Finally Got my HD600s!

[Mouzike]

this was an upgrade from my SR60s and to be honest, i'm not terribly satisfied. Listening to Lang Lang's Piano Carnegie solos were good but a little dark compared to the SR60s and i found i had to turn up the volume to attain my desired clarity. I do realized the excellent increase in "soundstage" (if I am permitted to use that term) and the very tight bass (still a little "muddy" for my tastes now.) I'm afraid that for now, i'm still used to and liking the SR60s more.

Modest setup:

Samsung DVD player/ IMP 550 ------->> CMOY ----->> SR60/ HD 600

These WILL be the last headphones i buy, (unless they die on me) but i will definitly be upgrading my source or amp. but sadly, i'm still awed at the great emptiness in my bank account after this hefty purchase (a highschool student's sigh).

for now, i'll allow myself to use this smiley as means of comforting

 

[some1x]

another Montreal head-fi'er.... horray

 

[Mouzike]

what do you think is making me feel the way i do about the HD600s?

 

[blessingx]

As you mentioned, the CMOY just isn't enough to bring them alive.

 

[Mouzike]

would that justify the slight "dark and muddiness"?

 

[some1x]

I don't know how you really feel about the HD600s. I like them a lot though

If you live near McGill station, you're welcome to come audition the HD600s with a cable and amp upgrade

For the record, I don't think the HD600s bass is particuarly tight (compared to hp1000 or he60), but it is definitely not muddy (could it be your cmoy?).

As for clarity, the HD600 is a step up from the MS1 (which is better than SR60), once your ears adjust.

 

[go_vtec]

To me, HD600/HD650 is like a $1000 headphone. They just keep getting better when you upgrade your sources, amps and cables. It's ultra smoothness is what relaxes me after long day of work. Cmoy is quite nice, but you really gotta hear HD600 with some tube amps

Sorry about your wallet!

 

[some1x]

Ultra-smooth ... good! What else can explain why I still listen to them 30% of the time, while HE60 is the top dog

 

[go_vtec]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mouzike what do you think is making me feel the way i do about the HD600s?

Frankly, Grado headphones are the least amp dependant phones I tried; they sound awesome without an expensive headphone amp. However they do sound even better with a good amp. Once you are used to Grado's sonic signature, Sennheiser may not satisfy your hunger for hard hitting bass and forward/in your face presentation. Sennheisers HD6x0 series is one of the most amp dependant phones I've used. Using a powerful amp, they do sound better and slightly more forwarding than less powerful amp (but they are not Grado). HD6x0's strength is in smoothness/naturalness so if you are craving for tight/direct sounding Grado, nothing else may satisfy your preference. May be RS-2 or RS-1 fit better for your preference?

 

[Rotareneg]

The HD-600's aren't as "bright" (less high frequency response) as the SR-60's, it's just the way they sound.

 

[Mouzike]

very true. what are the changes after burn in (in answerable)? and i listen to classical and mellow rock so hard hitting bass is not a NEED. but it is nice...which is why i'll keep my sr60 for those moments of punchy need.

 

[ampgalore]

As long as you stay on Headfi, the HD600 will not be your last purchase.

The only way to make the HD600 your last headphone purchase is to self impose a ban on yourself from ever visiting headfi again.

 

[DevilDog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mouzike ... what are the changes after burn in (in answerable)?

Oh, these are new? My frame of reference is the HD650s, but I think they're similar enough. The bass should tighten up considerably.
I think the larger problem is that you're used to the Grado sound. The Sennheisers probably have that "veil" since you're used to the Grados. Listen closely and I think you'll find the 600s have MUCH more detail and extended bass but mostly a sweetness for classical music. I don't think anything reproduces a piano like Senn 580/600/650. If you don't hear it, I can't imagine what the underlying problem could be.

 

[darkclouds]

What you need to do is to stop using you Grate-do for awhile, say two weeks. You need to retrain your ears as you've become accustomed to the Grado sound. After this exercise, you can decide which sound you like better, or maybe you like them both equally for different moods/occasions.

 

[zeplin]

Mouzike,
I would also keep in mind that with these Senns, not only is the source and amp more of a concern than it is with most other phones, but your memory of what type of sound you've liked and grown accustomed to throughout the amount of time you've owned the Grados is very different from what the new Senns are presenting to you. In fact, they are on the different extremes of the sound spectrum as far as sound reproduction goes whe using headphones. That to me, seems like a gigantic change in character and would no doubt result in some second guessing no matter how you go about it. In other words, give them a good amount of time before you make any final judgements. I've disliked almost every new phone I've ever bought throughout the first couple of weeks of owning them. In fact, the Senn HD600's were the phones I mostly hated more so than any other phone I've owned throughout the first week or so. The funny thing is, they quickly turned into my most favorite sounding phones. Who knows, you might follow the path of the typical Senn lover, slowly discovering that the Senn sound just has something magical about it, which is often sometimes hard to explain. To me, they have this coloration that pulls you in like some sort of addiction and once you experience it, you can't let t go. Whoever said they have no coloration producing a warmth, punchy-like character is crazy. You then might find yourself starting to compare every other phone you listen to, to the Senn type of sound. Also, what' so great about the Senns is there is always the option (meaning if you want to...it's totally up to you) of upgrading the cable, resulting in a more beautiful, open, wonderous sound. And, like some have already said, they are very similar to a 1k$ set of cans in that they improve so drastically with every source and amp upgrade you make. On the other hand, these things can also be their downfall meaning it is very expensive to do all these things. And some might find that it is just not worth it. Some also think the overall sound isn't worth upgrading in the first place. But give them time to grow on you in order to make a better informed judgment to help aid you in deciding what sound is and isn't for you. Good luck. With enough patience and persistence, you'll find your dream can/combo/setup...I know I did with the HD650/Zu Mobius and Rega Planet as a source!!! For me though, it took time...over 1 1/2 yrs worth of searching for the right synergystic combination of source>>>amplification>>>and headphones.

edit:
PS>>>Don't pay any attention to those who say the Senns have this so called "veil." Our beliefs that are sometimes based on faulty reasoning and or suggestion, have too powerful an influence on our experiences. So listen and judge for yourself about whether the Senns carry this veil every Senn hater seems to think they have. Ever notice how almost all the people who don't like the Senns are the ones who say they have this "veil?" Kind of tells you someting about that!