Noise control | Sound Isolation |
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Frequency response | 40500 Hz |
Sensitivity | 97 dB |
Headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
Model name | Sennheiser HD 600 |
Connectivity technology | Wired |
Wireless communication technology | Wired |
Included components | HD 6, ¼” (6.3 mm) headphone adapter plug |
Age range (description) | Adult |
Material | Plastic, Metal |
Specific uses for product | Professional |
Recommended uses for product | Music |
Compatible devices | Compatible with any device of 3.5 mm jack |
Control type | Noise Control |
Cable feature | Without Cable |
Item weight | 9.1 Ounces |
Frequency range | 12 Hz - 40,500 Hz |
Package type | Standard Packaging |
Style | Headphones |
Product Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 1 cm; 257.98 g |
Item model number | 4465 |
Colour Name | Black |
Connector Type | 3.5mm Jack |
Material Type | Plastic, Metal |
Size | medium |
Color Screen | No |
Hardware Platform | PC |
Standing screen display size | 1 Inches |
Item Weight | 258 g |
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Sennheiser HD 600 Open Dynamic Hi-Fi Professional Stereo Headphones (Black)
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Sennheiser Consumer Audio |
Colour | Black |
Ear placement | Over Ear |
Form factor | On Ear |
Impedance | 300 Ohm |
About this item
- Lightweight aluminum voice coils ensure excellent transient response.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear.Specific uses for product : Professional
- Neodymium ferrous magnets maintain optimum sensitivity and excellent dynamics
- Sophisticated design, elegantly finished in black and gray
- High quality open metal mesh earpiece covers
- Detachable, Kevlar reinforced oxygen free copper cable with very low handling noise
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Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B00004SY4H |
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Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
鶹 Rank |
|
Date First Available | Feb. 22 2011 |
Manufacturer | Sennheiser |
Place of Business | SEATTLE, WA, 98101 US |
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Product description
With the HD 650, audiophiles will experience truly unique natural sound. With sound this good, long concerts in the comfort of your home are a certainty, so the HD 650 also sets standards in comfort and convenience. The HD 650 is a genuine masterpiece, which will satisfy even the most demanding listener. HD 650 the Reference Class.
Top Brand: Sennheiser
From the manufacturer

Sennheiser HD 600 Open Dynamic Hi-Fi Professional Stereo Headphones
These headphones are engineered for the true audiophile. Thanks to an open circumaural design, computer optimized magnets and aluminum voice coils.
Overview
The HD 600 are audiophile-quality, open dynamic hi-fi/professional stereo headphones. The advanced diaphragm design eliminates standing waves in the diaphragm material. The HD 600 can be connected directly to hi-fi systems of the highest quality, in particular DAT, DVD, MD and CD players. These headphones are an ideal choice for the professional recording engineer recording classical music.
Features
- Sophisticated design, elegantly finished in black and grey
- High-quality, open metal mesh earpiece covers for an extremely transparent sound
- Computer-optimised magnet systems minimise harmonic and intermodulation distortion
- Extremely lightweight aluminium voice coils ensure excellent transient response
- Neodymium ferrous magnet systems for optimum sensitivity and a wide dynamic range
- Exceptionally natural, spatial and accurate sound
- Detachable OFC copper cable, with very low handling noise
From the brand

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We are audio experts and music lovers who’ve been striving for the best audio experience. Through the craft and precision of German Engineering we create innovative products to reinvent the future of audio with remarkable audio experiences that you don’t just hear – but feel. That is what the Sennheiser brand has represented for more than 75 years.
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Intense Science
We are driven by the passion to create audio solutions that make a difference, by constantly rediscovering the needs of our customers.
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Intense Sound
Our ability to redefine sound has continued to set the norm, allowing music lovers worldwide to experience sound in a new dimension.
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Intense Emotion
As audio fanatics we strive for a remarkable sound you not only hear – but feel. We measure our success by the goosebumps on your skin.
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We invite you to discover our wide variety of premium audio products, which are divided into the following four categories: Premium Headphones, Audiophile Headphones, Hearing Solutions and Soundbars.
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Premium Headphones
Offering a wide selection of headphone styles from True Wireless to Over-Ear for premium music enjoyment no matter where you are.
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Audiophile Headphones
Continuously striving to define new industry standards with headphones for both home and mobile listening.
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Hearing Solutions
Seeking to provide market-leading enhanced hearing products from TV listening to situational hearing.
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Soundbars
Providing outstanding immersive sound experiences for home entertainment by a single device.
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Hear the Difference
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This Item ![]() Sennheiser HD 600 Open Dynamic Hi-Fi Professional Stereo Headphones (Black) | Recommendations | |||||
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Price | $579.92$579.92 | $369.10$369.10 | $279.99$279.99 | $499.95$499.95 | $129.00$129.00 | -18%$405.56$405.56 Was: $497.43 |
Delivery | Get it by Sunday, Jun 15 | — | Get it by Sunday, Jun 15 | Get it by Sunday, Jun 15 | Get it Jun 18 - 25 | Get it by Monday, Jun 23 |
Customer ratings | ||||||
Sold by | 鶹.ca | 鶹.ca | 鶹.ca | Luna Electronics | ELECTRONIQUE HI-FI INC | HIFIMAN |
connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
headphones form factor | On Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
connector type | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 1/4-inch, 3.5mm Jack | — | Auxiliary | 3.5mm Jack |
noise control | sound isolation | — | — | sound isolation | sound isolation | — |
headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 6.3 mm Jack with 3.5 adapter | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
cable feature | Without Cable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | Basic | Detachable |
control type | Noise Control | Media Control | control | Media Control | Noise Control | — |
water resistance | — | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant |
material | Metal, Plastic | Aluminum Faux Leather Plastic | Velour | Plastic, Metal | Faux Leather | Metal |
model name | Sennheiser HD 600 | Drop + Hifiman HE5XX | HD 560S | HD 620S | Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone (new model) | Sundara |
frequency range | 12 Hz - 40,500 Hz | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | — | 10 Hz - 42,000 Hz | 8 - 25000 Hz | 6 Hz to 75 kHz |
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Customer reviews
Customers say
Customers like the build quality, comfort, and compatibility of the headphones. They mention the sound quality is fantastic, the bass roll-off is not noticeable, and they work well with solid state or tube devices. Customers also appreciate the balanced and realistic sound. They also like the longevity, space, and neutrality.
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Customers like the build quality of the headphones. They mention the sound quality is fantastic, plenty loud, and sounds much better than its price. Some say the bass roll-off is not noticeable, and the stereo soundstage seems almost excessively wide. They also say the levels of clarity and amount they reveal are astounding.
"...These headphones stand out as a benchmark for neutral sound quality, and after a week of use, I can confidently say they are worth every penny for..." Read more
"...Briefly, I'd just say that the HD 600s have an open, crystal-clear sound...." Read more
"...I also feel like the HD600 also excels at anything with vocals in it which lends itself well to Trance or many forms of popular EDM with Dubstep and..." Read more
"Reliable. Pretty tough and very clear. They get more comfortable as you wear them in. Only negative is the long cable...." Read more
Customers like the comfort of the headphones. They mention they're very comfortable, soft, and lightweight. Some say the clamp when new loosens to quite comfortable over time.
"...The lightweight plastic frame keeps them comfortable for long listening sessions, while the metal mesh earcups add durability and elegance...." Read more
"...On top of this, the HD 600s are the most comfortable headphones I've ever owned. Of course, your head may be different...." Read more
"...curly hair however once I cut it all off they definitely became fairly comfortable, more so than my M50's were at first and with time I expect them..." Read more
"...While not as comfy as HD598, the HD600 is definitely quite more comfortable than the DT880 (Beyerdynamic), which I consider a very close 2nd purely..." Read more
Customers like the compatibility of the headphones. They mention it works well with solid state or tube devices, works well with mobile devices, and the adapter fits on the original cable snugly.
"...Most importantly: do they still exhibit that clinical, neutral, perfectly analytical sound? A resounding 'Yes'. Beyond any shadow of a doubt...." Read more
"...and have always loved the light weight, perfect fit and great sound...." Read more
"...The adapter fits on the original cable snugly, however it does not fit the after market extension cable...." Read more
"works very nice with my CAMBRIDGE ADIO DACMAGIC 200M. recommend for everyone else" Read more
Customers like the weight of the headphones. They mention it's soft and rather lightweight.
"...The build quality is solid yet understated. The lightweight plastic frame keeps them comfortable for long listening sessions, while the metal mesh..." Read more
"...It's soft and rather lighweight but, coupled with the rather flimsy band and very slim frame, it certainly doesn't reflect what you'd expect out of..." Read more
"...years (they're a discontinued model now), and have always loved the light weight, perfect fit and great sound...." Read more
"...When I opened it up I was even more surprised to find a tiny (and very light) Sennheiser HD600 box...." Read more
Customers like the balance of the headphones. They mention they provide a balanced and realistic sound.
"...Unlike headphones with exaggerated bass or treble, these provide balanced and realistic sound...." Read more
"...The second pair also looked practically new but with balanced drivers! Hooray. BUT now the cable is no good and doesn't maintain connection. Sigh...." Read more
"...The HD600 is nicely balanced with a gorgeous midrange. It sounds much better than its price. An absolute bargain. I have also owned:..." Read more
"...has experience and has known for many years how to make exceptional balanced headphones, and this model is one of the best example...." Read more
Customers like the longevity of the headphones. They mention the open design reduces fatigue when listening for long periods, is ideal for relaxing listening, and lends itself well to Trance or many forms of popular EDM. Customers also say the soundstage is wide, creating an immersive effect, and the imaging is precise.
"...The soundstage is wide, creating an immersive effect, and the imaging is precise, making it easy to pinpoint each instrument's position in the..." Read more
"...the HD600 also excels at anything with vocals in it which lends itself well to Trance or many forms of popular EDM with Dubstep and other electronic..." Read more
"...also extremely laid back in everything and it could never annoy you for long listening periods...." Read more
"...(less bass) and open design, and as such, reduce the fatigue when listening for long periods...." Read more
Customers like the space of the headphones. They mention they scale spectacularly, the level of clarity and depth is simply uncanny, and the use of very wide cushions that fit well clear of the ears.
"...impresses right out of the box: the level of clarity and depth is simply uncanny...." Read more
"...One thing I've always appreciated with Sennheiser is their use of very wide cushions that fit well clear of your ears, and never press on anything..." Read more
"Great headphones; tonal excellence and spatial depth...." Read more
"...These sound very nice and I can tell they scale spectacularly because the difference from unbalanced to balanaced on the K7 is already huge...." Read more
Customers like the neutral sound quality of the headphones.
"...Most importantly: do they still exhibit that clinical, neutral, perfectly analytical sound? A resounding 'Yes'. Beyond any shadow of a doubt...." Read more
"Simply the best neutral and natural sound for the price. More neutral (natural), but less lively and exciting than its sister the HD650, but simply..." Read more
"...Sound quality is great and very neutral. If you're a bass-head, I would stay away...." Read more
Reviews with images

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Top reviews from Canada
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- Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2025Verified PurchaseOverview:
The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones have completely transformed my listening experience. These headphones stand out as a benchmark for neutral sound quality, and after a week of use, I can confidently say they are worth every penny for anyone who values accurate sound reproduction.
Audio Quality:
The HD 600 delivers an exceptionally neutral sound signature, ideal for audiophiles and those looking for authentic audio. Unlike headphones with exaggerated bass or treble, these provide balanced and realistic sound. The midrange is where they truly shine: vocals, string instruments, and acoustic tracks come through with incredible detail. Listening to genres like classical, jazz, or even acoustic rock feels like being in a live studio session.
I tested these headphones with albums such as "The Last Resort" by Trentemøller, "We Are the Night" by The Chemical Brothers, "OK Computer" by Radiohead, "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd, Symphony No. 7 (Shostakovich), and Mozart’s "Requiem" (edited by Beyer). The headphones excelled in every genre, revealing every detail, including recording imperfections or artifacts that were previously inaudible. While all music sounds superb, these headphones truly shine with vocal and classical music. The soundstage is wide, creating an immersive effect, and the imaging is precise, making it easy to pinpoint each instrument's position in the mix.
These headphones perform especially well with a good amplifier/DAC due to their 300-ohm impedance. Directly connecting them to a PC or another source without a preamp will not allow them to reach their full potential. I paired them with the S.M.S.L DL100, which allowed them to fully reveal their potential, providing excellent clarity and dynamic sound.
Build Quality and Design:
The build quality is solid yet understated. The lightweight plastic frame keeps them comfortable for long listening sessions, while the metal mesh earcups add durability and elegance. However, the design might feel less “premium” compared to higher-end models like the HD 800.
Comfort:
Comfort is an area where the HD 600 excels over most other models. The velour earpads are soft and breathable, preventing discomfort during extended use. That said, users with larger heads or thick hair might find the clamping force slightly strong at first, but this eases over time as the headband adjusts. Compared to my previous headphones, such as the Audio-Technica M50x, the HD 600 causes significantly less ear fatigue, even during long listening sessions.
Who Are These For?
- Audiophiles who prioritize sound accuracy over bass-heavy tuning.
- Those who enjoy genres like classical, jazz, acoustic, and vocal-heavy music.
- Users willing to invest in a good DAC/amp to unlock their full potential.
If you prefer headphones with a bass emphasis or "fun" tuning, these might not be the best choice for you. However, for analytical listening, mixing, or simply enjoying music as the artist intended, these are near-perfect.
Value:
For their price, the HD 600 remains a gold standard in open-back headphones. While you can find cheaper options with decent sound quality, very few headphones in this range offer the same level of detail, balance, and longevity. Paired with the right setup, they can compete with much more expensive models.
Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones? Absolutely. For anyone serious about sound quality, these headphones are a must-have. They’ve redefined how I listen to music and made me revisit my entire library with fresh ears. If you’re on the fence, know that this is an investment in audio that will last you for years to come.
- Reviewed in Canada on May 18, 2025Verified PurchaseWhen I fist got these headphones I did not have a dac at all and was using a very low quality streaming service that if i spotted before I would have change to the high service of a Tidal before and then I was floored by these headphones. ( I do not know how 鶹 is about mentioning other companies in reviews but they are both in the review just a little bit hidden)
- Reviewed in Canada on May 21, 2024Verified PurchaseAudiophiles tell me there are better headphones out there. I can't confirm this, though I may eventually strain the budget to find out. What's more important, I think, is that the classic Sennheiser HD 600s are the *worst* headphones you should ever bother with.
I've owned quite a few $100, $200 and $300 headphones, and I can say with great confidence that if I'd known what a quantum leap the HD 600s represented, I'd never have purchased anything less.
Yes, skeptics, there is a difference, and it is definitely worth the few extra dollars.
Life is too short to spend listening to music on inferior headphones. For travel, for gaming... sure, don't break the bank. But if you want to really enjoy your favorite music, don't short-change yourself. You'll be enjoying the HD 600s long after you'd have frittered the money away on something far less meaningful.
It's hard to be specific when describing sound quality without lapsing into metaphor. Briefly, I'd just say that the HD 600s have an open, crystal-clear sound. They give the impression that you're hearing the music as the musicians intended it, with nothing added or taken away. With the HD 600s, I'm hearing instrumentation I never knew was there. I'm delving deeper into the complexities of music I'd listened to for years.
On top of this, the HD 600s are the most comfortable headphones I've ever owned. Of course, your head may be different. And I have to mention that you will need a proper headphone amplifier, so figure an extra $100 or so for that. (I find it's worthwhile just for the extra control I get with the one I have plugged into my PC.)
Some listeners (not me) may wish for more bass - Sennheiser now has a couple of pricier headsets that promise to provide this. And of course you can spend four times more for headphones that claim they'll transport you to a whole other acoustic dimension. I haven't tried them. All I can say is even if, like me, you're not among the wealthy 1%, don't buy anything LESS than the HD 600s for listening to music. Skip the years I wasted listening to 'moderately priced' headphones, and go directly to the good stuff.
Top reviews from other countries
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óԾReviewed in Spain on April 26, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars La mejor opción para un sonido natural y refinado
Verified PurchaseEditado el 21 de junio de 2023: Llevo siete años con estos auriculares (desde 2016) y siguen siendo mis favoritos. He probado otros auriculares más caros (HIFIMAN Edition XS, Sennheiser HD 660S2) pero no hay otros que tengan este timbre tan realista, la neutralidad que ofrecen y la respuesta de agudos tan refinada. Lo único que puedo aconsejar para mejorarlos un poquito más es amplificar con ecualizador los subgraves (por debajo de 100 Hz). Estos auriculares son una maravilla que vale cada euro y que te pueden durar más de diez años sólo cambiando las almohadillas.
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Editado el 25 de septiembre de 2020: Han pasado cuatro años y medio desde que los compré , y todavía los disfruto muchísimo. Hoy los he estado comparando con unos Fidelio X2HR de Philips y he podido comprobar cómo estos Sennheiser tienen los agudos más refinados que he escuchado en unos auriculares. La única pega que he tenido con los HD 600 es que he tenido que cambiar las almohadillas este año, y son bastante caras... Aun así éstas aguantan hasta 3 años de uso exhaustivo. He añadido la imagen de una medición de la respuesta de frecuencias en el rango de los agudos, comparándola con otros modelos como los Philips X2HR y los Beyerdynamic DT 880. Esta es una de las razones por las que me gustan tanto los HD 600. La respuesta de los agudos se siente de buena calidad, suave y detallada, porque no sufre ningún pico irregular, al contrario de tantos otros modelos.
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Después de haber usando los Beyerdynamic DT880 durante tres años, hace un mes decidí probar estos auriculares, ya que había leído que eran sinónimo de neutralidad. Me arrepiento de no haber comprado estos tres años atrás.
Me han encantado desde el primer momento. La comodidad es excelente (los DT880 son también muy cómodos, pero prefiero estos por ser completamente abiertos). El sonido es tan detallado como en los Beyerdynamic pero, además, puedo disfrutar de una respuesta de frecuencias neutra.
Estoy de acuerdo en que algunas producciones pueden parecer planas, "aburridas", pero desde mi punto de vista eso es problema de la producción y no de los auriculares. Además, siempre se puede remediar con un ajuste de ecualización.
Estos auriculares ganan presencia en los medios comparado con los DT 880 y no me cabe duda en que el sonido es en su conjunto más natural. No producen nada de fatiga auditiva.
El único público al que no recomendaría estos auriculares es a quienes buscan sólamente bajos explosivos de pistas electrónicas. No estoy diciendo que estos auriculares tengan mala respuesta de bajos, de hecho me parece correcta, pero de ningún modo llegan a ofrecer sub-bajos "aniquilantes".
En esta opinión intento ser objetivo, pero tened en cuenta que en el mundo del sonido toman también mucha importancia los gustos, y si bien yo disfruto los HD 600 por encima de los Beyerdynamic DT 880 y los considero una mejor opción, a otra persona le puede parecer lo contrario. Pero no cabe duda de que los Sennheiser ofrecen una respuesta más neutra. Y, desde el punto de vista objetivo, neutralidad y fidelidad son sinónimos.
Añado que en realidad no son tan llamativos como parece en la fotografía, sino que son más discretos y elegantes. El color azul es muy suave, casi gris. Esto para mí ha sido una agradable sorpresa (esto lo escribí hace años, ahora el diseño es gris oscuro...).
óԾLa mejor opción para un sonido natural y refinado
Reviewed in Spain on April 26, 2016
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Editado el 25 de septiembre de 2020: Han pasado cuatro años y medio desde que los compré , y todavía los disfruto muchísimo. Hoy los he estado comparando con unos Fidelio X2HR de Philips y he podido comprobar cómo estos Sennheiser tienen los agudos más refinados que he escuchado en unos auriculares. La única pega que he tenido con los HD 600 es que he tenido que cambiar las almohadillas este año, y son bastante caras... Aun así éstas aguantan hasta 3 años de uso exhaustivo. He añadido la imagen de una medición de la respuesta de frecuencias en el rango de los agudos, comparándola con otros modelos como los Philips X2HR y los Beyerdynamic DT 880. Esta es una de las razones por las que me gustan tanto los HD 600. La respuesta de los agudos se siente de buena calidad, suave y detallada, porque no sufre ningún pico irregular, al contrario de tantos otros modelos.
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Después de haber usando los Beyerdynamic DT880 durante tres años, hace un mes decidí probar estos auriculares, ya que había leído que eran sinónimo de neutralidad. Me arrepiento de no haber comprado estos tres años atrás.
Me han encantado desde el primer momento. La comodidad es excelente (los DT880 son también muy cómodos, pero prefiero estos por ser completamente abiertos). El sonido es tan detallado como en los Beyerdynamic pero, además, puedo disfrutar de una respuesta de frecuencias neutra.
Estoy de acuerdo en que algunas producciones pueden parecer planas, "aburridas", pero desde mi punto de vista eso es problema de la producción y no de los auriculares. Además, siempre se puede remediar con un ajuste de ecualización.
Estos auriculares ganan presencia en los medios comparado con los DT 880 y no me cabe duda en que el sonido es en su conjunto más natural. No producen nada de fatiga auditiva.
El único público al que no recomendaría estos auriculares es a quienes buscan sólamente bajos explosivos de pistas electrónicas. No estoy diciendo que estos auriculares tengan mala respuesta de bajos, de hecho me parece correcta, pero de ningún modo llegan a ofrecer sub-bajos "aniquilantes".
En esta opinión intento ser objetivo, pero tened en cuenta que en el mundo del sonido toman también mucha importancia los gustos, y si bien yo disfruto los HD 600 por encima de los Beyerdynamic DT 880 y los considero una mejor opción, a otra persona le puede parecer lo contrario. Pero no cabe duda de que los Sennheiser ofrecen una respuesta más neutra. Y, desde el punto de vista objetivo, neutralidad y fidelidad son sinónimos.
Añado que en realidad no son tan llamativos como parece en la fotografía, sino que son más discretos y elegantes. El color azul es muy suave, casi gris. Esto para mí ha sido una agradable sorpresa (esto lo escribí hace años, ahora el diseño es gris oscuro...).
Images in this review
- Chopin LisztReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars If you're even slightly OCD about sound itself, you need these
Verified PurchaseThese headphones made me cry. More on that later.
They come in a sturdy wood-ish type box - not posh polished wood, but sturdy enough and covered with dark brown lining. The phones are nestled in protective grey foam, cut to the shape of the phones to keep them safe during transit. A manual accompanies them, although I just dived in and started listening.
I love the sound of a piano so I had plenty of classical themed music to run through these 600s.
First up was an old Naxos 1980s Beethoven Piano Concerto No.1 CD. Hmm. The sound was dull across the entire range. The playing is fantastic though and led me to buy the sheet music, which I never could play. To be fair it never sounded great through any headphones, but I was expecting some kind of magic.
Let's try something recorded more recently. Second up was Yundi Li's "The Art of Yundi" (a fantastic collection of piano pieces - many new to me a few months ago). Flipping heck! What a difference a good recording/sound engineer makes! I heard nuances in individual notes I'd not heard before. I even heard accidentals/accent notes I'd not noticed before. The clarity from top to bottom was simply outstanding. Sparkling brilliance in the upper registers and warm dark sonorous tones lower down.
My love of piano music led me to buy an electric piano, 15+ years ago now. It went "pop" a year or so ago and died on me. I was sad but kept it as it's handy for my home theater speakers. When I've saved up I'll buy another.
Back to Yundi. Liszt's Rigoletto was one of the pieces that was new to me. I must have played it 100 times on the train to work, using my mobile + headphones. It's an addictive piece and I know it quite well now. Again there were notes/timbres/nuances that sprang into life, as though rescued from the cracks that lesser headphones would leave behind. It was like listening to a completely new recording. Rigoletto draws you in slowly, then makes you addicted with its clever ever complicating recapitulation, then exits the stadium with magnificent massive virtuoso chords crashing down the keyboard. And then silence. But there isn't. For a few seconds through these headphones you can hear the soundboard and frame of the piano ring and undulate as the brilliance of Liszt, through Yundis fingers, evapourates into the ether. That little piece of magic made me cry. It made me look at my beloved piano, now senza voce, and want to play it. But I could not, ever again. It made me remember all the good times, the bad times, the frustrations, the rare accomplishments but most of all my love of sound itself. Welcome back, my friend.
Let's not get too emotive - it's just a pair of headphones after all. However, music makes us emotional.
Third up was Bachs Toccata & Fugue in D Minor. These phones pick up everything, including quirks of an old air powered Church organ. You could almost hear the beast breathing through its nostrils. At full pelt in the "fff" passages with every single bank of notes from foot to teeth being tormented these phones did struggle. The music got lost as if overwhelmed. To be fair it's a cruel test as none of my headphones ever succeeded either. You have a huge Church organ pumping gallons of air to make those fat boy pipes play and expect a little piece of tech to replicate that? We need to be realistic in our expectations. However, the different registers/instruments the organ sounded were simply sublime through these. Really sweet.
Fourth up was a new addiction of mine. Liszt Hungarian Rhapsodies. Played by the brilliant George Cziffra. Recorded in the early 1970s I didn't expect much from this CD. In fact I was worried these 'phones might highlight the fact microphones were not as sensitive then, tape noise, that kind of thing. Oh my - what a blast! Yet again I'm hearing those accidental notes (not really accidental - they are very brief deliberate embellishments and fiendishly difficult to play without whacking). Yet again I feel like my ears have been cleansed or I'm listening to a new digitally remastered release. Brilliant.
These 'phones give your ears exactly what's on the plate. If it's a poor recording then they won't make it better. If it's a good one then your ears, brain, body and soul will be overjoyed. Yep that's the word. The music I have gave me joy. Now it's joy++. Overjoyed.
These initially feel tight to wear, but soon you realise you've gotten used to slack ill fitting headgear. They encompass the ear (unless you are Vulcan) and fit nicely against the head, instead of pressing into parts of the ear. I find them very comfortable. After a few minutes you forget you are wearing them.
My first pair of "opens". Highly recommended. Closed gives me that "sea shell" experience of hearing my own bloodstream or something. Plus my ears now remain cool, they weigh less and I feel part of the environment rather than in some sensory deprivation chamber. A huge plus when it comes to listening to a concerto where you want to be in the audience, not isolated.
Having listened to much piano tonight I noticed sound engineers don't follow any particular rule regarding left/right; some make you the listener - you are facing the piano being played so high notes come through the left ear and low notes through the right. Very disconcerting if you are a player. As the player you hear low through left and high through right. I'm not a player, but have tried and like to be "in the seat" when I'm doing air piano.
Others seem to give a cross-fade which is even more disconcerting.
For the wrong-way-round listener experience I found a fantastic tweak you can do to these HD 600s. If you absolutely want the player experience where low=down and high=up then make the following adjustments to these cans. Yes I know these are very expensive, but the modification is reversible:
1. Take them off
2. Put them on the wrong way round
Immediately you are transported from audience to player. As these phones are symmetrically flexible they feel just as comfortable either way around.
Worth the money? If you're going to do something, do it once and do it properly.
With a frequency response of 12Hz-40500Hz it should cover most needs. Oh nearly forgot! So many questions out there about impedance. 32/80/300/600 Ohms. Will my X phones work in a Y thing? There's lots of "info" about needing to buy a specialist headphone amp if > 32 ohms.
These HD 600s are 300 ohms. I have them plugged into my Denon 4300 AVR. My CD is a Panasonic Blue Ray player. They are more than loud enough at 5/10. 3/10 would be my listening preference.
These just tell it like it is to be fair. No magic. No pseudo science. Simple transparent acoustic honesty.
No regrets at all.
3 people found this helpfulReport -
Squire ManReviewed in France on January 8, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Top niveau.... un "must buy" comme on dit...
Verified PurchaseJe réfléchissais depuis quelques temps pour renouveler mon casque Sennheiser HD265 Linear et je tombe à 8h00 du matin, hier , au démarrage des soldes, sur ce modèle soldé à 135 Euro au lieu de 327.
Bien sur je me dépêche d'en commander un, à 8h30 y en avait plus..
Voilà, en ce moment je l'ai sur la tête et je savoure le son qui m'emplit les oreilles..
Pas la peine de disserter, ce casque est exceptionnel, et ce n'est pas pour rien si il a été produit pendant plus de 10ans, c'est un "winner" comme on dit et il a souvent été comparé avec des casques à 600 euros.
C'est mon 5ème casque de la marque Sennheiser, depuis 30a. Avant lui j'avais opté pour un HD265 Linear, casque fermé, pour avoir plus de pression sonore, car les casques ouverts, chers à la marque,avaient tendance à manquer de patate...
Avec le HD600 il n'en est rien et le son est très confortable et très détaillé.
Je viens d'écouter l'album "All'n All" d'Earth Wind & Fire que je connais par coeur et j'ai découvert un petit contrepoint à la clarinette, que je n'avais jamais remarqué, dans le morceau "Serpentine Fire".
Ce casque est hyper précis et très musical.
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Jonatan PadilhaReviewed in Brazil on April 4, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Ótima Qualidade Sonora e Conforto
Verified PurchaseO HD600 me surpreendeu positivamente. O som é extremamente natural e equilibrado, com médios ricos e detalhados que fazem qualquer vocal ou instrumento acústico ganhar vida. A construção é sólida e o acabamento transmite qualidade, com uma leveza que garante conforto mesmo em longas sessões. Combinado com o meu SMSL DL100, entrega um palco sonoro bem definido e uma apresentação fiel, sem exageros. Um fone que realmente mostra por que é um clássico.