The Panasonic RP-HD605N represents the Japanese manufacturer’s entry into the competitive upper mid-range headphone market. Boasting a premium aesthetic that conveys quality and comprehensive support for contemporary wireless formats, including aptX HD and LDAC, the Panasonic HD605N offers a compelling feature set. However, realizing its full potential depends on compatible source devices. Read on to determine if your equipment can unlock the HD605N’s capabilities.
Design Panasonic HD-605N
The HD605N is available in two color options: a classic black and a maroon, almost reddish-brown, glossy finish. The design and construction immediately convey a sense of quality. The earcups feature a smooth finish, reminiscent of semi-professional headphones from competing brands. Volume can be quickly adjusted by covering the right earcup, utilizing the built-in microphone to also capture ambient sound. Weighing 268 grams, the headphones strike a moderate balance – substantial enough to feel premium, yet light enough for comfortable extended wear.
A minor critique concerns the earcups’ relatively firm fit, which, while enhancing stability and noise cancellation (ANC), can lead to warmth and pressure after prolonged use. This aspect could benefit from further refinement, similar to the more expensive Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i, which achieves an exceptional balance in this regard.
A stylish, relatively large carrying case is included, but a carrying bag is absent. While the headphones fold easily for compact storage, a luxurious carrying bag would be a reasonable expectation given the price point.
Another design quirk is the earcups’ upward-only rotation when worn around the neck. This orientation exposes the internal components to rain and snow, which may be detrimental to their longevity.
Technology in the headphones
Panasonic has equipped the HD605N with a comprehensive suite of technologies, including a wide array of modern features and codecs. The headphones perform well out of the box, both wired and wirelessly. However, to maximize their sonic capabilities, they require a source device with specific codec support, which limits compatibility somewhat.
As previously mentioned, Hi-Res Audio is supported via a wired connection. This standard, primarily championed by Sony, is predominantly found on their devices, such as their smartphones or the STN 1080 amplifier. Verify compatibility with your source device to utilize Hi-Res Audio (consult your device’s specifications).
For wireless connectivity, the established aptX and AAC codecs (Apple’s preferred format) are supported. However, the aptX HD or LDAC codecs elevate the listening experience significantly. aptX HD delivers enhanced audio fidelity but requires a Qualcomm license, excluding Apple products. Mac devices support aptX, but may default to AAC. LDAC, another high-resolution, lossless wireless audio technology developed by Sony, is license-free and the standard codec for Android 8.0 (Oreo) and later. Devices like the OnePlus 6 offer a complete set of audio decoders, allowing users to select their preferred codec. The resulting audio quality exhibits a discernible improvement compared to devices such as the iPhone X, which lacks support for aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC. While information regarding Apple’s 2019 phone models is limited, it is unlikely that they will incorporate these codecs due to licensing costs and the need for third-party collaboration.
To fully realize the potential of the HD605N, a device supporting aptX HD and LDAC is highly recommended. Consult your device’s specifications to confirm compatibility.
The headphones provide approximately 20 hours of wireless playback (at moderate volume and ANC levels) and require about four hours for a full charge. Charging is unfortunately facilitated via microUSB, a dated and slower connection. In 2019, the industry should transition to the superior USB-C standard, which supports faster charging.
The noise cancellation feature offers three settings, with the middle mode providing the most balanced performance. While effective, the ANC is not as robust in extremely noisy environments compared to alternatives like the Sony WH-M1000X3.
How Panasonic HD-605N sounds
The Panasonic HD-605N delivers a compelling audio experience. The sound signature is warm, engaging, and immersive, enhanced by effective noise cancellation that introduces minimal audible artifacts. While the headphones perform adequately with standard devices, pairing them with aptX HD or LDAC-enabled sources unlocks their full sonic potential, revealing a level of performance exceeding their price range. The soundstage expands, clarity improves, and details emerge with greater precision – bass frequencies become more impactful, treble frequencies become more refined, and the overall experience becomes more authentic and high-resolution.
The headphones exhibit versatility across various genres, including electronic pop, film scores, and hard rock. Testing encompassed diverse selections ranging from Rammstein‘s latest album to Post Malone‘s hip-hop creations, concluding with Swan Lake and Rossini’s opera The Barber of Seville. All selections were reproduced enjoyably. The sound signature exhibits a slight warmth, potentially sacrificing some absolute clarity in favor of a slightly bass-leaning profile. This characteristic reflects a balance between neutral reproduction and a more personalized sonic presentation. Listeners seeking a strictly neutral and analytical sound signature may prefer the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT, which occupies a lower price bracket. However, the Panasonic HD-605N‘s sonic character will likely appeal to a broader audience.
The earcups house standard 40mm drivers with an impedance of 38 ohms (via cable) and a sensitivity of 99 dB/mW. The extended frequency response of 4-40,000 Hz is noteworthy. While the audible frequency range is limited, a wider theoretical range may contribute to the reproduction of finer details, particularly in high-resolution audio formats (both wired and wireless, given compatible equipment and source material).
Final verdict Panasonic HD605N
The Panasonic HD605N is a well-executed product. However, its overall rating depends heavily on factors external to the headphones themselves. While the design and baseline audio quality are commendable, maximizing the HD605N‘s potential requires pairing with devices and source material that leverage high-resolution codecs. When properly equipped, the headphones deliver exceptional performance, rivaling top-tier models. The key consideration is the prevalence of such equipment. Users with iPhones or other devices lacking aptX HD and LDAC support may find the experience less impressive, although still satisfactory.
The Panasonic HD605N earns a strong recommendation. With the appropriate supporting hardware, it represents a compelling value proposition, delivering performance significantly exceeding its price point.
