HD650 + Cable upgrade. The next step is..? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

zaero69 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 04:29 PM

OK, I got the HD650's , Upgraded the cable to a reference pure silver upgrade cable from solozaudio and now... what is the next step considering that usually i connect my headphones to the computer but that's not the only input i want for the amp, dac or whatever i choose to have? Maybe i want the ipod thru lossless format playing music.. Agh, it's a mess... and of course the cheaper the better.

On a side note i already own a meier audio porta corda portable amp.

Help!

moonboy403 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 04:38 PM

Your next step is to get a balanced amp that has multiple inputs and balanced your HD650 to max out its capability.

davidc2 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 04:39 PM

Did the cable upgrade make any difference to the sound?

I'm waiting on delivery of a silver based replacement cable for my HD650s but am sceptical that it will change the sound.

C.L · #4 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 04:44 PM

Audio-gd Compass? Nice DAC+AMP+PREAMP, all-in-one =)

paaj · #5 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 05:33 PM

that's one step too early for a cable upgrade IMO... next step is an upgrade in source/amp. Cheap option is a one package device like the Compass mentioned, or the 0404USB which is not too bad with the HD650 either.

I think the Equinox I bought upgraded the sound, but it is very difficult to actually compare since you'd have to replug it everytime and I don't want to wear the plugs down... At a local meet I did hear some differences, enough to get me to try the cable, but that was on to separate headphones. I'm happy for the upgraded looks and it certainly does not sound less good but it is a step that should be taken last. Source and amp first!

atomiccow · #6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 06:15 PM

You spent money to upgrade cables even before you had a proper source and amp to drive the headphone? You could have gotten way more utility by adding that money onto your amp and DAC fund. Cable upgrades are usually the last upgrades to be made.

You need a real desktop amp. No portable amp can do the power the HD650 for real. Then you need a dedicated source to feed that amp be it an external USB or S/PDIF DAC or high quality soundcard with line outs.

jfourc · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomiccow

You spent money to upgrade cables even before you had a proper source and amp to drive the headphone? You could have gotten way more utility by adding that money onto your amp and DAC fund. Cable upgrades are usually the last upgrades to be made.

You need a real desktop amp. No portable amp can do the power the HD650 for real. Then you need a dedicated source to feed that amp be it an external USB or S/PDIF DAC or high quality soundcard with line outs.

x2. Cables should be the last thing you upgrade... But since you already spent the money, I think getting a good DAC should be your next step. A good DAC is important because that's the source of your music. It affects everything down the line - amp and headphones. After getting a proper DAC, you should look to upgrade to a desktop amp.

zaero69 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 10:18 PM

Then please post the best sollution for the less price. A few more options would be nice. Is emu 404 any good by the way?

davidc2 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 11:30 PM

So the new cable made no difference to the sound of the HD650s?

zaero69 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 06:14 AM

Not that the cable made no difference. It's only that I think the HD650 can be pushed beyond and the portable amp i have is unable to do so. Or only ir barely able to do a bit...

rosgr63 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 07:04 AM

You might want to consider a RudiStor NX-33, which can be run SE or Balanced and is a good much for the HD650.
Or contact Calypso for his NX-03 SE.

Uncle Erik · #12 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:01 AM

Buy a proper amp - one that plugs into the mains. You will get considerably more power and much better sound. The HD-650 will sound cleaner, faster and the bass will tighten up.

If you'd like recommendations, please tell us whether you'd like tube/valve or solid state, how much you would like to spend and what kind of music you listen to.

zaero69 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:36 PM

I listen to almost all kind of music except for tecno and or electronical music and rnb. I can't stand that. Aside from that (wich i hate).. i listen to piano, classical, jazz, rock, pop, soundtracks (usually classical or non voice songs).

As for the max ammount to spend... my absolutely max is 300 euro, and if possible i'd like less than 200. What i don't understand is why do amps cost so much. Even more than the phones they have to amp.... oh well, i don't want to spread my hate.

About the amp, well, i've always thought tube amps would be nice, interesting and different. The thing is that I don't know anything about them. Do the tubes die? They seem like a light bulb and if the price is expensive and they die relatively soon it's not an option. What I absolutely want is the cheapest amp with the best synergy for the HD650's, considering that the most common use will be connected to the pc or straight to the ipod using an lod cable.

Do i ask too much? maybe but i think someone out there has the solution to my problems.

DiscHead · #14 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:50 PM

Buy the Audio-gd Compass. It's a DAC and an Amp (or can be configured as either or) , has easily modified sound signatures and has great synergy with HD650s as they were one of the headphones Kingwa referenced when he designed it. It's also right around your price range. Check out the Compass threads.

Drumonron · #15 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 11:32 AM

I thought my hd650s paired really well with the headamp Gilmore lite. I've received the hd800 and never looked back, though.