Sennheiser HD 600 Review: Solid Sound for Audiophiles

The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones have been around for a while, since 2000 to be exact, and they're still a go-to for many audiophiles. If you're into high-fidelity sound and don't mind being tethered to your audio source, they might catch your interest. I've been using them for a couple of weeks, and here's what I've gathered.

These headphones are known for their natural sound and are favored by mastering engineers, which gives them some street cred in the audio world. They're open-back headphones, which means they let in some outside noise but also promise a more 'spatial' sound experience.

The big selling point of the HD 600 is their diaphragm design that promises to eliminate standing waves, aiming to give you a clean sound. I tested them with various genres and sources to see how they hold up in different settings.

So, are they worth diving into for the casual listener or better kept in a professional setting? Let's break it down.

When it comes to value, the HD 600s are a bit of a mixed bag. They aren't the cheapest headphones on the market, but they offer a sound quality that's usually reserved for more expensive models. If sound fidelity is your top priority, these headphones are a good investment.

The build quality and replaceable parts add to their lifespan, which contributes to their value. However, they lack modern features like wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, or a built-in microphone, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.

Compared to competitors in the same price range, the HD 600s hold up well in terms of sound quality but might fall short on features. If you're not bothered by the lack of wireless options and fancy extras, and you care primarily about sound, these headphones offer good value.

In summary, if you want high-quality sound and reliability, the HD 600s are worth considering. If you're after all the bells and whistles, you might want to explore other options.

The first thing I noticed about the HD 600 is their build, which feels pretty solid but nothing too luxurious. The black and gray finish is straightforward and doesn't scream for attention. They're not the sleekest headphones out there, but they have a certain professional vibe that grows on you.

These headphones are made in Ireland, which might matter to you if you're concerned about where your gear comes from. The materials include a mix of plastic, metal, and oxygen-free copper cables. The cable is detachable and reinforced with Kevlar, which seems like overkill but should mean they last a while without fraying.

They're lightweight, which is a plus for long listening sessions, but I wouldn't call the design groundbreaking. The earpieces are covered with an open metal mesh that looks cool but, as expected with open-back headphones, they do leak sound.

From a design perspective, the HD 600 gets the job done without turning heads. If you're after a solid, professional look and feel, these might be up your alley. If you want something that doubles as a fashion accessory, you might want to keep looking.

Comfort is a big deal when it comes to headphones, especially if you're planning to wear them for hours. The HD 600s are pretty light, which helps, but they do clamp a bit tightly on the head. Over time, this loosened up a bit, but it's something to be aware of if you're sensitive to pressure.

The ear pads are large and fit well over the ears, which is great for comfort and sound isolation. They're made of a soft material that I found comfortable, even during extended listening sessions. However, if you wear glasses, the fit might require some adjustment to avoid discomfort.

One thing I liked is that you can replace the ear pads when they eventually wear out. This adds to the longevity of the headphones, which is always a plus. After a few hours of use, I didn't experience any discomfort, but every head is different, so your mileage may vary.

Overall, the HD 600s are quite comfortable for long listening sessions, but they might need a bit of breaking in. If you prioritize comfort and plan on wearing headphones all day, these are a decent choice but maybe not the absolute best.

The performance of the HD 600 is where these headphones need to shine, and they mostly deliver. They're known for their natural, almost neutral sound profile, which is great if you're into listening to music as it was intended. They handle high-resolution recordings well, so if you have a collection of FLAC files, these might be worth considering.

The open-back design contributes to a more spacious soundstage, which I found quite enjoyable. Instruments are nicely separated, and you get a sense of the music filling the room rather than being confined to your head. However, this comes with the trade-off of letting in outside noise, which might not be ideal if you're in a noisy environment.

The bass is present without being overpowering, which some might find a bit lacking if you're into bass-heavy music. The mids and highs are where these headphones excel, offering clarity and detail that is impressive, especially for the price point.

In terms of performance, the HD 600 delivers a clean and enjoyable listening experience. They're not for bass heads, but if you like a balanced sound profile, these could be a solid pick.