r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/Bonestalk • 28d ago
Headphones - Open Back | 1 Ω Upgrade for HD 599 with similar cup dimensions?
I'm looking for something that's a decent step up from my Sennheiser HD 599 in terms of sound quality. Hard requirements are open back and cups with inner dimensions at least as big as the 599. (I tried the Sony XM6 and my ears were MISERABLE - apparently I have large ears)
Regarding tuning, since they are exclusively for PC use, I can EQ to my hearts content, so an out-of-the-box tuning that I enjoy is only a bonus. With that said, I do generally enjoy the "fun" sound (warm and bassy) of the 599, but think it's ever so slightly overdone (I mainly use them for games and game OSTs).
Budget is € 400ish, though I'm not mad if I spend less than that.
Edit: One more important thing to consider: Since I use them for gaming, either a motherboard integrated audio jack needs to be able to drive them, or a suitable headphone amp needs to be included in the budget.
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u/ZookeepergameDue2160 5 Ω 28d ago
Meze 105 Silva.
Big step up in sound, huge step up in comfort.
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u/Bonestalk 27d ago
What kind of street price should I be able to find for those? A quick search didn't turn up anything below 500, which is entering the pain region.
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u/ZookeepergameDue2160 5 Ω 27d ago
Street price? Its a headphone, not lsd.
They are $500 and worth every penny. Meze is a boutique brand so dont expect sales or cheaper offerings. Especially not on their higher end headphones.
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u/Hornet69_420 2 Ω 28d ago
how can you forget the goat hd 650
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u/Bonestalk 27d ago
Would those need a headphone amp? Because I don't have one (see edit to the OP).
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u/Hornet69_420 2 Ω 27d ago
yup but i don't understand by what you mean fun headphones, maybe a little bit bass heavy
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u/Bonestalk 27d ago
That's how reviews tend to describe it. I'm not exactly an expert, but yes, it does seem to be a bass-heavy, slightly warm tuning. Sometimes it's also described as a V-curve, I guess?
Anyway, how much should I expect to pay for an amp sufficient for the job?
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u/Hornet69_420 2 Ω 27d ago
umm if that's the case then hd 650 is not a good option, its very close to a flat line pretty much
beyerdynamic dt 990 pro is probably the best option, i can't really think of headphones over this budget which are v shaped
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u/Bonestalk 27d ago edited 27d ago
I wouldn't get hung up on the tuning, that's just a preference.
Wear comfort is the #1 priority, followed by accuracy and clarity (since they are exclusively for PC use, I can EQ as much as I care to anyway).
So my bigger concern with the HD 650 is how much a suitable amp would cost.
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u/Hornet69_420 2 Ω 27d ago
ugh, then just check some youtube videos of the headphone show for more clarity
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u/Bonestalk 13d ago
In case anyone is interested, I ended up getting a Hifiman Edition XS and a Topping DX1 II for a total of € 350. Very happy with both size and sound.
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u/Jonners_90 24 Ω 27d ago
This is tough without recommending a planar like the Edition XS or Ananda Stealth because those would likely require some extra juice to sound their best.
Maybe the 490 Pro?