Massdrop HD58X (revised) Review and Measurements

Thanks for the update on this, put in my order today. Curious to see how they stack up to the AKG K612 Pro, HE-400i (2nd revision) w/angled leather earpads, and Onkyo A800. Also ordered the Yaxi hybrid Alcantara earpads, which they claim will bring "a more coherent sound with greater bass extension" (not sure how long it will take for them to get to me from Japan).

 

First post .Thanks for the review.

I have a Hifiman HE4XX which I got as my entry point into headphones. I like it well enough, but I listen to too many types of music (different languages, only half of which I can understand). Keeping that in mind, will HD58X be a worthy addition? Or, will it be good enough to stick to HE4XX for now?

I am not sure, as from my understanding, the difference between Hifiman's and Senns seems to be the difference between sitting up and listening vs leaning back on a recliner and listening (just the image, not literally). Does this difference applies to these two cans too?

I would like to add that I don't just listen to one album or genre of musinc in one sitting. I just put my collection on shuffle (local collection of flacs and mp3s - mp3s as lossless is not an option with a lot of my collection) and looks forward for a good surprise and just skip if not in the mood for a particular type. I might change my source or headphones, but I don't think I will lose this habit any time soon as I just love it too much. In that context, will 58X be good for me, as in good for a lot of different type of music?

 

Already own HD800 SDR.
Which one should I buy for a second pair and for classical music only?
The HD58x or HD598?

 

Thanks

 

@purr1n Thanks. If they are complimentary in nature, I guess I will get the 58X and try it. It is easier to sell Senn's than Hifiman's here. If I don't enjoy it, I could just sell it. But, for $150, I don't think there is anything wrong with just keeping it.

 

^^ From what Marv is saying and the measurements, this looks like it will be the budget dynamic headphone of the decade.

 

I got mine today. Spent the last 3 hours listening to these and comparing to 600s and 650s on a Magni+Modi, Hifiman EF2A, and a NAD C320BEE + C542 + ODAC.

They are superb. Better than they have any right to be for the price, and absolutely in the same tier as their older siblings.

Sound is closer to 650 than 600. Fuller, bassier. Not as smooth as the 650. Punchier. I might even prefer them to the others... :S

I find the 4XX and HD6xx range to be actually rather similar in overall sound signature really. I'm not sure I would call them complimentary.

 

I haven't bought any headphone stuff in over a year. Broke down and bought these. I still have the pair of HD580s I bought back in 2005 with replaced drivers and the headband is pretty beat up. Looking forward to comparing them.

 

Since they're ready to ship, happily picked one up. All my other headphones are somewhat desk bound due to their need for an amp, so I'm looking forward to roaming a bit freely with good enough (or great) sound and the convenience of headphones.

These also look like the perfect pair of "gateway" cans to lend to friends and family who are hi-fi-curious. Now I'm hoping the next Massdrop+Sennheiser collaboration will be an exceptional budget closed headphone.

 

^^^ hd8xx for 499 I would watch out for that
EDIT: The closed variety so maybe HD82X

 

Ordered!
Guess I will be the first in Greece to have them!
Let's find out if they are good for a second pair of cans for the non critical listening time.

 

^^ If these are what Purrin says they are, critical listening or non critical for enjoyment should both work fine. I can't think of so many sub 500 dollar cans I can say that about except for any of the senn 6 series or hd580. I've owned them too many times now. I have a love and hate thing with them since I do love them when they are new but start getting annoyd when the pads flatten. Now with dekoni pads as an option, I hope my hd58x will stay with me even after the first set of pads get worn out.

 

I used to own HD650 for years but sold them after I bought HD800.
Now the HD58X seems an ideal choice for casual listening with "lesser" amps and sources I just hope that they are a little bit faster than the 650.

Anyway no need to hate your cans with worn pads just change them!
I replaced mine with the Dekoni hybrid and I am very pleased both with comfort and sound.

 

Add one drop of laundry soap to a dish of warm water. Insert pads and squeeze several times. Then put them in a dish of plain water. Squeeze several times till soap is gone.. Pat them dry on a towel and then throw them in the dryer with a damp towel for 5 minutes. You can double the life of the pads using this method (nearly). Plus it removes the sweat, gunk and smell from the pads. And yes, I'm a cheap bastard.

 

I started the with the 580 and 600 when each of them came out. Pads were hard to find in the Philippines and Amazon didn't exist yet, in fact the internet wasn't even invented yet when the 580 came out lol

Yes I do that about once a month if I don't baby them too much and I think the washing contributes to the inner foam's wear and tear.

 

Joined the drop, can't pass for $150.

Do they sound faster and snappier than HD 650/HD 600?

 

For 150US this are delicious corn flakes!