This is a review and detailed measurements of the MASSDROP Sennheiser HD58X JUBILEE. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $170 from drop.com.
Other than not being able to see through the grill and observe the drivers, the HD58X looks quite similar to Sennheiser HD650:
The large cups are pretty comfortable to wear considering lighter than average weight of 265 grams:
Inside cup dimensions are 72x44 mm and the depth is 20 mm.
Note: The measurements you are about to see are made using a standardized Gras 45C. Headphone measurements by definition are approximate and variable so don't be surprised if other measurements even if performed with the same fixtures as mine, differ in end results. Protocols vary such as headband pressure and averaging (which I don't do). As you will see, I confirm the approximate accuracy of the measurements using Equalization and listening tests. Ultimately headphone measurements are less exact than speakers mostly in bass and above a few kilohertz so keep that in mind as you read these tests. If you think you have an exact idea of a headphone performance, you are likely wrong!
Fitment on the fixture was challenging even though the cups easily covered the artificial ear on my measurement fixture. This resulted in fairly large variations in bass response. I got the two channels to match which is a good sign but still, keep in mind the cautions above in bold.
HD58X Jubilee Measurements
As usual we start with the headphone frequency response as comparison to our preference curve:
Track is close to our target up to 2 kHz. HD650 as a comparison, did better past that:
Both are bass shy and will need equalization. Unfortunately distortion as with HD650 is rather high in bass:
Back to frequency response, here is our relative curve for building an EQ:
Impedance is markedly lower than HD650:
Combined with better sensitivity, it should be easier to drive:
Group delay has a few distinct notches which can also be traced to wiggles in the frequency response:
There are likely resonances mixing with the direct sound of the driver causing phase errors.
HD58X Listening Tests and Equalization
As with HD-650, out of box experience is fine and definitely usable. No reason to settle for it though as much better performance can be had with equalization:
Once there, the sound was delightful with surprisingly good amount of spatial qualities (I give it B+). I listened for the rest of the evening after I tested and did not want to put it down.
Compared to HD-650, the HD58X was noticeably louder so direct comparison was not possible. I was too lazy to set up dual headphone amps & DACs (to EQ each separately) with volume matching for this review. Will do that for future ones.
Conclusions
Hard to know if Sennheiser attempt to produce a lower quality headphone in dropping the price so much. What is there is very close to HD650 at a fraction of the price. With EQ, this headphone sounds darn good and is a superb value for just $170. This is half the cost of HD-650.
I can recommend the MASSDROP Sennheiser HD58X JUBILEE without EQ. With EQ, it is a hair from getting top honors from me!
----------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
Other than not being able to see through the grill and observe the drivers, the HD58X looks quite similar to Sennheiser HD650:
The large cups are pretty comfortable to wear considering lighter than average weight of 265 grams:
Inside cup dimensions are 72x44 mm and the depth is 20 mm.
Note: The measurements you are about to see are made using a standardized Gras 45C. Headphone measurements by definition are approximate and variable so don't be surprised if other measurements even if performed with the same fixtures as mine, differ in end results. Protocols vary such as headband pressure and averaging (which I don't do). As you will see, I confirm the approximate accuracy of the measurements using Equalization and listening tests. Ultimately headphone measurements are less exact than speakers mostly in bass and above a few kilohertz so keep that in mind as you read these tests. If you think you have an exact idea of a headphone performance, you are likely wrong!
Fitment on the fixture was challenging even though the cups easily covered the artificial ear on my measurement fixture. This resulted in fairly large variations in bass response. I got the two channels to match which is a good sign but still, keep in mind the cautions above in bold.
HD58X Jubilee Measurements
As usual we start with the headphone frequency response as comparison to our preference curve:
Track is close to our target up to 2 kHz. HD650 as a comparison, did better past that:
Both are bass shy and will need equalization. Unfortunately distortion as with HD650 is rather high in bass:
Back to frequency response, here is our relative curve for building an EQ:
Impedance is markedly lower than HD650:
Combined with better sensitivity, it should be easier to drive:
Group delay has a few distinct notches which can also be traced to wiggles in the frequency response:
There are likely resonances mixing with the direct sound of the driver causing phase errors.
HD58X Listening Tests and Equalization
As with HD-650, out of box experience is fine and definitely usable. No reason to settle for it though as much better performance can be had with equalization:
Once there, the sound was delightful with surprisingly good amount of spatial qualities (I give it B+). I listened for the rest of the evening after I tested and did not want to put it down.
Compared to HD-650, the HD58X was noticeably louder so direct comparison was not possible. I was too lazy to set up dual headphone amps & DACs (to EQ each separately) with volume matching for this review. Will do that for future ones.
Conclusions
Hard to know if Sennheiser attempt to produce a lower quality headphone in dropping the price so much. What is there is very close to HD650 at a fraction of the price. With EQ, this headphone sounds darn good and is a superb value for just $170. This is half the cost of HD-650.
I can recommend the MASSDROP Sennheiser HD58X JUBILEE without EQ. With EQ, it is a hair from getting top honors from me!
----------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
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