From what I can find, it’s a personal choice. Do you prefer neutrality, or V shaped? not quite cold, not quite warm, or do you want warmth? That’s it. 6xx has more warmth and bass/treble to it. 58x has more flat, midrange ish sound signatures. Personality, id say go 58x pocket the difference, and if you don’t like it, EQ it. It’ll take a tune better than an already tuned headphone.
The HD6XX is basically the HD650 and is pretty much liked by most who try them. It will most probably need an amplifier though, unless you listen at really low volume.
The HD58X is a HD660S with a 2mm smaller driver that is supposedly new (is it from a HD569?) and practically untested. It's able to be used with portable devices easier (less sensitivity at 150 ohms), but to be honest you shouldn't be wearing open cans during your commute/out in public anyway because noise leaking in and out would ruin the experience for you and others.
So, both are for home listening. Tried and tested for a bit more or new, easier to drive headphone gamble? Up to you.
I am in the HD58X drop currently but I'm going to switch to the HD6XX and pay more for a known driver and headphone. Sennheiser and Massdrop both get my money anyway so no hassles there.
In terms of popularity, this drop sells like 1-2 headphones an hour sitting at 600+ sold whilst the HD6XX sells like 7-8 per hour and it's sitting on 6000+ sold so yeah.
I don't mind a v-shape sound signature but I don't like a bass-y undertone. I don't want a muffled sound. I also have closed back Sony MDR-10rbt headphones (as well as my 598's) and they definitely sound darker and more bass-y which I'm not really a fan of. I have them cause they're bluetooth headphones. I don't listen to much bass heavy music. I'm more into classic rock, jazz, blues, movies scores, classical type stuff. So maybe a neutral headphone is better?
Well the HD6XX has been on here before whereas the 58X has not to my knowledge hence why more people would be in the 6XX drop.
Then you’ve got your answer. Of the two, 58x is going to have more top end than the 6xx. It has bass, enough that it’s a THING but not the ONLY thing from what I’m seeing from reviewers and graphs (but you can’t put too much faith in the graphs). This was THE definitive reference can of its time. And it’s brought back with a bit more to it with the 150 ohm “platform”. all I can say is, it’s close to hd600 and I remember how much Zeos adored those, so if you’re after less bass, and neutrality with maybe a little sparkle up top, these have you covered.
Personally when payday comes, I’m getting in on this faster than the back can recognize I got paid. But that’s just me. Just because it’s cheap enough, that I’ll find a use case for it or just use it when I’m not feeling up to planars.
Would you say the 58X has at least the same level of bass as the 598s? I power my headphones with a Micca Origen+ DAC/Amp off my Macbook Pro. I only have the volume knob at ~1/4 way up and it's plenty for me. Yeah I've seen Zeos video on the hd600. He got his custom coloured. His videos are entertaining. lol
I’d say it’s impossible to have less bass than 598s unless you’re looking at audio technica‘s air lineup. Those guys have negative bass I swear. It’s unlikely that it’ll have less bass, I’d say at least equivalent maybe a bit more? Hard to say without actually owning or listening to a pair. Like I said, I’ve just been going off hear say, and various charts.
Spech wise, it’s a 600 with Some tweaks. But it has bass, Ive heard it mentioned, and can see it in the graphs sub bass, maybe not so much, but definitely mid-bass. Which is already more than 598s.
Hmm okay. I'm just thinking that $150 is a bit more in my price range right now being that it's Christmas and all. I really like my 598s though initially they didn't seem too comfortable when wearing them. Perhaps over time I've just broken them in. I do get a bit itchy in the front of my ears though from the pads but that may be from having a beard. If the 58X sound better overall then the 598s then that's good enough for me.
Then take the plunge if you’re itching for new cans. Btw there’s a drop going on from dekoni for pads that fit the 58x if leather, Or pleather is more your style to help the velour itch with beards.
yeah I noticed the Dekoni post underneath this thread. It shows three sets of ear pads but you can only pick one kind. I'd love to get either the 58X or 6XX. I guess I'm just to figure out what is the better overall option.
I joined the HiFiMAN HE4XX drop but and still interested in these. Is that a foolish thing in your opinion? Are they too similar despite one being planar and one not? I’m trying to understand if the 58X might be justified. I really like the idea of them being easier to drive from my phone/MacBook. I’d love your thoughts.
Hell no man. I did the same thing. Planars are great. I plan on using them for gaming and maybe portable if I dont like the sound of the 58Xs for those purposes (unforgiving on certain sources and all that jazz) and at 169.99 plus earlier ship date? Fucking steal. But if you don't like how they sound, pawn them off to a friend and go for m1070s I think? The giant monoprice monsters. Those are just...... Fucking fun.
You said "less bass" 6xxs have rumble. 58x will have no rumble. It will have presence without impact, maybe a little, but minor at best.
They will be more drivable but at 150ohms I wouldn't think they'd get "hella loud" they're more of a "hey I wanna hear details in my tracks i can't get on normal headphones" kinda cans. (Insert picture of 58Xs creeping around a corner like "you rang?")
lol okay. I'm watching Zeos review of the HD6XX vs his (now custom painted) HD600s and he still prefers the 600 more. He says the 6XX have a wider soundstage vs the 600 at the cost of a bit of detail. Not sure of course how the 58X stack up to these two of course.
lol thanks for the input. I’m pumped about The HE4XX’s. I’ve also been considering investing the money in a portable amp/DAC instead of another pair of cans. I’m really just beginning my journey when it comes to personal audio (although I’ve been an audiophile when it comes to live music & running house), so I don’t have much. (Monk Plus, Koss PortaPros, and now awaiting the HE4XX’s. I’ve had SE215’s & SE545‘s in the past)
The drivers in the newer HD5xx series headphones (HD559, 569, 579, 599and the HD598Cs-Amazon version of HD569) are 38mm, 50ohm (23 for HD569 and 598Cs). They also have nowhere near the capabilities of the driver in the HD700 or HD660S (said to be the same driver). And for the record, I have all the above listed headphones save for the HD559. I joined this drop as a collector, but I'm also interested in hearing this new version in the HD6xx series.
598s are made in China. The HD 6xx and HD 58x are made in Ireland. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either. The HD 6xx is a highly rated headphone (the HD 650) with some tweaks (color, cable length, cable termination 1/8" instead of 1/4"). The HD 6xx has a higher impedance (300) while the HD 58x has half (150). Either way, both are better than the 598.
I'm not too fond of the glossy finish on the 58X and I like the more see through look of the grill on the 6XX. ButI like the headband padding on the 58X more. So it's kind of a toss up looks wise. Guess it depends on what sound signature I'm looking for.
Well I hope they're good if I pull the trigger. If I recall I still have to wait until June to receive them. I assume it's $150 US which is $191 CAD for me plus tax and shipping.
Welcome to the world of “fuuuuuck I want good sound” planars are one HELL of a leap from your past audio. Some won’t even touch dynamic drivers after owning planars but I think each has a purpose.
Honestly, a good amp is what you really need. Any dac will work, don’t let anyone tell you different. 1k isn’t that much, if any, better than a solid 50-100$ DAC. Amps are where it gets fun..... tubes, more tubes, different tubes, swappable op amps for digital amps, balanced, unbalanced, hybrid amps..... list doesn’t end. Amps are what twist sound to different extents. Honestly I’d invest in a decent solid state amp, then try a tube, see which you prefer. If you like tubes, try tube rolling (swapping brands of tubes or different styles, less ramp up, more ramp up, more heat, less, all changes the sound in fun and....... weird... ways. Welcome to the world of personal audio.
Potentially yes. Although another poster said this: "Based on the headphone measurements, I would go for the HD6XX (if you can afford the $50 price differential), it has a visibly smoother frequency response in the highs than HD58X."
Makes sense. I don't know if I could afford to keep both nor would I need to keep both. I want a good all around-er.
Yeah, from what I've seen so far it seems like the 580 should be a little step up in terms of audio quality, and it's only costing me a little more than my 598 did. Just right now, I'm more interested in the 58X's than the 6XX (and don't wanna blow $200 lol)
While not as upfront as the differences there can be in amps, there are differences in DACs that make a noticeable change in sound quality. Have had a Schiit Bifrost (AKM4490 based), and while a competent DAC, the sound just doesn't pair right to me with any of my headphones (ESP950, TH-X00PH, HD700, M1060, SHP9500). Sound is just too sterile/slightly cold and overall a little lacking. Also have an Audioquest Dragonfly Red (Sabre ESS 9016 based), and while it has a little less detail and bass presence than the Bifrost out of the same amp (modded Gustard H10), it sounds more dynamic, lively, and EXTREMELY clean - much prefer it over the Bifrost, even if it is a technically overall worse DAC.
I've recently picked up a used Gustard X20U (balanced Sabre ES9018) and it has made my gear sound the best it ever has. Compared to the Bifrost, there is noticeably better detail, dynamics, speed, and fluidity with a smoother/warmer sound and better bass extension and presence. Especially apparent when using the Koss ESP950 or modded TH-X00PHs, much less so on the lower end SHP9500. If you have an electrostatic setup you will hear the differences each DAC brings. The used Gustard X20U is a noticeably different level of DAC that only cost me ~$150 more than the brand new Bifrost, and the sound it produces from my modded Gustard H10 amp into an HD6XX made me really appreciate that lovely headphone. It's one of the reasons I'm in on the HD58X drop - few VERY minor tuning things I wished changed on the HD6XX, which the HD58X appears to do.
Basically, I think I've found/confirmed my general preference in chipset for DACs in the Sabre based units I have: the AKM and BrownBurr chipsets of other units I have just aren't the same to me.
There are also people who think amps don't make any difference, because all they do is amplify the signal from your DAC. The truth is, both the DAC and amp can make significant impacts to the output. The difference is hard to quantify, and is subject to personal preference. A DAC that I like twice as much as another, may only be 5-10% better for you. Likewise for amps. I also got a Heron5, got it during the last drop. As I've stated in my review, there's nothing < $1k that can touch it, however the treble on this amp will bother some people when they pair it with the HD58x. After a week of listening to this amp, I still hate the treble!!
Ah good to hear! I just purchases the R2R11 and both the 4xx and 6xx so cant wait for them to arrive!
Umm honestly dont have a great answer for that, I'm quite new to audio so I probably have no idea what I'm talking about but I did read that the R2R was a little smoother when paired with 6xx. I also believe the R2R is easier to set up drivers over the NFB process. Honeslty I think I would have been fine with either one, my R2R has just arrived and I think its amazing but then again I have nothing to compare it against.
Just got my R2R setup last night. Still burning in - seems a bit flat right now but could be due to the source audio. It's really smooth sounding (don't really know how to explain it) and I know I'm going to be very happy with this equipment in the long run. I chose R2R over NFB because descriptions and homework I did said R2R is a bit warmer and the HD6xx like to be paired with tubes/warmer amps. Also was more interested in "musical" quality than "clinical" sound from nfb.
Don't say impossible... the rolloff rate on these is very much on par with 598 measurements I've seen. Both go down hill rapidly after 100 hz. We would need two from the same measurement rig (i.e. site) to be able to accurately compare.
What headphones have you used with your R2R? I've only got my M40X so I'm still waiting for my 6xx to hopefully unleash its full potential. I heard the same thing about it being a warmer sound and better suited for HD650/6xx.
I just got the hifiman 4xx's. Love them! Even more than my sennheiser HD700 or my AudioTechnica ATH- M50. Driving them with either a Fiio X5 iii or LG V30, both boosted by a Fiio A5 portable amp. I use a bass booster app from Google play, and they handle it amazingly well! Supreme fidelity, clarity and sound! Wow!
Great to know! I need to check out some portable amp/dac‘s. I’m using an iPhone for now. I’m still learning about lossless files etc.
Hey can you please do me a favour? Your Heron5, is there a ticking noise coming from the power supply side of your amplifier?
No no, I don't actually own an H5, I was being sarcastic about frying headphones on it. But I would try getting a new cable, or pop the side and see if you have internal damage. Ticking in anything with power sounds like a problem. Unless you're trolling me back, and calling it the bomb.
To further clarify they have the sensitivity to get loud enough but that 150 ohms are gonna be a killer to anything without a decent built in amp. So a decent digital audio player, will be your nest friend with these. Phones? Not gonna get hella loud but decent from what I've heard and seen in reviews. A lot of people say the sensitivity makes it mobile friendly but the initial impedence holds that statement back. You have to have enough to run 150ohms and THEN worry about getting enough leftover juice into them for volume. Its a double edged sword with this "platform" anything above 32ohms IMHO was never meant for portable. (I think fostex txxp mk3s are low ohm but lack sensitivity so that shows that either can totally fuck you over on volume because those guys are power HUNGRY.
That's great to know. Unfortunately mine came defective. No signal in the left side. Swapped the cable, same deal. Having to contact HiFiMAN support now. Here's hoping for a QUICK and positive ending. I've been waiting to put these to the test!
Too rich for my blood, well at least for headphones. If it was a speaker amp, I'd actually consider it good value considering there being balanced output. It's a safe tube combination, all 3 types (KT88, 300B and E88CC) are readily available, though the E88CC is probably the only tube worth rolling in that setup. And I've never seen KT88 or 300B used for a headphone amp, and I've never seen them used together.
I'm running hd6xx but also looking for something with a bit more bass volume for different music types.
What Dac/Amp are you using with HD6xx? I'm currently savings towards ZMF Eikon, while expensive have heard they are great all round headphone and really deliver in the low end. Otherwise the Emu-Teak just got dropped again on Massdrop so they could be an option?