nk126
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2015
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Definitely fair but let's say compared to other closed backs like the dt990(?) How do these compare? Trying to get an idea of where the phones sit in the tier. Are they like HD600 level sound quality in a closed can or something else?
I know this isn't the answer you want, but it's a super subjective thing ...
Personally, I think the H6 are absolutely fantastic. I like treble, I like accurate but not thumping bass, and I don't really need "lush" or "forward" mids. I tried a bunch of <$400 closed cans, including a few highly rated models like PSB M4U1, B&W P7, Oppo PM-3, and Senny Momentum ... and for me, H6 was clearly my favorite. I have not listened to DT990.
Part of that has to do with my tastes. Part of that has to do with the audio chain (PM-3, for instance, sound much better in the treble with the right amp).
From what I've heard and read from HD-600/650 owners, one of the big draws to them is that they scale really well. So if your chain has the right dac/amp, they sound even better. From my experience, the H6 do scale, but not quite to that level. The H6 sound good to me straight out of my iPhone. They sound a little better with my $60 Fiio battery powered Dac/Amp. They sound a little better still with my desktop amp. But there's no "OMG THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER!!!" level of scaling going on. Many people say the HD600s scale in a more significant way. I personally don't know if that's true.
I personally don't love the Sennheiser house sound. I've listened to HD650 & 700 and can understand why people like them so much, but they didn't appeal to me. I have HiFiMan open-backed headphones b/c they give me what I like - again: tight fast bass, lots of treble extension/sparkle, and lots of resolution.
So this is what I would say:
The H6 are probably not quite on the level of HD600. They are probably very close. They also sound different.
If you want clarity, treble, soundstage, and accurate/tight but not booming bass in a closed can, IMO H6 are fantastic. From what I hear, Fidelio X2 (less clarity, more bass) and some of the Beyers are also worth checking out.
Marco's closed headphone roundup is worth a read, if you haven't ready it. Easy to find with a quick Google search.
Cheers