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Looking for headphones to replace the HD 600

1K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  OC'ing Noob 
#1 ·
Hello OCN,

I recently sold my beloved pair of HD 600s to a buddy who was looking for a decent pair of headphones, and I'm looking for something to replace it.

I don't really have much in the way of criteria to tell you the truth; I'm just looking for something that's appreciably different or "new" for me.

For some loose guidelines to work with:
  • Good soundstage
  • "Quick" response
  • Better bass extension (not a big requirement)
  • Has something different that sets it apart from the HD 600
  • Strictly for home use (not too fussed about open vs closed)
  • Works well with most music genres
I've bolded the fourth point to stress that this is less of an upgrade, and more about finding something different to replace it. The HD 600 had a couple of minor flaws in its sound, but I was otherwise very happy with it.

I also haven't mentioned any requirements about the frequency response, but I've noticed that I generally gravitate towards "warmer" headphones.

I've got the amp/DAC side of things reasonably covered, nevertheless, I'd be open to the prospect of an upgrade if necessary. Still, I'd prefer to avoid anything super boutique (like electrostatics) that would require its own, dedicated setup for its use.

So far, I've been eyeing the Hifiman HE-400i and HE-560 headphones; they seem to have reasonably favorable reviews, and the extended bass response is something that would be a nice change from what I remember of the HD600.

Budget is flexible; I rarely make headphone purchases, but I'd prefer not to go too over the top. Say, $1000 US tops, and I'm not too fussed about a Canadian or US seller.

Thanks in advance.
 
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#4 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Datsun View Post

Hello OCN,

I recently sold my beloved pair of HD 600s to a buddy who was looking for a decent pair of headphones, and I'm looking for something to replace it.

I don't really have much in the way of criteria to tell you the truth; I'm just looking for something that's appreciably different or "new" for me.

For some loose guidelines to work with:
  • Good soundstage
  • "Quick" response
  • Better bass extension (not a big requirement)
  • Has something different that sets it apart from the HD 600
  • Strictly for home use (not too fussed about open vs closed)
  • Works well with most music genres
I've bolded the fourth point to stress that this is less of an upgrade, and more about finding something different to replace it. The HD 600 had a couple of minor flaws in its sound, but I was otherwise very happy with it.

I also haven't mentioned any requirements about the frequency response, but I've noticed that I generally gravitate towards "warmer" headphones.

I've got the amp/DAC side of things reasonably covered, nevertheless, I'd be open to the prospect of an upgrade if necessary. Still, I'd prefer to avoid anything super boutique (like electrostatics) that would require its own, dedicated setup for its use.

So far, I've been eyeing the Hifiman HE-400i and HE-560 headphones; they seem to have reasonably favorable reviews, and the extended bass response is something that would be a nice change from what I remember of the HD600.

Budget is flexible; I rarely make headphone purchases, but I'd prefer not to go too over the top. Say, $1000 US tops, and I'm not too fussed about a Canadian or US seller.

Thanks in advance.
If you are willing to consider used headphones, and can save up a couple more bucks, I would seriously think about a pre-fazor set of LCD-3s.

I would definitely not go for the HE-560s. They sound too flat and lifeless. The HE-500s were far better IMO.

But before we go much further, what kind of amp and dac do you have?
 
#7 ·
The HE-500 is probably exactly what you want. Such a shame it's gone now, although if you find a good deal on a used one from a reliable seller, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Maybe the ZMF Ori/Omni or Atticus?
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tjj226 Angel View Post

If you are willing to consider used headphones, and can save up a couple more bucks, I would seriously think about a pre-fazor set of LCD-3s.

I would definitely not go for the HE-560s. They sound too flat and lifeless. The HE-500s were far better IMO.

But before we go much further, what kind of amp and dac do you have?
I agree, I owned the hE-560 once and it was indeed a lifeless can.

My favorite cans:

Pioneer SE-A1000 with HM5 velour earpads for its massive soundstage and very very unique warm/dark sound signature

Philips SHP-9500 for its excellent clarity and imaging

and I have Monolith M1060 105mm planar magnetic headphone arriving in the mail tomorrow, overall I have heard over 80-90 headphones and my favorite of all time remains the Philips SHP-9500 with HM5 leather earpads.

@boredgunner I would actually recommend him the ZMF Blackwood plus a really nice planar amp for it. the Ori really is not "better" it just sounds different.

edit: I have owned the hE-400i as well, and I can say it is very very comfy and a nice sound to it. not much bass sadly, and not muchin terms of good soundstage. really if you want a unique experience in sound that is a lot of fun, anything from ZMF is quite nice. I owned ZMF Vibro MKII's and they were lovely

and if you want some ultimate EDM/dance/trace cans: Monoprice 8324 (not 8323) with shure 1540 alcantara earpads, WOOOOO talk about fun and it only costs about $60 total. has a perfect v shape, and insane deep bass, more deep than Denon D2000 and Audioquest Nighthawk, while still having good vocals.
 
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#9 ·
If you are looking for the HD 600 sound, but slightly better, the Focal Elear is a good can to look at, it's pretty much a Super HD600/650. The Utopia is like a Super Duper HD650.

If you want to go with a lighter, planar bass and mids, then HE-400i/560 are good ideas. If you want something a little more dynamic and punchy and a bigger soundstage, look at the Edition X or Xv2.

If you are willing to buy used, and just replace the ear pads, you can get some great deals. In fact used HE1000s are getting pretty close to the $1k price point these days...
 
#10 ·
Monoprice M1060 and HE-560 would be my suggestions out of current offerings unless you are going used.
 
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