OFFICIAL: Massdrop Sennheiser HD6XX

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by purr1n, Nov 1, 2016.

  1. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Expected something more interesting, like TH-X00. :confused:

    But massdrop took too safe position IMO - changes from the original 650 seem pretty minimal.
    I hoped at least different ear pad such as materials used in hd800 pads.
     
  2. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    The price/performance ratio of the Jotunheim/HD650 combo that people have been talking about just became even better...
     
  3. spoony

    spoony Spooky

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    I like the color.
     
  4. Out Of Your Head

    Out Of Your Head Friend

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    Jude's video:
     
  5. Zed Bopp

    Zed Bopp Friend

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    That's a great price for a 650, but that color just looks cheap - or maybe my eyes just need more burn-in. :) Those people in the photos sporting them on-the-go... That's not how you use 'em!

    Btw, Sennheiser would be crazy not to look at the various mods of the original and make a real update of 650s, with a different model number (660, 690? 650S?). Obviously they should update the 600 also while they're at it, just like they've done with 595/555-models a few times.
     
  6. WNovizar

    WNovizar Facebook Friend

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    I got shit and giggles watching that Jude video. With his accent, pronouncing HD6XX "SENNHEISER HA DEE SIXEXEX" LOL
     
  7. FallingObjects

    FallingObjects Pay It Forward

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    Anybody know offhand if the 650 make a good combination with the Valhalla 1? I know they do (very) well with the GOV2 in balanced, but I lack a balanced connector for them.
     
  8. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    That's true. The timing on this couldn't have been much better. This is a good thing for audiophiles in general, even if we are disappointed that there are no sonic changes or other additions.

    Given that I got my 650 at a great price, just finished modding it, and prefer the gray color, I will skip this. However, kudos to Massdrop for making the best deal in headphones even better.
     
  9. aufmerksam

    aufmerksam Friend

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    It is a fair criticism that the HD6XX needs amplification, and I'm not saying I am chomping at the bit for a 1/8 plug. My point is that it makes sense given their goals.

    Imagine, if you can, a spectrum of amplifiers that exist for the many people who use headphones. These people may not share your tastes. Now, imagine you are an entity selling headphones, and you want to sell headphones that might appeal to a wide variety of the many people who may or may not own amplifiers on the aforementioned spectrum. One of the simplest ways to accommodate the aforementioned masses would be to sell a cable that can be easily used with the vast majority of jack options, which happen to be 1/8 and 1/4. The obvious answer is with a 1/8 to 1/4 adapter. The alternative would be a 1/4 plug with no adapter (people whine about having to spend more) or a 1/4 plug with an adapter down to 1/8 (which are either huge and heavy and put a ton of strain on the jack, or are pigtails with involve more cable and cost for the manufacturer.
     
  10. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    HD 650 with new paint and worse cable for 200 bucks? Buy it even though you gotta wait and Amazon black friday prices might be barely higher for better customer service.

    1/8th cable makes no sense as there's only one brand of portable dongle things that can even drive the cans to their reasonable potential: the LH labs V shit.

    APOGEE GROOOVE NOT BUNDLED THOUGH?
     
  11. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    Double post but the one good thing is this will tank used prices to 100-150 or so for eveyrthing in the line until the drop ends and everyone wants to be Mr. Black and the black ones shoot up used to the new price of the regular grey ones.

    People overvalue their dirty, broken in used crap that needs new pads or a new headband to the point where you're better off buying new anyway.
     
  12. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    It's a shame it's not the stock cable. That pairs with a really nicely-made 1/4 inch to 3.5mm pigtail that normally comes with the HD650. It's about a fiver at retail:

    http://headphonespares.sennheiser.c...d-650/jack-adapter-cable---635mm-to-35mm.html

    [​IMG]

    ..so at volume, costs would be negligible. It's great, and takes the strain off the socket- unlike rigid adaptors, either way around.
     
  13. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    Alright @Tyll Hertsens ...

    The embargo is lifted...hit us with the measurements so we can confirm that the sound changes are nonexistent...
     
  14. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    HiFi for masses (Late 2016 ver)

    Mumby: $250
    Jotun: $400
    hd 6XX: $200
    --------------------
    Sum = $850

    Wow, well below $1k.

    This combo might be an ideal starting point, and may be an end-up point for majority.

    Of course, re-termination to XLR is required THO.
     
  15. TMoney

    TMoney Shits on SBAF over at Head-Case to be cool

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    Absolutely brilliant move by Massdrop and Sennheiser. Jude is right on the money, these have to be the best headphone at the $200 price point. If you don't already own the 600/650 then these are a total no-brainer.

    For those of us who already have the 600/650, it sure doesn't look like there is anything here to warrant a purchase. From the pictures and Jude's video it looks like materials quality was cut a bit to get the price down. The color looks like somewhat of an acquired taste. Those are fine trade-offs, but as an HD650 owner I don't think I'll be buying a pair of HD6XX myself. That won't stop me from recommending them to others though.
     
  16. Zed Bopp

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    Yeah, HD6XX isn't very interesting to many of us, who have already had a pair of 650s. But it SHOULD be a huge thing for loads of people thinking about getting some very nice headphones for little money.

    These make recent TOTL prices seem all that much more ridiculous.
     
  17. Lingering Sentiment

    Lingering Sentiment Acquaintance

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    This may be my best chance to compare my HD600 to the HD650. I'm definitely considering it, if I can get in on it before it sells out.
     
  18. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Between this and the TH-X00, it seems outrageous that companies are charging $2K or more for their headphones. I realize the driver tech is often different on those uber expensive phones, but are you seriously trying to tell me that the Abyss is worth $4,800 more than an HD6XX?
     
  19. PoochZag

    PoochZag The Shadow knows - Friend

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    Depends on what we mean by masses. Sure it is one hell of desktop rig for people who are into this as a hobby. But the typical mass consumers of electronics, who Massdrop is targeting, are definitely not buying a multibit DAC and a $400 amplifier that needs a balanced cable.

    Like others have said this will do a lot to help nice open backs go mainstream. But I too have reservations about how people will actually use these, and am worried there will be disappointment. The fact there's an explainer about what open headphones are, and the 1/8th jack, illustrate a targeting of non audiophiles

    It's easy to forget that most people, even ones into electronics and music , think we are nuts
     
  20. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    Anyone bringing these to the meet on Sat?
     

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