Sennheiser HD 600 review

The HD 600 is Sennheiser's long-standing open-back reference headphone, and the most detailed mixing option in this list's documentation. Sennheiser calls it the audio purist's choice for reference playback. It uses a 42 mm driver with a 38 mm diaphragm and ultralight aluminum voice coils, open earcups with acoustic silk to control airflow, and channel matching that Sennheiser says reproduces mastering-grade sound independent of room acoustics. It lists 12 Hz to 40,500 Hz and weighs 260 g. A detachable 3 m cable and an adapter cover 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm jacks, most parts are modular, and it is assembled in Ireland. Two things hold it back for home studios. At 300 ohms it needs an interface or headphone amp with a strong output, and the open back makes it unsuitable for recording near a microphone. It also costs $499.95 at Sennheiser US, the highest verified price here. Sennheiser now markets it mainly to audiophiles. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Mix and mastering work in a quiet room, with a headphone amp or interface that can drive 300 ohms.

Price

$499.95 at Sennheiser US when checked.

HD 600 $499.95 Includes 2-year manufacturer warranty + free expedited shipping
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Open-back earcups with acoustic silk
• 42 mm driver with ultralight aluminum voice coils
• 300 ohm impedance
• Detachable 3 m cable with 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm options
• Modular parts and a 2-year manufacturer warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Sennheiser matches drivers between channels for consistency
• Strength: Most parts are modular and replaceable
• Strength: Lightweight at 260 g
• Weakness: 300 ohms needs a capable headphone output
• Weakness: Open back leaks sound, so it is not for tracking
• Weakness: Sennheiser US lists it at $499.95, the highest price here

Key facts

• Design: Open-back, circumaural
• Impedance: 300 ohms
• Frequency response: 12 Hz to 40,500 Hz
• Weight: 260 g
• Warranty: 2 years, per Sennheiser US

Where it ranks

Sennheiser HD 600 is No. 8 in our Best Studio Headphones verdict.