[tomstoll]

just dipping my toes back into the headphone space after redoing my HT and needing something else to research

i have currently in my headphone collection:

Ultimate Ears triple fi10

sennheiser 558
sennheiser momentum v1
Oppo PM-3
Bose QC35

now that ive discovered desktop DACs/Headphone amps, im looking at whats out there as far as options compared to my desktop setup of a pair of audioengine A5+ with a monoprice 10" studio sub.

the HD6xx seem highly reveiwed especially at their price point, $220.

but is there a noticeable step up at high priced options, eg focal, hifiman, audeze, etc

these will be primarily used in my home office via dac/amp, jds atom/sanskrit mk2 combo.

should i just get the hd6xx or look at the upper end alternatives?

how much are the diminishing returns past the hd6xx?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

HD 600/650/6XX are happier with OTL tube amps or solid state amps rated for much more power than you would think they need. They will sound ok on other amps but you won't get the best out of them without kicking them in the can pretty hard. I have the 600s, have not heard the 650/6XX, but they are said to be similar.

It is pretty difficult to find a set of cans that is so good at so many kinds of music as these are without spending a lot more money. And even if you do, these don't become 2nd rate. I think the LCD-2C is a nice up/side grade but it is not better than the 600s at everything.

For the money the 6XX sounds like a steal.

 

[YJX94]

HD 6XX for how much it costs is the best value for a headphone ever besides perhaps the Koss Porta Pro/KSC75. For most people the 6XX is the first and last headphone they'll ever need, YMMV.

 

[IEMusic]

I recommend getting the HD6XX/HD650 (assuming you’re not looking for a lot of sub bass). I think it qualifies for “legendary” status. There are some HPs that are considered “better” in general, but most of them are a lot more expensive $1,000+. In reality, most other HPs are just different. Even if you have a dozen $4,000 HPs, I submit it would be a good idea to have a pair of HD6XXs as a reference point, since they are so well liked and frequently compared to.

 

[tutetibiimperes]

The 6XX is one of the best bargains in headphones. While it doesn't excel in sub-bass, treble airiness, soundstage, dynamics, detail, or multiple other things, it also doesn't have any glaring weaknesses, which is something that often pops up in headphones that do excel in some of those other areas. It's just very relaxing and pleasant to listen to, and it does midrange better than headphones costing multiple times its price.

Another reason to pick one up is that it's become almost a universal reference in how other headphones are described. Getting to know the HD6XX will give you better insight when you do look at higher end models down the road as many reviews will reference the 6XX/650 in terms of how other headphones compare.

 

[340519]

I recommend getting the HD6XX/HD650 (assuming you’re not looking for a lot of sub bass). I think it qualifies for “legendary” status. There are some HPs that are considered “better” in general, but most of them are a lot more expensive $1,000+. In reality, most other HPs are just different. Even if you have a dozen $4,000 HPs, I submit it would be a good idea to have a pair of HD6XXs as a reference point, since they are so well liked and frequently compared to.

True, I have +4k headphones and the hd600 are excellent.

 

[iFi audio]

Folks, just a friendly announcement that our ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature 6XX are available at Drop.com for a week from now on!

https://drop.com/buy/ifi-audio-zen-dac-signature-drop-exclusive

https://drop.com/buy/ifi-zen-can-signature-6xx-amp-drop-exclusive/talk

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Folks, just a friendly announcement that our ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature 6XX are available at Drop.com for a week from now on!

https://drop.com/buy/ifi-audio-zen-dac-signature-drop-exclusive

https://drop.com/buy/ifi-zen-can-signature-6xx-amp-drop-exclusive/talk

I'm interested in why you guys chose a 15V swing on the ZEN Can. From what little I can gather 15V seems to be a safe minimum to making 300 ohm Sennheisers really sing. If you can share any science on that engineering decision it would be grand.

 

[VNandor]

I'm interested in why you guys chose a 15V swing on the ZEN Can. From what little I can gather 15V seems to be a safe minimum to making 300 ohm Sennheisers really sing. If you can share any science on that engineering decision it would be grand.

Where did you read that? From what I can tell, 15V is well over the safe MAXIMUM limit of what any of the sennheisers can take. I checked Sennheiser's website and the HD600 is rated for 0.2W rms and the 650 and 800 is rated for 0.5W. 15V into a 300 ohm headphones is 0.75W.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Where did you read that? From what I can tell, 15V is well over the safe MAXIMUM limit of what any of the sennheisers can take. I checked Sennheiser's website and the HD600 is rated for 0.2W rms and the 650 and 800 is rated for 0.5W. 15V into a 300 ohm headphones is 0.75W.

Here we go again, not. Empirical evidence tells me an amp that can swing 15V is a good starting point for making 300 ohm Sennheisers sound like they should. Look at the specs on the Zen CAN and you will see they state it can deliver 15V.

 

[iFi audio]

I'm interested in why you guys chose a 15V swing on the ZEN Can. From what little I can gather 15V seems to be a safe minimum to making 300 ohm Sennheisers really sing. If you can share any science on that engineering decision it would be grand.

ZEN CAN is internally fully balanced and yes, it is one powerful monster. As to why we did a 15V rail specifically, I'd have to ask internally and get back to you.

 

[VNandor]

Here we go again, not. Empirical evidence tells me an amp that can swing 15V is a good starting point for making 300 ohm Sennheisers sound like they should. Look at the specs on the Zen CAN and you will see they state it can deliver 15V.

What I'm trying to get at is that you can't just boil down an amp to one number (output voltage into a certain load), especially not like this because any of these headphones would already be loud enough to cause hearing damage at much lower voltages as well. Whatever you think is disliked about pairing Sennheisers with amplifiers that has lower voltage swings or lower power output doesn't actually have to do much with this, since the only thing these numbers tell you is how loud the sound can get and not much else. And again, they are dangerously loud way before 15 volts.