Sennheiser HD 600

From the day we first heard this headphone, we considered it amongst the world’s very best. It has now perhaps relinquished its lofty position to the Sennheiser HD650, AKG K701, and maybe even the beyerdynamic DT880 for some, but at 20% less than the 'flagship' HD650 for truly world-class audio performance, it remains a very awesome value-loaded reference headphone. This is probably a bit more headphone than you need if using it with portable players or as a general-use headphone for around the home or office; for those applications you may want to perhaps check out the nicely efficient, low-impedance HD595 model. And for listeners who are die-hard audiophiles and want a headphone for a superior 'reference-grade' high-end system, the upscale HD650 model provides substantial improvement in ways that are important for ultra high-performance stereo equipment [read: my CD player costs >$2500...] However, if you’ve got a very healthy quality consumer-grade system or even an "entry level" audiophile system, these killer headphones will deliver very satisfying audio quality, a truly expansive dynamic range, musically accurate sonic performance, and huge value in spades. The HD600 sonic signature is a beefy bass response balanced by focused mids and well-detailed, somewhat 'laid-back' highs; It's not quite as seamlessly smooth as the HD650 BUT with a bit more overall sonic punch compared to its very sophisticated big brother, this may be a superb headphone choice for modern jazz and well-produced rock music. Naturally, at a very stiff 300-ohm impedance rating, some type of high-quality dedicated headphone amp is needed for maximized audio performance from the HD600.

Following closely in the same ergonomic design as the now-discontinued HD580 model, the HD600 has the same comfortable velour ear cups and headband pad but now incorporates a carbon fiber headband and bails with sturdier metal mesh grilles. The result is less spurious mechanical vibration in the headphone giving a clearer & slightly more articulate sound. Drivers in these headphones are very finely matched at the Sennheiser factory to ensure reliably well-balanced audio imaging. A nice plus, the HD600 has a handy user-detachable HD600 headphone cable which is 9.5ft long “Y” configuration. It can be quite easily replaced by the consumer with highly-upgraded Cardas Audio aftermarket cord with truly excellent audio improvement results, especially on high-end audiophile stereo systems. A 2-yr manufacturer's product warranty remains standard with all Sennheiser headphones.