General Asylum: REVIEW: Sennheiser HD-600 Headphones by RGA

Model:	HD-600
Category:	Headphones
Suggested Retail Price:	$400
Description:	Audiophile
Manufacturer URL:	Sennheiser
Manufacturer URL:	Sennheiser

Review by RGA on August 08, 2001 at 11:37:13
IP Address: 207.194.63.115

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for the HD-600

I have been listening to the 580s for a number of years in high end stores waiting for a time to buy. The 580s are an outstanding headphone, rich detailed etc. I did not buy because I had a pair of Sony MDR 750s which are actually quite good so I could not justify buying another set. That is until the HD600. The HD600 is a step up from the 580, but not the kind of improvement that hits you over the head. Improvements in space, depth and transients not so much in bass or treble. Although there is a little more at the frequency extremes.
Headphones of this calibur at this price simply don't come around every day - even Sennheiser doesn't get it right all the time(the 590 leaves me cold and it is supposedly the replaccement for the 580 - not as good IMO and more expensive). Yes the suggested list is steep - but you won't find speakers under 5kCDN that can do what the HD600s can do at a tenth of that price...with a few exeptions.
Headphones have some limitations of course - but for pure musical enjoyment, especially Classical, Jazz or Vocals the HD600s are simply breathtaking.
Bass Response: Let's go after this as I've seen that is a complaint by some. This is understandable being that they are open-air headphones. Bass is a funny thing because I have Sonys that have plenty of bottom end punch(something I noticed with Grado's Line-up) - while the HD600s don't seem to go as low. Well, they don't go as low. However, it is not that they can't hit the low notes it is more that they don't over-exagerate the mid bass(which is a common flaw in most speakers as well). Accuracy is traded for exagerated frequency extremes, if the latter is what you're used to then the Sennheisers will be a diffeent experience - and in the long run a FAR FAR more enjoyable one.
I purchased these for $480.00Canadian - some Americans will get a better deal on E-bay but some of those companies won't ship to Canada. Not to mention shipping and duty will drive the price back-up anyway. With headphones this good, they are a steal at list.
I don't think I will be listening to my front speakers nearly as much anymore.
Now, To find a good headphone amp - ASL MG HEAD or Musical Fidelity X Cans or Creek OBH IISE.

Product Weakness: Not friendly to bad recordings or poor sources.
Product Strengths: Breathtaking Detail, Silky smooth top end, Beautiful Transients and most importantly - comfortable fit.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Arcam Delta 290 Integrated Amp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cambridge Audio CD6
Speakers:	Wharfedale Vangaurd 95db sensitive Flagship Floorstanders
Cables/Interconnects:	Tara Labs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Jazz, Pop, Soft Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	11 x 7 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month of listening in store and at home
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	None

Product Weakness:	Not friendly to bad recordings or poor sources.
Product Strengths:	Breathtaking Detail, Silky smooth top end, Beautiful Transients and most importantly - comfortable fit.