Sennheiser HD 600 Review

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As a technology enthusiast and audiophile, there’s nothing more thrilling than unboxing a fresh pair of headphones and immersing oneself in the audio experience they offer. This time, we are diving deep into the world of high-fidelity audio with the iconic Sennheiser HD 600 headphones. Designed with the discerning listener in mind, these open-back, over-ear headphones boast a reputation for delivering unparalleled sound quality and comfort. In this review, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the HD 600, discussing its build, design, and most importantly, its performance. So, sit back, relax, and let’s embark on an auditory journey like no other.

Sennheiser HD 600 product information

History

The story of the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones dates back to 1997, when the German audio company Sennheiser, founded by Dr. Fritz Sennheiser in 1945, introduced these masterpieces to the world. The launch of the HD 600 marked a significant milestone in the company’s history, as it built on the legacy of its predecessor, the HD 580.

The HD 580, released in 1993, was a groundbreaking product that set new standards for dynamic open-back headphones. It introduced innovations such as computer-optimized neodymium magnet systems and Duofol diaphragms – technologies that helped pave the way for the HD 600.

When designing the HD 600, Sennheiser aimed to improve upon the already impressive HD 580. They focused on refining the headphones’ sound signature, optimizing the driver technology, and enhancing the overall listening experience. The result was a pair of headphones that garnered critical acclaim from both professional audio engineers and audiophiles alike.

The HD 600’s success can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, its proprietary hand-selected and matched driver elements ensure precise and accurate sound reproduction, allowing listeners to truly immerse themselves in the music. Secondly, the open-back design provides a natural, spacious soundstage that is hard to find in closed-back headphones. Lastly, the combination of high-quality materials and attention to detail in construction results in a comfortable fit, perfect for extended listening sessions.

Over the years, the Sennheiser HD 600 has become a benchmark in the world of high-fidelity audio, inspiring a new generation of open-back headphones, including its successors, the HD 650 and HD 660 S. Its longevity and popularity among audiophiles and audio professionals serve as a testament to the craftsmanship, innovation, and passion that went into creating these remarkable headphones.

Specification

Specification	Sennheiser HD 600
Year of Manufacture	1997
Company	Sennheiser
Official Website	www.sennheiser.com
Fit Type	Over-ear, Open-back
Item Dimensions	8.1 x 4.9 x 12.4 inches
Item Weight	0.57 lbs (260 g)
Special Features	Hand-selected drivers, Lightweight aluminum voice coils, Detachable cable, Computer-optimized magnet system
Driver Size	40mm dynamic
Frequency Response	12 Hz – 39,000 Hz
Impedance	300 ohms
Bluetooth Version	N/A (Wired)
Bluetooth Range	N/A (Wired)
ANC Modes	N/A (Open-back design)
Audio Codec	N/A (Wired)
Battery Life	N/A (Wired)
Charging Time	N/A (Wired)
Quick Charging	N/A (Wired)
Controls	N/A (Wired)
Price	Approx. $300 – $400 (subject to change and availability)

What is included in the delivery set?

The Sennheiser HD 600 delivery set includes:

1. Sennheiser HD 600 headphones: The main component of the package, these open-back, over-ear headphones are designed for high-quality audio reproduction.
2. Detachable cable: A 3-meter (approximately 9.8 feet) high-quality, oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable with a 6.3mm (1/4-inch) stereo plug. The cable is detachable, allowing for easy replacement in case of damage or if the user prefers a different cable.
3. 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter: This adapter allows the HD 600 to be connected to devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack, such as portable music players or smartphones.
4. Protective storage box: A padded box to store and protect your headphones when not in use. This helps maintain the headphones’ pristine condition and prolongs their lifespan.
5. User manual: A comprehensive guide that provides information about the headphones, their features, and instructions for proper use and maintenance.
6. Warranty information: Documentation outlining the warranty terms and conditions for the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones.

Please note that the contents of the delivery set may vary slightly depending on the region and the retailer. Always check the product description and consult the manufacturer’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What about design, materials, assembly?

Design:

The Sennheiser HD 600 is designed with the discerning audiophile in mind. The open-back design is a key feature that allows for a spacious and natural soundstage, providing an immersive listening experience. The headphones have large, oval-shaped ear cups that comfortably fit around the ears without causing fatigue during extended listening sessions. Aesthetically, the HD 600 features a unique marble-like finish, giving it a distinct and elegant appearance.

Materials:

The HD 600 is crafted using high-quality materials that ensure durability, comfort, and excellent sound quality. The ear cups and headband are made from high-grade plastic, which is both lightweight and sturdy. The ear pads are covered in a soft, velour material that provides a comfortable fit and helps to minimize pressure on the ears. The detachable cable is made from oxygen-free copper (OFC), which is known for its low resistance and excellent conductivity, ensuring optimal signal transmission.

The headphones also feature lightweight aluminum voice coils that provide fast transient response and contribute to the overall accuracy of the sound. The hand-selected and matched drivers are made with a computer-optimized magnet system and Duofol diaphragms, technologies that were pioneered in the HD 580 and have been further refined in the HD 600.

Assembly:

The Sennheiser HD 600 is assembled with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship and quality control. Each component is carefully put together and tested to guarantee optimal performance and longevity. The hand-selection and matching of drivers in the HD 600 is an example of the care and precision that goes into the assembly process. This helps to maintain a consistent sound signature across all units, making the HD 600 a reliable choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike.

In summary, the Sennheiser HD 600 combines a thoughtfully designed form factor, high-quality materials, and precise assembly to create a product that stands out in the world of high-fidelity audio. These factors contribute to the headphones’ excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability, making them a beloved choice among audiophiles for more than two decades.

What about ergonomics and usability Sennheiser HD 600?

Ergonomics:

The Sennheiser HD 600 has been designed with user comfort in mind, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. The headphones feature an adjustable padded headband that evenly distributes weight across the head, reducing pressure points and ensuring a secure fit. The headband’s flexibility allows it to accommodate a wide range of head sizes and shapes.

The large, oval-shaped ear cups are designed to fit comfortably around the ears without compressing them, and the open-back design allows for breathability, preventing heat build-up during long listening sessions. The soft velour ear pads not only add to the comfort but also provide a gentle seal, minimizing sound leakage while still maintaining the spacious soundstage that open-back headphones are known for.

Usability:

The HD 600 is primarily aimed at audiophiles and audio professionals who value high-quality sound reproduction. As such, they are best suited for use in a quiet environment, such as a home or studio setting. The open-back design means that they do not provide significant isolation from external noise, making them less suitable for use in noisy public spaces or during commuting.

The detachable cable design offers convenience and flexibility, as users can easily replace the cable in case of damage or opt for a different cable length or type, depending on their preferences. The cable terminates in a 6.3mm (1/4-inch) stereo plug, which is standard for high-fidelity audio equipment. The included 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter allows the headphones to be used with devices such as portable music players or smartphones, enhancing their versatility.

It is important to note that the HD 600 has an impedance of 300 ohms, which may require a dedicated headphone amplifier to achieve optimal performance, particularly when used with portable devices with lower output power. Using an amplifier ensures that the headphones can deliver their full potential in terms of sound quality and volume.

In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD 600 excels in terms of ergonomics and comfort, making them a pleasure to wear for extended periods. While their usability is geared more towards quiet environments and may require additional equipment such as a headphone amplifier, their exceptional sound quality and versatility make them a worthwhile investment for audiophiles and audio professionals.

What about connection, control and software?

Connection:

The Sennheiser HD 600 is a wired headphone designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction. It comes with a detachable 3-meter (approximately 9.8 feet) oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable that terminates in a 6.3mm (1/4-inch) stereo plug, which is standard for high-quality audio equipment. The headphones also include a 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter, allowing users to connect the HD 600 to devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack, such as portable music players or smartphones.

Control:

As the HD 600 is a wired headphone geared towards audiophiles and audio professionals, it does not feature built-in controls for adjusting volume, playback, or call handling. The primary focus of the HD 600 is on providing exceptional sound quality, and thus, it forgoes additional control features commonly found in consumer-oriented or wireless headphones. To adjust the volume or control playback, users need to do so through their audio source, be it a music player, smartphone, or amplifier.

Software:

The Sennheiser HD 600 does not require any specific software, as it is a wired, analog headphone without built-in digital processing or wireless capabilities. This simplicity is part of its appeal to audiophiles and audio professionals who prefer a direct, uncomplicated connection to their audio source. Users can, however, utilize external equalizer software or hardware to fine-tune the sound signature to their liking, but this is not a requirement to enjoy the excellent audio quality that the HD 600 offers out of the box.

In summary, the Sennheiser HD 600 is a straightforward, wired headphone focused on delivering high-quality audio without the need for additional controls or software. Its simplicity and emphasis on sound quality make it an ideal choice for audiophiles and audio professionals seeking an uncompromised listening experience.

How’s the sound quality? 

The Sennheiser HD 600 is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, which has made it a benchmark in the world of high-fidelity audio for more than two decades. Let’s take a detailed look at the various aspects of the HD 600’s sound signature.

Bass: The bass response in the HD 600 is tight, accurate, and well-controlled. It extends deep, providing a solid foundation for the music without overpowering the rest of the frequency spectrum. The bass is not overly emphasized, which is often the case with consumer-oriented headphones. This makes the HD 600 ideal for listeners who appreciate a natural and balanced bass response that complements the other frequency ranges.

Midrange: The midrange is where the HD 600 truly shines. It delivers a rich, detailed, and lifelike sound that captures the essence of vocals and instruments with remarkable clarity. The headphones are particularly adept at reproducing the human voice, rendering both male and female vocals with warmth and nuance. The midrange is smooth and free from any coloration, allowing the listener to hear the music as it was intended by the artist or recording engineer.

Treble: The treble in the HD 600 is well-extended, airy, and detailed. It provides a sense of sparkle and shimmer to the high frequencies without becoming harsh or sibilant. The treble resolution is excellent, revealing subtle details in the music that lesser headphones might miss. The overall presentation is smooth and refined, ensuring that the high frequencies are enjoyable and non-fatiguing even during extended listening sessions.

Soundstage and Imaging: One of the standout features of the HD 600 is its impressive soundstage and imaging capabilities. The open-back design contributes to a spacious and open soundstage, creating an immersive listening experience that makes the listener feel as if they are in the room with the musicians. The soundstage has a natural sense of depth and width, which enhances the realism of the audio reproduction. Imaging is precise, allowing the listener to accurately pinpoint the position of instruments and vocalists within the soundstage.

Transparency and Detail: The HD 600 is known for its remarkable transparency and detail retrieval. The headphones are capable of revealing subtle nuances and textures in the music that can be easily missed on lesser audio equipment. This level of detail and resolution makes the HD 600 an excellent tool for audio professionals and discerning listeners who want to hear every aspect of their music.

In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD 600 delivers outstanding sound quality across the frequency spectrum, with a natural and balanced sound signature that appeals to audiophiles and audio professionals alike. Its tight bass, lifelike midrange, smooth treble, and expansive soundstage make it an ideal choice for those seeking an uncompromised listening experience.

What about the energy efficiency and battery life?

As the Sennheiser HD 600 is a wired, open-back headphone designed for high-fidelity audio, it does not have an internal battery or any wireless capabilities. Consequently, there is no battery life to consider for this particular model.

Since the headphones are passive and do not feature any active noise-canceling, Bluetooth, or built-in amplification, they do not require any power source other than the audio signal provided by the connected device.

However, it is essential to note that the HD 600 has an impedance of 300 ohms, which may require a dedicated headphone amplifier to achieve optimal performance, especially when used with portable devices with lower output power. The energy efficiency, in this case, would depend on the connected amplifier’s power consumption rather than the headphones themselves.

In summary, energy efficiency and battery life are not applicable factors for the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones, as they are wired and passive, focusing solely on delivering high-quality audio without the need for any internal power source or wireless capabilities.

Comparison & Review

What are similar headphones in features and cost?

Two similar headphones to the Sennheiser HD 600 in terms of features and cost are the Beyerdynamic DT 880 and the AKG K702. Both of these headphones are open-back, over-ear models designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction and cater to audiophiles and audio professionals.

1. Beyerdynamic DT 880:

• Price: Approximately $200 – $300 (subject to change and availability)
• Impedance: Available in 32, 250, and 600 ohms versions
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 35,000 Hz
• Fit type: Over-ear, open-back
• Notable features: Comfortable velour ear pads, robust construction, detachable cable, and a balanced sound signature with detailed highs, clear mids, and well-controlled bass.

2. AKG K702:

• Price: Approximately $200 – $300 (subject to change and availability)
• Impedance: 62 ohms
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 39,800 Hz
• Fit type: Over-ear, open-back
• Notable features: Patented Varimotion dual-layer diaphragms, comfortable 3D-foam ear pads, self-adjusting headband, detachable cable, and a neutral sound signature with excellent soundstage and imaging.

Both the Beyerdynamic DT 880 and the AKG K702 are popular alternatives to the Sennheiser HD 600, offering similar performance in terms of sound quality and comfort. While the exact sound signature may differ slightly between these models, each is known for delivering an enjoyable and accurate listening experience for audiophiles and audio professionals alike. The choice between these models will largely depend on personal preference and the desired sound signature.

Compare with similar items

Specification	Sennheiser HD 600	Beyerdynamic DT 880	AKG K702
Year of Manufacture	1997	2003	2007
Company	Sennheiser	Beyerdynamic	AKG
Official Website	www.sennheiser.com	www.beyerdynamic.com	www.akg.com
Fit Type	Over-ear, Open-back	Over-ear, Semi-open back	Over-ear, Open-back
Item Dimensions	8.1 x 4.6 x 12.4 inches	7 x 4 x 8.5 inches	4.45 x 7.83 x 8.35 inches
Item Weight	0.57 lbs (260g)	0.64 lbs (290g)	0.52 lbs (235g)
Special Features	Hand-selected matched drivers	Comfortable velour ear pads	Patented Varimotion diaphragms
Driver Size	40mm	45mm	45mm
Frequency Response	12 Hz – 40,500 Hz	5 Hz – 35,000 Hz	10 Hz – 39,800 Hz
Impedance	300 ohms	32, 250, or 600 ohms	62 ohms
Bluetooth Version	N/A	N/A	N/A
Bluetooth Range	N/A	N/A	N/A
ANC Modes	N/A	N/A	N/A
Audio Codec	N/A	N/A	N/A
Battery Life	N/A	N/A	N/A
Charging Time	N/A	N/A	N/A
Quick Charging	N/A	N/A	N/A
Controls	N/A	N/A	N/A
Price	Approximately $300 – $400	Approximately $200 – $300	Approximately $200 – $300

How do Sennheiser HD 600 users describe their experience with these headphones? 

Sennheiser HD 600 users typically describe their experience with these headphones in the following ways:

1. Comfort: Users often praise the HD 600 for their comfortable fit, especially during long listening sessions. The adjustable padded headband and large, oval-shaped ear cups with velour ear pads contribute to their overall comfort.
2. Sound Quality: Many users laud the HD 600 for its exceptional sound quality, with a natural and balanced sound signature. They appreciate the tight bass, rich and detailed midrange, and smooth treble, which combine to deliver an immersive listening experience.
3. Soundstage and Imaging: Users frequently highlight the impressive soundstage and precise imaging capabilities of the HD 600. The open-back design creates a spacious and open soundstage that enhances the realism of the audio reproduction.
4. Build Quality and Durability: The HD 600 is often commended for its robust build quality and durability, with many users reporting that their headphones have lasted for several years with proper care. The detachable cable design is also appreciated for its convenience and flexibility.
5. Amplifier Requirement: Some users mention that the HD 600’s 300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated headphone amplifier to achieve optimal performance. While this may be seen as a drawback for some, many audiophiles view this as a worthwhile trade-off for the exceptional sound quality the headphones offer when paired with a suitable amplifier.
6. Open-Back Design: While the open-back design contributes to the soundstage and overall sound quality, users often note that this design does not provide significant isolation from external noise. As a result, the HD 600 is best suited for use in quiet environments, such as home or studio settings.

In summary, Sennheiser HD 600 users typically have a positive experience with these headphones, citing their comfort, sound quality, soundstage, imaging, and build quality as standout features. The need for a dedicated amplifier and the open-back design are points to consider, but most users find these aspects to be a reasonable trade-off for the exceptional audio experience the HD 600 provides.

Pros and cons of headphones Sennheiser HD 600

Positive Aspects	Negative Aspects
Exceptional sound quality	300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance
Comfortable fit for long listening sessions	Open-back design provides limited noise isolation, making them unsuitable for noisy environments
Spacious and open soundstage	No built-in controls or wireless capabilities
Precise imaging capabilities	Slightly higher price compared to some competitors
Durable build with detachable cable	Not as portable due to their size and open-back design
Time-tested and widely praised by audiophiles	May not satisfy listeners who prefer a bass-heavy sound signature

Conclusions

In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones have been a benchmark in the world of high-fidelity audio for over two decades. They offer exceptional sound quality, a comfortable fit, spacious soundstage, precise imaging, and a durable build with a detachable cable. However, the 300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance, and the open-back design provides limited noise isolation, making them best suited for quiet environments. Although they lack built-in controls or wireless capabilities and may not be ideal for listeners seeking a bass-heavy sound signature, the HD 600 remains a popular choice among audiophiles and audio professionals for its remarkable audio performance and enduring appeal.

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Last Updated on October 12, 2023