Hi sifus. Need some recommendations for headphones.

Currently using Sennheiser HD6XX (HD650), and I find that the mids are recessed. Amped or unamped, vocals doesnt sound as pleasing as I had hoped. Is there any recommendation for a headphone with warm sound signature that doesnt sacrifice the mids as much? Budget about 1k. Thank you!

Paired with Fiio E10K. Onboard dac and the fiio dac don't sound that different to me.

I came from the HD518 and the Audio Technica AD500, so I was used to the very prominent vocals. I love the lower end and the details on the HD6XX, just that vocals a bit recessed.

I'm not planning to go with another dac/amp route. I will be frequently using it on my office pc as well, and the company pc unable to install anything including dac drivers. Unless install amp alone. So im planning to get another headphone in near future instead. The HD6XX sounds really good for some songs, especially rock. But pop and jazz i feel like the vocal a bit lacking. Im guessing I'm just used to the sound signature of my previous headphones. Thanks for the advice anyway


I feel the amp is powerful enough, enthusiastic listening at low gain setting with volume knob at 5-6. My amp no balanced output. Bass boost setting only make the buss muddy, so i switch off.

SHP9500 is a cheap alternative, might look into this. The HE400 also very good reviews despite majority says it's on the bright side. Quite keen to have a planar headphone as well. Haha. Thanks for the recommendation.

This post has been edited by danny_sp15: Aug 7 2020, 08:58 PM

Maybe im using the wrong term. Let me explain in another way, it feels like singer is standing further away than the instruments, and further away than what im used to with the HD518 and ATH AD500.

If the amp is capable of getting the HD6XX to enthusiastic listening levels at just half the volume and at low gain, I still need to get a more powerful amp?

Also, doesn't the HD6XX already has a warm sound signature? A warmer amp is a good pairing to bring the vocals to the front?

Thanks for the suggestion. Based on your experience, which of the two contributes most to the vocal/mids improvement? If it's the Heresy, then i can try to get that one first and try to pair it with the Fiio E10K with the Fiio as the DAC (also have a spare GoVibe DAC lying around somewhere).

Great. Thanks!

Using it about 1 month now. Slightly more used to it by now but still i find the vocals not as forward as i want it to. I have tried with a different DAC and also multiple sources, and managed to get the vocals slightly better but still overall sounds recessed to me. Like the whole band is playing front stage, but singer is sitting where the drummer usually sits, at the back.

I just went to Sennheiser store to try out the HD600. Amped and unamped, the sound signature is exactly like how i want it. Vocals are more prominent. Bass slightly lesser but not a deal breaker for me. I'm likely making the switch to the HD600.

Just bought the HD600.

Currently still breaking in, doesnt feel as smooth as the one I demo in store. Should get better after some play time. But the sound signature is same, which I really like. Very neutral. I feel like a tube amp will do wonders for the HD600, but for now, the sound is really good for me. A downgrade that needed me to fork out more money, but very happy with the sound

Thanks for your suggestions earlier. I do plan to get the O2 SDAC/AMP or the E30/Heresy combo in future. Considering Topping DX3 as well, but solely due to the bluetooth functionality.

Bright + comfortable = normally i would think of audio technica. Especially the AD series. AD500 or AD700 is within your budget, sounds bright but not fatiguing, super comfortable, and easily driven. Downside is they look massive if you're going to wear them on the go.

Sifus here might have better suggestions.

Philips SHP9500 has detachable cables. Haven't heard one myself but reviews say they're neutral.

I cant comment on the AKG K712 or the Sundara, but I also listen to Metallica, Pink Floyd, and Queen, and they sound great on the HD650. Just another option you might want to consider.

If you can stretch a bit can get ATH M50XBT. Tick all the right boxes. Good midbass and treble. Isolation is great. And portable, even comes with a pouch. Battery life is great too, no need worry about charging often.

Comfort depends on your room temperature. It can get a bit sweaty if not in aircon room.

How about the HD6XX? I'm selling one btw lol. Seeing that you're aiming for the R70X which is often compared to the HD650.

Nah no worries. HD600 falls within your budget as well, scales well with a good amp, and better suited to vocals. Less bass than HD650 but good enough if you're not into EDM.

This post makes me itch for the R70X. Last time was deciding between this and the HD600/6XX.

May I know what amp you're using for your R70X?

Good news for those wanting to grab the HD800 but put off by the retail price.
Possible HD8XX on Drop

Mine also. Good thing havent bought the R70X yet. Hahaha

Bro, noted you also have the HD6XX. Do you think it's a worthy upgrade if someone already has a HD6XX?

Yea, based on pics seem to be a confirmed variant of HD800. Our local Sennheiser sometimes sell for 5k+, so this needs to below 1k usd to be worth it. Otherwise might as well get local unit for the warranty.

Btw, first shipment got RM10 off for new user.
But shipping time damn long for the shipping forwarder i use.

Normally those 3.3, 4.4, 5.5 etc sales. So roughly once a month should have offer, but rotate between products, so not every month hd800 got sale.

Klcc u try find tall guy with ponytail, he was very helpful when i went there. Tried the hd600 on the HDV820 amp and it was amazing.