply involved of late) as I felt, for my personal preferences, the brighter qualities enhanced the instruments typical of classical music, while the bass was more than sufficient. But when I wanted to rock (or alternative as is more often the case) I broke out the Momentum’s. The accentuated, but not overblown bass, was quite welcome and I noticed less the laid back nature of the treble, especially as I used them more and more.But with the also recent purchase of some better home audio equipment (Marantz CD6005 CD player and a SoundEngine D1 DAC/Headphone amp for my computer – listening to ALAC encoded tracks) I found myself thinking both the Momentum and 80e were somehow lacking. That I wasn’t getting everything I could from my music via this better equipment.From all the research I had done previously I elected to spend the money and purchase the HD600. I don’t think I have found a single bad review out there in the Internet sphere. A few have thought them a little warm or laid back. But most every review hits upon how, and especially for the money, the HD600s hit all the right notes (sorry). Having had them burned in for 30-hours the listening tests began. I had considered this purchase principally for classical music. I really didn’t think I’d get more from them for rock/alternative than I was already getting from the Momentums and so it was the classical CDs came out and I plugged into the CD player. I also plugged in the Grados to the Marantz A/V receiver, direct mode engaged. Adjusting for volume as best I could (this is hardly scientific) I played a handful of very familiar tracks from very familiar CDs; swapping back and forth between the HD600s and Grado 80e.It too almost no time to hear the difference. I’ll concede that it’s sometimes difficult to put into words the differences heard, but I’ll try. The first thing I noticed were the violins. When a number of them are playing notes together the Grado’s sounded smeared compared to the HD600s. Not unlike a poorly created JPEG from a digital point-n-shoot versus a well-made JPEG from an original RAW processed via Adobe Lightroom. Details are are lost in the former, but the latter does a far superior job of keeping the detail even in the process of losing information. The HD600 left me feeling like I was actually sitting there in the room with the musicians. I’m not referring to placement of the instruments (the HD600 do a good job, but I’ve read reviews for other cans that do better), but simply how clear, precise, concise and live-sounding are the violins. Actually, it was true of all the stringed instruments. The resonance of the strings… their very clear nature… was a welcome and astonishing difference.Granted, the Grado’s are one-quarter the cost and I shouldn’t be surprised the HD600’s sounded better. Markedly better. And I didn’t have to listen long or hard to notice the differences. They are obvious; not subtle. That said, I can’t say I was every displeased with the Grado’s. It was only in comparison to the HD600’s that it became possible to hear and understand the Grado’s limitations.And like the stringed instruments, voices also became sharper, clearer, more focused. I had found what I was looking for regarding my classical music interests: a pair of headphones that while generally neutral (which some would consider to be ‘flat’ and flat has, I think, a negative connotation), are not at all boring or flat. I feel the music is more alive than ever in comparison to the Grado’s.So… I also broke out some rock and alternative music (the recently remastered Led Zeppelin discs, some Nine Inch Nails and Pet Shop Boys) to see what the HD600’s could do. Here I feared the Momentum would just kick butt thanks to the fuller bass, but I must say the HD600’s continued to impress. All the good things they brought to mid and higher frequencies (clarity, precision) were still present, but, surprisingly, the bass was rock solid as well. I may hate myself for saying it, but I think the bass was a bit better. The upper-bass bloat in the Momentum’s doesn’t appear on the HD600’s, which tends to make the lower-bass stand out more because they aren’t overwhelmed by the enhanced upper-bass. I’d still say the Momentum’s have more punch and who doesn’t like that when listening to rock or alternative, but I could find myself readily using the HD600’s just as often for The Smiths, The Cure, Skinny Puppy, etc. as I would the Momentum’s.And here I think I have found a most excellent trio of headphones. Finding one perfect pair of headphones for all needs and opportunities is probably impossible. But I think I have accidentally stumbled upon a most excellent hat trick of cans that meet my various needs. I like to listen to music when I’m on the go; I have needs for portability. And while not truly the most portable of headphones, the Grado’s for classical (and still quite reasonable for rock and alternative) and the Momentum’s for rock and alternative (I confess I don’t like them as much for classical as I do the Grado’s for rock and alternative), AND the HD600’s for more critical, at-home listening with audio equipment that has enough amplifier ooomph to properly push them.Add my name and voice to the long list of of folks who think, dollar for dollar, the Sennheiser HD600 are the best value in headphones out there.

Overview:The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones have completely transformed my listening experience. These headphones stand out as a benchmark for neutral sound quality, and after a week of use, I can confidently say they are worth every penny for anyone who values accurate sound reproduction.Audio Quality:The HD 600 delivers an exceptionally neutral sound signature, ideal for audiophiles and those looking for authentic audio. Unlike headphones with exaggerated bass or treble, these provide balanced and realistic sound. The midrange is where they truly shine: vocals, string instruments, and acoustic tracks come through with incredible detail. Listening to genres like classical, jazz, or even acoustic rock feels like being in a live studio session.I tested these headphones with albums such as “The Last Resort” by Trentemøller, “We Are the Night” by The Chemical Brothers, “OK Computer” by Radiohead, “The Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd, Symphony No. 7 (Shostakovich), and Mozart’s “Requiem” (edited by Beyer). The headphones excelled in every genre, revealing every detail, including recording imperfections or artifacts that were previously inaudible. While all music sounds superb, these headphones truly shine with vocal and classical music. The soundstage is wide, creating an immersive effect, and the imaging is precise, making it easy to pinpoint each instrument’s position in the mix.These headphones perform especially well with a good amplifier/DAC due to their 300-ohm impedance. Directly connecting them to a PC or another source without a preamp will not allow them to reach their full potential. I paired them with the S.M.S.L DL100, which allowed them to fully reveal their potential, providing excellent clarity and dynamic sound.Build Quality and Design:The build quality is solid yet understated. The lightweight plastic frame keeps them comfortable for long listening sessions, while the metal mesh earcups add durability and elegance. However, the design might feel less “premium” compared to higher-end models like the HD 800.Comfort:Comfort is an area where the HD 600 excels over most other models. The velour earpads are soft and breathable, preventing discomfort during extended use. That said, users with larger heads or thick hair might find the clamping force slightly strong at first, but this eases over time as the headband adjusts. Compared to my previous headphones, such as the Audio-Technica M50x, the HD 600 causes significantly less ear fatigue, even during long listening sessions.Who Are These For? – Audiophiles who prioritize sound accuracy over bass-heavy tuning. – Those who enjoy genres like classical, jazz, acoustic, and vocal-heavy music. – Users willing to invest in a good DAC/amp to unlock their full potential.If you prefer headphones with a bass emphasis or “fun” tuning, these might not be the best choice for you. However, for analytical listening, mixing, or simply enjoying music as the artist intended, these are near-perfect.Value:For their price, the HD 600 remains a gold standard in open-back headphones. While you can find cheaper options with decent sound quality, very few headphones in this range offer the same level of detail, balance, and longevity. Paired with the right setup, they can compete with much more expensive models.Final Thoughts:Would I recommend the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones? Absolutely. For anyone serious about sound quality, these headphones are a must-have. They’ve redefined how I listen to music and made me revisit my entire library with fresh ears. If you’re on the fence, know that this is an investment in audio that will last you for years to come.

These headphones made me cry. More on that later.They come in a sturdy wood-ish type box – not posh polished wood, but sturdy enough and covered with dark brown lining. The phones are nestled in protective grey foam, cut to the shape of the phones to keep them safe during transit. A manual accompanies them, although I just dived in and started listening.I love the sound of a piano so I had plenty of classical themed music to run through these 600s.First up was an old Naxos 1980s Beethoven Piano Concerto No.1 CD. Hmm. The sound was dull across the entire range. The playing is fantastic though and led me to buy the sheet music, which I never could play. To be fair it never sounded great through any headphones, but I was expecting some kind of magic.Let’s try something recorded more recently. Second up was Yundi Li’s “The Art of Yundi” (a fantastic collection of piano pieces – many new to me a few months ago). Flipping heck! What a difference a good recording/sound engineer makes! I heard nuances in individual notes I’d not heard before. I even heard accidentals/accent notes I’d not noticed before. The clarity from top to bottom was simply outstanding. Sparkling brilliance in the upper registers and warm dark sonorous tones lower down.My love of piano music led me to buy an electric piano, 15+ years ago now. It went “pop” a year or so ago and died on me. I was sad but kept it as it’s handy for my home theater speakers. When I’ve saved up I’ll buy another.Back to Yundi. Liszt’s Rigoletto was one of the pieces that was new to me. I must have played it 100 times on the train to work, using my mobile + headphones. It’s an addictive piece and I know it quite well now. Again there were notes/timbres/nuances that sprang into life, as though rescued from the cracks that lesser headphones would leave behind. It was like listening to a completely new recording. Rigoletto draws you in slowly, then makes you addicted with its clever ever complicating recapitulation, then exits the stadium with magnificent massive virtuoso chords crashing down the keyboard. And then silence. But there isn’t. For a few seconds through these headphones you can hear the soundboard and frame of the piano ring and undulate as the brilliance of Liszt, through Yundis fingers, evapourates into the ether. That little piece of magic made me cry. It made me look at my beloved piano, now senza voce, and want to play it. But I could not, ever again. It made me remember all the good times, the bad times, the frustrations, the rare accomplishments but most of all my love of sound itself. Welcome back, my friend.Let’s not get too emotive – it’s just a pair of headphones after all. However, music makes us emotional.Third up was Bachs Toccata & Fugue in D Minor. These phones pick up everything, including quirks of an old air powered Church organ. You could almost hear the beast breathing through its nostrils. At full pelt in the “fff” passages with every single bank of notes from foot to teeth being tormented these phones did struggle. The music got lost as if overwhelmed. To be fair it’s a cruel test as none of my headphones ever succeeded either. You have a huge Church organ pumping gallons of air to make those fat boy pipes play and expect a little piece of tech to replicate that? We need to be realistic in our expectations. However, the different registers/instruments the organ sounded were simply sublime through these. Really sweet.Fourth up was a new addiction of mine. Liszt Hungarian Rhapsodies. Played by the brilliant George Cziffra. Recorded in the early 1970s I didn’t expect much from this CD. In fact I was worried these ‘phones might highlight the fact microphones were not as sensitive then, tape noise, that kind of thing. Oh my – what a blast! Yet again I’m hearing those accidental notes (not really accidental – they are very brief deliberate embellishments and fiendishly difficult to play without whacking). Yet again I feel like my ears have been cleansed or I’m listening to a new digitally remastered release. Brilliant.These ‘phones give your ears exactly what’s on the plate. If it’s a poor recording then they won’t make it better. If it’s a good one then your ears, brain, body and soul will be overjoyed. Yep that’s the word. The music I have gave me joy. Now it’s joy++. Overjoyed.These initially feel tight to wear, but soon you realise you’ve gotten used to slack ill fitting headgear. They encompass the ear (unless you are Vulcan) and fit nicely against the head, instead of pressing into parts of the ear. I find them very comfortable. After a few minutes you forget you are wearing them.My first pair of “opens”. Highly recommended. Closed gives me that “sea shell” experience of hearing my own bloodstream or something. Plus my ears now remain cool, they weigh less and I feel part of the environment rather than in some sensory deprivation chamber. A huge plus when it comes to listening to a concerto where you want to be in the audience, not isolated.Having listened to much piano tonight I noticed sound engineers don’t follow any particular rule regarding left/right; some make you the listener – you are facing the piano being played so high notes come through the left ear and low notes through the right. Very disconcerting if you are a player. As the player you hear low through left and high through right. I’m not a player, but have tried and like to be “in the seat” when I’m doing air piano.Others seem to give a cross-fade which is even more disconcerting.For the wrong-way-round listener experience I found a fantastic tweak you can do to these HD 600s. If you absolutely want the player experience where low=down and high=up then make the following adjustments to these cans. Yes I know these are very expensive, but the modification is reversible:1. Take them off2. Put them on the wrong way roundImmediately you are transported from audience to player. As these phones are symmetrically flexible they feel just as comfortable either way around.Worth the money? If you’re going to do something, do it once and do it properly.With a frequency response of 12Hz-40500Hz it should cover most needs. Oh nearly forgot! So many questions out there about impedance. 32/80/300/600 Ohms. Will my X phones work in a Y thing? There’s lots of “info” about needing to buy a specialist headphone amp if > 32 ohms.These HD 600s are 300 ohms. I have them plugged into my Denon 4300 AVR. My CD is a Panasonic Blue Ray player. They are more than loud enough at 5/10. 3/10 would be my listening preference.These just tell it like it is to be fair. No magic. No pseudo science. Simple transparent acoustic honesty.No regrets at all.