Recomendations for the best cost (HD6XX vs HD560S vs Others at same price point)

Jun 3, 2024 at 4:12 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 8

loljoaoko

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Hey, I'm a new comer, and this is my dillema that I thought to share with you guys so I could get help to make the best decision, since this is very expensive for me now:
I live in Brazil and the only hi-fi store here is Sennheiser, the HD560S is 1500 BRL (the currency here) in black friday and there is a little studio room to test headphones.
I tested HD600, HD800S, HD660S2 and the HD560S. I loved the tonality of HD600 but lacked bass and that is something I'm looking for since I search for an all rounder headphone. I loved the technicalities and the HD560S and the tonality was second best for me. The three blob effect is a big problem for me. So by that I gathered that I like fowardsness in the mid range, great imaging, good soundstage, some bass extension and smooth treble (I'm guessing).
But now is where the dillema hits, I could have the opportunity to get an HD6XX from USA bought by my aunt who lives there from only 1050 BRL ($200). But that would involve troubles: first, getting a way to pay in parts, since I don't have that money to pay all at once, second, making sure it doesn't get taxed.
I could have the sundara as well but some say Hifiman doesn't have good quality control, so I opted out of that. But that could be better for me. And I could opt for others in the same price as well.
What are you guys' opinion? Since I never owned a Hi-fi over ear headphone. Should I look for another headphone? Should I buy the HD560S here in Brazil or grab the opportunity to get a HD6XX, since I see a lot of praise for that headphone?
And also, is the "pad tax" something to be aware of? How often should I exchange the pads for how much? If a sennheiser headphone is the choice
PS: any product over $50 is taxed over 90% in any shopping site here, but Sennheiser, since they have a store here, are selling for less than double, which is less than the taxes I would pay for buying of any site from other countries.
PPS: I like to enjoy almost any type of music genres, but I listen less to electronic and heavy metal, and more of other genres. I only have a dongle similar to apple USB-C called Kuba KD-1.
 
Jun 3, 2024 at 7:13 AM Post #2 of 8
The Thieaudio Ghost competes with the Sennheiser HD600 at 1/3rd the price and beats the 500 series hands down. If you can get them near the $119 retail here it's a huge win. You do need a mild amplifier though, even a Sound blaster X1 or Tanchjim Space on balanced will be fine.
 
Jun 3, 2024 at 3:16 PM Post #3 of 8
The Thieaudio Ghost competes with the Sennheiser HD600 at 1/3rd the price and beats the 500 series hands down. If you can get them near the $119 retail here it's a huge win. You do need a mild amplifier though, even a Sound blaster X1 or Tanchjim Space on balanced will be fine.
What would you say in terms of technicalities in comparison between the Ghost and 560S or Sundara, for example, is it more or less spacious, imaging-capabilities and the infamous "detail"?
 
Jun 3, 2024 at 4:29 PM Post #4 of 8
And also, is the "pad tax" something to be aware of? How often should I exchange the pads for how much? If a sennheiser headphone is the choice?
There are always going to be costs involved with pads, and that`s not unique to Senn.
There are 3rd party alternatives for a lot of headphones that can be had relatively cheaply... that a lot of users on here are perfectly happy with too.

Some people like to change pads like-for-like on a strict schedule.
Another approach is when you live with a headphone for a long time, and it becomes a little less familiar....
 
Jun 3, 2024 at 5:55 PM Post #5 of 8
If you didn't like the 3-blob effect of the 600's, just know that you'll find the same thing with the HD650/6XX. At least until you use them with a quality tube amp. However, it IS almost exactly an HD600 with more bass (midbass anyway), and a smoother, more resolving upper midrange. It's a much more relaxed listen though, so I wouldn't immediately assume it's what you're looking for. It sounds smoothed over, less neutral, warmer.

I think the Sundara is a really great headphone, and has my favorite tonality of any Hifiman apart from the Susvara, but the ability to return a Hifiman headphone is important in case you get a defective unit. Or if you don't like the fit/comfort. The problem is that it really likes high-powered sources, and your dongles might not drive it to listening levels. But upgrading your amp/DAC is something you should probably do anyway, especially when moving onto higher-end over-ear headphones.
 
Jun 3, 2024 at 8:50 PM Post #6 of 8
I agree with what has been said already. I'll add to it by saying that the hd6xx on a dongle might sound a bit underwhelming.
Most who have heard the 6xx on a good tube amp will sing its praises, but it doesn't sound like you can afford a pricey amp at this point in time.
 
Jun 4, 2024 at 8:41 PM Post #8 of 8
How would you fair 560S and 6XX with tubes?
I'm thinking about going for the 560S anyways, I can always play with EQ haha
And thanks for the replies guys, this forum is very helpful
I'm sure the 560S would serve you well! Sounds like it's a good middle of the road headphone out of the ones you tried.

I'm not sure how the 560S will sound on tubes. My guess is they'll sound great, but not as great as the 6XX/650 will. Those, and many other 300 ohm headphones, really come alive with an OTL tube amp.
 

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