@bagwell359
Good decision. As you know, the 500 is really excellent and special - even if you own a 6SE. They are absolutely different enough to warrant owning both.
The other thing I have trouble wrapping my head around is how the used 6 skyrocketed in value to like $1600 or so while the used 500 still sells for are $400. I think that brings OG 6 to selling MORE than its original MSRP while the 500 is half its original MSRP. Massive difference - and that is even while we have an HE6SE which is supposed to be pretty close to the 6.
I understand the 6 again has its own unique qualities but weird to me still. All the more reason to hold that 500 and enjoy it.
Agreed. About a year ago some 6 screws were going for $900 (despite the ask), but they zoomed up since. The 4 screw never sagged that much, and the "Code" modified cans (4, 5, 6, and others) are like hens teeth, and the few being sold are also going up.
I've had a 6 screw in my possession for maybe 70 hrs, and its not very much like either SE. I find the SE's to be an easier listen, and better for lack of treble ringing and larger midrange soundstage, but in no way are they a match for the 6 screw in bass impact/slam. The 6 screw is a 12 out of 10, and the SE's are like 8.9 (after a bit of EQ) out of 10. The technical edge the 6 screw has over the SE is largely due to the excess treble, less subtle than the 007/009 Stax, which also adds its own twist to the sound.
As for the 500, also an easier listen than the 6 screw, with a midrange presence/stage that's unmatched by the 6 screw. But the 6 screw is more technical, has the bass slam/impact (the 500 has delicious bass timbre, but is a little slow due to higher Q) - IMO the 500's need dynamat to control the mid/upper bass resonances. Both are better with EQ, better pads, cables, no rear screen and very importantly - the fuzzor mod. The 500 doesn't fatigue once its had the fuzzor (the remaining ringing is less notable and seems focused on cymbal decay and sopranos), the 6 can and does - yes beyond what one can expect from bright recordings - unless you have it carefully EQ'd with audiophile colored equipment.
Never heard any of the "Code" modded cans, would sure like too, they are a legend in their own time.