First open-back headphones: Aune AR5000 vs Sennheiser HD600

[kilgoretrout]

Hello,

As a user of closed-back headphones for years (Beyerdynamic DT 770), I’m looking to get my first pair of open-back headphones and I’ve narrowed it down to two options: the Aune AR5000 and the Sennheiser HD600.

From what I understand, the HD600 is a classic with a proven track record and tons of community support, while the AR5000 is newer but has been getting some attention for its larger soundstage and comfort.

I mostly listen to experimental electronic music, ambient, drone, pipe organ music, 90s black metal, modern classical music and sound collage pieces. I’ll be using them with a Monoprice Liquid Spark amp and I can EQ the headphones if necessary. Comfort is also important since I listen for long sessions.

Would you recommend going for the safe, time-tested HD600, or giving the AR5000 a shot?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[DVDdoug]

Have you heard either or both? (I have not heard either one.)

Have you seen comparable frequency response measurements (done by the same reviewer/lab)?

Frequency response is the main thing and/or if it can be EQ'd without distortion. (We usually don't want "flat" frequency response with headphones.)

Do you know what you like in a headphone?

pipe organ music

The Sennheiser is a little light in the deep-bass but Amir was able to EQ it. The ASR review is here in case you haven't seen it.

for its larger soundstage

The soundstage illusion is a very personal thing and I wouldn't consider too much what someone else hears. Headphone Soundstage Survey

Frequency response seems to have an influence on soundstage but most of us wouldn't sacrifice frequency response for a better soundstage. (Personally, like most people I don't hear anything like a realistic soundstage with headphones, I don't listen to headphones a lot, and I just accept that headphones are a "different experience".)

and comfort.

Also a personal thing.

 

[Vincent Kars]

I just accept that headphones are a "different experience"

They are as they are not suit for listening to stereo recordings but one can get used to it.

Stereo over speakers

Stereo over headphones

 

[zonk]

Hello,

As a user of closed-back headphones for years (Beyerdynamic DT 770), I’m looking to get my first pair of open-back headphones and I’ve narrowed it down to two options: the Aune AR5000 and the Sennheiser HD600.

From what I understand, the HD600 is a classic with a proven track record and tons of community support, while the AR5000 is newer but has been getting some attention for its larger soundstage and comfort.

I mostly listen to experimental electronic music, ambient, drone, pipe organ music, 90s black metal, modern classical music and sound collage pieces. I’ll be using them with a Monoprice Liquid Spark amp and I can EQ the headphones if necessary. Comfort is also important since I listen for long sessions.

Would you recommend going for the safe, time-tested HD600, or giving the AR5000 a shot?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

If you are located in the US the "Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX" could be an option. It's identical to the Sennheiser HD650 but cheaper (200$).

 

[zonk]

The Sennheiser is a little light in the deep-bass but Amir was able to EQ it. The ASR review is here in case you haven't seen it.

The link that you added points to the review of the HD660S. Here the link to the HD600 review.

Here measurements of the Aune AR5000. For better comparision the measurements of HD600 from same site.

 

[douteiful]

I own both.

From a comfort standpoint, the AR5000 are much more comfortable out of the box, mostly because the HD600 comes with a strong clamping force - but once you use them enough the clamping force diminishes and after some time they become pretty much equal comfort-wise.

Sound-wise they're very similar - the AR5000 has slightly better sub-bass but as mentioned in some threads the HD600 has a slightly more enjoyable treble. Some recordings are a bit jarring on the AR5000s as well, while everything sounds good on the HD600s. So overall you can't go wrong with both, but if I had to choose one of them, and especially as my first headphone, I'd go with the HD600 - they're a safer bet in my opinion.

Unless you want to EQ (you might want to do this as both are sub-bass light) - in that case I'd go with the AR5000s as they have lower distortion and thus take EQ much better.

 

[Audiodidact]

I own both too. Hd600 is far superior to my ears. The realism and depth of the midrange is unmatched by anything else I’ve owned. Eq-in more bass and you’re good. Keep it simple.

 

[Audiodidact]

HD600 has this trick. It’s got a golden midrange with unbelievable soundstage and perfect timbre. Zero listening fatigue too. Some flaws, yes, but a prized possession

 

[solderdude]

The main objections people have for HD600 are:

• Poor (narrow) soundstage
• Bass-shy
• Too 'bright' (3-5kHz range emphasis).
• High clamping force out of the box (can be fixed)

The thing is:
Tonality can be fixed with EQ (brightness and bass level) butt narrow soundstage can not.

Still a solid recommendation also because the aftermarket support is great (pads, headband padding, spare parts, cables etc.)

 

[Mr. Reeee]

Hello,

As a user of closed-back headphones for years (Beyerdynamic DT 770), I’m looking to get my first pair of open-back headphones and I’ve narrowed it down to two options: the Aune AR5000 and the Sennheiser HD600.

Consider Grado headphones.

I’ve been listening to them for years. SR125, SR325 and now RS1x with a Mojo 2 DAC.
And a pair of GW100x wireless for TV, Zoom and phone calls, can be used wired, too.

Extremely musical. Not fatiguing!
I listen complex orchestral music (Mahler, Bruckner, Shostakovich, Bartók, Sibelius, Hindemith, Schoenberg, etc.) organ (Bach, Buxtehude, Böhm, Couperin, Franck, etc.), opera (Wagner, Verdi, Lully, Rameau, 20th century, etc.), harpsichord, Franco-Flemish polyphony, mediaeval and renaissance, Miles and Mingus.

Grados are definitely worth exploring!