Sennheiser HD600 Review

So now I know what crack sounds like.

I’m talking about the Sennheiser HD600 open-back circumaural headphones designed to convert your normal human DNA into twisted audiophile DNA.

Why the HD600 Headphones Deserve Your Money

I feel like there should be a PSA for these headphones.

An average looking-teen is sitting in his or her bedroom, listening to a record player or a lossless audio player or something like that.  There’s a knock at the door.  Mom or Dad comes in, sits down next to the teenager.  Teenager removes headphones.  

Parent:  So, Kyle or Suzy or whoever is having a party next week.  Is there going to be music there?  Volume trails off.

Narrator:  Talk to your kids today about the Sennheiser HD600.  If no one hears good audio, does it really exist?

The Sennheiser HD600 headphones cost about $300 right now.  The truth is, I find it hard to tell people “Hey, go spend $300 on a pair of headphones.”  Probably because every time I have $300, I spend it on camera stuff.  But in a world where people spend lots of money on entertainment, $300 is a small price to pay for a great pair of headphones like these.

They’re a great place to start when you want a good pair of headphones for that good amp or DAC you have.  As for myself, I tried them out with a crappy $50 Soundblaster E1 Amp with my iPhone, and the results were decent.

Sound quality is better than I had expected.  Everything is crisp and pronounced, as it should be. Classical tunes from Max Richter, Richard Wagner, and Frederic Chopin all sound full, resonant, and alive.  Hip Hop heavyweights like Naughty By Nature or even Biggie Smalls sound great, though if you prefer that driving backbeat, these headphones should be accompanied by a loud amp or a device with enough power to overcome the nominal impedance.

Build quality is sturdy, but doesn’t come with the comforts I have gotten used to from more consumer-ish brands.  Gone is a remote/mic, gone are the 90-degree rotating cups.  Gone is the 3.5mm audio plug (it’s 1/4” stereo instead).  But despite these missing comforts, I sucked it up and fell in love with these bad boys because they’re all about THE SOUND.

Packaging is great.  The innermost box has actual hinges.  Made of metal. With foam throughout, it’s a sheer joy to unbox.

Pricing, right now, is another high point for these headphones.  They’re currently discounted from their usual price of around $400.  So save one hundred bucks and buy them while you can.

All in all, who should buy these headphones? Sound people. Open-back headphones people.  Beginner-audiophile people.  Got-their-own-quiet-room-to-listen-to-music-in people.  Basically, that individual in search of great audio (realistic, full, resonant, damn-near perfect) who doesn’t mind the price point or the open-backness.  This person should also be aware that a good amp or DAC is almost essential when using these headphones.

You can purchase the Sennheiser HD600 Headphones from the Audio46 Store HERE.

If you are interested in further exploring Sennheiser headphones, feel free to reach out to us online through our email or live chat now. You can also call us at (212) 354-6424. Our sales engineers and technicians are happy to help and/or discuss any questions you may have about headphones and headphone related products.