[Knocturnal]

Hey: I wanted to know whats the difference between the HD580 and the HD600. I have heard it is very small, which in that case I would go with the 580. I would plan on getting the Stefan AudioArt Equinox cable also. Thanks

 

[Duncan]

The most obvious difference between the two (when used with an aftermarket cable) is that the treble is slightly more extended on the HD600s... enough to notice... but I don't think its a make or break thing...

...You'll have the diehard fans that claim the HD600 is a marked improvement over the HD580s... that may be so on very high end equipment (I haven't heard Senns in this scenario), else it is just the treble lift when driven by more mainstream equipment...

...Without the cable, barely any difference to my ears

 

[acs236]

As for physical differences, the 580 driver casing are plastic, while the hd600 uses some carbon and metal. I have also heard that the hd600 drivers are matched with more precision.

 

[JaZZ]

From my memory my former HD 580 sounded slightly less extended, especially in the highs, and a tad less natural. I can't say if the price difference is justified though. The new HD 650 on the other hand offers a considerably improved sound with increased liveliness and bass precision due to a reworked membrane design. (Note: this is second-hand information!)

 

[PeterR]

Quote:

Originally posted by JaZZ The new HD 650 on the other hand (...) (Note: this is second-hand information!)

For a splitsecond you really had my heartrate up there...

 

[Knocturnal]

When is this HD650 you speak of coming out

 

[PeterR]

End of this summer.

Edit:
look here...

 

[Canman]

The 580 and 600 run off a portable CD player and my gilmore v2 amp sound almost identical. The 600's really come into their own when you add a decent CD player. The difference is significant, the 600 being increased, detail, air, and microdynamics especially. So although they sound very similar, the 600 will grow with your equipment while the 580's will max out quickly.

I would personally hold off on the cable until you get the amp right. That $150 can go a long way towards a better source too. Think about it this way, a cable can't make your headphones sound better, it can only keep them from sounding worse.

 

[purk]

I agree with most of the replies here. Senn HD-600 and HD-580 in basic equipments are nearly the same. However, with good amp (say META42 maxed out), the HD-600 has slightly better treble and bass extension. The 600's also less efficient than the HD-580. The sonic different is fairly small. Soundstage remains unchange. The HD600 really excels w/ after market cable upgrade. The different b/w HD-600 and HD-580 become more pronouced with the cable upgrade. HD600 is a slightly refined version of HD-580.

 

[davidmiya]

I agree with what everyone has said so far about the HD580's and HD600's. However, have you considered the headphone cable as well? You can totally transform a headphone into a "different beast" with the cable as someone put it. Stefan Equinox cables are generally warmer and have extended bass, but are not necessary "tighter." Cardas cables supposedly have better clarity and balance.

Thus, you now have four possibilities instead of the two that you envisioned. My advice to you, go to a meet where you can audition both cables and both headphones.

However, if you want additional opinions, you should check out Jude's review HERE

 

[Beagle]

Quote:

Originally posted by davidmiya You can totally transform a headphone into a "different beast" with the cable as someone put it. Stefan Equinox cables are generally warmer and have extended bass, but are not necessary "tigher." Cardas cables supposedly have a better clarity and balance

Cables can make headphones (or any other component) sound different, not necessarily better, for reasons no one can explain. Therefore, it may not actually be occuring. Most people 'hear' a difference because they've just changed the cable and they expect to hear one. Do a blindfolded test. If you can't tell any difference, go with the least expensive. I'm fooled by cables all the time. Usually I attribute the differences to my moods or the weather.

 

[andrzejpw]

I'm echoing some of the opinions here. While the HD600s do offer more extended treble and a bigger soundstage than the hd580s, the difference is not enough to justify the price jump for a student like me. My money was better spent in other places.

btw, a better amp than the Maxed Out Meta is needed to fully appreciate the differences between the two amps.

 

[Steve999]

I agree, and actually, I'm even more skeptical about cables and interconnects. I don't think they make any difference at all, and cables could not make any difference unless they were atrocious well beyond what is available on the market today.

I most value comparisons of how different headphones sound. I have been fascinated by headphones for many years. The second cables or interconnects enter the discussion, I am still interested to read the person's perceptions, but the value of the perceptions is diluted. I feel like I have to "read through" the person's gross misunderstanding about cables and interconnects.

I know this is not a mainstream head-fi point of view (if you disagree, just take comfort that you are in the majority and have the blessing of Jude!), but it's the truth as I see it, and I think it bears repeating once in a while. It's not a matter of great principle or morals, or worth getting upset over.

But I think people will get to better sound much more efficiently, time-wise and dollar-wise, if they concentrate on the headphones.

BTW, I love my HD580s, stock cables and all.

Quote:

Originally posted by Beagle Cables can make headphones (or any other component) sound different, not necessarily better, for reasons no one can explain. Therefore, it may not actually be occuring. Most people 'hear' a difference because they've just changed the cable and they expect to hear one. Do a blindfolded test. If you can't tell any difference, go with the least expensive. I'm fooled by cables all the time. Usually I attribute the differences to my moods or the weather.

 

[Gergor]

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve999 I agree, and actually, I'm even more skeptical about cables and interconnects. I don't think they make any difference at all, and cables could not make any difference unless they were atrocious well beyond what is available on the market today. I most value comparisons of how different headphones sound. I have been fascinated by headphones for many years. The second cables or interconnects enter the discussion, I am still interested to read the person's perceptions, but the value of the perceptions is diluted. I feel like I have to "read through" the person's gross misunderstanding about cables and interconnects. I know this is not a mainstream head-fi point of view (if you disagree, just take comfort that you are in the majority and have the blessing of Jude!), but it's the truth as I see it, and I think it bears repeating once in a while. It's not a matter of great principle or morals, or worth getting upset over. But I think people will get to better sound much more efficiently, time-wise and dollar-wise, if they concentrate on the headphones. BTW, I love my HD580s, stock cables and all.

I hope your statement comes from your own experience with Senn and headphone cable. In my own experience with HD580 and Equinox, the improvement is not even subtle (as compared to stock cable).