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.

  • boogieback_11@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    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.

    That sounds about similar to my experience with using the HD650 at least. However, I found the treble more subdued (probably cause the ones I got had already well used pads and aren’t close to new). Bass doesn’t have a lot of excursion and doesn’t go below I believe 75 Hz or something lower if my memory serves me right. These aren’t really known for having great bass impact and quality, especially if you’re listening to a lot of modern music that uses a lot of synthesized bass sounds.

    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

    Kinda doubt you’d get a bad unit. It’s just the tuning is what you’re not used to. I haven’t tried the two headphones you mentioned, but it just seems based on your experience that you’re well used to a sound signature that has better bass extension and the HD650/6XX just doesn’t have that.

    If you wanted better bass quality, you could probably try the other offerings such as the Focal line up or even Beyerdynamic (but would suggest EQ’ing out the treble region that is prominent).