Headphones

From the day we first heard this headphone, we considered it amongst the world's very best reference cans. Obviously, the new 'flagship' Sennheiser HD800 is the king of the hill, and the Sennheiser HD650, AKG K702, the Denon AH-D7000, and maybe even the beyerdynamic DT880 for some, could be considered stronger headphones. But at a significantly lower price than the 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 Mp3 players and iPods, or as a general-use headphone for the TV or radio. For those applications you may want to perhaps check out the nicely efficient, lower impedance HD595 model. And for listeners who are die-hard audiophiles and want a headphone for a superior 'reference-grade' high-end system, the HD650 model provides some improvements in subtle ways that can be important for ultra high-performance stereo equipment [read: my CD player costs >$2500].

However, if you've got very healthy pro-consumer grade audio sources or even a quality "entry level" audiophile rig, these superb headphones will deliver extremely satisfying musical reproduction featuring a truly expansive dynamic range extension, precise timbral/tonal detail resolution, and a deeply layered soundstage image, along with huge bang-for-the-buck value in spades. The HD600 overall sonic signature is an authoritative full bass response balanced by focused mids and well-rendered but slightly 'laid-back' upper highs; It's perhaps not quite as buttery-sounding as the HD650 BUT with a bit more sonic punch compared to its upscale sophisticated big brother, this may be a marvelous headphone for energetic modern jazz and well-produced rock music. Naturally, at a very stiff 300-ohm impedance rating, a high-quality dedicated headphone amp is demanded for fully maximized audio performance and cleanly transparent musical clarity from the HD600.

Following closely in the same ergonomic design as the now-discontinued HD580 model, the HD600 features the same comfortable velour ear cups and headband pad but also 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 and 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 an approx 9.5ft long “Y-cord” configuration. It can be quite easily replaced by the owner with a highly-upgraded Cardas Audio aftermarket headphone cord with excellent audio improvement results, especially on reference audiophile sources. A 2-yr manufacturer's product warranty remains standard with all Sennheiser headphones.

Average Customer Rating:
(based on 10 reviews)

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Still a great one
by Headphone Fan from Greensboro, NC on 2010-01-16

Pros: Natural Sound, comfort
Cons: Best with upgraded cord
Would you recommend this product: Yes

Have had mine for years. They sound so good that when I listen to the 650 and 800s I am not hearing enough reason to upgrade. Very wide frequency response and very smooth presentation. They have traveled well and held up to it.
They do sound best with the Cardas upgrade cable over the stock cable. Also like to be driven by a good headphone amp.


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More neutral than the HD650
by VinnieVidi from NYC on 2010-01-29

Pros: Sound, comfort
Cons: Needs aftermarket cable to sound its best
Would you recommend this product: Yes

I though that the HD600 were far better than the darker sounding HD650. They sounded amazing straight out of a Rotel preamp as well as out of a Total AirHead.

The only problem I found with the HD600 is that the stock cable really hampers their true potential. I would recommend the Cardas cable or the Equinox... you won't be disappointed.

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After all the Headphones Ive Had, These are the ones to keep!
by donunus from Philippines on 2010-01-23

Pros: Unique Engaging yet non Fatiguing Sound.
Cons: Brittle Headband, Needs an amp to perform to its potential
Would you recommend this product: Yes

The HD600s are very beautiful, classy looking headphones that come in a nice looking black box for storage. The earpads, headband, drivers, and cables are all replaceable. There is also an abundance of aftermarket high end cables available for these cans if you ever decide to upgrade the ones that came with them.

Now how do these HD600s sound? In short, HD600s are neutral and detailed headphones without sounding clinical. The details are all there without shouting out at you like some other headphones with too many peaks in the frequency range. I'd like to say these are so neutral that they have no sound signature, but I'm sorry to say thats only a dream for us headphone hobbyists. No such headphone exists yet. What we have here is the Sennheiser house sound in its finest form. The sound signature tends to the warm and smooth side of things without losing any extension in the highs. The Midrange is superb and almost three dimensional especially when used with crossfeed. Listening to music on these cans is so much fun because they are so natural sounding. One of the complaints I always hear about sennheiser's top models are that they are veiled sounding. I know what people mean by those complaints because these cans could sound a little dull when not paired with the right equipment. I also noticed that hd600s like to be played at medium to loud levels to sound their best. All in all I can say that there is no other headphone I would rather own than hd600s if I were forced to choose only one pair to keep.

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Magical Sound in Ugly Marble Packaging
by Menisk from Canberra, Australia on 2010-01-15

Pros: Laid-back and balanced presentation, silky smooth, extremely comfortable
Cons: The marble finish leaves a lot to be desired
Would you recommend this product: Yes

The HD600s achieve something truly magical in the world of audio; an extremely emotive and musical presentation with no sacrifice of detail. They're also made to be extremely comfortable, you'll forget that you're wearing them a few moments after putting them on. Unfortunately Sennheiser achieved something pretty monstrous in the world of aesthetics, the marble finish leaves a lot to be desired. It's just easiest to remember that you don't have to see them when they're on your head.

The 600s present a laid-back and ever so slightly warm presentation that maintains beautiful musicality that absorbs you into the music. The bass is deep, well textured and full without flooding the lower midrange. The midrange is fluid and seductive when it needs to be, but can also be bone dry if the music requires it and the highs are extremely detailed but slightly laid-back and silky smooth which allows these headphones to maintain musicality and detail without shoving it down your throat. Everything is so well proportioned, no part of the music is emphasised or impedes on another which is quite a feat and something I haven't heard in other headphones such as the K701.

These headphones are forgiving of poorly recorded music to a degree, but they'll show the unnatural sound of some electronic music - and the awesomely natural sound of Vinyl - and certainly do much better with warmer and more mellow music or classical. However they certainly do the more mellow Red Hot Chili Peppers justice, however for the faster more aggressive rock you might want to find something else. Although these headphones are extremely dynamic and make music sound extremely large, aggressive rock needs a more forward high end and midrange to my ears.

In terms of amplification, without it these sound flat and lifeless. A few hundred dollar tube amplifier or solid state will both do the HD600s justice. Tubes make the midrange even more seductive and the highs a little more laid back while solid state has an extremely detailed sound that's still smooth.

The HD600s are perfect for anyone looking for something laid-back, balanced and comfortable as long as you can live with the less than perfect marble finish on them.

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Great bang for buck
by TM from Portland, OR on 2010-01-01

Pros: High resolution, great bandwidth, clarity, comfort
Cons: Large, somewhat fragile cord
Would you recommend this product: Yes

Owned 10 years, heard many imitators, extremely few that equal or better these cans. Excellent bang for the buck. Spend your money wisely and you'll be very happy. I have been. Downside is that like all large headphones you look like "Mickey Mouse" and the cable can be a little fragile. The good news is that they are very comfortable and the cable is literally plug and play, much more so than your computer.

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I love these headphones. No, really.
by Mic-B from Bozeman, MT on 2009-12-31

Pros: Comfortable, Awesome, Incredible, Better than your moms headphones
Cons: Audible outside of headset
Would you recommend this product: Yes

I have had these headphones going on a few years now. They are by far my favorites and I would recommend them to anyone in the market for headies in this price range.

Worth every penny IMHO.

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good session phone
by Doctor Detail from Northern New Jersey on 2010-02-03

Pros: comfort, detail
Cons: sensitivity
Would you recommend this product: Yes

Great for session listening...ear openings are large and the padding on top and for ears is plush and doesn't result in sweating. People around you will be able to hear your music (as is the case with open designs). Does require an amp to get full sound, as it's not super efficient. In addition, they are pretty big, so only enthusiasts would carry them with them for listening.

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Senn 600s
by babbkutz from New Jersey, the Garden State on 2010-01-15

Pros: better and better with age, easy replacement parts
Cons: original cord, replaced with the one from the 650s
Would you recommend this product: Yes

they just get better with age......wash out the ear pads in woolite or order new ones......the 'phones sound GREAT! (I think mine are 6 years old) Paired with an old Headroom MAX.

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Great
by treelogger from Los Gatos, CA on 2010-01-15

Pros: Clear, balanced, comfortable
Cons: Not noise tight
Would you recommend this product: Yes

I've owned the 600s for about 5 years now; at the time, they were the top of the Sennheiser line. They are currently on my head, which is typical for the office. I listen to classical (often orchestral, some piano and chamber), and some jazz. I love the 600s, because they are so clear, open and balanced. The clarity means that you can hear the empty space between instruments (string quartet for example), and hear the little nuances like the flute player breathing. The balance means that the bass (piano, organ, tuba) won't overpower the rest of the music, nor will piccolos and violins make your ears ring like a trip to the shooting range (or a bad rock concert). I think of them as a neutral instrument that reproduces what is on the CD, without coloring it. They are also very comfortable (for hours at a time). Mine have lasted through about 5 years of use 5 days a week; the pads look worn, but they work great. I've tried them with a borrowed balanced cable on a balanced amplifier, and that improves them, but is a bit too rich for office use.
The only drawback is: They don't shield noise at all. Now that I'm a 2-person office, my officemate can often tell me what I'm listening to. And I can (unfortunately) hear background noise.

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Incredible
by Saxu4euh from WDC on 2010-01-15

Pros: Huge incredible experience
Cons: Upgraded cable was a good investment
Would you recommend this product: Yes

I cannot imagine a better headphone experience. Directly into my Denon or my laptop with a Total Bit Head amp, these headphones are amazing.

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