Sennheiser HD6xx amp

[TankTop]

Just ordered the HD 6xx off “Drop” and I’m wondering about the proper amplification. I have a Marantz 5014 and I’m sure it will be adequate but I’d like recommendations for an amp that will power them properly.

 

[Daverz]

Since Amir tests with an HD650, you can find a lot of recommendations by searching the reviews.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?pages/Audio_Equipment_Reviews/

I've used the HD650s with a Schiit Magni3 (HP amp only) and a Topping DX3Pro LDAC version, and both are excellent.

 

[KeithPhantom]

Just ordered the HD 6xx off “Drop” and I’m wondering about the proper amplification. I have a Marantz 5014 and I’m sure it will be adequate but I’d like recommendations for an amp that will power them properly.

You don't need as much amplification as you think. I would recommend a Magni Heresy or a JDS Labs Atom.

 

[thomasjast]

JDS Atom user here. It’s superb with the 6XX.

 

[tmtomh]

Yes, it's a 300 ohm headphone, but its sensitivity is high, 103dB, so it's easier to drive than it might initially appear.

I just got a pair from Drop myself, and I can use them with both my iPhone SE 2020 and an old iPhone 4 I keep around as an iPod and get very decent and enjoyable results. I have to turn the volume up to within a step or two of max volume, and I know I'm not hearing all these headphones can do this way. But my point is that they really don't need much "help" to sound really good.

Sometime soon I'll get a portable headphone amp (I don't really listen to headphones except when I'm moving around the house, so I don't want a HP amp that requires a wall plug). But these things are so much better than my prior go-to headphones, I'm content for the moment.

Speaking of which, has anyone used a portable headphone amp with the HD6xx's and had a good experience? Thanks!

 

[KeithPhantom]

I use my Galaxy S20 Ultra and a USB-C DAC to power them (I use the HD 6XX as my indoor-chores headphones) and I don't even need to max out the volume to get all the volume I need.

 

[Bob-23]

NwAvGuy's Objective 2 (O2) is fully adequate, too. I drive the HD600s with it. Solid metal case, easily repairable because of through-hole hand-soldered components. JDS Labs is selling it, in Europe you can get it from head'n'hifi (Germany).
http://www.headnhifi.com/amplifiers/desktop-headphone-amplifiers
http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/07/o2-design-process.html

 

[solderdude]

Just ordered the HD 6xx off “Drop” and I’m wondering about the proper amplification. I have a Marantz 5014 and I’m sure it will be adequate but I’d like recommendations for an amp that will power them properly.

You're probably fine. Just plug it in and when you like how it sounds just use it.

 

[TankTop]

You're probably fine. Just plug it in and when you like how it sounds just use it.

thanks, I’ll be using them mostly for Xbox and that’s when they will be plugged into the Marantz but also early in the morning getting ready for work.

 

[solderdude]

You will need a balanced cable for the 9038S

 

[lecter255]

Hi folks. I have HD6xx and Sundara, driven by Topping D50s using a RCA to 3.5mm short cable. I mainly listen to classical music and I never need to max out the volume. Is there any benefit to be gained at all by adding a JDS Atom to the chain? I also have that lying around...

 

[Southall-1998]

I'm no electronics expert. Pretty sure I read somewhere, that the Rega Ear MKII is a good match for high impedance headphones.

S.

 

[dfuller]

Hi folks. I have HD6xx and Sundara, driven by Topping D50s using a RCA to 3.5mm short cable. I mainly listen to classical music and I never need to max out the volume. Is there any benefit to be gained at all by adding a JDS Atom to the chain? I also have that lying around...

Yeah, you'd definitely see some benefit. The D50S's output impedance is about 100 ohms and its current supply capabilities are, well... not great.

 

[Bob-23]

Output impedance of the D50s affects frequency response of the 650s only very slightly, and it affects frequency response of the sundara not at all. With regard to 'power' - your phones play loud enough, don't they?
https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-s-se/hd650/
https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/hifiman/sundara/

 

[solderdude]

Hi folks. I have HD6xx and Sundara, driven by Topping D50s using a RCA to 3.5mm short cable. I mainly listen to classical music and I never need to max out the volume. Is there any benefit to be gained at all by adding a JDS Atom to the chain? I also have that lying around...

When you have the Atom lying around just use it and listen for yourself.
From a technical POV the D50s is NOT suited nor designed to drive headphones directly. That doesn't mean you cannot miss-use the D50s that way and get acceptable to decent results.
The Atom is designed to drive HD650 and Sundara properly and have plenty of headroom to spare.