Sennheiser HD600
Summary
Abstract
The Sennheiser HD600 is an open-back dynamic headphone valued for its natural midrange reproduction. A longtime favorite alongside the Sennheiser HD650, it serves as a reliable mixing reference for engineers who know its characteristics.
Key Characteristics
- Open-back dynamic driver design
- Very natural sounding midrange, helpful for mixing
- 300 ohm impedance — needs a decent amp
- Headband comfort can be an issue; aftermarket padding (Dekoni Nuggets) recommended
- Lighter than most Beyerdynamic and Audeze options
Use Cases
- Mixing reference headphones
- Checking binaural content
- General critical listening
Settings & Sweet Spots
- Replace headband padding with Dekoni Nuggets for improved comfort
- Works well as a secondary reference alongside monitors
Comparable Alternatives
| Headphone | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser HD650 / HD6XX | ~$200-350 | Very similar, slightly warmer |
| Audio-Technica ATH-R70x | ~$350 | Described as “a better HD600” |
| Beyerdynamic DT880 | ~$200 | Semi-open alternative |
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with the HD650 — they are different headphones with different voicing
- Not investing in a proper headphone amp for the 300 ohm impedance
See Also
Source Discussions
Bryan DiMaio
“I’ve had HD600 for a long long time and they’re great when I use them. Really don’t use them much except to check binaural stuff and for gaming but they’re very natural sounding in the midrange, which is helpful for mixing.”
Bryan DiMaio
“One comfort problem I had with the HD600 was the headband so I replaced the padding with Dekoni Nuggets… holy crap are they comfy now.”