Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones Review

What does it take to stand out amid a sea of top-rated headphones? The Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XXs appear to have the answer. Massdrop-branded creations have never been more popular as community-inspired products designed for everyone. And its partnership with high-fidelity audio design and production behemoth Sennheiser on the pair’s HD 6XX headphones shows why.

The Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones have been around for a few years now. In that time, Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones have sold over 150,000 pairs, earning a rating of 4.8 of 5 stars. They’ve also achieved a recommendation rate of 97 percent based on more than 6,000 customer reviews.

These are all impressive figures, of course. And they don’t end there. That’s because there’s another very important figure: the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones’ price.

The Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones cost just $240. Of course, that’s not a small sum of money by any means. It also puts the top-rated collaboration between Massdrop and Sennheiser squarely up against alternatives from big-name brands, including Bose, Jabra, and Sony. However, there’s more to the HD 6XX’s price than meets the eye. That’s because they’re based on the Sennheiser HD 650s.

While the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XXs have been around since 2018, the Sennheiser HD 650s now have a history dating back to 2003. Since their launch, they’ve achieved universally glowing reviews. Even two decades on, they remain one of the most popular and highly rated pairs of headphones in their class. And what do the Sennheiser HD 650s cost? $500.

That’s right. The headphones that the Massdrop x Sennheiser pair are directly based on cost more than twice as much. It’s no wonder, then, that the Massdrop x Sennheiser collaboration has been such a success. They are born out of a top-rated, best-selling pair of headphones from an industry giant. As a result, there’s plenty to love about the HD 6XXs, starting with their exceptional sound quality.

When it comes to sound quality, there’s almost nothing between the HD 6XXs and the costlier Sennheiser HD 650s they’re based upon. Neutral-sounding and free of the often overpowering bass prevalent among many similarly priced headphones, their sound quality is exceptional.

They are extremely well-balanced and with no noticeable distortion. There’s an unmatched accuracy to the HD 6XXs, even among headphones in higher price brackets. Essentially, it’s a straightforward, old-school approach to sound quality and one that just works. There’s a definite charm in the straightforward approach taken by the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XXs, too.

While alternatives like Beats’ $200 Solo and $350 Studio headphones may be wireless and available in various colors, the $240 Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XXs are wired and available in a single near-black shade of dark blue only. Of course, wireless headphones have their place. But where the HD 6XXs excel is that it is a bona fide audiophile-focused headphones. Plus, it’s almost impossible to beat a 3.5mm jack connection.

It should be no surprise that the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XXs aren’t dissimilar to the model they’re based on – the Sennheiser HD 650s. A slightly different dark blue rather than black finish on the cheaper model sets them apart, but most people wouldn’t notice, especially at a glance. And while they feature some subtle Massdrop branding, they maintain much of their Sennheiser branding.

Like the Sennheiser HD 650s, they’re modeled after, the HD 6XXs are supremely comfortable, enjoying soft velour padding on their ear cups. They’re also compatible with Massdrop’s upgraded $40 to $60 ear cup pads, available in velour, hybrid velour, sheepskin, and fenestrated sheepskin fabrics.

Moreover, their open-backed design means they stay cooler than closed-back headphones. The result is that they’re even more comfortable to wear, including over long periods. They borrow their removable and replaceable cable directly from the Sennheiser HD 650s, so spares are readily available.

Frankly, the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones are a steal at less than half of the cost of the Sennheiser HD 650s upon which they’re based. Of course, they’re not portable, but they’re not designed to be. Their open-backed design means they’re better suited to life at home rather than commuting, at the gym, or in public.

However, where at-home movie-watching or music-listening is the order of the day, it’s hard to beat the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XXs. In fact, for the money, it may be impossible. To get anywhere close, buyers would likely need to splash out on a pair of headphones somewhere in the $500+ range.

The HD 6XX headphones come with a limited warranty, issued by Massdrop rather than Sennheiser. Massdrop also sells a single extended warranty solution for its collaboration with Sennheiser. However, this is available exclusively at the point of sale. Coverage is subject to various restrictions, too, and cannot be purchased retroactively.

It’s largely comparable to the extended warranties that are also offered with other Massdrop products, including its mechanical keyboards and amplifiers.

Anyone looking to upgrade their Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX warranty can do precisely that with Upsie. Benefits of Upsie’s warranties include protection in the event of manufacturing defects, mechanical faults, and other failures. All Upsie headphone warranties also include accidental damage protection, further safeguarding against drops, cracks, and liquid spills for up to three years.

Headphone buyers can also lock in the peace of mind of an extended Upsie warranty for up to 60 days following purchase – something that’s not possible with an extended warranty from Massdrop. Best of all, Upsie’s warranties cost up to 70 percent less than warranties sold elsewhere, ensuring that customers get the best protection at the best price. Find out more at Upsie.com or by downloading the Upsie smartphone app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.