For the past 10 years, I have been using the Sony MDR-7506 headphones for all my audio listening. Having recently upgraded to a Topping DX5 II DAC/headphone amplifier, I decided it was time to upgrade to more audiophile-quality headphones as well.
After doing some research, I found the Sennheiser HD600 highly recommended by everyone (including ChatGPT, Gemini, and AVScience).
It's one defect - the low subbass can be relieved by using Topping DX5 II's equalizer.
- The benchmark for uncolored sound. The tonal balance is nearly perfect and consistent across the range.
- Reasonable Price ($279 on Amazon.com)
- The HD 600 is renowned for its natural, lifelike, and forward-midrange sound
. Vocals and acoustic instruments sound exceptionally correct and articulate. - The high frequencies are extended but smooth and controlled, avoiding harshness or sibilance, making it ideal for very long listening or mixing sessions.
- Very lightweight (260g) with plush velour earpads and an elliptical cup shape that fits around most ears.
- Known for lasting decades. The entire headphone is modular—virtually every single part (cable, pads, headband, grille) is easily replaceable and available from Sennheiser.
- Its 300-ohm impedance means it benefits noticeably from high-quality amplifiers like your Topping DX5 II, revealing more detail and dynamics.
- The most common criticism. The bass is tight and clean, but the deep sub-bass frequencies lack the presence, impact, and "rumble" expected in modern music or from planar headphones.
- The soundstage is accurate but generally small and "in-your-head." It lacks the expansive width and airiness of competitors like the HiFiMan Sundara.
- Out of the box, the headband clamping force can be quite tight, especially for larger heads. It needs a "break-in" period or manual stretching to become comfortable.
- Its 300-ohm impedance makes it unusable or poorly driven by most phones, laptops, or portable music players without a dedicated amplifier.
- Being an open-back headphone, sound leaks out significantly, making it unsuitable for use in shared spaces like offices or libraries.
Here are 3 complete, ready-to-enter EQ profiles for HD600 using the Topping Tune DX5 II PEQ software. You can copy these directly into Topping Tune → PEQ → Add Filter.
All three profiles are safe, non-distorting, and tuned specifically for the HD600’s response curve.
🎧 PROFILE 1 — “Neutral + Clean Bass Fix” (Recommended)
This corrects the HD600’s weak sub-bass without changing its neutral sound.
Filters
| # | Type | Freq | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-Shelf | 105 Hz | +4.0 dB | 0.70 |
| 2 | Peak | 3500 Hz | -2.0 dB | 2.00 |
Why this works
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Filter 1 adds gentle, natural bass.
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Filter 2 smooths the HD600’s 3–4 kHz glare (optional but improves balance).
🎧 PROFILE 2 — “Warm & Full-Bodied” (HD650-like tone)
Adds warmth + density without losing detail.
Filters
| # | Type | Freq | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-Shelf | 95 Hz | +5.0 dB | 0.70 |
| 2 | Peak | 300 Hz | +1.5 dB | 1.20 |
| 3 | Peak | 3200 Hz | -2.0 dB | 2.00 |
What it sounds like
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Weightier bass
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Thicker lower mids (more body)
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Softer upper mids
Closest to HD650 warm tuning.
🎧 PROFILE 3 — “Fun / Bass-Boost” (still clean, not muddy)
For electronic, hip-hop, pop, or movies.
Filters
| # | Type | Freq | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-Shelf | 80 Hz | +6.0 dB | 0.65 |
| 2 | Peak | 45 Hz | +2.0 dB | 1.00 |
| 3 | Peak | 2800 Hz | -1.5 dB | 2.20 |
What it does
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Strong bass impact
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Better sub-bass extension
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Mild smoothing of upper mids to avoid harshness at high volume
📌 How to Apply These in Topping Tune
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Open Topping Tune
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Select your DX5 II
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Go to PEQ → Local Config
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Click Add Filter for each line
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Set Filter Type, Frequency, Gain, and Q exactly
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Save as “HD600 Neutral,” “HD600 Warm,” etc.
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Load into a device slot
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On the DX5 II front panel → PEQ → Select Slot
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