Sennheiser 555's vs. 600's

[BrianH]

I got the 555's right now and yeah I notice the 'veil' of the cans.

I'm thinking of getting the 600's OR maybe the 650's.

Can anybody tell me the differences between the 555's and 6xx?

I might even go for the headphone amp/Senn combo.

[Idler]

I too have the 555's and am thinking about getting something else. I'm looking at the Audio Technica ATH-AD700, you may be interested in the review at http://www.headphones.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10

[Metoo]

I have been using the 600s. I compared them to the AKG 701s and, although these ones show more detail they sound unbalanced to me. I am currently waiting to try the AKG 601s, which seem to have a frequency curve halfway between the 600s and the 701s and are also less 'laid back.' See here: http://www.headphone.com/technical/product-measurements/build-a-graph.php?graphID%5B0%5D=555&graphID%5B1%5D=249&graphID%5B2%5D=549&graphID%5B3%5D=&graphType=0&buttonSelection=Compare+Headphones

If, after trying them I still like the 600s I will keep these.

As per this frequency graph comparison the 555s are more 'aggressive' than the 600s: http://www.headphone.com/technical/product-measurements/build-a-graph.php?graphID%5B0%5D=441&graphID%5B1%5D=249&graphID%5B2%5D=&graphID%5B3%5D=&graphType=0&buttonSelection=Compare+Headphones

[BrianH]

I used to be really happy with the 555's. But now that I'm using the sa11 MArantz sacd player and Musical Fi tube buffer I'm hearing their shortcomings.

[stereoptic]

I still haven't had a chance to sit down and compare the 555's to my new 600's!

[BrianH]

I don't know... those audio technica's look like the same design that the SKG 701's have. And the 701's don't fit my head right.

[Metoo]

At the moment, I have returned my AKG 701s to the store and am inclined toward the Sennheiser 600s. I am currently waiting for the AKG 601s to do the last comparison. Whichever end up sounding best to me will be the ones I keep. So, it now basically down to the AKG 601s and the Sennheiser 600s.

[intlplby]

so is the basic conclusion among those who have owned a bunch of headphones that the 600s are better than the 650s? i know the general idea is to go over to head-fi, but i want to get the opinions of people who actually know instead of people who will just tout the 650s as better because they are more expensive.

I would like to get one of those two in the future and I am wondering which one to get.

i also want to get one as a gift for a friend of mine that hooked me up with a job interview (actually looks like it is gonna be 7 interviews by the time they make me an offer)

they actually had 600s and 650s in the 5th Avenue Apple stored, which amazed me, however i was appalled that they were running them straight out from the iPods..... No headphone amp!!!..... the iPod does not have the power necessary to drive either of those headphones..... they'd sell so many more if they had an amp used.

[fyrfytrhoges]

the sennheiser "veil" thing is a much debated and totally unresolved issue. it has been discussed ad nauseum at another forum. myself personally, ive never noticed it, and i primarily use stax so im VERY PICKY! but i happen to enjoy the hd600, and someone very close to me love the 555....

[BrianH]

It's strange how I've noticed the 600's are better regarded (usually) then the 650's are. The main thing seems to be the very low-end bass response of the 650's. Some people love it others hate it, I guess.

I went from Sony mdr 600's to the 555's and noticed right away the bass was much more powerful; in a good way. The midrange does have a "veil" to it; I've noticed it even more now with my better equipment.

Besides the bass enhancement on the 650's I wonder what the differences are in mid's and highs. 600's v. 650's.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I love my 555's, one of the best gifts that I ever received !!!!


I have no complaints whatsoever, they fit perfect and my music sounds perfect :)

I'm very happy :D

[81828384]

Besides the bass enhancement on the 650's I wonder what the differences are in mid's and highs. 600's v. 650's.

The overall sound in the 650 is more laid back then the 600, like the orchestra is further away. The 650's sound signature is darker then the 600. And of course the 650s have more bass, as has already been mentioned.

The extra weight of the 650 sound is what makes me prefer it in almost all classical music, but mostly large orchestral pieces. However, the 600 can also do these same pieces with ease, and in some case may even be superior in the highs; lead violins have a certain sweetness on the 600 I can't always find with the 650. But that extra "oomph" to the 650, the extra room the orchestra has to play in, is what makes me prefer it overall.

Both cans are capable of doing rock, but the 600 is more suited to it since the stage is a bit closer to the listener, but neither can is ideal for the genre. I pretty much strictly use them for classical.

In conclusion, I find it necessary to own both cans. :righton:

[tspit74]

I have HD-600 with the Cardas cable and they sound fine to me.

I've never even tried the original cable. Are you guys for cable upgrades?

[JayB]

I have HD-600 with the Cardas cable and they sound fine to me.

I've never even tried the original cable. Are you guys for cable upgrades?

Yes. I had these for years, and found the Cardas cable to be a worthwhile improvement.

[Metoo]

What does 'diffuse field frequency' response mean? (see image below). This is from the English brochure of the Sennheiser 600s and it shows a somewhat different frequency response than that on the graph at headphone.com. I imagine it is because it was measured in a different way.

I had seen this graph before, but paid no attention to it until I saw it accompanied by the 'diffuse field' concept.

[Pulseczar]

I got the 555's right now and yeah I notice the 'veil' of the cans.

I'm thinking of getting the 600's OR maybe the 650's.

Can anybody tell me the differences between the 555's and 6xx?

I might even go for the headphone amp/Senn combo.

I've also got a pair of 555s, and while I think that they're the cat's meow now (and a HUGE step up from the crappy Sony MDR 300s I was using before), I'm sure my tune will change once I upgrade my system to something more than a discman and an iPod. Since it seems that these cans will be for at home use, I would back getting the 600s. I feel that my 555s are GOOD, and definitely supurb for the position I'm in now, but they're not GREAT.

[BrianH]

I've also got a pair of 555s, and while I think that they're the cat's meow now (and a HUGE step up from the crappy Sony MDR 300s I was using before), I'm sure my tune will change once I upgrade my system to something more than a discman and an iPod. Since it seems that these cans will be for at home use, I would back getting the 600s. I feel that my 555s are GOOD, and definitely supurb for the position I'm in now, but they're not GREAT.


Right. I feel they're lacking the greatness of the 600's and 650's.

[stereoptic]

. Since it seems that these cans will be for at home use, I would back getting the 600s. I feel that my 555s are GOOD, and definitely supurb for the position I'm in now, but they're not GREAT.
I'm not trying to panic anyone, but the HD-600s are no longer listed on amazon.com or www.jr.com . I see that they are available through other online retailers, though.

[81828384]

I'm not trying to panic anyone, but the HD-600s are no longer listed on amazon.com or www.jr.com . I see that they are available through other online retailers, though.

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD600-SENNHEISER-Corded-Headphones/dp/B0002MJCQO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-0918350-2474444?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1176401866&sr=8-2

I think they just switched where the listing is located.

The HD580 has officially been discontinued.

On another note, after listening to RS-1s as my main can for about a month, the HD650 is now too bassy to my ears. Weird.

[Metoo]

I'm not trying to panic anyone, but the HD-600s are no longer listed on amazon.com or www.jr.com . I see that they are available through other online retailers, though.
Don't worry, I am panicked since some time ago. I am midway in my testing of cans and, up until now, the 600s are the winners. I am currently waiting to listen to the AKG 601s and was thinking last night that I should listen to the 650s also. Yet, although I ordered the 600s from the store more than a month ago, they have not gotten them. Last time they ordered a pair they got the 650s. Last time I went to the store they told me that the 600s had been taken off the Sennheiser catalog (although I didn't believe them because I've seen more than one online store carries them). After your comment, I think my worry has just gone up a knotch.

Meanwhile, I've been using/listening to a pair of 600s that were on the showcase at the store. If push comes to shove and I finally decide for these I might have to bargain with them for this pair, although it's missing its original plug adapter. If not, and if I were to finally go for Sennheiser, I think I'd have to choose the 650s, although the information I've read about them here is that they do not have as flat a response as the 600s.

Note: Oh, O.K., I just read 81828384's post. :cool:

[stereoptic]

I think they just switched where the listing is located.

The HD580 has officially been discontinued.
whew! Strange, when I just searched on Sennheiser HD, I didn't get that link.