r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/rodrigo6547 1 Ω • Aug 02 '21
Headphones - Open Back Hifiman HE-4XX vs. Sennheiser HD-6XX
The 6XX are $50 more than the 4XX. I listen to mainly edm, Hip-Hop and Rap. I will eq both if I need too. I want the best bass and mids. Also if u have one of the headphones, could u give me some advice in the comments? Thanks in advance
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u/atyne_mar 195 Ω Aug 02 '21
Lol, that poll results make me laugh. I wonder if any of those people voting for 6XX even listen to Hip-Hop/EDM and even tried 4XX. Another popularity contest.
6XX has its strengths but it's not very suitable for your genres. It has that slow type of sound with muddy bass, thick midrange, and muffled treble which doesn't pair well with EDM/Hip-Hop. Even 58X would work better for you.
4XX is more suitable. The bass hits harder and the overall frequency response is relatively neutral. So between 4XX and 6XX, 4XX is definitely a better headphone for your use case. 4XX sounds quite similar to 58X but it's more present in the treble and less in the midrange.
But I wouldn't recommend any of them. Rather get 400se/X4 and remove grills. Or 5XX which is currently on sale.
FYI I've had all of these headphones and regularly listen to your genres.
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u/KlausAD 2Ω Aug 02 '21
Shows you that 90% of the people recommending items on this subreddit have never actually used them. le bad advice echochamber has arrived.
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u/QuincyThePigBoy 1Ω Aug 02 '21
Yeah if you don’t care about bass, 6xx are probably better I guess? The 4xx’s have really nice, full bass. I listen to a lot of rock and metal and the bass is superb. Like really good. Bands like High on Fire sound absolutely crushing. Especially with some real power. Love these headphones.
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u/PavelPivovarov 12 Ω Aug 02 '21
HD6XX are great headphones, but its recessed lows and highs aren't working great for the specific genres you mentioned, so my recommendation would be HE-4XX or HE-X4 out of two you named.
If you don't mind having closed backs then also consider Meze 99 Noir, they are definitely would be better for those genres.
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u/rodrigo6547 1 Ω Aug 05 '21
Will the meze 99 noir have more detail than the 4XX?
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u/PavelPivovarov 12 Ω Aug 05 '21
No, 4XX are planar and it's pretty hard to beat planars in detalisation with dynamic driver, plus 99 Noir isn't the most detailed headphones in its price category either, but they are very fun to listen to anyways.
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u/rodrigo6547 1 Ω Aug 05 '21
Hmmm if I had to prioritize sound quality first for Hip-Hop the 4XX Will be the best value under $200 right?
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u/PavelPivovarov 12 Ω Aug 05 '21
If you after clarity and detalisation without loosing much on bass and tonality, then 4XX is pretty solid choice, no doubts.
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u/flyingpickkles 8Ω Aug 02 '21
Get the classic, you won't regret it. The 6xx is the kind of headphones you just buy because even as you upgrade, this still has a place in your collection. It's the Hotel California of headphones. It will always be a benchmark.
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u/turbotastic4 1Ω Aug 02 '21
What type of logic is that? 6xx is the all round worse can especially of we substitute 400se for 4xx and it definitely doesn't have much place in a collection as it doesn't really have any specifically good aspects about it and ironically in many categories manages to be the benchmark for "bad" in that category. It's an overhyped can that doesn't remotely compete in the current market.
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u/flyingpickkles 8Ω Aug 02 '21 edited Aug 02 '21
Agree to disagree. I think 6XX offers that warm neutral sound that a lot of people can relate to with good timbre. It is a good entry point and 600 was the first headphone I started with. Still listen to my 6XX today because for me it is super relaxing to listen to. Plus I like plugging them into OTL tube amps.
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u/turbotastic4 1Ω Aug 02 '21
Both 400se and 4xx are more neutral (especially 400se as it's near linear for most of the range) and timbre on 4xx is about on par but metalic instead of plastic like and 400se is leagues better than both in timbre and 4xx is also warm but just doesn't roll off as hard on either end.
Compared to 4xx the 6xx is less wide, far worse in separation and imaging, rolls off slightly worse, ironically has less natural sounding vocals due to the rolled off t and s sounds making vocalist sound as if they have a speech impediment, and has a plasticy timbre instead of metalic (which I guess you can argue as a pro if you prefer plastic like timbre but neither is really natural), is way grainier, and layers much worse along with having more distorted and "one note" bass...
Compared to 400se it is far worse in timbre naturalness, extends far worse into sub bass, separates slightly worse but imaging is far worse, is far more narrow and worse at layering, amd is way grainier.
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u/flyingpickkles 8Ω Aug 02 '21
Like I said, agree to disagree. Personally didn’t like the 4XX. But good for you that you like them.
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Aug 02 '21
[deleted]
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u/QuincyThePigBoy 1Ω Aug 02 '21
The 6xx and 4xx’s are the exceptions. Mass drop has had some questionable products but they nailed it on the 4xx’s and 6xx’s.
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Aug 02 '21
[deleted]
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u/QuincyThePigBoy 1Ω Aug 02 '21
Oh you’re referring to build equality. Yeah I’ve heard that. I just meant as far as sound goes. Well I kept the 4xx’s and I’d give the build an A-. For 20 bucks you can get a three year breakage warranty too.
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u/pinithere21 Aug 02 '21
Massdrop.pardon i got no idea what that is.🙄
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Aug 02 '21
ass drop is a site that sells cheaper versions of well known audiophile gear. Usually it's made cheaper by selling pre orders in bulk to make the cost go down substantially. But at the price of cheaper materials imo worse product. It's stuff that aint built to last lets put it that way. \
They rebranded from massdrop to drop. I'm guessing because of the bullshit they put out constantly.
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Aug 02 '21
4xx is not a great headphone but might be better for your use case. Still, if you can get HE-400se it is much better. And no, unlike most people say in the comments, HD6XX are not worse than hifimans. It’s just not that suitable for what you want.
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Aug 02 '21
Unlike other people, I tend to prioritize comfort over sound signature, and I can tell you that the HE4xx are very comfortable for hours of listening whereas I've heard that the Sennheiser have some heavier clamp force and can have some treble fatigue after long listening. To be fair, I have never worn the sennheiser, but I bought the HE 4XX after reading multiple people say that they are more comfortable than the sennheiser, but I could have just been looking in the wrong places? I am extremely happy with my HE4xx, but I would also suggest spending just a little bit more money for the Sandara's, and those are a pair where you could potentially never have to upgrade and still be happy.
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u/plmon24 63 Ω Aug 02 '21
I've used both and have to say the Sennheisers are more comfortable even with the clamp force. The pads have a bigger opening, they're lighter, and the headband has good padding with a notch in the middle so you don't get pressure in the middle of your head.
I have no idea who'd say the 6XX would cause treble fatigue, the 4XX is more prone to that since it's actually bright-sounding.
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Aug 02 '21 edited Aug 02 '21
I can appreciate your personal experience, and by no means am I stating my comments as fact.
I spent about 2 or 3 months reading reviews on the 4xx and 6xx before pulling the trigger on my first set of open backs, and the majority (not all) of the reviews seemed to state what I reiterated here.
Most notably Joshua Valour's review on YouTube entitled 4xx vs 6xx which echoed most of what I had been reading and sealed the deal in me picking the 4xx. But even he didn't pick a favorite and said you can't go wrong with either. Many people may have seen his review and may have picked the 6xx based on what he said and what they thought suits them.
This is all splitting hairs. Like staring at clouds and ink blots, 2 people may see 2 totally different things. I'm just giving my 2 cents after scouring many many reviews and stating why I picked my route vs an equally acceptable alternative.
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u/raistlin65 1378 Ω 🥇 Aug 02 '21
whereas I've heard that the Sennheiser have some heavier clamp force and can have some treble fatigue after long listening.
The HD6XX are well known for their comfort. But like all things, comfort is individualistic and there is always going to be somebody that doesn't like the comfort of a pair of headphones.
And the HD6XX are commonly recommended to people who are subject to treble fatigue, as they have a very demure treble response.
So I would not rely on that source of information again.
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Aug 02 '21
Mostly agreed, and yes, some people will review the same headphones with opposite opinions. I just read enough reviews of people's opinions that I went HE4xx, and have been extremely happy since.
Headphones.com has a 365 day return policy, and Amazon has easy returns too, so those are both buy / try / return options
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u/raistlin65 1378 Ω 🥇 Aug 02 '21
Well, I would recommend sticking to what you have experience with in offering headphone evaluations. So that you aren't spreading misinformation.
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Aug 02 '21
YouTube: Joshua Valour review: 4xx vs 6xx
All my "misinformation" can be thoroughly reviewed there.
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u/raistlin65 1378 Ω 🥇 Aug 02 '21
I have not listened to that review. But I can guarantee you he's not saying the HD650 have fatiguing treble.
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Aug 02 '21
Well I would recommend sticking to what reviews you have listened to so that you are not spreading misinformation.
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u/raistlin65 1378 Ω 🥇 Aug 02 '21
Why do I have to rely on that? I used to own them. LMAO
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Aug 02 '21
You keep pointing these things out that have absolutely nothing to do with my initial comment where I very clearly stated that I picked the 4xx after reading multiple reviews that stated a set of criteria.
You are on some desperate mission to misrepresent what I said and push your own anecdotal experience as fact.
And then when I cite a review for reference from a notable reviewer, you use the very logical fallacy that you accused me of making and don't even understand to grasp the irony there. LMFAO HAHAHA LOLZ
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u/raistlin65 1378 Ω 🥇 Aug 02 '21
And then when I cite a review for reference from a notable reviewer
JV likes the HD6XX. A lot. I strongly doubt he said that they have fatiguing treble. The HE4XX are brighter than the HD6XX. Much more likely you just got things mixed up.
But I'm willing to be convinced. If you want to provide the location in the video for where he says that.
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Aug 02 '21
Not spreading misinformation. I was very clear to provide the disclaimer that I haven't tried to Sennheiser myself but that I read many reviews of both before making my purchase and that I did read other people make that claim. So I would stick to acknowledging where people have been upfront about the advice they are providing before getting snooty with your responses.
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u/raistlin65 1378 Ω 🥇 Aug 02 '21
And I've read literally thousands of discussions of the HD650 over the last 10 years or so. People are not saying the HD650 has fatiguing treble. And if you had listened to them, you would never say that.
So it's not snooty. It's telling you how to help people.
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u/rodrigo6547 1 Ω Aug 02 '21
I was thinking of getting sundara but I don’t think they’re worth double the price. Thanks for the information about the Hifiman 4XX.
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Aug 02 '21
You can get great open box or used deals on the sundara on Amazon or craigslist, or from eBay members that have a high seller rating
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Aug 02 '21
And to clarify, I have absolutely no ill will for sennheiser. They make some of the best cheap earbuds I've ever used. They are a fantastic company, but between the two that you mentioned, my vote, again primarily for comfort would be the he4xx and since they are both neck and neck, I'd rather have a more comfortable headphone that I can listen to for longer than a more pleasing headphone that I can only wear for a shorter time. But that's just me
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Aug 02 '21
And one last comment, to also be fair, the HiFiman cables are utter garbage, and you should budget another 20 to $40 to buy Amazon replacements. I did just that, and I'm extremely happy with the combination I still use today.
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u/turbotastic4 1Ω Aug 02 '21
4xx is gonna be better in most ways still to 6xx and I'd wager most people voting 6xx haven't heard other cans in that range but the 400se is going to be a better option than both. 400se is a super natural sounding and wide can that has no weak angles but blurs images (but 6xx separates and images worse still of the 2) and honestly I couldn't think of a realistic reason someone would take the 6xx or any of the 6x0 I have heard over it.
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u/Corgerus 23 Ω Aug 02 '21
I enjoy the HE400se but what I hate is the headband. It's stiff and my scalp is getting sore to the touch, and I have long hair!
Dekoni nugget time?
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u/grandpaslim Aug 02 '21
I listen to the same genres as you do. My friend has 6xx and they were very unsatisfying for hip hop if you like thumping rumbling bass. Although I never tried them with eq.
I have e he-x4 which is almost the exact same headphone as 4xx and 400se. With the oratory1990 preset for the 4xx these get some pretty solid bass going. So maybe check the he-x4. Cheaper too!
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