I found the HD-600 to be a good headphone, (I tried it with the RA-1) but with that measly set-up, it sounded, compared to the RS-1, very bass-heavy and less punchy and captivating. Obviously it would be much better with amps like the Max, which is (save the Blockhead) arguably one of the best amps for the HD600. The RKV is supposed to do well too.
Some say it becomes a different animal with the Max, for many people who have never really liked the HD600 liked it with that amp. A good example of this is with Head-Fier Matt, who before hearing the HD600's through the Max, really hated the HD600's; afterwards he really liked that combo.
Also, when bought at significantly below retail price (@ $400-$450 new) the RS-1 is of better value only because the HD600+replacement cable and an amp cost more. But when you start adding expensive amps to either headphone, their value becomes near the same, and music preference and preferred style of presentation take a determining role.
So, perhaps if I could afford a Max or RKV, I
might get the HD600 instead of the RS-1. But they're both great headphones and are definitely in the same league, IMO.
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Painfully bright in most cases. |
They most likely won't be with a good tube amp. The highs may also be "smoothened" as a result
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and [the HD-600] work well with every Genre which makes them very appealing. |
Many people, including myself, aren't too hesitant to call the RS1's versatile as well.