Here’s some context: I got the HD 6XX for me. I had the 599 and an akg n700nc m2 before this. So, this is a large upgrade in terms of headphones. But I’ve been having some issues with the sound. The bass is very pillowy and weird, and it’s just not clear. The treble and mids sound fine. I’ve narrowed it down to 2 possible reasons. Either I got a bad unit (I have yet to hear another unit, so it’s highly likely that it’s not), or my source is the issue. I have the FiiO K3 (old) with the 2.5mm balanced cable wired to the headphones, I’m on high gain mode with the bass toggle turned off.

Thanks for the read, apologies if I sound biased or skeptical, any help would be appreciated. You’re welcome to take the piss out of me in the comments if I sound like a know it all.needs an upgrade?
If i upgrade what do i get? Should i just get an amp to pair with my dac as it has line-out or should i get a different dac/amp unit.
I’m planning on adding a sundara 2022 to my collection as well which is why I’m considering the source upgrade even more. (I’ve heard planars need more current which i don’t think the k3 can provide, which might be the reason i don’t like the sound of the 6xx).

Thanks for the read, apologies if i sound biased or skeptical, any help would be appreciated. You’re welcome to take the piss out of me in the comments if I sound like a know it all.

  • namesdevil3000BEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    You have described my audio journey. I don’t have the 6xx but I have the Akg, 599 and 598. Heck I almost bought some 6xx’s used on marketplace🤣. Will also be reading the comments with as much interest as OP.

    Maybe the 600 will be my next step. I do enjoy the Sennheiser ideal of having nice mids. Some people don’t like the high bass boost but I enjoy it. Hifiman’s QC is too scary for me.

  • mainguyBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I agree.

    I have HD6XX. The mid range is really nice. But the presentation is so narrow and intimate there is really no wow factor with this headphone.

    A Focal Elegia, priced similarly, will wow far more imo, with much greater detail and soundstage, but a less Harman tuned FR.

  • PutPineappleOnPizzaBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Coming from anything that has extended treble and/or deep reaching bass, the 6XX can sound like nothing. Either you love it or you hate it.

    I noticed this after I got my Aful Performer 5, since I wanted to try one of the better IEMs. My 6XX has a mod for more bass and I use a tube amp, but honestly, the bass is not its strength. Then there’s the dark tonality. If you come from anything that has extended treble the 6XX will sound like you have a towel wrapped around your head and the headphones on top of that.

    But here is the thing: This headphone is just so relaxing. It won’t blow you away, but it will just always be your safespot. You can listen to anything without fatigue. Give me any other headphone and I will be absolutely exhausted after 2 hours. That doesn’t happen with my 6XX.

    I doubt your amp is the issue, it’s just the tonality of the 6X0 series. But heck, if there’s somehing like a 6XX with deep reaching subbass + a little better technicalities then it’s a nobrainer 10/10 headphone imo.