HD580s broke, now what to buy - HD600 vs. 650
Aug 21, 2009 at 2:23 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 17

Kurashima

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I've had my Sennheiser HD580s for a long time now and I've really loved them. They broke recently though, and are unfortunately not under warranty. So, I've decided to seize this "opportunity" and upgrade along the line. My choice is between HD600 and HD650.

Most of all, what I'm looking for is a pretty similar sound signature. I've heard differing opinions about the phones, from HD600 being neutral to rather bright, and HD650 having lots of bass. I'm wondering which would someone who's loved the HD580s prefer? I don't want headphones that are any brighter than the 580s, though I'm also concerned about too much bass with 650s.

Also, how's the build quality between the three? The HD580's headphone straps broke before I'd owned them for a year or so, and I don't think I'm too rough with them. Also, I've found that the top of the strap can sometimes put a lot of pressure on your head. Are the 600 or 650's better in these regards, build quality and comfort?

I listen to all kinds of music, I'd say mainly pop, rock, electronica, and (perhaps to a lesser extent) classical, world, and jazz. I've set up a poll for convenience, but would love any opinions / details anyone would care to give!
 
Aug 21, 2009 at 2:30 AM Post #3 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by koven /img/forum/go_quote.gif
FWIR, the HD580/600 sound alike - very neutral. The HD650 is a bit darker with more bass.

Grab the HD600's if you want something similar!



x2
 
Aug 21, 2009 at 2:35 AM Post #4 of 17
I can't make a comparison with the HD600 as I've never heard it, but regarding the headband pad pressure on top issue you are having; HD650 has one of the best headband pad solution around with people with such problems, IMO (I have that problem also with many headphones). They pad the curves of the headband and they leave the middle part empty, making it more comfortable to wear for people with more oval-shaped head such as myself. IIRC the HD600 will have the same design headband pad as HD580, although if you decide to get the HD600 after all then it probably wouldn't be too hard to switch that component of it out with the HD650 pad (if you order the part from Sennheiser; that part is probably interchangeable).
 
Aug 21, 2009 at 2:37 AM Post #5 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by koven /img/forum/go_quote.gif
FWIR, the HD580/600 sound alike - very neutral. The HD650 is a bit darker with more bass.

Grab the HD600's if you want something similar!



x3
 
Aug 21, 2009 at 3:16 AM Post #6 of 17
Go HD600. They are a great phone. I prefer the HD650 but a LOT of people still prefer the HD600. The 600s do what the 580s do slightly better. You will not be disappointed.

-geek
 
Aug 21, 2009 at 6:10 AM Post #7 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by koven /img/forum/go_quote.gif
FWIR, the HD580/600 sound alike - very neutral. The HD650 is a bit darker with more bass.

Grab the HD600's if you want something similar!



X4. I prefer the 650 due to its darker and more refined nature, but if you love the sound of the 580 then the 600 is probably your best choice.
 
Aug 21, 2009 at 7:05 AM Post #10 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurashima /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Also, how's the build quality between the three? The HD580's headphone straps broke before I'd owned them for a year or so, and I don't think I'm too rough with them. Also, I've found that the top of the strap can sometimes put a lot of pressure on your head. Are the 600 or 650's better in these regards, build quality and comfort?



As far as I know, the 580, 600 and 650 came out of the same mold. All parts are modular and can be interchanged. So as far as fit and quality they should be the same. If you broke the headband you can just replace it with a 600 or 650 headband.
Other parts are interchangeable but they effect the sound signature.


My vote is for the 600 also.
 
Aug 21, 2009 at 7:38 AM Post #11 of 17
If you like the sound of HD 580 and reluctant to change, then go to 600.
But 650 is always worth a try
wink.gif
 
Aug 21, 2009 at 8:42 AM Post #12 of 17
HD580 and HD600 not only sound very similar, they sound *exactly* the same.

You can adjust the fit of the HD580/HD600/HD650 so they have less clamping force on your head. Explanation here. The procedure is to bend the metal bands in the headband. Don't do anything that attempts to "stretch" the plastic part of the headband, that will only cause the plastic part of the headband to crack. Follow the linked procedure to bend the metal bit of the headband and you'll be good.
 
Aug 25, 2009 at 7:31 PM Post #14 of 17
Thank you very much all! I actually. . . forgot I made this thread!
biggrin.gif
So sorry for the late reply, but very much appreciated! I think I will go for the 600s. I was worried from some reviews that they would actually be brighter than the 580s, but it seems most people agree (as I originally thought too) that they're pretty similar.
 
Aug 28, 2009 at 8:36 AM Post #15 of 17

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