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firesorce
6
Mar 15, 2017
This vs Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Are these still comparable? They are, after all, something I discovered in 2014 already.
trybeingarun
137
Mar 16, 2017
firesorceLots of threads in forums comparing these two headphones. I have both and they both sound quite different to me and I love them both; this for more engaging, connected music hd6xx for smooth & relaxing music.
firesorce
6
Mar 17, 2017
trybeingarunThank you, this helps a lot! At the very least, it seems both headphones are worth the $199 mark spent, and would definitely be an upgrade over my $20 no-name headphones I currently use. Because I personally listen to more drum and bass, pop, and vivid music, I think the AKG K7XXs would suit my needs better than the HD6XXs, and Ill definitely be ordering them the next time they drop.
EDIT: Do I need a soundcard to get the most out of these headphones? If so, which one do you suggest? If not, do I need to download audio in high bitrate, always, to enjoy the most out of the headphones? Or can I simply hear better, more clear and enjoyable audio on sites like Youtube.
trybeingarun
137
Mar 17, 2017
firesorceIt absolutely needs an external amp. Your inbuilt sound card is probably not going to work. If I plug in K7XX directly to my macbook pro (2015 model) there's a lot of channel imbalance and it sounds weird. If I can't use an amp I would happily prefer my hd598 over k7xx because it sounds a little screechy & nauseating and I can't use it for long. When amped correctly it's a completely different headphone though, it blows 598s out of the water.
I have a Matrix M-stage hpa3u+ which I am perfectly happy with. People like Modi2 stack too. A lot of people complain how picky K7xx is when it comes to amp, so read through forums to check how the amp of your liking pairs with k7xx. My HD6xx sounds acceptable with my tiny fiio q1, but k7xx (surprisingly with just 62 ohms) sounds bad.
K7xx is also pretty revealing, so even with an amp badly recorded youtube audio sounds sibilant. I don't have the same problem with HD6xx because treble is rolled off a bit.
Coaly
0
Mar 18, 2017
firesorceI think most newer motherboards have good enough on-board sound cards (but probably better to google). These are great for the type of music you mentioned and anything like games, youtube, and netflix in my opinion. I've had them for a few months and they sound great and are comfortable for hours.
lowkey.savage
33
Mar 19, 2017
firesorceI just received this drop in the mail yesterday, and I was able to compare it to a friend's pair of Sennheiser HD 650's (which supposedly have the exact same sound signature as the HD 6XX). We plugged both cans into this DAC+Amp combo from JDS Labs: https://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/objective2-odac-combo-revb/
In terms of sound, I would say that that the Sennheisers are warmer, but the AKGs have a wider or more open soundstage. In terms of how they sit on your head, the Sennheisers clamp a bit more due to the metal construction of the headband, whereas the AKGs can sink a little due the elastic band; both have very comfortable pads. Overall, I think the Sennheisers are better suited to listening for extended periods of time, but the AKGs have a more accurate sound reproduction if you're a purist. Both sets have amazing sound quality for the price (assuming you get the massdrop-branded Sennheisers because buying the HD 650s elsewhere is ~$100 more expensive), but it's up to personal preference in the end.
DISCLAIMER: Prior to this comparison, the HD 650 had significantly more burn-in time than AKG K7XX (as in years vs. single-digit hours).
Zhiwen
16
Mar 21, 2017
firesorceYes. The main reason is the headphone output in laptops and smartphones is not very resolving. To get the most out of them, consider getting an entry high end DAC/AMP. I'll state some DAC/AMP to give you an idea what is entry, mid level and high end. Entry High End: Chord Mojo, Burson Conductor, Marantz HD-DAC1 Mid Level : Grace M9XX, JDS Labs , Matrix HPA 3U, Burson Soloist, Schitt Jotunheim Low End: Fiio K5, Schitt Magni, O2 amp.
I recommend getting something like the Chord Mojo or something in the mid level as you will definitely get 95% of the capability of the headphone and enough resolution to satisfy your next headphone upgrade. If you get something lesser, you'll definitely have the urge to upgrade your source when you get better headphones. Also consider that you'll more life out of electronics as they don't have much wear and tear.
I would only recommend something from the low end if you're just a casual user or a background listener and are not that picky.
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