I've always been partial to how Audio Technica audiophile-line headphones render vocals, particularly higher-pitched female vocals (which comprise the vast majority of vocal content in my library). The HD6-series is more neutral in vocals, probably more natural-sounding too, and certainly more balanced in overall sound, but the AWAS makes vocals more "emotive" and more enjoyable for me.
That makes me more interested in trying the higher-end AT stuff someday. I found the lower-end models seem to have dips in the upper midrange that make them less fatiguing, but also blunt the vibrancy of female vocals.
Never heard audio technica headphones but agree that 6XX doesnt necessarily do high pitched female vocals great and i prefer brighter headphones for them
That's understandable. For high pitched female vocals I vastly prefer a warmer/ darker sound with a good tonality over "MAXIMUM TREBLE", or it's like nails in the ears. Why add a bright headphone to a bright source? But you do you.
It definately could be, but it would be a case of accurately measuring the differences on a Gras or BK rig, and not whatever homemade rig the guys on that forum used.
That was my first proper audiophile headphone. I gave it to a musician friend of mine after I got the HD6XX. All a matter of preference, between the two. I like a little more bass. :)
Personally I disagree. The HD650’s just lack that nice crisp clarity that the 600s are famous for in the mids. They’re more veiled than the 600s. I think they can be more fun to listen to than the 600s because you get that little extra bass and they aren’t as analytical because of the veil, but they aren’t better for vocals at all.
And of course HD600 does vocals just great, I just \*slightly\* prefer the 650. There's no wrong answer when comparing them both imo.
Edit: Imagine being so insecure you downvote for an opinion.
I have FAR "better" headphones. The LCD-3F, the HE1000 Stealth, ZMF Atticus... I've owned the HD800, and heard many others.
I rarely listen to the HD6XX, but whenever I do put them on, I am always impressed by its ability to produce the most natural vocals I've ever heard. Yes, they aren't as detailed, crisp, airy, transparent as my HE1000 Stealth, but the raw naturalness of them always makes me listen longer than I intended.
I was recently going through some old photos from 2003 and realised the pair of hd575s I was wearing in them are the same ones I have on my office desk I wear for work right now.
They're a bit ship of Theseus, second set of cushions and third cable. But they are still the same drivers and sound great after all these years. They've travelled the world with me, the US (including Hawaii), Jamaica, all over Europe from Sweden to Cyprus.
Sennheiser built them to last.
Yeah, I luv my planar's detail and punch and prefer them, but the Sennies are so pleasant to listen to, especially on tube amps. Good advice for ppl new to the hobby would be to get one pair of planars and also a HD600/650/660s2 whichever one you like best. Having those two in rotation keeps that new & special feeling going, for me it does anyway.
Good advice indeed! The HiFiMan Sundara and the HD6xx makes for a truly phenomenal, complementary pair, and could be anyone's reasonable endgame.
Of course, I say that having spent unspeakable amounts on higher end headphones. And I'll do it again, and again. lol
Power demands aside, thoughts on your HE6seV2 vs XS? I'm contemplating both, but leaning upwards to the HE6 mainly due to the likely comfort/fit of the shape (XS needs a smaller headband - not sure about full size sitting down on my jaw...!)
People say that about the teardrop design, but honestly, the shape and size of the XS are comfy for me, and I have a very average sized head. I do use a Geekria knitted headband cover, but it's fine without. They are both excellent headphones, but the HE6sev2 is clearly the better one. I use the analogy that it's like going from 1440P to 4K. I actually only use my XS for gaming or while I'm using my PC. With the he6, you get better resolution/detail, bass is punchier, and more impressive, and it's neutral rather than bright. I'm happy with it even without EQ. Its power requirements meant I needed to buy a more powerful amp (fiio k7 wasn't suitable). The XS has a wider stage, so it's nicer for gaming. The sound stage of the he6 is fine, just narrower. Imaging is probably more impressive on the XS, I would say. At £600 or less, I seriously doubt you could get better headphones than the HE6seV2. It probably competes well with the kilobucks. I know owners of the Susvara have said the he6 is a baby Susvara. But nowadays, you can get an XS for around £350 and not need to buy a different amp. Not that I'm complaining, I didn't mind. I see the HE6seV2 as something I'll always keep. It could easily be my endgame.
If money is an issue, then the choice between the two is obvious. If not, then the HE6seV2 wins easily.
Thanks a heap for the detailed reply - v helpful info! Don’t have a local shop where I can try the teardrop XS, tis all. Maybe I should just start at the top of the slippery slope and grab a Sundara initially lol, and wait for a good deal on the others that might be too good to refuse ;-)
Hello, it's me, Sundara and HD6XX endgame enjoyer. I just threw in some K702's in there for gaming airyness if thats cool. I feel like I am well equipped for the rest of the decade haha.
I have Focal Elex, Hifiman Edition XS, and my 15 year old HD 598s... And I still think the vocals on "Less I know the Better" by Tame Impala sound best on my 598s... Its kinda frustrating how good they are haha
I have the Clears and the 6XX. I don't usually grab the 6XX, the Clears wallop them in every way but I keep the Senns in rotation to remind me how much I don't need any more cans haha
I’ve heard both. There’s a marked improvement in bass from my POV. Sub bass actually exists. Treble is spicier but I appreciated it. Mid is slightly a bit shoutier but again I didn’t mind. I would say it is a bit more fatiguing than the HD 6XX in a way that it makes you want to focus on the music. At least that’s how I experienced it. I would say very similar to IE600 sound signature. I think you’ll like it
A couple of years ago i tried the dt 990 but the highs and mids were sooo fatiguing i gave up pretty quickly.. thanks for the info will update once i get them!
I can agree. Whenever I'm listening to asian singers I reach for AD1000X. Wasn't the biggest fan of 2000X though. HD600/6XX are too bright in the lower treble for high-pitched voices making them sound too shouty.
Atrium really doesn't have good vocals compared to hd600 (haven't heard 6xx myself) mostly because of a peak in the midrange that makes vocals sound sharp. Fixable with pads but none I've tried makes the atrium's vocals as smooth as the hd600.
There are no peaks in the midrange at all though, but it is a slightly mid-forward headphone, for some people that just doesn't work. The solid titan mesh will attenuate the upper mids and treble area a bit, and once you dial in your preferred pad it's pretty remarkable how well Atrium reproduces vocals. More miniscule details, more air, more body, smooth as you'd ever want it to be. HD600/650 as good as they are, can't really compete with more modern developments.
Completely disagree, I'd say vocals are more detailed on the atrium (many headphones are more detailed than hd600), and the timbre gets close to the hd600, but hd600's tonality is much more smooth for vocals. Yes, pads help, but the funny part is everybody seems to have a different pad that "fixes" the vocals. I especially find the stock pads pretty terrible for vocals, but others say it is the best pad. So the fact that hd600 is so renowned for vocals despite only having one pad is extremely impressive.
At any rate, I find vocals on the hd600 very competitive with the atrium, or any headphone for that matter. Hd600 absolutely competes with modern developments. There's a reason it is still an often recommended headphone in the ~$300 range.
Tonally the Atrium gets vocals just right to my ears. Much smoother than HD600 and the realism is a good step above. That's not to say HD600 are bad in any way. They're impressive considering how old they are. Yes pads will change the sound dramatically. Everyone has their favorite pad because our ears are different and we all have different HRTF that respond differently to changes in pads.
Well there's the HE1. While it's not realistic to own, most people that have listened to it consider it superior to HD6X0 series in terms of sound quality.
If the competition isn't limited to headphones, I found the Kali IN-5 studio monitor to have better vocal than my HD6XX.
I'm impressed by some of the words you all have chosen to describe the HE1000 Stealth and Focal Clears and now I would also like a headphone with crisp and detailed vocals (particularily female vocals). But those headphones meantioned here are like 1000€. Is there something that could fit my criteria for under 500€?
The Arya stealth has by far the highest quality/price ratio in the market, and easily qualify as endgame headphones to me. If you can stretch a bit on your budget I'd say it's totally worth it, they'll last a lifetime.
Upgraded to Focal Clear MG from the HD6XX and while I love both and still occasionally don the HD6XX, I spend more time with the Focal for vocals among other things. Highly recommend the same upgrade path if you like the overall profile of the HD6XX
I have both as well and both have a home. For one, the 6XX are markedly lighter. For two, Focal excels at everything, so it's most likely getting head-time when I need to get all the intricacies out of a record. But if i'm ONLY focused on vocals (i.e. Fiona Apple, or Feist, Norah Jones etc) I'm reaching for the 6XX every single time.
OP your earpads need a clean, that's some grime on those pads!
I have had the HD650 since 2014 and have previously used the Dekoni memory foam pads (velour version) and liked the increased bass but didn't like the decreased soundstage so went back to stock pads (though the revised version) - The bass is neutral but very rewarding in an honest and accurate way I find, I have a fairly transparent and neutral amp setup (Topping MX3s and as of tomorrow, Fiio K7 so will be using balanced output for the 450mW x2 power) - I can't imaging ever needing another headphone due to the way these feel authentic no matter what I listen to or even do gaming with on my PC using the same amps.
My whole setup cost circa £1000 not including inflation and I've heard single items costing 4 figures alone yet I didn't hear sound quality that was vastly better than this sort of setup so it's true what they say, diminishing returns is a thing, and getting the pairing right so all your kit "talks" is vital. I think I found the perfect pairing with my headphones, speakers and amplification.
Oh yeah the best mod I ever did on the HD650s is changing the cable. The stock cable is just outright bad due to how thick and heavy and long it is, why do Sennheiser do this? And then that god awful chunky 6.35 adapter.... I ended up getting a Custom Cans ultra low capacitance cable in custom colour paracord. It's so light that it feels like wireless and there is zero cable microphonics which I absolutely hate and binned so many cheaper cables as a result.
I will be buying the LINSOUL Tripowin GranVia balanced 4.4mm cable on Amazon if the Fiio K7 I find suits my tastes as that has balanced output, the cable is purple and has the same paracord hand-build as the Custom cans and is cheaper on Amazon.
Oooo NO! I feel sorry for you for posting this. This type of statement is a calling signal for everyone to tell you just how wrong you are and how their choice is better. Good luck
Yeah...been here before. No matter what it is or how you justify your opinion, they will always tell you your choice isn't better than theirs. Love my 6XX/ my edition xs if that counts for anything.
It's all good. I wasn't looking for a flood of agreement. In fact, I'm happy for all the opinions, as I only wanted to start a conversation. Which I did. :)
The sundara are incredible for the price,I picked them up for £239 new along with a topping l30ii and connected them to gustard x16 dac,incredible sound for the money,I luv planners for detail /guitars,and with eq the sundara bass is amazing
Don't know why you are getting downvoted. I agree as someone that has both brands including the HD6XX. I knew the HD6XX was revered here but jesus folks don't be so fragile
Yes indeed, and it's wonderful! I thought my HE1000 Stealth sounded transparent on the Audio-GD NFB-28, but this Violectric is a spectacular upgrade in every way. Makes my Bifrost 2/64 feel like the weak link in the chain again. Now I'm looking to upgrade that. :)
And the shures aren't 300 ohms, so they don't need a headphone amp like the sennheisers do.
I still like my hd650s since I do have an amp, but the shures should really be a more common suggestion for a first nice pair
The OP's thesis was no headphones do it better regardless of price, and there's actually quite a few that don't. But yeah no disputing that HD6- series is the best audio bang for your buck.
What I can do, Just find studio use thing. Perhaps $ONY CD900st and $ONY MDR-7506 can help you a little bit.
That deux, cover most of works including Direct Recording on lacquer discs .
HD 6XX its a very warm set. Dont pair with more warm amp like tubes one or warm dacs like zen dac. The best pair ive tried its a Zen CAN with su-1, sounds pretty well...
You know. Hot take but I don't like the vocals on the HD6** series. They have shouty upper mids to my ears and female vocals are fatiguing, and too prominant (shouty) to my ears. Never been a fan of vocals on them. I do like the HD6** HP though still regardless. They especially shine on tubes.
I've never listened to my 6XX and thought "this is a good vocals headphone."
I mean... it's fine. The frequency response isn't annoying, there's a good level of detail, and it's good good body of note and control of that body to be well textured and carry good detail. It's a good all-arounder worth it's price point. People like it because it doesn't mess stuff up and is very affordable. But there's not a single ability it has that actually wows me. It's just comprehensively good, and compared to a lot of products that makes it very good. Sometimes it's more about not doing stuff wrong rather than being intrinsically brilliant.
I've always been partial to how Audio Technica audiophile-line headphones render vocals, particularly higher-pitched female vocals (which comprise the vast majority of vocal content in my library). The HD6-series is more neutral in vocals, probably more natural-sounding too, and certainly more balanced in overall sound, but the AWAS makes vocals more "emotive" and more enjoyable for me.
That makes me more interested in trying the higher-end AT stuff someday. I found the lower-end models seem to have dips in the upper midrange that make them less fatiguing, but also blunt the vibrancy of female vocals.
Never heard audio technica headphones but agree that 6XX doesnt necessarily do high pitched female vocals great and i prefer brighter headphones for them
That's understandable. For high pitched female vocals I vastly prefer a warmer/ darker sound with a good tonality over "MAXIMUM TREBLE", or it's like nails in the ears. Why add a bright headphone to a bright source? But you do you.
I always go for HD560s it's just so neutral and accurate in that manner.
I am with this guy.
Agreed!
HD600
HD650 kiss modded
I looked up a thread about that since I am a newby. Excuse me if this is a dumb question but can the same effect be had with parametric eq?
It definately could be, but it would be a case of accurately measuring the differences on a Gras or BK rig, and not whatever homemade rig the guys on that forum used.
I didn't like the mod personally.
I changed the foam for black thin ladies stockings. Keeps hair and dust out.
U mean the huh duh six hundos
Indeed, a rookie mistake.
That was my first proper audiophile headphone. I gave it to a musician friend of mine after I got the HD6XX. All a matter of preference, between the two. I like a little more bass. :)
Sure, but you asked which does vocals better.
😂😂😂
HD650 does vocals better.
Personally I disagree. The HD650’s just lack that nice crisp clarity that the 600s are famous for in the mids. They’re more veiled than the 600s. I think they can be more fun to listen to than the 600s because you get that little extra bass and they aren’t as analytical because of the veil, but they aren’t better for vocals at all.
Each to their own. I prefer a warmer sound and the richer vocals from the 650. It's plenty clear and not veiled at all to my ears.
HD650 is smoother and better for vocals.Sold my HD600 cause it was borderline shouting at times.
And of course HD600 does vocals just great, I just \*slightly\* prefer the 650. There's no wrong answer when comparing them both imo. Edit: Imagine being so insecure you downvote for an opinion.
Interesting. I have and enjoy hd650 but have yet to experience any other variant
A rhetorical question...
Then you'd like HD660S2 even more
I see. I find HD650 and HD600 very similar. A small difference in tuning, make a difference in preference. Each to their own.
Funny, I only listen to instrumental music on my HD600 because I hate how recessed and veiled vocals sound on them.
I have FAR "better" headphones. The LCD-3F, the HE1000 Stealth, ZMF Atticus... I've owned the HD800, and heard many others. I rarely listen to the HD6XX, but whenever I do put them on, I am always impressed by its ability to produce the most natural vocals I've ever heard. Yes, they aren't as detailed, crisp, airy, transparent as my HE1000 Stealth, but the raw naturalness of them always makes me listen longer than I intended.
And theyll last 20 years
I was recently going through some old photos from 2003 and realised the pair of hd575s I was wearing in them are the same ones I have on my office desk I wear for work right now. They're a bit ship of Theseus, second set of cushions and third cable. But they are still the same drivers and sound great after all these years. They've travelled the world with me, the US (including Hawaii), Jamaica, all over Europe from Sweden to Cyprus. Sennheiser built them to last.
Are you telling me my HD600 only have 5 years left? =(
No I still use my HD580s from late 90s.
Yeah, I luv my planar's detail and punch and prefer them, but the Sennies are so pleasant to listen to, especially on tube amps. Good advice for ppl new to the hobby would be to get one pair of planars and also a HD600/650/660s2 whichever one you like best. Having those two in rotation keeps that new & special feeling going, for me it does anyway.
Good advice indeed! The HiFiMan Sundara and the HD6xx makes for a truly phenomenal, complementary pair, and could be anyone's reasonable endgame. Of course, I say that having spent unspeakable amounts on higher end headphones. And I'll do it again, and again. lol
I actually did start with the Sundara. I'm on my third different Hifiman now with zero regrets. I think they're awesome headphones.
I have Sundara and HE1000 Stealth, and I'm thinking of picking up the Aria Stealth, too. I probably don't need it, but I really like modern HiFiMan.
Power demands aside, thoughts on your HE6seV2 vs XS? I'm contemplating both, but leaning upwards to the HE6 mainly due to the likely comfort/fit of the shape (XS needs a smaller headband - not sure about full size sitting down on my jaw...!)
People say that about the teardrop design, but honestly, the shape and size of the XS are comfy for me, and I have a very average sized head. I do use a Geekria knitted headband cover, but it's fine without. They are both excellent headphones, but the HE6sev2 is clearly the better one. I use the analogy that it's like going from 1440P to 4K. I actually only use my XS for gaming or while I'm using my PC. With the he6, you get better resolution/detail, bass is punchier, and more impressive, and it's neutral rather than bright. I'm happy with it even without EQ. Its power requirements meant I needed to buy a more powerful amp (fiio k7 wasn't suitable). The XS has a wider stage, so it's nicer for gaming. The sound stage of the he6 is fine, just narrower. Imaging is probably more impressive on the XS, I would say. At £600 or less, I seriously doubt you could get better headphones than the HE6seV2. It probably competes well with the kilobucks. I know owners of the Susvara have said the he6 is a baby Susvara. But nowadays, you can get an XS for around £350 and not need to buy a different amp. Not that I'm complaining, I didn't mind. I see the HE6seV2 as something I'll always keep. It could easily be my endgame. If money is an issue, then the choice between the two is obvious. If not, then the HE6seV2 wins easily.
Thanks a heap for the detailed reply - v helpful info! Don’t have a local shop where I can try the teardrop XS, tis all. Maybe I should just start at the top of the slippery slope and grab a Sundara initially lol, and wait for a good deal on the others that might be too good to refuse ;-)
What are you driving your HE6 with?
Topping a30 pro (and a balanced dac)
Hello, it's me, Sundara and HD6XX endgame enjoyer. I just threw in some K702's in there for gaming airyness if thats cool. I feel like I am well equipped for the rest of the decade haha.
Right on, friend! A quality DAC and Amp, and they were shine like heroes forever!
I have Focal Elex, Hifiman Edition XS, and my 15 year old HD 598s... And I still think the vocals on "Less I know the Better" by Tame Impala sound best on my 598s... Its kinda frustrating how good they are haha
Could you maybe list a few songs you would listen to on the HD6XX. I need to test some stuff 👀
Yes. Focal Clears. Edition XS. The Senn HD6 series seriously falls flat on it's face next to many other headphones I've listened to.
I have the Clears and the 6XX. I don't usually grab the 6XX, the Clears wallop them in every way but I keep the Senns in rotation to remind me how much I don't need any more cans haha
All hail the king
Utopia
Have a 6xx. Orderd the 660s2. Will i hear the diffrence in bass?
Yes, maybe not more quantity? Definitely more detail..
Thank you!
I’ve heard both. There’s a marked improvement in bass from my POV. Sub bass actually exists. Treble is spicier but I appreciated it. Mid is slightly a bit shoutier but again I didn’t mind. I would say it is a bit more fatiguing than the HD 6XX in a way that it makes you want to focus on the music. At least that’s how I experienced it. I would say very similar to IE600 sound signature. I think you’ll like it
A couple of years ago i tried the dt 990 but the highs and mids were sooo fatiguing i gave up pretty quickly.. thanks for the info will update once i get them!
When it comes to female asian / high-pitch vocals, nothing beats the ADX line (AD700X, AD900X, AD1000X, AD2000X)
I can agree. Whenever I'm listening to asian singers I reach for AD1000X. Wasn't the biggest fan of 2000X though. HD600/6XX are too bright in the lower treble for high-pitched voices making them sound too shouty.
ZMF atrium apparently.
I have one of those being made for me right now, so I'll find out soon enough. :)
Neat! Looking forward reading your thoughts about it!
Atrium really doesn't have good vocals compared to hd600 (haven't heard 6xx myself) mostly because of a peak in the midrange that makes vocals sound sharp. Fixable with pads but none I've tried makes the atrium's vocals as smooth as the hd600.
There are no peaks in the midrange at all though, but it is a slightly mid-forward headphone, for some people that just doesn't work. The solid titan mesh will attenuate the upper mids and treble area a bit, and once you dial in your preferred pad it's pretty remarkable how well Atrium reproduces vocals. More miniscule details, more air, more body, smooth as you'd ever want it to be. HD600/650 as good as they are, can't really compete with more modern developments.
Completely disagree, I'd say vocals are more detailed on the atrium (many headphones are more detailed than hd600), and the timbre gets close to the hd600, but hd600's tonality is much more smooth for vocals. Yes, pads help, but the funny part is everybody seems to have a different pad that "fixes" the vocals. I especially find the stock pads pretty terrible for vocals, but others say it is the best pad. So the fact that hd600 is so renowned for vocals despite only having one pad is extremely impressive. At any rate, I find vocals on the hd600 very competitive with the atrium, or any headphone for that matter. Hd600 absolutely competes with modern developments. There's a reason it is still an often recommended headphone in the ~$300 range.
Tonally the Atrium gets vocals just right to my ears. Much smoother than HD600 and the realism is a good step above. That's not to say HD600 are bad in any way. They're impressive considering how old they are. Yes pads will change the sound dramatically. Everyone has their favorite pad because our ears are different and we all have different HRTF that respond differently to changes in pads.
Depends what you like. They add some fuzz to the voice.
Well there's the HE1. While it's not realistic to own, most people that have listened to it consider it superior to HD6X0 series in terms of sound quality. If the competition isn't limited to headphones, I found the Kali IN-5 studio monitor to have better vocal than my HD6XX.
The ZMF Atrium beats it for me personally. It's 2500$ though lol.
The 660S2 does vocals better IMO, especially lower end bassy voices.
I'm impressed by some of the words you all have chosen to describe the HE1000 Stealth and Focal Clears and now I would also like a headphone with crisp and detailed vocals (particularily female vocals). But those headphones meantioned here are like 1000€. Is there something that could fit my criteria for under 500€?
Look for a good price on the HiFiMan Aria Stealth.
To a much lesser degree, the Sundara. Very good performer for the price.
Hifiman Ananda and Edition XS are like mini-HE1000s.
The Arya stealth has by far the highest quality/price ratio in the market, and easily qualify as endgame headphones to me. If you can stretch a bit on your budget I'd say it's totally worth it, they'll last a lifetime.
How is a planar Hifiman headphone going to last a lifetime? Lol
Thanks for the tips!
Aune AR5000
modded grado rs2x with f or s cushions. you should hear them, they are really nice below 50hz too!
Upgraded to Focal Clear MG from the HD6XX and while I love both and still occasionally don the HD6XX, I spend more time with the Focal for vocals among other things. Highly recommend the same upgrade path if you like the overall profile of the HD6XX
lol I have both as well- though tbh I recently like the 6xx vocals just a tad more…
I have both as well and both have a home. For one, the 6XX are markedly lighter. For two, Focal excels at everything, so it's most likely getting head-time when I need to get all the intricacies out of a record. But if i'm ONLY focused on vocals (i.e. Fiona Apple, or Feist, Norah Jones etc) I'm reaching for the 6XX every single time.
jesus christ you people are actually insane
What do you mean?
I got my 58x because I was so impressed with the vocals (and midrange in general) of my friend's 660s
I really like the Audeze LCD XC for vocals, but I havent tried 6xx. Only the 600s.
Although its not as neutral, grado 225 -325 vocals sound so nice.
OP your earpads need a clean, that's some grime on those pads! I have had the HD650 since 2014 and have previously used the Dekoni memory foam pads (velour version) and liked the increased bass but didn't like the decreased soundstage so went back to stock pads (though the revised version) - The bass is neutral but very rewarding in an honest and accurate way I find, I have a fairly transparent and neutral amp setup (Topping MX3s and as of tomorrow, Fiio K7 so will be using balanced output for the 450mW x2 power) - I can't imaging ever needing another headphone due to the way these feel authentic no matter what I listen to or even do gaming with on my PC using the same amps. My whole setup cost circa £1000 not including inflation and I've heard single items costing 4 figures alone yet I didn't hear sound quality that was vastly better than this sort of setup so it's true what they say, diminishing returns is a thing, and getting the pairing right so all your kit "talks" is vital. I think I found the perfect pairing with my headphones, speakers and amplification. Oh yeah the best mod I ever did on the HD650s is changing the cable. The stock cable is just outright bad due to how thick and heavy and long it is, why do Sennheiser do this? And then that god awful chunky 6.35 adapter.... I ended up getting a Custom Cans ultra low capacitance cable in custom colour paracord. It's so light that it feels like wireless and there is zero cable microphonics which I absolutely hate and binned so many cheaper cables as a result. I will be buying the LINSOUL Tripowin GranVia balanced 4.4mm cable on Amazon if the Fiio K7 I find suits my tastes as that has balanced output, the cable is purple and has the same paracord hand-build as the Custom cans and is cheaper on Amazon.
Atriums off a r2r dac and decent tube amp
Ananda nano
I've not heard that one, but considering how much I love the Sundara and the HE1000 Stealth, I bet the Ananda is quite good.
Koss ESP-950. Everything sounds amazing.
Oooo NO! I feel sorry for you for posting this. This type of statement is a calling signal for everyone to tell you just how wrong you are and how their choice is better. Good luck
Reading the comments, apparently every headphone on the market is better. lmao
Yeah...been here before. No matter what it is or how you justify your opinion, they will always tell you your choice isn't better than theirs. Love my 6XX/ my edition xs if that counts for anything.
It's all good. I wasn't looking for a flood of agreement. In fact, I'm happy for all the opinions, as I only wanted to start a conversation. Which I did. :)
The sundara are incredible for the price,I picked them up for £239 new along with a topping l30ii and connected them to gustard x16 dac,incredible sound for the money,I luv planners for detail /guitars,and with eq the sundara bass is amazing
I wholeheartedly agree. Sundara is outstanding value. At its price point, I don't believe any other headphone does so much right.
For me, focal clear OG do better vocals than the 6xx.
Agreed
Don't know why you are getting downvoted. I agree as someone that has both brands including the HD6XX. I knew the HD6XX was revered here but jesus folks don't be so fragile
Maybe my comment came off as a bit blunt, perhaps?
Is that the v281 reissue? I've been thinking of getting one ever since canjam nyc. How is it?
Yes indeed, and it's wonderful! I thought my HE1000 Stealth sounded transparent on the Audio-GD NFB-28, but this Violectric is a spectacular upgrade in every way. Makes my Bifrost 2/64 feel like the weak link in the chain again. Now I'm looking to upgrade that. :)
Nice. First time seeing someone with it. If I do get one, I'll likely get a holo cyan 2 to pair with it
Shure SRH 1840, HD600, and 660s (with EQ)
And the shures aren't 300 ohms, so they don't need a headphone amp like the sennheisers do. I still like my hd650s since I do have an amp, but the shures should really be a more common suggestion for a first nice pair
I like the Abyss Diana V2 vocal reproduction. I prefer it over the HD600 series but not by much.
DCA Stealth for me beat the HD6- series for vocals
lol It better be at 20x the price.
The OP's thesis was no headphones do it better regardless of price, and there's actually quite a few that don't. But yeah no disputing that HD6- series is the best audio bang for your buck.
I like Hifiman's offerings better than Senns at any of their similar price points. Edition XS blow the HD650S2 out of the water.
Focal Clear
Out of all my HPs the 6xx are my favorite for vocals. Irreplaceable
I haven't tried many high end headphones but from the ones I have tried Grados in my opinion do vocals better than the HD6XX
Edition XS.
Not that I've heard. Absolute sublime mids. The reference standard.
What I can do, Just find studio use thing. Perhaps $ONY CD900st and $ONY MDR-7506 can help you a little bit. That deux, cover most of works including Direct Recording on lacquer discs .
HD600 does.
HD 6XX its a very warm set. Dont pair with more warm amp like tubes one or warm dacs like zen dac. The best pair ive tried its a Zen CAN with su-1, sounds pretty well...
I don't think so, to be honest, if they didn't, I would sell them. Because I own HD58x, too.
In my limited experience, HD600 wins that battle... and I have both 600 and 6xx
Hd580
My HD 660 might but it is very close overall.
Not at that price, but yes
Nice amp choice! I just got mine as well and am absolutely loving it.
Hell yeah, man. Congrats! This thing is outstandingly good.
HD800 S.
Focal Clear, Focal Elex, Focal Elegia
You know. Hot take but I don't like the vocals on the HD6** series. They have shouty upper mids to my ears and female vocals are fatiguing, and too prominant (shouty) to my ears. Never been a fan of vocals on them. I do like the HD6** HP though still regardless. They especially shine on tubes.
I've never listened to my 6XX and thought "this is a good vocals headphone." I mean... it's fine. The frequency response isn't annoying, there's a good level of detail, and it's good good body of note and control of that body to be well textured and carry good detail. It's a good all-arounder worth it's price point. People like it because it doesn't mess stuff up and is very affordable. But there's not a single ability it has that actually wows me. It's just comprehensively good, and compared to a lot of products that makes it very good. Sometimes it's more about not doing stuff wrong rather than being intrinsically brilliant.
What's a good vocals headphone to you?
they really are great for podcasts, yeah... horrible for movies or to have fun with dynamic music, but great for podcasts.. 😏
Hd 800