Got the Fostex Ebonies a few years ago and I love them, but have been trying to find something that complements their V-shaped response with something mid forward for stuff like indie rock, ambient stuff, etc. I’m leaning towards the HD 600s since they seem to be infamous for their mid-range performance and the colder sound signature (Compared to the 650s) which I think would complement a more ‘fun’ headphone like the Ebonies. I’m looking for people’s experience with the 600s and any other recommendations that might fit the bill in this price range. Stuff like soundstage and imagining are also important for sure, but for now with my limited budget I’m really just looking for the antithesis of the V-shaped headphones I have now.
Thanks!
If you have access to drop I think the obvious compliment would be the elex but they’re a bit out of your budget, and yeah the 600 series are from what I know of the only real good mid focused headphones under $500, some people say sundara too but I think they’re brighter, still worth considering tho
2 Likes
I have to compliment you on a beautifully written subject line for the thread. Descriptive, concise, indicative of budget and sound signature. Bravo.
I can recommend both the HD600 and the HD58X. Depending on the amp that you’re using. I wouldn’t say the HD600 is colder per se. When paired with something like a BHC/wSpeedball, they are the definition of fun with some nice warmth from the tubes and a hell of a lot of tight slam.
3 Likes
Blue ellas are on sale from 700$ to 400$ and I’ve heard that they’re slightly mid forward. They seem pretty interesting so might wanna check it out.
2 Likes
I have to agree this is the main complement. yes it’s out of price range unfortunately but it would be worth stretching the budget. Not only is it mid forward [great midrange magic] and for an open back have excellent bass extension it also has that same hyper dynamic feel of the fostex which is the main fun factor of that headphone that is also present in the Elex/Clear giving it that fun slam quality to the bass.
If you have ever had the use of a T50rp Argon its an example of excellent bass extension but without the same level of dynamics you can hear it extending but lacks the impact of the X00. You don’t think you miss it till you hear the X00 again highlighting how important that quality is that a 6XX won’t have. Though if you want to try and bring it to that level a tube amp will *help won’t get you there but it will be closer
Definitely worth stretching the budget. [On sale they come down to $550-$500]
1 Like
Ah, ok cool, I’ll look into them more, I’m in no rush so waiting for them to be on sale or finding a used pair wouldn’t be a problem, thanks for bring it to my attnetion!
1 Like