[StrangeID]

Hey y'all.

I've got a pair of Sennheiser/Drop HD6xx as my first set of good headphones. I also picked up some Truthear Hexa for traveling/mobile (they're both amazing and affordable and easy to drive).

I've also gotten an Asgard with the DAC card for amplification/DAC. So I'm pretty set there.

I'm looking for suggestions for a second headphone. I'm new to the hobby, so I want something different from the HD6xx. Not that there's anything wrong with the 6xx, but I want to broaden my experiences a bit.

I hear that the 6xx's soundstage is "muddy" and "narrow" and "3 blob", so I'd like something that I can experience that will help me understand what clean, wide, and/or discrete would sound like, even at the expense of the HD6xx's great sound.

Max budget is 600. If I go under that, fine, I'm not looking to max out the budget, but 600 is the top.

 

[Thomasr]

What's your tolerance for a larger, heavier headphone?

 

[earmonger]

ATH-R70X

Light, comfortable, spacious soundstage, needs an amp (but you have one), basically Sennheiser plus:

https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/6/17535412/audio-technica-r70x-review-professional-headphones

Best US price here, though shipping is additional.

https://www.thomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_r70_x.htm

 

[Jared2500]

Dude, you can go so far in the $600 price range with IEMs. Just go with the Moondrop Variations. Perfect alternative to the 6XX with added portability. Very accurately tuned to the Harman Target with a nice bass boost.

https://www.linsoul.com/products/moondrop-variations

 

[InvisibleInk]

I’m pretty sure you can get a OG HIFIMAN Ananda for at or under budget.

 

[dunring]

I've got the hd6xx and many others. The Hifiman Ananda Stealth is my favorite to switch to and Hifiman has a big sale (just got the email yesterday) on open box and refurb models with a big price reduction.
I had the Hexxa but they weren't keepers like the Simgot EA500 I use daily. The Audio Technica ADH1000X are another I love to switch to for a big soundstage, imaging, and best female vocals.

 

[IkSak]

Hi!

Welcome to the hobby.

Here are some things you could experience within your budget:

1. For better soundstage and resolution: Hifiman Edition XS. You can get it used for around $350 or new for approx. $450. Nice taste of what Hifimans are about and one of the best headphones under 500.

2. For dynamics mixed with better detail than your HD6XX. Focal Elex. You can get them second hand around $380-$400. Was a great hit when it was launched and it still remains relevant in 2023.

Hey y'all.

I've got a pair of Sennheiser/Drop HD6xx as my first set of good headphones. I also picked up some Truthear Hexa for traveling/mobile (they're both amazing and affordable and easy to drive).

I've also gotten an Asgard with the DAC card for amplification/DAC. So I'm pretty set there.

I'm looking for suggestions for a second headphone. I'm new to the hobby, so I want something different from the HD6xx. Not that there's anything wrong with the 6xx, but I want to broaden my experiences a bit.

I hear that the 6xx's soundstage is "muddy" and "narrow" and "3 blob", so I'd like something that I can experience that will help me understand what clean, wide, and/or discrete would sound like, even at the expense of the HD6xx's great sound.

Max budget is 600. If I go under that, fine, I'm not looking to max out the budget, but 600 is the top.

 

[WorksUnit]

I'm looking for suggestions for a second headphone. I'm new to the hobby, so I want something different from the HD6xx. Not that there's anything wrong with the 6xx, but I want to broaden my experiences a bit.

You have good some advice already..... suggest trying a lower end Grado as a counterpoint too.

 

[lifeson]

Cheap option Beyer DT880 - nice counterpoint to HD6xx

 

[virgil990]

+1 for looking into the IEM market. I think there are more options in price to performance under $600 in IEMs.