Thanks for that, yeah ultimately I’m not too concerned about the bass, mainly want something that sounds a little warmer, more intimate and less bright than the DT’s (will still keep them). Something that is quite different than the DT’s. since you have the HD600’s, how do female vocals come across?
The sundara looks like it is also $100 more, so $550 for sundara and $450 for HD600. It is a little outside my budget, although if it is a big step up I might be able to stretch for the sundara.
Hot damn. I scored open box Sundaras in the States for $269. This forum has a very broadly spaced user base.
Sundara to me is the next step above a lot of what the HD600 is good at, obv a different driver format (high impedance dynamic vs low-impedance planar). But, well-timbered mid-centric. I think Sundara does better work up-top and offers more linear low-end extension while sounding quick and effortless while naturally toned. The soundstage and airiness seem to be polarizing. I find them pretty spacey. It is the better all-arounder for my prefs. I also own DT990!
However, nothing to me offers the “intimacy” and vocal tonality (especially female) of the HD-600 series headphones. I think they’re still pretty good all-arounders too. But, you’ll be able to avoid their drawbacks (sometimes all that intimacy is a bit much, not bass cannons, etc.)
HD6__ series certainly sounds like what would be terrific for what you want.
So, if you want something in the near-term, you’ll have to decide if +$100 is worth it for the small tweaks of the HD650 over the HD600. I’d go with the OG 600.
Wow thanks for that detailed reply! That’s a super deal for a sundara, that’s like $300AUD. Unfortunately living in AUS there are barely any used variants of any headphone, not a single HD600 or HD650 on ebay or any other website. Otherwise I’d definitely consider buying used. Yeah its super cool that there’s a wide user base, although it makes explaining availability and pricing a little more difficult.
Hmm, it sounds like overall the Sundara is a better headphone, but maybe the 600 is more specifically what I’m looking for? If that makes any sense, as I am looking for a more vocal focused and intimate headphone with a bit of a smaller soundstage. I hope this makes sense. I think the DT’s do me for soundstage, bass and excitement. I would obviously just go and test them at a store instead of asking on a forum, however at the moment its not really an option sadly.
I think I’d go with the 600, I don’t really see what the $100 for the 650 would get me, the sundara’s are interesting
I only own the HD 600 not the HD 650/6XX, but fwiw recent measurements from reliable sources show less difference between the two models than apparently existed in the past. The current difference is more like unit-to-unit variation and is less than the difference between fresh earpads and broken-in earpads. In the past the accepted take was that compared to the 600 the 650 had slightly better-extended bass but with what used to be called a veiled treble, meaning rolled off.
Technically speaking, both models have a slight boost in the low mid-range where the bass and baritone male voice lives, but many people actually prefer this over a technical flat tuning.
Hmm, very interesting, maybe this is why at least in Australia the HD650 is no longer available (other than old stock) assuming this is correct, Overall do you think that considering what I am looking for that the 600 is a good pick?
(sorry for drawing this thread out, its just difficult to decide when you can’t hear them!)
They’re both perfect for what you’re looking for. The 650/6XX has a touch more bass but is mostly the same can. For your music I think the 6XX will be a bit better but if you can’t wait, they’re close enough that it won’t make a huge difference (I own both). For max goodness you want to run them off tubes.
Thanks heaps!, that’s great to hear, I think I’ve mostly made up my mind and will be going with the HD600, just a quick question, how much of an improvement do tubes make, I mean noticeable audible improvement. If its big I might invest in tubes later down the line!
The HD6… line scales very well. Meaning, the better the equipment driving them, the better they will get. So “improvement” between solid state and tubes is perhaps not the right question. Improvement comes (usually) from moving up to better amps rather than the type of amps. But, it’s a matter of personal taste an system synergy. Having said all that, it’s well established that these cans have a special character when amplified with tubes.
Hmm, thanks for that, very interesting, I think for now my K5 Pro will do the job. Thanks for the help!
I’ve owned both, my preference goes for the 600 but i think is good only if you own others headphones. It sounds really great (and better than the 650) with classic, rock, jazz and generally with all the music that doesn’t require that much bass but the 650 is a better all rounder.
Just want to say that this is another fine example of the quality of this forum…
helpful folks with lots of hands-on (ok ears-on) experience and solid answers to
questions posed. Kudos all.
I’m waiting it for the next week i’Il let you know
by the way there shoud be a thread around about the hd600/hd650 with the bottleneck crack
Luckily I’m keeping the DT 990’s around 
Thanks for the input, I guess I’d class the music I listen to as a bit bass light, or at least its not the focus so I’m thinking I’ll just pick up a pair of HD600’s
Well said, very much appreciated the quality of responses, the help and the experience from everyone!
Will be a good combination a v shape for fun and a neutral as reference imo
Yeah that’s what I was hoping for, two different flavours if you will, a reference, close sound and a huge fun wild sound
I’m deciding I’ll go with the HD600, considering I think it might actually be a slightly better fit overall, and I don’t have to wait 3 months for it to arrive ;).
Thanks everyone for all the help, its been really helpful 
How the hell do I still not own 600’s? I wanted a pair for so long but told myself they’re said to be so much better in tubes so I should wait. At this point I’m on 2, going on 3 tube amps and still down own one lol. Although I can contest to how much the 650 improve on tubes. I really need to get into the 600 gang lol.
Lol maybe you should also get a pair, I’ll probably eventually invest in a tube amp, I’m thinking they’ll still be great even without tubes for now
If it’s anything like the 650, I enjoyed my 650 for about 3 years till I finally got into tubes. So you definitely will enjoy them and not be missing much… until you realize what you’re missing.