This was posted 2 years 8 months 19 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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[Backorder] Sennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Headphones $249 Delivered @ Addicted to Audio

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[Backorder] Sennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Headphones $249 Delivered @ Addicted to Audio
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jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 16:12 addictedtoaudio.com.au (1487 clicks)
Last edited 07/09/2021 - 15:22

Another neutral headphone, with this being the last of the Sennheiser AU promotion stock. A little heat in the sound from 2kHz-5kHz, but does a great combination of soundstage, imaging, tonality, bass extension, treble extension and timbre.

If you want tonality, soundstage and imaging as a preference and you have an amp, look at the AKG K612 deal, but if you're more timbre focused this may be the better option. Be mindful of AtA's return policy if you're worried about change of mind.

Minidisc are happy to price match and have stock (credit: /u/RobBoss). Minidisc are now out of promotion stock!

Plenty of good review links, comments and comparisons in previous deal posts. Enjoy!

Electrical & Electronics Headphones Sennheiser

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closed Comments

  • fuzor on 06/09/2021 - 16:18

    "with this being the last of the Sennheiser AU promotion stock"

    Sorry but what does this mean OP?

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 17:40
      +1

      They had a mid-year deal, which you can see a bit about in the last deal post on OzB for this product. It's all there in the deal.

  • Khartoum on 06/09/2021 - 16:20

    Do you need an amp to drive these?

    • SevenSmurfs on 06/09/2021 - 16:25
      +1

      Nope - they can be driven from your phone easily

    • PensionerXXL on 06/09/2021 - 16:39

      good question. im considering dipping my toe into the dac/amp world

      • SevenSmurfs on 07/09/2021 - 14:35

        would say these don't scale so great with an amp/dac, maybe look at 6XX or Sundara if you're going to invest in an amp/dac

        • PensionerXXL on 07/09/2021 - 14:41

          Thanks for the info man. Any recommendations for amp n dac? Iv done some reading and schiit keeps getting recommended

          • SevenSmurfs on 08/09/2021 - 14:14

            @PensionerXXL: schiit stack is a great starting point for bang for buck since the amp provides so much power to drive your future cans.

            Schiit modi + magni heresy

  • AFM7 on 06/09/2021 - 16:22

    I like that you have posted every other deal 😂

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 17:41
      +1

      It's really easy for these to fall to the bottom of the pile due to the naming scheme. Same thing is true of the K612.

  • illz on 06/09/2021 - 16:24
    +9

    Jasswolf, our resident audio advisor.

    Thank you for your service.

  • trantonz on 06/09/2021 - 16:29
    +2

    If I already have the 6xx, should I get this one also? Considering I have the x2hr on the way?

    • cydia9k on 06/09/2021 - 16:43
      +2

      Similarly I have neither but keen for some open backs - these or the 6xx's?

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 17:39
      +1

      I personally would have skipped the X2HR, but I wouldn't call it or the 560S a very good compliment in that headphone collection.

      That would be the HIFIMAN Sundara for mine.

      • trantonz on 06/09/2021 - 18:06

        Interesting. Why is the Sundara your next option in this collection?
        Just sold my Dt990 80 today because of the fatigue treble

        • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 18:19
          +1

          It's got solid bass extension, good bass authority, giving you that planar slam and detail/resolution without heavy compromise at the cheapest possible price point.

          Large soundstage, very neutral bar some nice treble lift in the air frequencies. That less warm, more studio focussed sound alongside the soundstage and increased resolution makes it a nice compliment to the 6XX, and it's outpointing the 560S in most of its best attributes bar timbre, but then you'd have the 6XX for that.

          Against the X2HR, you can EQ the bass up to a Harman-esque signature, or even warm it alongside that, which should offer what you might be after there. It's a technically superior headphone to the other 4 in discussion, it just has those minor issues with the timbre of planar drivers.

          There's also the HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnet edition at $219 on Amazon, but it's got enough mid-range issues that I'd steer clear.

          If you can, I would return the X2HR when you receive it (this might be difficult) and look into getting the Sundara off Amazon during Black Friday sales, where I'd anticipate it being around $420. You should be able to demo it before then though, but be advised that HIFIMAN do have some slight QA issues, so be sure to give them a thorough listen with a variety of music to make sure there's no issues with resonance.

          Planars are more difficult to driver match that dynamic drivers, so slight mistakes can be made with modern mass production of them. On the plus side if they do require a replacement, they'll happily send you an extra pair of pads with your new pair!

    • frogburger on 06/09/2021 - 19:39
      +3

      I have both a pair of HD 560S and HD 6XX, the HD 560S has a more 'neutral' sound to me, it has a wider sound stage with more bass extension, percieved clarity and energy than the 6XX making it a great solo pair of cans for music, gaming (hearing direction of footsteps) or for audio mixing. It is easier to drive being 120 ohms, and would suit people unable or not planning to spend on a nice amp/dac combo or audio interface in the future.

      The HD 6XX is slightly more comfortable to wear and listen to for long sessions (especially for those who are sensitive to treble) as it has more of a mid hump and a more intimate and unoffensive sound signature because of the mid and low mid warmth and percieved slight veil in the highs, the 6XX being higher impedence will also benefit better from nicer amp set ups to drive it, and has a slight bit more refined timbre, detail and imaging magic due to the syrupy mids.

      If you already have the 6XX, unless you are mixing music, or are specifically seeking out a more energetic sound in the highs, you don't necessarily need to get the HD 560S as both do the sennheiser thing well, just slightly in different ways.

      The 6XX when listening to music makes it feel like im right up near the stage listening to the band in front of me due to the warmth and vocal intimacy (feels right up next to your ear), the 560s has a sound that sort of surrounds you more (like you are standing in the middle of a room of people playing instruments around you) because of the sound stage and the vocals definitely sit more within the mix rather than right up against your ear.

      I am currently using 6XX as my main listening headphone, but for mixing music recordings I would for sure take the HD 560 over it as i feel it represents a more accurate representation of where instruments sit in the mix.

      TL,DR: the 6XX edges out the 560S slightly for enjoyable and relaxing listening sessions and hearing the timbre of the instruments, while not getting fatiguing. The 560S is a better gaming and mixing headphone, has more 'energy' and works without the 'need' for a nice amp/dac combo.

      • trantonz on 06/09/2021 - 20:00

        Thank you very much for the detail explanation. I'm waiting for my X2HD as a gaming pair and after that probably will save up a bit and go for a considerable upgrade, such as the Sundara or something in the $500 range

      • trippy on 06/09/2021 - 20:51

        Great comparison write up. I also have both the 560s and the 6xx and i am actually starting to prefer the 560s. They have that low frequency rumble that the 6xx is missing, and the highs come out a bit louder. Mids are probably a tiny bit better in 6xx, but i am not sure i could pass a blind test.

        The soundstage and imaging of the 6xx is terrible (as in non-existing) and it sometimes feels claustrophobic. Similar to having a fly buzzing inside your ear. The 560s opens up a bit, but soundstage is not huge.

        I just got the Sundaras and they are truely amazing compared to either 560s or 6xx. I didnt know i would enjoy the high resolution and soundstage as much.

        • frogburger on 06/09/2021 - 21:50

          yeah the sundara is probably next on my list as my first planar magnetic, although not sure whether to fork out more for arya or something

    • Wally Simmonds on 07/09/2021 - 16:29

      Be interested in your opinion on the x2hrs

  • CalmLemons on 06/09/2021 - 16:59

    How are these vs the 599?

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 17:46

      599 are a warmer, relaxed, notably less detailed sound. If you're looking for more neutral, more detail, more spatial more bass and treble extension, this is an upgrade for sure. 2-5kHz may be a tiny risk depending on your unique ear anatomy (pinna gain).

      If you're looking for a natural, relaxed sound with even more detail, fantastic vocal timbre and don't mind conceeding a little of that spatial capability, the 6XX might be the better upgrade, but you'd want to look into an amp/DAC stack or combo if you don't have one.

    • mediumjon on 06/09/2021 - 17:47

      Have the 599 and from what I've heard, these.

    • seerious on 06/09/2021 - 18:06

      Worthy upgrade for the headband padding alone.

      But the HD560s has a much more balanced stock tuning. When properly EQ’d there isn’t much in it - but the headband alone means I never reach for the HD599.

      • CalmLemons on 06/09/2021 - 18:49

        what was wrong with the headphone? i have a massive head, seems fine for me. I also have so much hair lack of padding doesn't matter for me.

        • seerious on 06/09/2021 - 19:14

          Yeah just the top padding. It’s the only headphone I own which creates a sore spot on the top of my head.
          Otherwise, the pads and lightness make it exceptionally comfortable.

  • shalala on 06/09/2021 - 17:12

    At home, I'd listen to the B&O 603 (which should be way over the budget I should be spending); sometimes the FiiO FH3 if I need a bit more detail. I am bothered by the high impedance of the HD6XX which I must bring my other phone (LG V20 - turned off most of the time, sluggish during first 5 minutes of the phone start up) outside even I am just going for walk in the park during the lockdown.

    Do you have a recommendation for a wired open back headphone which can be driven by a standard phone? Want to get a HD660s but not cheap either. Untimely, want to sell the HD6XX and the LG V20 - dont want to maintain too much stuff as I only have a pair of hands and a pair of ears?

    Let's say the MAX MAX MAX budget is ~$600?

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 17:59
      +1

      If you're looking to be resolution and separation focused, this is probably going to be it, maybe the Audio Technica ATH-R70X if you find this a bit too hot above 2kHz.

      The reason why I say the R70X is because while it is almost as difficult as the 6XX to drive, it's not as relaxed in the treble, so it doesn't fall away as hard when driven by a phone and provides a nice clean sound. But yeah if you want closer to the full presentation of the headphone, probably the 560S.

      The other consideration if you're more timbre and tonally focused, are the Koss KPH30i (US$25 delivered from Drop, they run a monthly deal) and the Koss KSC75 ($20-$25 on Amazon), which are much cheaper, but provide good imaging and great soundstage, but lack resolution.

      The KPH30i is the comfort and timbre pick of the two by far, while the KSC75 has the cleaner tonality and is more resolving due to the earclip design. That being said, the KPH30i's tonality - notably the mid-bass bloat due to its warmth - will lessen as the foam flattens down, and it really has amazing timbre.

      • shalala on 06/09/2021 - 18:34
        +1

        Thank you SIR. I also looked at the comments at your deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/648749

        Think I will move and get the HD 560S due to the comments.

        I have never listened to the 560S though, but urgh, it's lockdown………

        • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 18:47
          +1

          Just read up on the return policy, maybe chat to their sales team to see if they'll agree to a return if you don't appreciate the tonality and the odd potential treble quirk.

    • mostlygordon on 06/09/2021 - 18:15
      +1

      Depends on the phone, iPhones work best with Apple cans. I have far too many headphones LOL, but currently have two good solutions for phones. I mainly use a Shanling UP5 Bluetooth receiver that can drive any of my cans and has a mike to take calls. I usually drive my LCD-2Cs with the UP5. If I want better sound than LDAC, I can plug in and use the UP5 as a USB DAC on the phone or computer. Not many closed back cans I could recommend for $600ish, Shure SRH840 are worth a look for around $300 or next up is Focal Elegia at around $800. Much more choice in open backs, but no good for out and about use with a phone.

      Before I got the UP5, I was using SENNHEISER Momentum 3s. Basically the same deal, they work well for Bluetooth including for calls. If you want better sound USB to your phone or PC to access the inbuilt DAC.

  • akqrate on 06/09/2021 - 17:23
    +1

    Chuckolatte on YouTube called these "the poor man's Arya" and that is an apt statement in my experience owning both. Fantastic set of cans - not just for the money, but for the balance, tonality and soundstage they have. They're easily my favourite Sennheiser, can be made to run balanced by using a balanced cable, and lastly can even work as a really good gaming headset with an adaptor and a boom mic like the VMODA boompro.

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 18:05
      +1

      Yeah they're a fantastic all-round option, and they're really hard to beat as a pick for a single headphone. I see headphones more along the lines of instruments: they have different use cases, music synnergies, and strengths and weaknesses, and I feel like this is one that I'd avoid from that perspective, but it's outstanding value overall.

      I feel the same way about the Arya too though, where I'd be looking at the HD 800S or a ribbon or AMT headphone in that price range.

  • RobBoss on 06/09/2021 - 17:47
    +5

    You're like to Dealbot of Headphones, please keep these coming and take my upvote

  • BigBoy47 on 06/09/2021 - 17:57
    +2

    Ordered these a couple weeks ago and they're currently backordered. A2A says they're getting the next shipment in later this week.

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 18:00

      Thanks, updated the deal to reflect that! A2A don't list that info these days.

      • trantonz on 06/09/2021 - 18:14

        I’m in Melbourne. 2 weeks ago I ordered the fiio e10k from them. Heard nothing after few days. I called and then was told they have none in stock, and that shipment should have came at the beginning of August but somehow it didn’t. They said next one would be in 2-3 weeks time but of course it’s not certain either.
        Ended up canceling it and order from minidisc. The amp arrived in 2 days.

        • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 18:45
          +1

          In their defence, they are planning to move premises in 2 weeks, so if their warehousing is based out of Melbourne that might be the source of these issues.

          • trantonz on 06/09/2021 - 20:02

            @jasswolf: my work is just 5 mins away from their new location. Hope they will do click and collect in the near future

  • radissimo on 06/09/2021 - 18:15

    this should be a starting point for budding audiophile, not 6xx ( esp. given that latter sings with a good amp,560s does not need one much)

  • Larsson on 06/09/2021 - 19:12

    Mate, what are you doing to me… hahaha. I don’t need any more, I have too many to even store already!

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 19:51

      LOL, you have no need for these.

  • sanur on 06/09/2021 - 19:35

    This vs 58x?

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 19:57

      Competitive gaming, or EDM-based tracks and/or hip hop focus: these.

      Everything else: 6XX

      The more your listening preferences land on modern pop, the more you might find yourself preferring the 560 S, but longer term you might want the 6XX and the Sundara as a pairing.

      58X is a warmer sound than the 560S, but in everything else it's a step back.

  • Moostyle on 06/09/2021 - 19:50
    +1

    Was thinking of ordering the Focal Listen Wireless to connect to my tv. $149 seems alright.

    • jasswolf on 06/09/2021 - 20:51

      Don't do that to yourself. If it's closed back you're after: AKG K371 with a suitable high quality bluetooth adapter.

      Otherwise, the AKG N700NC M2 @ $100-$120 to get an all-in-one package that even has ANC. Another one to look at is the Sennheiser PXC-550 II @ $250, maybe the Audeze Penrose @ $399.

      Unfortunately that market is dominated by ANC headphones, and they are all pretty crap with audio quality between the noise cancelling requirements and bluetooth protocols.

      • Moostyle on 07/09/2021 - 06:42

        Cheers man.

        I was looking at the Sennheiser PXC-550 II but the lowest price I found was for $297 at Amazon

    • s1Lence on 06/09/2021 - 21:46

      i have that, imo the soundsurge 90 is just as good if not better despite being nearly half the price when on sale so maybe get that instead

    • ek1m on 06/09/2021 - 23:43

      I have them and they're the one headphone purchase I actually kind of regret.

      Sound is not pleasing, comfort is shit, not sure what is redeemable about them; but for $150 not the worst but it's a hard eh of a headphone

  • cookietime on 06/09/2021 - 21:28
    +1

    Good deal but good luck if you need warranty support from this mob.

    • zeomega on 06/09/2021 - 23:02

      I found them ok to deal with other than slight delays in processing.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2021 - 22:29

    Don't like this store. They vastly overprice their schiit products because they are the only AU schiit dealer and can get away with it, but it works out to be slightly cheaper to buy directly from schiit and pay 100 dollars for shipping from the US. If that shipping charge was only 50, it would be significantly cheaper to buy from the US. I can't stand businesses like this.

    • zeomega on 06/09/2021 - 23:07

      Free Economy mate. Costs of running a business locally is not the same as overseas. I have to admit, it was pretty annoying when they had a deal with massdrop to be the local dist here and blocking from buying directly. No longer the case thankfully.

      However with the schitt, buying directly works out cheaper, albeit longer duration for shipping. At least there are options. What people are paying for is local support/warranty claim. Cost of posting back an RMA locally vs internationally if you need it, touch wood, will more than compensate for single items. Unless buying directly you share postage with someone/multiple units etc.

      • [Deactivated] on 07/09/2021 - 00:03
        +1

        true that it's not the same but a lot of businesses, like this one, take advantage of the fact that we have to import basically everything and slap ridiculous prices on everything they sell.

        as for the local "support" or warranty from these guys, including at least one guy in this thread mentioning a2a's terrible customer service, their product review page has an alarmingly high amount of reviews complaining about their atrocious customer service and bad experiences returning faulty products. i would go for an international return over these guys any day.

        • RobBoss on 07/09/2021 - 10:03
          +1

          PC CASE GEAR comes to mind, exclusive brand deals check, overpriced check, ridiculous shipping fee check, mediocre support check

  • RobBoss on 07/09/2021 - 10:04
    +3

    Price matched with Minidisc, in stock and ready to ship

    • Minidisc on 07/09/2021 - 14:49
      +3

      Thanks for sharing :) It's been a busy morning! Ozbargain has snatched up all our promo stock, so we are no longer able to do this price match. Thanks everyone for their orders.

  • jordan23140 on 07/09/2021 - 15:36

    Thanks ordered. I have a Yamaha receiver to plug these into, wondering if I should get something. Like this though ? https://au.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-x3

    • jasswolf on 07/09/2021 - 15:41

      These should be fine out of on-board sound (rear jack), and when you want to upgrade your setup, look into proper DACs and amps, not just hyped-up sound cards.

      Here's some amp and DAC suggestions in the last 6XX deal: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/10987402/redir

      • jordan23140 on 07/09/2021 - 15:47

        Thanks.
        Been living with shitty speakers and headphones for years. Recently upgraded my speakers and now doing my headphones! Went down a massive audiophile rabbit hole this morning!

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