1.5K
>AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hello there friend and Welcome aboard!!
Before we get into the Sennheiser HD600 vs. Oppo PM3 comparison, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
Today I will do a quick and dirty Similarities & Differences section with everything you need to know! So don’t fret!
- Similarities & Differences
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- Both are circumaural headphones (Around the ear).
- Both have a very neutral sound, with an impressive mid-range that makes vocals and instruments sound phenomenal.
- Both headphones have really good imaging capabilities, but the 600 may have a slight edge.
- Similar. I do think the sound signatures are similar in a lot of ways. They both have very good bass character, definition, and clarity. The bass on both isn’t overpowering, but it’s there and it has enough impact to make the song very enjoyable.
Treble/Mid-range. Parlaying off that, the treble in both is detailed to me, but to some, it’s lacking a little in air and “excitement.” I guess my ears have gotten pretty sensitive because I don’t think that at all. The reason I got so excited about the PM3 was that it didn’t come across as harsh or shrill. What does Sibilant mean? It has a fantastic balance. The HD600’s do for the most part, but there’s a little spike in the upper mid-range that can become fatiguing, but really I’m nitpicking and it’s what gives them their unique character and magic. Both have incredible detail if I could sum things up. - Both have detachable cables, though the 600’s cable comes out of both ears while the PM3’s comes out of one side.
Differences
- Ear cups. The PM3’s ear cups are a bit smaller than the HD600’s.
- Closed vs. Open. The HD600 is an open-backed headphone while the PM3 is closed back. Closed back vs. Open back headphones. The PM3’s are meant to isolate while the HD600’s are meant for a quiet home studio.
- Comfort/Material. The HD600’s are mostly plastic, metal, and have velour for the ear pads. The PM3’s are made of brushed aluminum, plastic, and consist of protein leather for the ear pads. While both are comfortable, the HD600’s do tend to clamp harder, but this opens up over time. The PM3’s feel snugger to me, but neither is better in regards to overall comfort.
- Cables. With the HD600, you only get one cable. With the PM3, you get 2. One 3m, and your choice of Apple or Android 1.2m cables.
- Removable parts. Virtually every component of the HD600 can be replaced without hassle. By contrast, if you decide to DIY the PM3, do so at your own risk and be extremely careful. They weren’t really meant to be manhandled too much. If inexperienced, you’re better off sending them to Oppo for repair/replacement.
- Portability/Impedance. What is Headphone Impedance? The PM3’s were meant to sound good out of your mobile device at 26 Ohm. The 600’s by contrast need amplification of some sort and weren’t meant to be mobile. How to choose a headphone amp!
- Case. The HD600 does not come with a carry case, while the PM3 does.
- Bass. Both are very neutral, but the PM3’s have a tad more.
- Soundstage. The Soundstage of the HD600 will naturally be a bit more open than the PM3. What is Soundstage?
- Driver type. The Oppo PM3 utilizes a planar magnetic driver while the HD600 has a traditional dynamic driver. What is a Headphone Driver?
- Sound. This is a bit tough. I actually found the closed-back PM3 to provide an ever so slightly more amount of detail than the 600’s. This is astonishing considering the 600’s revealed to me things I had never heard before. So I thought I had heard everything until the PM3’s came along and spotted even more subtle detail that you are likely to miss with pretty much any other lower-priced can. I still wouldn’t recommend one over the other, but rather I believe that each compliments each other beautifully.
- Compliment. To piggyback off of the last point, because the PM3 is closed back and doesn’t require an amp, it fares extremely well as a portable headphone that you can use with any portable device and receive stellar sound. The HD600 by contrast is the perfect open back studio solution and will require an amp.
- Weight. The PM3’s feel a bit sturdier, though the 600’s are built very well too. While the 600’s use mostly plastic, the PM3’s have some elements of metal.
Final Word
I would say if you need an open-backed headphone for your home studio use, and you’re willing to invest in an amplifier, the HD600 is the perfect solution. It’s the Gold Standard, and benchmark for which all other headphones should be compared. Interested in learning all about these amazing headphones? Check out my official:
SENNHEISER HD 600 REVIEW!!
If you’re in need of portable headphones with a neutral sound signature, the Oppo PM-3 is a fantastic option as well. It hits all the marks: Comfort, durability, sound, portability, accessories, and a choice of cables for home or on-the-go use.
SEE THEM FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!
Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the Sennheiser HD600 vs. Oppo PM3.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Which of these tickles your pickle? What do you think about the HD600? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
