Sennheiser HD 600 Review
Open-back Audiophile / Professional Headphones
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 48,835 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser HD 600. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sennheiser HD 600. For example, 96% of 19,532 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Sennheiser HD 600 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 76 Reviews
Classic greats
Sennheiser HD 600 Professional Headphones
Reviewed by Joel P. on Reverb
These are fantastic headphones. They sound so accurate and open with almost all genres. They are comfortable, with a slight clamping force that is felt on the sides of my head. I have a number of great pairs of headphones, and several sets of speakers, though nothing worth thousands of dollars yet. These just 'get it right' for the music. Since I got them, I've been listening to a lot of jazz and classical music.** Bass: Very present and in good balance with the rest of the spectrum even down to the sub-bass. However the quality is known to be less precise than some headphones. My Beyerdynamics have always had a slightly more accurate-sounding bass, but they are not as balanced as these. Mids: famously good. Instruments sound realistic and voices sound amazing. Personally, I think male voices sound slightly better than female ones, but it depends on the recording. Stringed instruments like cellos and double bass sound really lovely. Highs: Very good for my tastes, but I can see why some say they are a bit "soft on the ears" rather than being etched in stone. For some classical I feel the air could be a bit more present. Flutes and trumpets are not too edgy and have a smoothness to them, which may include a hint of roll-off at the top.... Imaging/soundstage: Excellent coherence. With busy music it is well distinguished. The actual soundstage width may depend on the source, and some say it gets a bit fuzzy with lower quality sources. I like that piano playing doesn't have a gap in the middle with most good recordings. With some headphones you hear the upper notes on the right and the lower ones on the left and nothing in the middle. These don't have that. On older recordings where they have hard left/hard right stereo imaging I activate crossfeed sometimes, which mixes the channels and brings the image to the front of my face. **I'm only using a Chord Hugo 2 and Tidal or lossless files. I consider myself a cheap audiophile/music lover. ... More
A Window to Your Music!
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by CharlyD on B&H Photo Video
I am a lifelong audiophile, but, due to a few life changes, find myself living a condo where I'm aware of how often my neighbots vacuum or do laundry. The big sound system was sold more than a year ago, but I still needed to scratch that itch of listening to fabulous music presented as pristinely as possible and at appropriate volumes. Headphones seemed the only way to go.Given current economics, I'm very value oriented. When the price of the HD600s, a pair of cans that have earned many glowing reviews, dropped below $300, I pulled the trigger. To extract audio from computer files and drive the headphones, I chose the E-MU 0404. I don't have any immediate need to do recording, but may in the future since I now have the capability.I am thoroughly pleased with these headphones. The adjective balanced is used in many other reviews of these 'phones, and it's very appropriate. There is no area of frequency response that seems exaggerated or lacking. Violins sound like violins. Kick drums sound like kick drums. Dynamics are rendered very well. A plucked guitar string has an almost visceral attack. I particularly enjoy orchestral crecendos with no compression and each instrument still having its own voice.These cans are also very light and comfortable, suitable for hours of continuous listening.The only comprimise I'm making over the big system is the visceral impact of low bass. Just no way to get that punch with headphones.One possible con for these 'phones is that they are an open design with no reduction of outside sounds. Your office mate should develop a teste in your music. ... More
Hard to get any better
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by mjelen on B&H Photo Video
Before the HD 600 I was used to use an AKG K240, wich is not a great headphone, but is at least a regular one. After listening to the HD 600 I thought that the AKG was something like a consumer headphone. Maybe it's not the best sounding headphone, but it is so precise that a good recording sounds good, and a bad recording sounds bad. It does not make anything better than it is. If you are looking for a headphone for professional use (audio engeneering) I recommend it very much. If you listen to good recordings I recommend it very much. But... If you have chosen to listen to low quality mp3 audio I don'n recommend, because I think you're going to be disappointed. ... More
A Dependable Reference For Mixing
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Matt on B&H Photo Video
We create audio campaigns for entertainment clients and, like many in our business, we've scattered to the winds during the pandemic. I am currently producing work from my dining table without the benefit of loudspeakers, let alone a purpose-built mixing environment. My available headphone supply included the Beyer DT 770, Sony 7506, and Sennheiser HD 280, none of which translate mixes particularly well to other platforms. After some back and forth, I settled on the HD 600s and bought two pair. While they run a little less rich than the HD 650, they paint a more neutral picture with enough detail in the middle and top end that I feel confident setting levels, EQs, and pans. They are light, and more than comfortable enough to wear for an hour at a time. Most important, I've heard my work played back on terrestrial radio and streaming sites, and it presents exactly what I intended. Before getting too serious, I broke them in with white noise at moderate levels for 48 hours, which loosened them up nicely. I bought the HD 600s from B&H to use professionally, and they are useful, dependable tools. They're not cheap, but you can get quickly carried away by pricey, exotic headphones without improving the quality of your work. If you're forced to mix with cans these days, I recommend the HD 600 without reservation. ... More
Amazingly accurate cans
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by MarkInTheGardens on B&H Photo Video
I have been reading about these beauties for some time. I have a home studio with no shortage of high quality headphones for tracking but they are all closed-back style for noise isolation. Many pros insist that open-back headphones are best for mixing because of accuracy, a lack of bass buildup and reduced ear fatigue. Although the HD600s are advertised as "audiophile" phones, I have repeatedly seen them reviewed as being some of the most accurate units around for professional mixing as well. B&H had them on a special and I took the leap. When they arrived, like all new transducers, they were a little stiff and needed some breaking in. After running musicthroughthem for about two days, they really opened up. Now, I totally agree with the reviews I've seen. These babies are spot-on accurate. There is a slight bass boost which would be distracting if these were closed-back because the energy couldn't dissipate but with the open-back design it's present but not really noticeable. What really shines with these are everything above about 50 Hz which is ruler flat all the way up. I use SonarWorks Reference to fine tune the response and the "averaged" response compensation curve for the HD600s is within 3 dB through the mids and highs - the flattest curve for any phones modeled in the software. OK, now my ONLY gripe is that they have separate wiring to each earcup rather than the more conventional single sided cable input but that's a minor thing compared to the amazing sound. If you're serious about mixing and need accurate headphones, these are the ones. ... More
Ads
HD600 - awesome for mixing. HD650 for listening only!
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
If you are mixing music, don't second guess yourself and end up returning the HD650's for a pair of the HD600's. The 600 is for mixing on. You cannot mix in the 650's. The 650's have a very wide sound stage that isn't natural and a very enhanced low end and high end and scooped upper midrange which makes them sound too good not very far from accurate or flat. The HD600 is also way better than the Focal Spirit headphones. The HD280 would be my second choice. The HD600 has just a bit more detail and a more accurate sound stage. The HD280 is a little more mono sounding compared to the HD600. They both have a very accurate frequency response and I have had extremely good luck working with both sets of headphones. They are both way better than anything from Sony or AKG or Beyerdynamic or Focal or any of the other companies but do listen to them all for yourself. B&H has a great listening station down in New York and the staff there are very helpful in getting you the chance to hear all the headphones in person. They have most of the really top popular models on their listening station and it's well worth your time to listen to them all like I did before you make your decision. ... More
Excellent Audiophile Headphones
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Jennifer on B&H Photo Video
This is my second pair of HD600s they are, by far the most accurate, comfortable headphones you will ever find. These phones are honest, they will quickly point out the shortcomings of your recordings. Excellent for classical music and jazz, but do not expect the artificial bass boost of hip hop style headphones. These are 300 ohm headphones with replaceable cables. The cord is 10 feet long and uncoiled. It has an integrated inch adapter that looks like it belongs there. The comfort is truly luxurious, and I find that I could easily listen for 8 hours straight(and have) while forgetting that I have them on. They are an open design so I am not isolated from others, and there is no back-pressure on the ears that you often feel with closed phones. I have tried thousand dollar headphones, and they offer neither improvement in sound, nor comfort. Do yourself a favor, hook these up to a good amp and listen to a binaural recording instantly you will know that it will be many decades before any speakers or surround sound can even approach this realism. Not a good match for hip hop or metal ... More
Great Headphones for the money
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
I got the HD600s for editing film and I love them! I would never invest in a set of headphones like this unless you have or are getting an AMP and DAC. At 300 ohms these are not the hardest to drive but are hard enough that you need an AMP. I have these paired with the Schiit Audio AMP and DAC and they are great. I would not say that these are dead flat on the audio but are close. They have a bit of warm tones in the mid range but the bass is not overdone and highs are clear. There are only a few things wrong for me. One thing is that the headphones do clamp down harder than normal ones and are a little bit hard to get used to. Especially if you wear glasses like I do but they do break in. The other thing is the cord where it connects to the headphones. The connectors have no markings to show what direction they go in. So if you are traveling and take the cord out it will be hard to find what way they go in. Overall, these headphones are a great value for the price and they are great for video editing, games, and music. ... More
Superbly balanced & detailed headphones
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Hush the Audio Engineer on B&H Photo Video
I'm a mixing and recording engineer, and record producer.I've used these headphones for mixing and listening. I also know of mastering engineers that use them for mastering.What's great about them:- Comfortable to wear for extended periods of time Their open back design along with the design of the cushion prevents the ears from getting sweaty or overheated and doesn't press on your head too much. - Doesn't sound as boxy as the average headphones, again because of the open back.- In my comparisons was only beaten (sound wise) by the Sennheisers 800, or the AKG K812, both between X2 to X4 the price.- Because they're about $ I'm not afraid to use them or take them with me. It's not small money but I can confidently use them as I please knowing I'd be able to afford a replacement should something happen.What's not as good about them:- Open back comes with it's own drawbacks - can't use these in the live room as much if at all, they're noisy to the environment (if you're next to someone sleeping or in public) and the environment is nosy back at you (though this can be useful if you need natural sound to come through headphones).- They're not small, for carrying around. But I'd take sound over this comfort any day.These are the best I've heard in this price range, and I've tested a lot of companies thoroughly. ... More
Natural, Accurate Headphones
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Jeffrey on B&H Photo Video
I compared the Sennheiser HD650s and the Grado Hemp headphones to the HD600s and after breaking in all three came to this conclusion: the HD650s have a (slight) bass hump with inadequate definition, and the extra bass intermodulates with the midrange and high end, rendering them for me anyway not real or dynamic enough, so I quickly eliminated them (even though they have mechanically at least a better cabling than the HD600s). That left a shootout between the Grados and the 600s; after rather a lot of listening from CDs and vinyl to both, I came to the conclusion that the Sennheisers were more accurate and real sounding, although the Grados were no slouch to be sure. In fact, having bought the former first, I ordered the Grados wanting them to sound even better than the 600s, and certainly the cable and strain reliefs on the Hemp cans are much better mechanically than those on the 600 and the exotic wood was beautiful, but ultimately I found the 600s more dynamic and real sounding, with the Grados offering a lusher but slower sound that, while somewhat seductive, just didn't make my foot tap to the music as much (a very important criterion for me). ... More
Fantastic Sound and Very Comfy!
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by ScottieB on B&H Photo Video
As a long-time owner and lover of Grados (most recently the SR-225s for about 2 years), I was skeptical that these would impress me. I was wrong. I haven't touched the Grados since I got these. The balance is incredible. No, they don't have the almost magical guitar sounds as the Grados, but everything else is improved. Bass goes much deeper and has more punch, vocals sound amazing, and brass instruments?! Wow. They are also about 100x more comfortable than any other headphones I've used(including the Grados, BeyerDynamic DT-225 and Sony MD-7506)- perfect fit. A few things to be aware of: these are 300ohm headphones, so you will need a serious source to drive them properly. An iPod won't cut it here. They also leak a lot of sound (more even than the grados) and let sound in. These are decidedly home or studio 'phones. ... More
Musical Head phones
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Mark on B&H Photo Video
I was looking for a Hi Quality set of head phones to listen to music. I am an audiophile but I also play acoustic guitar. I wanted a set of phones that would be accurate and musical. The HD600's are both. I also own a pair of HD 280 pro and they both have the Sennheiser sound. If you are looking for a forward sounding in your face sort of thing look ells were. Both the the HD 280's and HD600's are laid back and slightly warm not overly Basie. But the HD 600's sound very natural, and have better resolution, more open and airy. I listen to a wide range of music from finger-style guitar to modern rock, and the HD600's let me enjoy the music. The type of recording and it's prepossessing are pretty evident using these head phones. The dynamics of an uncompressed acoustic recording really come threw. Just as I notice the compression and normalization used on loud rock recordings. Both are very comfortable. Some have complained of to much tension with the HD600's head band, I do not notice that, And I have a larger hat size. Over all I think the HD600's are great head phones great way to enjoy music. ... More
A Worthy Classic
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Michael Thomas on B&H Photo Video
The HD600 is a classic headphone, and it still holds its own against contenders in its price range. In my opinion, it is better than the headphones in its price range. To elaborate, perhaps the biggest contender in the HD600 price range now is the Hifiman HE-400. The HE-400 has a meatier, faster bass that extends deeper than the HD600. However, the HE-400 can't even think about touching the HD600's mids. The HE-400's biggest weakness is its mids presentation; the HD600's biggest strength is its mids presentation. And again, in the highs, the HD600 far surpasses the HE-400. The HE-400 has recessed lower highs, followed by a crazy peak in the upper highs. The HD600 is much more evenhanded, very smooth, nonfatiguing, and yet still detailed. As for the soundstage, the HE-400's is wider, more panoramic. The HD600's has a more realistic shape and depth, however. Both are nice, but the HD600's soundstage is more natural ultimately. To summarize this brief comparison of two of the mid-fi heavyweights at this time, the HE-400 does one thing really well, and that's bass. If all you care about is bass...well then the HE-400 is snazzy. If you want the whole package, the HD600 is it. It's on the smooth side, and sometimes lacks aggression; but it is a very good, natural sounding headphone with fantastic mids / vocals that are best in class. Highly recommended. ... More
Great price for an excellent product!
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Ben-jam-in on B&H Photo Video
I use them for mixing and mastering in the studio. I truly can hear the difference and feel the difference in these headphones. This is my first pair of headphones above the $100 price range, and it is obvious why they are superior headphones. These headphones truthfully and accurately allow you to hear what is in the mix, which allows you to make critical mixing decisions. I would still use a reference track when mixing in these headphones. Also don't expect to get as much volume without a good headphone preamp. When I listen to these on my iPhone they don't get ear piercing loud, but it is a little quieter than the earbuds that come with the iPhone. I should also mention that they are very comfortable. I wear glasses and they aren't uncomfortable while I'm wearing them, even for hours at a time. I let my wife listen to them and she could clearly hear the difference in these and the headphones I own that cost $100. I hope this review helps someone who is debating on buying these headphones. If you edit, mix or master music, you can't go wrong with these. ... More
Excellent buy for NEUTRAL headphones
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sound is neutral and very clear. Much wider sound stage than other (cheap) headphones I've owned. Not too hard to drive; bass is lacking from iPod output, but my Creative X-Fi Elite Pro does a fine job. They have a 300 ohm impedance which means they need high amounts of voltage with low amounts of current. These are open back headphones which means sound easily leaks IN and OUT. You can be bothered by ambient noise and others will likely hear what you're listening to if within the same room. Construction is semi-modular; you can replace ear pads, cabling, etc. by buying parts through Sennheiser USA (very low cost). ... More
Headphones for those who truly love music.
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Kenneth on B&H Photo Video
Despite the fact that these cans have been on the market for 20 years, they still set the benchmark for mid-priced audiophile headphones. They excel in many areas, including a vast soundstage, pin-point imaging, gobs of detail, and tonal neutrality. They communicate music beautifully and they are very comfortable for long listening sessions. They will sound much better after about 20 hours of use, so don't base an impression solely off a demo of a new pair. However, I do recommended them for everyone. They have a very flat signature, so they are not for bass heads. Also, they are very transparent and you will hear everything upstream. They will not mask any flaws in your equipment. In addition, they absolutely require a headphone amp. The little op amp in my CD player does not do the job. I'm using a Shchiit Magni 2 and quality cables. The little piece of Schiit does a perfect job of powering these cans at the right price. Love em. ... More
Sound great and comfortable too!
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Gary on B&H Photo Video
I finally replaced my 11-year old AKG K 701 headphones with something newer - the Sennheiser HD600's. Actually, the HD600's hit the market before the now-discontinued K 701's but they appear to be a timeless design that still finds favor with studio pros and music lovers alike. I needed the higher impedance (300 ohms) of the HD600's as compared to the newer AKG K 712's - the replacement for the K 701's. The higher input impedance of the HD600's are a better match for my headphone amp which has a relatively high output impedance of 10 ohms. If you don't have a roughly 10-to-1 difference between the output and input impedance your system it could create some severe frequency response irregularities. I was hearing this with my old K 701's driven by my new headphone amp. The HD600's solve the problem, sound great and are very comfortable. I just hope they last as long as the AKG's... ... More
As Avertised
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Paul G. on B&H Photo Video
I currently have the Grado RS1, and the ATH-M50's. The HD 600's have a warmer fuller sound than the RS1's. Wider sound stage. This might be due the RS1's ear pad design, which places the drivers closer to the ear. The RS1's are not known for comfort. Due to the 600's high impedance an amp is needed to really make them sing. I run mine through a Chord Mojo, and Fiio Mont Blanc. I also ordered the upgraded cable from the HD 650's. This cable is a little thicker, and has a 1/4 end plug. A little improvement in sound - maybe? Overall the 600's are very well balanced. I plan on getting the 4 pin balanced cable, and balanced amp to push them to their max. I am very pleased so far. a solid purchase! ... More
Great sound: Perfect all-around headphone
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Have owned these for about half a month now. Initially purchased the HD700 but quickly returned them after a few days of listening to music, movies/television/video games. The soundstage of the HD 700 was excellent, but the mids were lost in a sea of treble. In comparison, the HD600 is incredibly neutral. Wonderful mids with enough bass to satisfy and highs that never approach irritating. While I'd recommend something decent to drive these (currently using a Schiit Audio Modi/Magni 2 Uber) I was also able to get adequate sound from my phone. Headphone clamp is a little intense at first, but lessens over time. I stretched mine out to a comfortable level by placing them on my computer tower when not in use. ... More
Fabulous - but needs an amp for the low notes
Sennheiser HD 600 Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by billy bob on B&H Photo Video
The main feature is that you CAN hear outside voices and noises - which is why you WOULD buy this headphone. Excellent sound. Highs very crisp. Mid range is is clear as any others. Bass needs an amp. These high impedance headphones need an amp to really get the bass to PUNCH. Any one who tells you otherwise is blowing smoke up your (you know what). This applies to ALL high impedance headphones out there that DO NOT not have an amp. All fellow EEs out there please chime in on this! There are a plethora of amps out there but if you are a project person try this one. Bass Bump headphone amp - YouTube. You get what to need at a low price - but need to know how to use a soldering iron and a few other tools. ... More
