Sennheiser HD 600: An Honest Review

The HD 600 headphones have been a go-to of professional audio engineers and music connoisseurs at home for quite some time. Sennheiser’s high standards for both design and build quality guarantee reliable, high-quality sound. The HD 600s’ ability to capture the nuance and feeling of music will blow you away. The headphones’ rich middle and airy treble assist represent music like acoustic bass, soprano saxophone, and electric guitar with astounding accuracy, while the deep, smooth bass provides a solid foundation.

Sennheiser HD 600 Specs

Pros

• Neutral and unprompted response
• The zenith of convenience
• Highly dependable and easy to repair

Cons

• The depth of the bass is lacking.
• Having a bit of additional breadth is always welcome.

Built & Designed

The blue “marble effect” covering the plastic may make them look antiquated and ’90s to some, but I think they’re rather lovely. Regarding headphones, I’ll be honest and say that aesthetics aren’t high on my list of priorities. But I get that some people value aesthetically pleasing equipment, and I respect that.

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The Useful Stuff

The Sennheiser HD600 are mostly plastic, yet they feel better in the hand than the AKG K701 and Beyerdynamic DT880. The headband and ear cups’ metal joint gives a solid base. While external grills may bend with some strain, they should be easily accessible and repairable. Ear pads are made of premium velour. They must be replaced after several years of heavy use. For $300, the OEM wires are poor. Weak relationships are readily broken. Therefore, they fail often.

Scale of Persistence

The longevity of its design is a major selling factor. Every component is serviceable and readily available in electronic stores. The HD600 is built from basic components and is designed to last. The drivers are also highly dependable. The oldest pairings are approaching twenty years old, yet they’re still going strong. Aside from the ear pads (which I replaced twice) and the cables (which I purchased from the HD650 since they are thicker and more durable), my own HD600, which dates back to 2001, has required no maintenance.

Straps for the Head and Even Load Carrying

Open over-ear headphones typically weigh between 300 and 400g, so at 270g, they are on the lesser end of the spectrum. A strong headband and four pieces of very thick foam (1.5 cm) evenly distribute the lightweight across the whole structure. This foam will wear thin and lose its sponginess over time, necessitating replacement.

Comfort

The HD 600s are comfortable enough to wear for long periods. That they become invisible the moment you turn them on. They continue to be among the most accommodating reference cans I’ve used. At only 260 grammes, they are ridiculously light. Velour ear cups and a centre-folding, adjustable frame massage your head as a bonus. Ratcheting aluminium strips allows for a customised fit of the headband.   Ear cups can be lowered to loosen the headphones’ stranglehold on the head. It’s also important to remember that the initial clamp force will decrease as you utilise the product. This allows them to gradually conform to the shape of your head. My (quite) big ears fit well within the ear cups without any pressure.

Bass

Since these headphones were first produced 20 years ago, there has been significant improvement in their bass frequency response. Regarding bass presence, headphones with planar magnetic drivers, especially high-end models, have revolutionised the game. The HD 600s don’t have a powerful bass response, but the low end is unmistakably there. As can be seen in the preceding graph, they begin to attenuate in the sub-bass region at roughly 100 Hz. All of these headphones, even the bass, seem entirely realistic. I still prefer the HD 600 over planar magnetic headphones because the transients blend ever-so-slightly in the upper bass. However, since 1997, dynamic drivers have enhanced bass responsiveness. The HD 600 lacks the features of headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pros and the AKG K712.

Also Read – Sennheiser HD 660 S: Symphony of Precision in Sound

The Sennheiser HD600 Headphones: Why Bother?

The Sennheiser HD600 are a tried-and-true, budget-friendly delight if you’re searching for a headphone experience that surpasses Bluetooth. The HD600 is great for late-night listening; it won’t disturb the spouse or kids while offering one hell of an audiophile experience, but I wouldn’t use them in a noisy situation like an aeroplane or even the office (others can hear your music due of the open-back design). As one of the most approachable and enjoyable sub-genres of the audiophile hobby, headphone collecting might be sparked by these headphones.

FAQs

What are the key features of the Sennheiser HD 600?

The Sennheiser HD 600 features open-back design, dynamic transducers, neodymium magnets, lightweight aluminum voice coils, and a detachable cable. They are known for their natural and transparent sound.

What is the price of the Sennheiser HD 600?

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the Sennheiser HD 600 typically retailed for around $299 to $399. However, prices may vary depending on location and any updates in the product lineup.

Are the Sennheiser HD 600 good for professional audio work?

Yes, the HD 600 is often used by professionals in the audio industry for mixing and mastering, thanks to their accurate and detailed sound reproduction. They are also favored by audiophiles.

Are the Sennheiser HD 600 comfortable for long listening sessions?

Yes, the HD 600 is known for its comfort. It has a lightweight design, velour ear cushions, and an adjustable headband, making it suitable for long listening sessions.

Do the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones require an amplifier?

While the HD 600 can be driven by a smartphone or computer, they benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach their full potential. The high impedance (300 ohms) can make them sound better when powered by an amplifier.

Can the Sennheiser HD 600’s cable be replaced?

Yes, the Sennheiser HD 600 has a detachable cable, which can be replaced if it gets damaged or if you prefer a different cable length or type.

How do the Sennheiser HD 600 compare to other Sennheiser models, like the HD 650 or HD 660S?

The HD 600 is often compared to other models in the Sennheiser HD 6XX series. The HD 600 is known for its neutrality and transparency, while the HD 650 and HD 660S may have slightly different sound signatures. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

Are replacement parts and accessories readily available for the HD 600?

Yes, replacement parts like ear cushions and cables, as well as accessories, are generally available from Sennheiser or authorized dealers.

Do the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones come with a warranty?

Sennheiser typically offers a warranty for its headphones. The duration and terms of the warranty may vary by region and retailer, so it’s best to check the specific warranty details when purchasing.

Can the Sennheiser HD 600 be used for gaming?

While the HD 600 is primarily designed for audiophile and professional audio use, it can be used for gaming. However, you might need a separate microphone, as the HD 600 does not have a built-in mic.