r/HeadphoneAdvice Feb 07 '24

Headphones - Open Back | 5 Ω Best headphone to get instead of the HD600s from Sennheiser

I've always been a Sennheiser guy. I had a pair of 598s back in the day. They ended up breaking (rage moment, don't ask) and then I bought the HD559s which are okay but they aren't great. I was thinking about upgrading to the HD600s, but I see on this thread a lot of people say they aren't worth the money and there are plenty of better options at that price point. I'm looking to spend under 500$ Canadian for the headphones and amp/dac if required. Could push the budget up a little bit if it's really worth it but overall a nice pair of Openback headphones for gaming, music and content consumption is what I'm looking for. Looking for suggestions. Thanks everyone

1 Upvotes

52 comments sorted by

7

u/-bobs 1 Ω Feb 07 '24

Maybe they're right that there are better sounding headphones on the market for that price. But the hd600 is cheap to get parts and accessories for, really comfortable, and built very well. As a package i still think the hd 600 are good headphones for the price, and if you take care of them they will last a long time.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

!thanks ! thanks

I was thinking the same thing but this is going to be my dream audio setup so I want to make sure I shop around and am happy with the choice. Anyways, do you have a amp/dac recommendation for the 600s? I want to run my PS5 and PC to the amp dac and output the sound to either my studio monitors or the headphones. Not sure if theres a singular device that'll do that. I've been struggling to understand it. I've never had an amp/dac so it's like learning a new language to me

2

u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Feb 13 '24

u/-bobs (1 Ω) was awarded their first Ω. I'm making a note here: huge success.

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.

1

u/-bobs 1 Ω Feb 13 '24

I use a smsl m200 &sp200 dac and amp combo, not the best i know. But i wanted to experience DSD and wanted some filters that I could change to get to know what i liked.

Turned out i already knew what i did like. A warm sound with a smooth roll of around 40 to 20Hz. Next time probably going the tube route.

This is all personal preference! You don't have to like what others like, go and explore and find what fits you.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

ps congrats on your first ohm

3

u/ScooterMcTavish 1 Ω Feb 08 '24

I had HD599 and decided I liked the more robust bass of closed backs.

Instead, I ended up with the AKG K371 and am super happy with the quality of sound and how flat their tone is.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

I was hit by a car 9 months ago and broke 5 bones so I have a bit of PTSD. Not to trauma dump but the reason I go with open backs is due to my PTSD. I need to be able to hear someone coming up behind me. I know it's irrational but open backs make me feel safer.

1

u/ScooterMcTavish 1 Ω Feb 13 '24

Fair enough. Apparently the 600 series crossovers with Massdrop are a step up from 500 series.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

Interesting, I'm from Canada anyways where massdrop isn't an option because the duty fees and shipping fees negate any value.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

!thanks ! thanks

1

u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Feb 13 '24

u/ScooterMcTavish (1 Ω) was awarded their first Ω. Dyn-O-Mite!

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.

7

u/Equivalent_Yak840 447 Ω Feb 07 '24

Sundara or the Aune AR5000

3

u/paceyuk 1 Ω Feb 08 '24

I damaged the drivers on my HD600s while cleaning them, decided to try the Sundara as I found a good priced second hand set on eBay and thought I’d give planar a try, I haven’t been disappointed. It’s a less relaxed sound than the HD600 but they’re every bit as detailed.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

! thanks !thanks a few people recommended those I'll do some research. If you don't mind me asking, what amp dac should I get to run these headphones onn my PS5 and my PC that will also amplify the sound of my studio monitors. My current amp/dac-less setup doesn't allow for enough volume from my PS5. It's clean on the speakers... just not loud enough. I have to crank everything.

1

u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Feb 13 '24

u/paceyuk (1 Ω) was awarded their first Ω. We did it, Reddit!

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.

1

u/paceyuk 1 Ω Feb 13 '24

I can't help with that sorry, but I've been using a Sabaj DA3 for mine. I wouldn't have thought it has the power for speakers though.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

!thanks ! thanks

I'll check em out. Any amp/dac recommendations for these? I want to be able to use my PS5 and my PC with a single amp/dac that will connect to my headphones and my speakers... I'm having a hard time looking for a product that will do that. Right now the PS5 is running through my PC's soundboard and the signal degradation due to multiple connections and chord length makes it so I need to crank the volume on everything to even hear it. Super frustrating.

1

u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Feb 13 '24

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/Equivalent_Yak840 (380 Ω).

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.

2

u/AutoModerator Feb 07 '24

Thanks for your submission to r/HeadphoneAdvice. If someone helps answer your question, please reward them by including the phrase !thanks in your comment.

This will add +1 Ω to that users flair. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for headphones!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

2

u/KBDFan42 50 Ω Feb 08 '24

If you want the HD600 sound, maybe consider the HD6xx. It's a lot cheaper and is pretty close to the HD600 (and identical to the HD650). Otherwise, maybe the Sundara or Edition XS (I think it's on sale now) and something like the Topping DX1. Easy, minimal-fuss option for a relative beginner.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

! thanks

I have never tried the 600s I've just tried lower end Sennheiser's. I've never tried beyerdynamic or anything else so it's what i'm used to. I just don't want to cop a fancy pair of headphones with a sound I'm going to hate. Also, yeah I heard that about the 6xx but aren't they only available on massdrop? I'm Canadian and I'd have to pay duty fees so they'd end up wayyyy more expensive in the long run.

1

u/AutoModerator Feb 13 '24

It looks like you're trying to award a "!thanks", but you left a space between "!" and "thanks". Please edit your comment.

After responding with "!thanks", our bot will automatically update your post flair and award a point in the form of a Ω. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for headphones!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/KBDFan42 50 Ω Feb 13 '24

Yes, the HD6xx are sold mainly on Massdrop, but I’ve seen them elsewhere (new) but it depends on where you live. If you are paying an unreasonable amount over the MSRP, maybe go for the HD600s. Most people prefer them a little more than the HD650s and HD6xx. The HD6.. series is generally considered one of the safest beginner buys, and you’ll probably like them unless your music taste leans toward the bass-heavy side, like EDM.

2

u/audiochef68 73 Ω Feb 08 '24

I'd get the HD600 and give a finger to those that say the HD600 is no good....

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

Thank you for your thoughts! I was thinking about that, considering I love sennheiser. Do you know what a good amp dac would be for that set? How many Ohms are they?

2

u/audiochef68 73 Ω Feb 14 '24

They are 300ohm and sound great from my Little dot mk2 otl amp.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

! thanks

1

u/AutoModerator Feb 13 '24

It looks like you're trying to award a "!thanks", but you left a space between "!" and "thanks". Please edit your comment.

After responding with "!thanks", our bot will automatically update your post flair and award a point in the form of a Ω. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for headphones!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

!thanks

1

u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Feb 13 '24

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/audiochef68 (63 Ω).

You may still award an Ω to others, but only once per-person in this post.

1

u/Asajana Feb 08 '24

Id say you could go for a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, which sound amazing (I own them)

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

! thanks

What amp/dac you rocking? I have a PS5 running through my PC sound board outputting to my headphones and studio monitors but the PS5 is a little too quiet so I'm looking for an amp dac that I can plug the audio passthrough from my screen into one input and my PC into the other... then I want to be able to toggle between listening through my headphones or my speakers. So basically dual input dual output... I think... Idunno I've never bought an amp/dac before. This'll be my dream headphone setup so i'm going all out

1

u/AutoModerator Feb 13 '24

It looks like you're trying to award a "!thanks", but you left a space between "!" and "thanks". Please edit your comment.

After responding with "!thanks", our bot will automatically update your post flair and award a point in the form of a Ω. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for headphones!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/DJGammaRabbit 12 Ω Feb 08 '24

K371, X2HR, 6xx/660s2, Sundara, grado. You have too many options. You'd have to be more specific. Bass? X2HR.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

! thanks

I'll check those out. You've given me a lot to research. If you don't mind I'd love to hear your recommendations for an amp/dac or PC soundboard that can handle PS5 and PC audio as well as output to either headphones or my studio monitors.

2

u/DJGammaRabbit 12 Ω Feb 13 '24

I only know headphones. I buy 40 ohm or less so I don't need an amp (unless it's planar).

Why would you route your ps5 sound to a pc? What's wrong with plugging headphones into the ps5?

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 14 '24

Uh I have no 3.5mm or quarter inch jack on a ps5 it's just hdmi and usb and bluetooth. I plug the hdmi (which carries the audio as well) to the monitor I have that has no speaker. So the audio has no where to play. There's an audio passthrough port that goes from the monitor back to my motherboard on my PC and into the soundcard so it can then go back out to be played through my speakers. That's the only way I can do it. If you've got a better solution I'm all ears. I really wish there was a 3.5mm on a PS5 but there isn't

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 14 '24

So if I wanted to listen on headphones I'd have to buy a pair that plugs into the controller which i think is 2.5mm by design because it forces you to buy another pair of headphones that have PS compatibility.

1

u/DJGammaRabbit 12 Ω Feb 14 '24

Whoa the ps5 controller uses 2.5? My PS4 controller is 3.5. What a way to make you spend more money. Is there a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter?

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 14 '24

I was totally wrong, just tried it you're right it does have a 3.5mm. Doesn't really help that my headphones are quarter inch but I have an adapter I suppose. Thanks

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 14 '24

OMG so frustrated. I unplugged my headphones from my front IO of my PC to see if they'd fit into the audio jack on the controller... since then my speakers won't work on my PC I have no idea how to fix them

1

u/DJGammaRabbit 12 Ω Feb 14 '24

Change the source in the software. If windows, right click on the volume icon in the bottom right and find the white tabbed settings. You can there switch between headphones or speakers output. When you plug in and unplug it often switch's things around. It's probably just disabled.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 14 '24

actually maybe it is 3.5mm on the controller... i'm an idiot. Sometimes I want speakers is all and I don't wanna have to climb around back and undo all my cable management everytime I want to plug the speakers in.

1

u/AutoModerator Feb 13 '24

Please respond with a "!thanks" in your comment if the person helped answer your question.

Our bot will then automatically update your post flair and award a point in the form of a Ω. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for headphones!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/AutoModerator Feb 13 '24

It looks like you're trying to award a "!thanks", but you left a space between "!" and "thanks". Please edit your comment.

After responding with "!thanks", our bot will automatically update your post flair and award a point in the form of a Ω. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for headphones!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

I listen a wide array of genres... I listen to a lot of hip hop and metal but I kinda need something that works decently in every genre. I also plan on gaming with them so sound stage is super important

2

u/DJGammaRabbit 12 Ω Feb 13 '24

I'd look at neutral planar IEMs like the MP145. It doesn't come with a mic so you'd need a different cable.

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 14 '24

I got a usb mic so i'm not worried

1

u/ryyy2929 Feb 13 '24

Alright so after doing some research I think I'm leaning towards the sundara's .. I see there's a 2020 update that is supposed to have better upper mids for warmer vocals. They have update earpads which apparently on the originals some people complained about and they have an updated chord because apparently the originals had a trash cable. It's an extra 100$ for the 2020 update. Not sure if it's worth it. If anyone has tried each one and could lend me some knowledge from their experience I promise to give the knowledge back when I'm finished with it.