Auribus Sierra, What if Sennheiser HD600 was American (aka: All about that bass *and* treble)

If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for that perfect balance between clarity, depth, and the overall "feel" of the music. The Auribus Acoustic Sierra doesn’t just meet that balance, it redefines it. Designed by Juan Ovalle, founder of Auribus Acoustics in the USA, this headphone brings all the hallmarks of precision and craftsmanship into one beautifully executed package.

First things first, the Sierra delivers a sound signature that reminds me of the legendary Sennheiser HD600 but with a significant twist. Imagine the beloved midrange of the HD600 with its beautiful, rich presence, but stretched across a wider, more coherent soundstage. It’s the kind of spaciousness that allows you to hear every little detail in the mix without sacrificing the sense of intimacy or natural flow between instruments.

Which isn't to say the midrange is just HD600 copy/pasted. Vocals feel alive, and you get this sweet, lush richness that just isn’t easy to find in many headphones. The Sierra gives you Sennheiser’s signature midrange warmth, but this time with an expanded width. The result? Vocals don’t just sit in the middle of your head; they’re placed in a way that feels expansive and more three-dimensional. If you’ve ever listened to a favorite track and felt like the vocals were a bit too narrow, the Sierra’s approach to the midrange is a breath of fresh air.

On top of that, the dynamic range is astounding. The Sierra manages to deliver every nuance, from the softest whispers to the most thunderous crescendos, with an uncanny amount of detail. You’re hearing everything from the texture of a snare hit, the breath between phrases with a resolution that’s just off the charts. The transparency here is incredible, but it’s also not clinical or fatiguing. Everything remains musical, engaging, and, above all, natural.

Moving up to the treble, the Sierra channels the smooth, airy quality of another venerable Sennheiser, the HD800S, but it keeps things smoother. No harshness, no grain. Just a fluid, well-integrated high-end that never feels out of place, always contributing to the sense of openness without overpowering the experience. Whether it’s the sparkle of cymbals or the ethereal shimmer of a violin, the treble here is smooth but never dull.

Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk about the bass. The Sierra’s low end is something special. It's fast, impactful, and truly 3-dimensional. You feel the texture, the punch, and the weight in a way that goes beyond the typical bass-heavy "boom." It’s not about overwhelming you with rumble; it’s about precision and realism. It’s a bass that you feel, not just hear. It’s the kind of bass that’s capable of telling a story, and when paired with the right amplification, it truly comes alive.

Speaking of amplification, the Sierra is definitely power-hungry. You’re going to want to pair it with a solid state amp that can handle its demands and when you do, the rewards are plentiful. The extra power of something like Chord's Anni brings out the full potential of the headphone and makes everything feel just that much more alive. Another, more budget-friendly option to consider that will do well is the HiFiMan EF500, adding the fun honey of an R2R DAC to the palette of sound Sierra presents.

As a note, it does seem to respond poorly to various tube amps thanks to all sorts of sciency reasons tied to impedance curves and matching, hence the mention and recommendations of only solid state amplifiers.

Finally, it's time to talk about the build. The Sierra's 3D-printed chassis made from nylon and PETG is a feat of DIY engineering that just wouldn't have been possible a handful of years ago. It’s incredibly lightweight yet feels sturdy and well put-together. It’s not just a gimmick either, this design choice for the cups helps with resonance control and adds to the overall clarity of the sound.

If you're the kind of listener who demands the best from your gear, who knows that the right pair of headphones can turn a good listening session into a transcendental one, the Auribus Acoustic Sierra is an easy recommendation. It’s a headphone that punches well above its weight, offering an immersive, detailed, and natural listening experience that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophile.

In short, Auribus, and Juan more specifically, has absolutely nailed it with the Sierra, and I have no hesitation in saying that this is a headphone you’ll be talking about for years to come. It’s that good.

(graph provided by Auribus Acoustics)

Specifications:
-340g Headphones Weight (Without cable)
-Nylon, Aluminum, and PETG Construction
-50mm Peerless Paper Cone Dynamic Driver
-Dekoni hybrid cushions
- 20 Ohm at 1Khz

Includes:
- Padded Carry Case
- 1.4 Meter 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm cable
- Stereo Wired Headphones
- Dekoni Elite Hybrid Leather/Velour Pads (Installed)

Price: $1099