shampoosuicide
500+ Head-Fier
[ Cross-posted from the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X thread ]
Apples and oranges comparison of two consumer greats, the open-back Sennheiser HD 560S and the closed-back Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X:
Tidal on Mac > JDS Atom DAC > JDS Atom Amp
This is now my favourite closed-back Beyer besides the DT 150 (with DT 100 velour pads). For reference, closed-back Beyers I've owned: T5p G2, DT 1770, DT 770 80 ohm and 250 ohm. Amongst the sub-$500 closed-backs I've had, including the E-MU Teak and Shure SRH1540, I would easily pick the DT 700 Pro X for its sheer versatility, excellent tuning, and technical performance.
Apples and oranges comparison of two consumer greats, the open-back Sennheiser HD 560S and the closed-back Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X:
Tidal on Mac > JDS Atom DAC > JDS Atom Amp
- Both the HD 560S and DT 700 Pro X are relatively neutral headphones. However, the DT 700 Pro X features a healthy bass boost, whereas the HD 560S sees an emphasis in its lower-treble.
- Tonally, the DT 700 Pro X is, to my ears, much smoother, warmer, full-bodied, and musical. By comparison, the HD 560S is relatively analytical—almost sterile—and can sound coarse and unrefined depending on source and upstream equipment.
- The DT 700 Pro X is much more vigorous and robust in its presentation, whereas the HD 560S tends to sound relatively limp and lifeless on certain tracks out of most solid state amps I’ve paired it with.
- The DT 700 Pro X displays a distinct perception of dimensionality and an atmospheric, enveloping presentation, which the HD 560S seems to lack, coming across as somewhat flat and one-dimensional.
- In terms of staging, while the DT 700 Pro X sounds predictably more enclosed owing to its closed-back design, I find its soundstage to be appreciably wider and more spacious. The HD 560S on the other hand sounds more open and airy as a result of its, well, open design.
- Technically, the DT 700 Pro X strikes me as being appreciably more resolving and detailed than the HD 560S. The HD 560S exhibits a more distinct appearance of surface clarity, but this seems due primarily to its tuning, in particular its lower-treble emphasis and relatively more dialled-down low-end.
- Despite the HD 560S’s relatively flat response, I find the DT 700 Pro X to display a greater sense of realism and timbral accuracy.
- Transparency and separation appear similar enough between the DT 700 Pro X and HD 560S. Without close A/Bing, I am unable to discern any meaningful differences in this respect.
- Bass digs much deeper and is presented with significantly greater heft, authority, and vigour on the DT 700 Pro X. However the HD 560S does have the edge in terms of speed, grip, and definition.
- Mids are significantly fuller-bodied and pleasing on the DT 700 Pro X with a better sense of realism. The HD 560S’s mids are presented in a more conventionally ‘studio monitor’ fashion. Upper-mids can sound somewhat shouty on some tracks to my ears with the HD 560S.
- Treble is much smoother and more delicate on the DT 700 Pro X, being somewhat peakier, more emphasised, and at times metallic-sounding on the HD 560S.
This is now my favourite closed-back Beyer besides the DT 150 (with DT 100 velour pads). For reference, closed-back Beyers I've owned: T5p G2, DT 1770, DT 770 80 ohm and 250 ohm. Amongst the sub-$500 closed-backs I've had, including the E-MU Teak and Shure SRH1540, I would easily pick the DT 700 Pro X for its sheer versatility, excellent tuning, and technical performance.
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